Best Days of Your Life

[caitlynj]

I hope nothing bad happens between Lee and Joey.

[lovestory]

I grabbed Katie's hand as we were escorted by security, through the crowd of fans that lined the enterance of Yankee Stadium. I pulled her behind me, so she wouldn't get lost in the crowd. Everyone else was coming later to see me sing and to watch the game, but I needed to drag Katie along to calm my nerves, which were starting to go into full force.

"Damaris, will you marry me?" Some guy in his early 20's asked, as I walked past and he handed me a plastic ring.

"If things don't work out with my boyfriend, totally!" I laughed, taking the ring from him. "That's so cute! Thank you!"

"Where's mine?" Katie teased.

"I can have two for one deal, right?" He smiled at us. "You both are hotties!"

I looked back and Katie who's eyes widened and I started laughing.

"She's just a baby!" I called out, as I pulled Katie into the stadium enterance behind me.

The stadium wasn't opened to the public yet, so it was much easier to manuevuer through without having fans ask for a picture or autograph. Not that I mind doing that stuff, but it would be overwhelming in a place like this.

"Damaris, nice to meet you!" A man dressed in a suit and tie came walking over to his, holding out his hand. "I'm Randy and I am the head of PR here and it's a honor to have you here with us today."

"Nice to meet you too and it's a honor to be here." I shook his hand, than placed my hand on Katie's shoulder. "This is Katie and she is basically the person keeping me calm here today."

"You'll be fine!" He laughed. "We are going to take you down to dressing area where have for you and than once you are all settled in you can head out onto the field and watch some batting practice if you would like, we heard you are a big Yankee fan."

"Seriously?" I asked, my face lighting up.

"Yes." He smiled.

"This is awesome!" I looked at Katie and whispered.

"I'm glad Lee couldn't come with you, so I could do this." Katie laughed.

"I would have brought you along no matter what."

The perks of being somewhat famous, were pretty nice! I could totally get used to this lifestyle.

----------------

After, getting changed into the jersey that they gave me with my last name on the back. Katie and I headed out to the field, to watch batting pratice and hopefully meet a few of the players. I felt like a such a nerd holding my camera and taking pictures of everything in the stadium from the players, to the stadium itself, to Katie and me posing together.

I came to a lot of Yankee games a kid and my family is huge baseball fans. I played softbal from four to seventeen and was a pretty good player, not amazing, but decent. I loved it and it made high school more bareable.

"There's your lover right there!" Katie said, nodding towards the dugout.

My eyes widened as I saw Derek Jeter running up the stairs, holding his baseball glove. I looked like a kid in a candy store and was in complete shock. Katie laughed and wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

"Oh my gosh! He's hotter in person!" I said.

"Go and say something to him. You have to get a picture with him!" Katie said.

"I can't. I'm starstruck right now." I said.

"He's coming over here, remain calm." Katie whispered, nudgeing my side.

I looked up and saw him making his way over to us. I was freezing up and didn't know what to say or do. I have met a lot of my idols Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain, Joe Crocker, etc. and none of them had me freeze up like this. I felt like such a fan girl spazzing over her celebrity crush.

"How's it going?" Derek said, making his way over to us.

"Hi! I'm Katie!" Katie piped up, holding out her hand.

"I know. I watched the show." He gave us a big smile, as he shook Katie's hand.

"I'm a huge fan of yours and it's so nice meeting you!" I finally said, holding out my hand towards him.

"I'm a fan of yours too!" He said, shaking my hand. "I just wanted to come over here and say good luck and tell you that I watched you guys with my girlfriend every week, and you were our favorites."

"Thanks so much!" I smiled.

"How are you adjusting to this new lifestyle?" He sirked.

"It's so weird taht people know who I am, because last year at this time I was going to school and nobod knew who I was." I laughed and brushed my hair behind my hear. "You've been in the spotlight for a while now, how do you handle it so well."

"It comes with the territory and you just have to surrond yourself with good people, you seem like a really smart kid and I think you will do just fine."

"So far so good." I laughed.

"How old are guys?"

"17." Katie said.

"I just turned 21." I answered.

"Wow! I feel like such a old man."

"You were my frist celebrity crusha dn you still are, but I was six years old." I blurted out and he laughed.

"You're really dating me now! Six years old, gosh!" He laughed.

"I should have kept that to myself." I laughed nervously.

"Nah, it's cute." He patted my shoulder. "I have to head off to practice, but good luck with everything tonight and I am sure I will be seeing you girls all over soon."

"Before you go, can we get a picture?" I asked.

"Of course!" He nodded.

I handed my camera to a security guard and Katie and me stood on either side of him. He put his arm on our shoulders and we all smiled for a picture, as the security guard snapped the picture.

"Thank you so much!" I smiled, taking my camera back. "It was awesome meeting you! Good luck!"

"Thanks you too!" He smiled and ran onto the field.

"He called me cute!" I squealed.

"Lee better watch out." Katie teased.

"I love Lee, he has nothing to worry about." I pushed her.

---------------------------------

I was getting ready to go out and sing the anthem and all the nerves were rushing back to me. I was freaking out as everyone was fussing with my hair and clothes. I was so nervous I would sing off key or mess up the words somehow. I just wanted to get this done with.

"Maris, your phone!" Katie said handing me my phone.

I picked it up and looked at the caller id seeing Lee's name. I smiled to myself a bit and answered the phone.

"Hello." I said, walking out of the room and into the empty hallway.

"Hey. I just wanted to call and wish you luck, Andrew texted me and told me you were going on soon."

"Lee, I'm so nervous and feel like I am going to throw up." I told him.

"You're going to be fine, relax baby." Lee said softly.

"I'm a nervous wreck."

"You're going to be fine, you will rock it out like you always do."

"I wish you were here." I sighed.

"I wish I could be there too, but you will be awesome."

"I need a Lee hug."

"I need some Maris lovin." Lee said.

"Don't be a perv. Not now." I sighed.

"Just relax. It's going to be fine. You always are awesome and today is going to be no different. You competed in front of America week after week on Idol and now you are performing in front of thousands every night. You can do this, it's no different."

"I don't have my security blanket aka my guitar."

"You don't need it." Lee told me. "Listen babe, I really need to head back into the studio. I just came out to smoke a cigarette and give you a quick call. You'll be amazing and Andrew's recording it so I can see it. Relax and don't get yourself worked up over this."

"I love you." I said.

"I love you too. Kill it."

"I'll try."

"Bye baby."

"Bye Lee." I said.

I hung up and took a deep breath.

There was no turning back now.

[caitlynj]

aww they are so sweet.

[lovestory]

I stood behind home plate dressed in a Yankee jersey and a pair of skinny jeans. The stadium was packed and I spotted Andrew, Mike, Katie, Ryan, and Aaron off to the side of the field recording me. I gave them a small wave and took a deep breath. I was nervous as anything and just wanted these next couple minutes to go by flawlessly.

"Please direct your attention to the spot behind home plate and please rise for the singing of our national anthem, sung by Jive recording artist and American Idol finalist who can be seen on the American Idol Summer Tour, Damaris Lambros!"

Everyone cheered and I gave a small smile. I waited for my cue to start singing. As the first couple notes left my mouth I felt so much better and my nerves subsided.

This was a big step from where I was last year and I couldn't believe I was actually singing the national anthem at a sold out Yankee game. Usually they get huge stars to sing it, not a up and comer like me. It's pretty surreal to actually be able to sing here.

I finished the last couple of notes and the stadium started cheering and I smiled and took a deep breath as all the nerves left my body. I handed my microphone off to one of the field attendants, before I followed a security guard off the field and towards the Yankee dugout. A few of the players gave me five as I walked off the field and headed inside.

Katie came running towards me and I smiled as she practically knocked me over in a hug.

"Oh my gosh! You killed it!" Katie squealed.

"Thank you!" I laughed hugging her back.

"What the hell were you so nervous about?" Mike asked, as he wrapped his arms around me and picked me up in a giants bear hug.

"We can't all be smooth and calm like you, Mike!" I laughed as he put me down.

"Nicely done booboo!" Andrew wrapped his arm around my shoulder. "We got it all on video. I feel like my little girl is finally growing up and I could just cry! I'm so proud of you."

"Shut up!" I laughed, pushing him away.

"Did you hear us cheering for you?" Ryan asked, as he gave me a hug. "Good job."

"Thanks and in all honestly I was tuning everything out. I was so nervous." I laughed.

"You were awesome!" Aaron said.

"Thanks Airbear!" I hugged him tightly. "I'm glad you came with everybody! My little boyfriend!"

"Of course!" Aaron laughed.

"Honestly, thanks for all coming guys! It means a lot to me that you all made it a point to come here and support me! I love you guys!"

"We're having a moment!" Ryan said, as he started fake crying.

"We love you too!" Katie said.

I wrapped my arm around Aaron's shoulder and smiled.

"Katie, my love, thank you for dealing with my freaking out today and for being the best friend ever!" I smiled, and wrapped my other arm around her shoulder.

"You owe me for your panic attacks. I honestly don't know how Lee deals with that, that guy has so much more paitence than me. I love you, but you were driving me nuts with your constant worrying." She teased me and wrapped her arm around my waist. "I'm just joking, it's my job as a friend."

"Let's get outta here, because I am getting hungry!" Mike said.

---------------

We were in the car, going back to the hotel in Manhattan, to get our stuff together and head on the buses for the two hour trip to Albany for tomorrow's show. I was going through all the missed messages I had gotten when I was at the game.

"You know what is amazing."

"What's that Maris?" Mike asked.

"That I am getting texts and phone calls from people that I went to school with, who have never even talked to me before and now they wanna be best friends." I laughed as I looked through all the messages. "They get my number from someone and than blow up my phone asking for concert tickets and backstage passes. It's amazing how popular I am now."

"Are you going to give them the passes?" Andrew asked.

"Hell no! Those are for my family and closest friends, who by the way Ry are hot and single!" I nudged him.

"Hook me up!" Ryan said.

"Gross." Katie mumbled and I laughed.

I went back to looking at my phone and saw I had a text from Lee, telling me to call him as soon as I got it. I was immediately worried that sometihng was wrong and called his number quickly, putting the phone to my ear and listening to the phone ring.

"What the hell is going on?" Lee asked.

"Hello to you. I am doing very well and everything went perfect, thanks for asking." I said sarcastically.

"I just logged onto twitter and your asshole ex-boyfriend sent out a bunch of tweets saying sh!t about both you and me. He's basically calling you a slut, whore, and saying that you have been sleeping with me since the beginning of the show. He is also going into detail about what you two did together, which I know is false because he isn't going to say he took advantage of you."

"Oh my gosh." I groaned, leaning my head against the window.

"Did you know about this. Just tell me the truth."

"I found out yesterday." I told him.

"And you kept this a secret, why?" Lee snapped.

"Cause I knew you would overreact." I sighed.

"I'm beyond pissed right now! He needs to keep our names out of his mouth or else I am going to be the living shit out of this Abercrombie and Fitch look a like."

"Babe, relax." I sighed.

"Relax? No! I am not going to relax." He yelled.

"We will talk when I get back." I told him.

"Whatever." Lee said.

"I love you."

He hung up the phone and I hung up mine. I banged my head softly against the window and let out a sigh.

"Everything okay with L-Boogie and you?" Mike asked.

"Freakin' wonderful!" I scoffed.

I understand that he is pissed off, he has every right to be. His name is being thrown around in rumors by my ex-boyfriend and I should have told him when I found out, but I was kinda scared to see the way he would react. As sweet as Lee is, when someone messes with him or somebody he cares about he gets pretty pissed off, espcially with all the crap Joey put me through.

I'm not upset with Lee for being pissed off at me, but I am upset he couldn't even tell me he loves me back and just hung up the phone. That one stung a little and as much as I fell in love with his stubborness, right now it is kicking me in the ass.

"When everything starts going perfectly some sort of crap has to pop up and ruin everything. I hate ex-boyfriends and I had stubbornes on my current boyfriend."

"You honestly better make sure that Joey doesn't show up, because Lee is going to kick his ass. He already told me he is." Andrew said.

"Lee needs to relax." I muttered.

"You have to see where he is coming from in this situation, this man has done so much shit to you and Lee loves you a lot and the fact that this idiot put you through all of that pisses him off to know end. I wanna kick his ass too." Andrew smiled.

"Can I join in?" Mike asked.

"Mike, all you have to do is just walk in the room and the guy would crap his pants." I laughed softly. "I don't want any fist flying, please control Lee."

"I'll try." Andrew smiled.

"Have you ever had guys fight over you?" Katie laughed.

"They aren't fighting over me, Lee already has me and has nothing to worry about, but have I ever had two guys who are macho and think that they can kick anybody's ass fighting over twitter comments? No." I laughed softly at how patheic it sounded.

"I don't think it's just the comments, I think it stems back to what he did to you." Ryan said.

"He better not throw any punches." I said.

"The more you tell Lee that, the more he isn't going to listen to you." Andrew said. "It's the way the male mind works."

"Cause you guys are idiots. I'm so happy I am a girl and don't have to worry about my macho man persona." I muttered.

"You and me both."

I don't know what goes through the mind of a man, or should I just say the mind of my boyfriend. He's going to be the death of me.

[caitlynj]

I really hope Lee doesn't get in a fight with Joey.

[lovestory]

As soon as we got to the hotel, I headed straight towards Lee's room. I packed all my stuff earlier, so I didn't have to worry about that. I needed to clear everything up with Lee and make sure his Irish temper wasn't being set off. As much as I love him and as sweet as he can be, he is probably the biggest pain in my ass at times. He was so stubborn and he had a temper on him at times.

I knocked on his door and a few seconds later the door swung opened. He rolled his eyes when he saw me, and pulled the door opened as he started to walk back into the room. I stopped the door from slamming with my foot and pushed it opened, before walking inside.

"Someone's a big ole grump this afternoon." I teased.

"Maris, I am not in the mood for your comments and jokes. Seriously, I am pissed off at you and your douche bag ex-boyfriend."

"What the hell did I do?" I asked.

"You kept all this crap from me! Do you honestly think I am stupid enough to not find this all out? I don't live in a cave, Maris. I will eventually figure this sh!t out."

"I didn't tell you, because you have a horrible temper and I knew you would make this a much bigger deal than it needs to be."

"I have a horrible temper? You ex is the one who pulled all this shit and you expect me not to get pissed off that he is making up rumors about you than you are insane."

"Are you just pissed because he threw your name in the mess?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest and staring at him.

"Don't even go there! I could give a crap what that guy says about me, but he needs to leave your name out of his mouth!"

"I don't know why you are getting so worked up about this?"

"Because he has done so much crap and you think it's okay! It pisses me off that he just won't back off and it pisses me off that you keep this crap from me!" Lee said, as he tossed a tee-shirt in his suitcase.

"I'm sorry. I just didn't think it was that big of a deal. Let him talk." I sighed.

"He does a lot of talking and when I see him I am going to take care of him." Lee said.

"Lee." I sighed.

"No, you tell him to come to the concert and I will give him a piece of me."

"I thought you said you were over the whole fighting thing? Grow up Lee, your 24 years old and not in high school anymore!" I snapped.

"And you have to stop being so navie and thinking all this will blow over, this guy is a jackass and has done things to you that makes him a little bitch! You need to quit acting like everything is perfect between you two, when in actuallity the guy needs a ass beating."

"I'm not saying what he is doing is okay, but I don't want to blow this up into a even bigger deal." I sighed. "Just promise me that you won't get in a fight with him if you see him?"

"I can't promise anything." Lee shook his head.

"You're so friggen stubborn and need to drop this whole macho man thing!" I snapped.

"It's not a macho man thing, it's a caring about my girlfriend thing." Lee said, tossing his converse in the bag and zipping it up. "I don't wanna fight with you, so please just drop this."

"Whatever." I sighed.

"I have to finish packing, so you should probably leave."

"Okay, we are playing these games?"

"You're trying to pick a fight and things will be said that I don't mean and I don't feel like arguing."

"Whatever. I will talk to you when you grow up and stop acting like a baby." I scoffed.

"I will talk to you when you quit being annoying and naive."

I rolled my eyes and stormed out of his room, slamming the door on my way out.

"Everything alright booboo?" Andrew asked, as he made his way down the hallway.

"Your boy in there is being a jackass and I am over his baby ways right now." I said.

"He's still in his mood?"

"Yup." I nodded and rolled my eyes.

"He'll get over it, just give him time." Andrew squeezed my shoulders. "I'll see you downstairs?"

"Yeah. Try and cheer your boy up." I said.

He smiled and nodded, before walking into his room.

One of the things that I loved about Lee was his stubborness, but right now it was cursing me.

[caitlynj]

I liked that chapter.

[lovestory]

We got to Albany a couple hours later and I was on the bus, gathering up all the things I needed for the night and tomorrow morning, to bring with me in the hotel. It was early yet, but I was tired and looking foreward to just getting to the room and laying around for the rest of the night.

"Casey and Big Mike want everyone to come and hang out in there room for a little bit and have bonding time, you in?" Katie asked.

"I don't know. I was looking forward to just cuddling up in my bed and watching tv for the rest of the night." I said, as I tossed my hoodie over the thin tank top that I had on.

"You can cuddle with Lee, even better." Katie winked.

"Yeah. Perfect." I muttered as I tossed my toothbrush in the tote bag.

"Come on! It will be fun." Katie said.

"Fine, but if Lee is still being a ass to me I am leaving, because I am not in the mood for his baby games tonight. I dealt with it enough earlier and now I am tired and cranky and it won't end well." I said, giving her a look and picking up my overnight bag. "You ready?"

"I'll meet you in there." Katie said.

I nodded and walked off and headed out of the bus. I sighed softly, when I saw Lee standing outside the hotel, smoking a cigarette. I didn't feel like talking to him right now, because I just didn't feel like arguing anymore. I love him and hate to fight with him, but sometimes he just makes it so hard.

He quickly flicked out his cigarette and put it in the ash tray as I walked by.

"I'm done being immature." Lee said.

I stopped walking and turned around, before walking over to him. I gave him a small smile and he reached out, wrapping his arms around me and pulling me to him. I wrapped my right arm around his waist and looked up at him as he smiled back down at me.

"I don't wanna argue with you, it drives me insane." I said.

"Same here. Let's just not bring up that scumbag ex of yours and we will be good." Lee said.

"He's my past and he will always be a jerk and do crap like this, he isn't harming anybody physically right now and if he wants to make up lies about us than let him." I said quietly. "I love you and I don't want you getting worked up about this, it isn't healthy. You have other things to worry about, like putting out a kickass album."

"It's just hard, because I don't like what he has done to you and I don't like him talking sh!t about you. I love you and when people like him make disgusting remarks about you, I get defensive." Lee said, as he let go of me. "I'm like that and always have been like that."

"I know and it's sweet and I love that you care, but he is just being a jerk."

"I just think the names he is calling you are disgusting and no woman she be talked to like that."

"He's a little bitch and what he says doesn't bother me."

"Alright, then I will do my best to not let it bother me." Lee said.

I stood on my toes and pressed my lips against his, before pulling back quickly.

"I love you, baby." I said.

"I love you too."

----------------

We were all gathered in Mike and Casey's room, watching a movie. Lee was laying on one of the beds, his back rested against the headboard. I sat between his legs, my back was rested against his chest and his arms were around me.

"Wanna get outta here?" Lee ducked his head and whispered in my ear.

"Yeah, I will meet you in my room in five?" I asked quietly and he nodded.

I climbed over Lee and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Katie asked, looking over at me.

"I'm going to call it a night. I'm tired." I said.

"Want me to come with you?" Katie asked.

"No. Stay." I smiled. "Goodnight guys! I love you."

"Night!" Everyone said, as their eyes were glued to the tv screen.

I walked out of the room and grabbed my room key out of my pocket and headed down the hall to my hotel room. I turned around as I heard footsteps and saw Lee hurrying down the hall, towards me. I stopped walking and waited for him to walk over.

"Way to make it obvious." I laughed.

"They aren't even paying attention." Lee shrugged and grabbed my hand as he pulled be down the hall.

We reached the hotel and I unlocked the door quickly and pulled him inside. I closed the door and pushed him up against the door, as my lips pressed against his. His hand immediately went to my hips and he pulled me closer to him. I broke the kiss briefly to pull his blue tee-shirt over his head and threw it behind me.

Lee bent down and placed kisses on my jawline and down my neck. I backed up, pulling him with me as I unbuttoned his jeans and they fell down. Lee kicked them off and I stepped back and looked over at him.

The guy had a killer body. He wasn't too buff, but he was in shape. I was never into the whole six pack and and huge muscle thing and Lee had just the right amount. His broad shoulders and the ways his biceps flexed, nearly killed me. It didn't help that I was a sucker for the tattoos that lined up and down his arms.

Then there was his gorgeous blue eyes, that could say so much without speaking words and his thick, messy brown hair that I loved playing with. The way that the light freckles sprinkled across his nose was adorable. He was beautiful and he was mine.

"You alright there?" Lee asked, waving his hand in front of my face.

"Yeah." I smiled and stepped closer to him. "I'm just lucky to have you."

Lee leaned down and covered my lips with his full, soft lips. I ran my hands up and down his chest and his hands went to the hem of my sweatshirt and slid underneath it.

"Oh my gosh! I am so sorry!" Katie gasped.

I pushed Lee away quickly and Lee turned around smiling at Katie.

"I didn't know. I should have knocked."

"It's okay." I said, picking up Lee's jeans and tossing them at him.

"I don't wanna see this! Can you put your pants on?" Katie asked Lee, as she turned bright red.

"It's just boxers." Lee shrugged.

"Put your pants on and stop trying to flaunt what you don't have." I teased.

"You weren't complaining what I had the other night." Lee whispered and I slapped his chest.

"Do you want me to leave? I can stay with Didi and Bon tonight." Katie said.

"No, Lee is just about ready to leave."

"Seriously?" Lee said, as he threw his jeans on. "You can come to my roo and we can finish what we started."

"I'm not really in the mood anymore." I said, giving him a apologetic look.

He muttered something about going to take a cold shower as he grabbed his tee-shirt off the floor and tossed it over his head. He leaned down and gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"I love you. Sleep good and if you find yourself making your way across the hall to my room for some lovin', I won't complain."

"Goodnight and I love you." I pushed him away.

"Night Katie!" He gave her a hug.

"Night Leon." She smiled.

"Love you."

"Love you too! Sorry about runing your moment." Katie said.

"I forgive you." He grinned and walked out of the room.

"Who would have known that Lee DeWyze can rock a pair of boxers better than some underwear models?" Katie snickered.

"He only needs an ass and a few more inches on him and he will be the next Calvin Klein model." I teased and Katie laughed. "Even if his boxers did have holes in it."

"What?" Katie cracked up and I nodded. "So Miles was right. Lee DeWyze has holey boxers?"

"Yep." I nodded with a smile as I thought of the interview that the guy's stylist, Miles, on American Idol gave about dressing the guys and he was saying how Lee could give a crap what he wore and used to wear underwear with holes in it. Not much has changed. "I'm always self concious and make sure I have some nice underwear on if we are going to be alone, because you never know what will happen. I'm glad he thinks the same way I do."

"He's such a mess. I love him." Katie laughed.

"I kinda do too."

[caitlynj]

aww, they always get ack together within a couple of hours.

[lovestory]

I sat in the hotel restaurant in Albany, New York, the next morning. I was seated at the table by myself, eating some breakfast. I was waiting for a few others to come down and eat with me, but they were all slow and took forever to get their butts out of bed and get dressed.

I smiled when I saw Andrew making his way over to the table. He took a seat in the chair across from me.

"Not eating anything?" I asked, taking a sip of my juice.

"I just wanted to talk to you before everyone came down here." Andrew said.

"Everything alright?" I asked, he looked so serious and that was complete opposite of the Andrew I knew.

"Yeah." He nodded, fidgeting with his hands.

"What's up?" I asked, with a small smile. "You seem really nervous. Did Lee cheat on me or something and you have to break the news to me or did he tell you he is going to break up with me?"

"No! It has nothing to do with him, relax." He cracked a small smile. "It has to do with Christine."

"Uh-oh. You aren't breaking up with her are you? You guys have a son together and I think whatever the problem is you can work it out, she's an amazing girl and I love her to death and you guys are meant to be together! I don't want you breaking up with her." I rambled.

"Stop cutting me off booboo!" He laughed.

"Sorry. Continue." I apologized.

"Okay, well we have been together four years and have Kaelan together and I just think it is time to finally take that next step and ask her to marry me." Andrew gave me a small smile. "And I know she is going to say yes, because we have talked about it in the past and we have a kid together, but I wanna make it special."

"What did you have in mind?" I asked.

"I don't know. I wanna do it when she comes out in a couple days, but Kaelan is going to be there and it's going to be hard to have a few hours alone."

"I'll watch Kaelan! I love that little monkey." I smiled.

"He's a handful, are you sure you can take care of him? He's in that terrible two's stage." Andrew said.

"He's my buddy! I got this, you and Christine go off and do what you gotta do and I will watch Kaelan. I will have help from the others, besides my niece is the same age and I used to watch her all the time whenever my brother came to visit. I love kids and kids love me!"

"I guess, Kaelan did take a liking to you." Andrew said. "Are you sure you wanna do that?"

"Positive! Now, do you have a ring picked out?"

"I've had a ring for a year already." Andrew said.

"What the hell is taking you so long?" I asked.

"This whole thing! I have had a few weeks home and they were all filled with meetings and interviews! Give me a break." He smirked.

"I'm so happy you are going to finally take the next step! I love you guys."

"I'm glad I got the Maris Lambros approval."

"Why did you come and talk to me about this?" I asked.

"Cause this isn't something you talk to your guy friends about and I needed to tell someone." Andrew shrugged and smiled. "You're one of my best friends and I knew you would listen to me and help me out. Sometimes a guy needs the advice of his best girl friend."

"I'm always here to help you out." I said.

"You know I got your back too!" Andrew said, and I nodded.

I smiled and stood up from my chair and walking over to him, holding out my arms to him. Andrew stood up and wrapped his arms around me, picking me up in a bear hug. I laughed and he kissed my cheek quickly, before putting me down.

Andrew has been like a big brother to me since day one of the competition. We just instantly clicked and no matter what the deal was he was always there for me and vise versa. He's like the male version of Katie to me, we have that strong of a friendship. Obviously Lee is always there for me, but sometimes you just needed to talk to a friend and that was where Andrew and Katie came into the picture.

"I love you, Drew."

"I love you too!"

----------------

We arrived at the arena a few hours later and I was sitting with Casey, Mike, and Lee backstage. Katie came bursting through the door, looking upset about something. Katie was always the happy one and trying to cheer everybody up, so seeing her upset was kind of a shock.

I stood up and wrapped my arm around her shoulder, guideing her out of the room and into the empty hallway.

"I got a call from Drew."

Oh Drew! The jerky guy who had Katie's heart. He wasn't her boyfriend, but she was crushing on him pretty hard and he would always lead her on and than end up hooking up with other girls or just be a complete jackass to her. I guess I wasn't one to judge on guys, because when I was her age I was dating a abusive jerk.

"What did he say now?" I asked.

"He's just so rude to me and it's like he calls just to be rude. I think I am over him and the next thing I know he calls and I get all excited."

"He likes to play games with you and I don't know why. You need to find yourself a real man, Mike DeWyze, and than everything will be better." I smiled as I mentioned Mike's name really quickly, trying to cover it up.

"I want Drew, but why would he want me? He is a freshman in college and sleeping his way around Connecticut."

"Listen to what you are saying, do you really want a guy like that?" I asked.

"No, but for some reason I think I could change him."

"Katie, you are moving to Los Angeles after this whole thing and he is going to be in Connecticut. You guys couldn't even work anything out when you were living in the sae state, how do you think it's going to work when you are cross country from one another?"

"I just want a relationship like you and Lee have." Katie sighed.

"Mike." I said again.

"Stop with Mike!" She rolled her eyes. "He lives in Chicago and you just got done telling me that it would never work cross counrty."

"Not with Drew and besides Mike is moving to Los Angeles in January and he is just like Lee. I love Mike and if we gte married we can be sister in laws!"

"I hate you." She laughed softly.

"No you don't! I got you to smile!"

I hugged her tightly and she hugegd me back.

"Don't let Drew bring you down. You are so much better than him. You have so much going for you. You're smart, gorgeous, funny as hell, and everybody loves you! You're an amazing girl and any guy would be lucky to have you. If he doesn't see that than he is the one missing out, not you."

"It's just hard when you like somebody so much."

"I know." I said. "You're better than him."

"Thanks for being here for me."

"Of course, you have always been there for me."

I hated seeing Katie so upset over some jackass like Drew. He was a idiot.

[caitlynj]

aww Maris is so sweet.

[lovestory]

It was a couple days later and we were in New Jersey. We had a full day off before the show tomorrow and we were having a cook out at my house with all my family and some of my friends who were home from school for the summer. I couldn't wait for my Idol family to meet my friends and family that they didn't meet when we were on the show.

The car pulled up to my house and I immediatly hopped out. The other contestants were coming later on in the day, but I wanted to spend as much time with my parents and sister as possible, my brother Phillip wasn't going to be able to make the show, since he lives in Texas with his wife and two year-old daughter and him and my dad don't necessarily have the best relationship, so I will be seeing him when we are in Texas.

"Maris!" I heard my older sister, Callista yell.

I smiled as she walked outside and I immediately ran towards her. I practically knocked her over in a hug once I reached her. I haven't seen her in over three monthes, we talked on the phone every night, but that wasn't the same. We were extremely close, so it was hard being away from her for so long.

"I missed you so much!" I cried, into her shoulder.

"I missed you too! You look so cute!" She gushed, as he pulled away from me and laughed. "Stop being such a sap and quit the crying, before I start."

"It's just so good to be home." I wiped my tears.

"It's good to have you back!" She smiled and bent down, kissing the top of my head as she hugged me quickly.

"There she is!" My dad stepped outside, with a huge smile on his face.

"Hi daddy!" I squealed, tossing my arms around him.

"Hi princess!" He hugged me tightly and bent down, kissing my cheek.

Being the youngest child, I was definatly a daddy's girl and my dad spoiled me from day one. My brother and sister always said I could get away with murder with him, but being the youngest child he was also super protective and practically hated every guy I dated and always scared them away. Luckily he met Lee before we started dating and our families have gotten close, so he approves.

"Move outta the way and let me hug my daughter who forgot about her mother when she became a popstar." My mom said, coming out of nowhere and pushing my dad away.

"Hi mom!" I laughed, hugging him.

"Hi babygirl!" She hugged me back and kissed my cheek. "What's the lack of phone calls all about?"

"I try and call everyday, but I am really busy!" I laughed softly.

"It's good to have you home." My mom wrapped her arm around my shoulder. "Your grandfather is already asking about Lee."

"He isn't going to grill the poor guy, is he?" I asked.

"You know how he is." My dad smiled.

I rolled my eyes and groaned. My grandfather was worse than my dad and he has never met Lee, so this was bound to get interesting.

--------------

I was sitting on the patio, with Katie and my two best friends Sam and Arianna.

I have known Arianna and sam since I was in diapers and we have been best friends since. Our parents were always together and made play dates for us, so we have grew to be best friends. They each came out to LA a couple times to see some Idol tapings and were there at the finale for me, but this was the first time I have seen them since and it was cool to have my new best friend and my old best friends meet eachother and get along.

"Where's Lee?" Sam asked, looking around the backyard.

"He is in the city, recording. He just texted me a little bit ago, saying he is on his way." I smiled.

"I can't wait to see him!" Arianna said. "I'm so happy you guys are finally together. I remember those phone call everynight during Idol saying how much you liked him and all that stuff."

"He makes me happy."

"Aw!" Katie, Arianna, and Sam said in unison.

"So, you two are moving in together?" Sam asked.

"Yes, and you two ladies better come and visit us!" I said.

"Anytime you want!" Katie added.

"Will your brother be there?" Arianna smiled in Katie's direction.

"Ew." Katie made a face.

"He told me to hook him up with one of my hot friends! Arianna, there is your Portguese beef cake."

"That's my brother! Stop!" She fake gagged and I laughed.

"You're so lucky to be spending the summer with these guys! You have Tim, who is probably one of the hottest guys I have ever seen, Casey, who is a hottie, Ryan, who is obviously off limits for Katie cause that's her brother and would be weird, but he is still hot, and Lee, who is that hot guy that doesn't realize how hot he is." Sam said.

"Alright, I will pretend that you made sense." I smiled and Katie laughed. "Casey is like a big brother to me, Tim is like a little brother to me, and Ryan is one of my best friends, so I am not looking at them the way you are looking at them. With the exception of Lee."

"Katie, do you think any of them are hot?" Sam questioned.

"No way! They are all like family to me. All those guys over there are like brothers to me and I have never looked at them in a sexual way." Katie laughed.

"Damaris, where the hell is this boyfriend of yours?" My grandfather yelled from the table, where he was seated with my grandma, a few of my uncles, aunts, and my dad.

"He is on his way now! He was in the city recording." I said, standing up and walking over to him.

My grandfather was my mom's dad and he was born and raised in New York City by two Irish immagrants. He is one of the funniest guys you will ever meet and he will tell you how it is. He will always make you laugh no matter what and I loved him more than anything.

My grandmother was the complete opposite of him, but they were perfect for eachother. My grandmother was born and raised in Philadelphia and is a hundred percecnt Chinese. She was very loving and naturing and constantly yelling at my grandfather for his comments. They drove eachother crazy, but they loved one another so much.

"A rockstar, those boys are never good." He shook his head in disapproval.

"Oh shut up!" My grandmother waved her hand in his direction. "Damaris, is a smart girl and her daddy over there approves, so he must be a very sweet young boy!"

"He's already on my list for keeping a young lady waiting."

"It's okay, I knew he had to reocord today. He's not keeping me waiting." I laughed.

"Don't listen to your grandfather, he is crazy." My grandmother said, as she wrapped her arm around my waist and patted my hip.

"He's just looking out for me." I smiled.

"Now, none of these boys here are being rude to you are they?"

"No, they are all really sweet guys." I told him.

"And the girls?"

"They are wonderful." I said, minue Siobhan, but we weren't about to get into that. My grandpa would tell her off and that was the last thing we needed, was a drunk 80 year-old man confronting a sober 20 year-old girl. Not that he would do anything awful, but it just wasn't worth it.

"You need to eat more! You're getting a little skinny, I am going to send food for you!" My grandmother said.

"Okay Grandma." I laughed.

The sliding glass door opened and my mom stepped out with Lee following behind her.

"Look who I found." My mom said.

"Nice of you to join us, finally!" My grandfather said and Lee looked a bit taken aback.

"Sorry. Don't mind him!" I whispered in his ear as he hugged me. "Um, Lee you know my dad and all my aunts and uncles over here!"

"I do! Hello!" Lee nodded and waved.

"How are you doing?" My dad asked.

"Great, you?"

"Good."

"Lee, this is my grandma Lilly and my Grandpa, Allan." I said.

"Nice to meet you guys." Lee held out his hand to my grandmother.

"No, I do hugs!" She smiled and stood up.

"Awesome, so do I!" Lee laughed and hugged her.

"You are so friggen adorable! No wonder my granddaughter fell for you! Look at this face." She reached up and patted his cheek.

"Christ Lilly! He isn't that goodlooking." My grandfather snapped, holding out his hand for Lee. "It's good to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too." Lee laughed, shaking his hand.

"What's with the tattoos? You trying to be a badass?"

"I just like them." Lee smiled, placing his hand on the small of my back.

"It's the new thing now! I think they are stupid and I yelled at Damaris when she got hers done, she's such a pretty girl and she is runing her body with permanent ink! You kids are so stupid."

"Thanks Grandpa." I laughed.

"Lee, honey, there is food inside you are probably starving." My mom said, placing her hand on his arm.

"I'm am." Lee smiled.

"Maris, go with him." My mom siad.

"Let's go feed you." I said, grabbing Lee's hand and walking inside the house.

I headed towards the Kitchen Island and picked up a paper plate, handing it over to Lee.

"You're grandfather is pretty funny." Lee said.

"I'm really sorry! He's like that with all my boyfriends. He'll torment you the rest of the night and then love you." I gave him a small smile.

"I can handle it, I'm a grown man." Lee assured me.

I wrapped my arms around his neck and he leaned down kissing me.

"Be prepared for a long night." I smiled.

"I'm ready." Lee smiled back.

[caitlynj]

haha, I can't wait to see what else her grandpa says.

[lovestory]

Lee came out of the house, with a plate of food a few moments later. I was back in my orginal seat, talking to Sam, Katie, and Arianna. I couldn't help but notice Arianna and Ryan checking out one another, it looks like Katie's big brother finally found a girl he is interested in. I loved when matches were made.

"Hi Lee!" Katie said.

"Hey!" He leaned down and kissed her cheek quickly.

"Lee, you remember Sam and Arianna." I said, pointing to each of my friends. "And you guys remember Lee."

"How could I forget?" Lee asked, bending down and kissing them both on the cheek. "Nice to see you guys again."

"Nice to see you too." Sam smiled.

"Here! Sit and eat." I said, standing up from my chair and stepping to the side.

"I can stand." Lee said.

"Seriously, sit! You have been in the studio all day and you need to just take a breather." I sighed, pushing him towards the chair. "You look exhausted and can use some relaxing time. You hardly get any and you worry me, because sometimes you work yourself way too hard and you don't get enough sleep."

"Thanks Mom." Lee said sarcastically, as he sat down in the chair.

"Yup." I smiled.

I walked over to the chair that Katie was sitting in and squeezed between her and the arm of it, so that I was partly sitting on her lap.

"Are you grandparents coming to the show tomorrow?" Lee asked, as he glanced over at my grandfather who was staring at him.

"Yes." I nodded.

"He keeps staring at me like I am doing something wrong. He's making me really nervous. I don't like being watched." Lee said quietly, as he shoved a forkful of baked ziti in his mouth. "It's like he is waiting for me to do something wrong."

"I'm sorry." I said, placing my hand on his thigh, squeezing it gently.

"Is he going to murder me or something?" Lee questioned.

"Yes Lee, that is what happens to all my boyfriends! I bring them home to meet the family and my grandfather kills them all, because he hates them so much! You better start running because you are next and your adorbleness isn't going to get you outta this jam." I teased him.

"If he whips out some sort of weapon, I am outta here." Lee said and I smiled.

"He'll warm up to you! I have een him act this way with all of Maris's boyfriends and he always warms up to them, except Joey, but nobody warmed up to Joey." Arianna patted Lee's arm.

"Even I hate Joey and I've never met him." Lee muttered.

"Hey pretty boy, when you get a chance you come over here and talk to us! I wanna get to know you some more." My grandfather yelled to Lee.

"Alright." Lee smiled and nodded.

"Finish eating and I will come with you and make sure he takes it easy on you! I kinda like you and don't want you getting bashed too much." I reached over and grabbed his hand, squeezing it gently, before pulling it away.

"What did I get myself into with you?" Lee grinned.

"You love me." I smiled at him.

"You're alright."

----------------------------------

After Lee finished eating we headed back over to the table that everyone was sitting around. I took a seat between my Grandma and Lee. I looked over at my parents who were seated across from me. My dad smiled and shrugged and my mom mouthed an apology to me.

"I know how you guys are." My grandfather said to Lee.

"What?" Lee laughed nervously.

"You rockstars or whatever you are. You go after the pretty girls and have one quest and one quest only and once you get that you kick them to the curb and go after the next girl." My grandfather said, looking at him. "That's my granddaughter over there and she's the baby of the family. If you try any of that with her you are going to have to have to answer to me, her dad, her uncles, her cousins, and her brother."

"Oh my gosh." I mumbled under my breath.

"I'm not like that at all. I am a relationship kinda guy and I love Damaris and would never do anything to hurt her." Lee said, reaching over and grabbing my hand as he pulled into onto his lap.

"I'm telling you! We are a very, very close family and I love that little girl, who isn't so little anymore. If I find out you hurt her in anyway I will have your ass and I'm not joking. I don't care if you are The Prince of Wales, I will kick your ass if you hurt any of my granddaughters."

"She's a good girl and I want nothing more then for her to be happy. I am aware of everything that went on in her previous relationship and I can't tell you how pissed off it gets me." Lee said, squeezing my hand tightly. "If I ever come face to face with him, I don't know what will come out of it."

"You seem like a decent guy and you seem to treat Damaris the way she deserves to be treated."

"He's a sweetheart." I smiled.

"I like that you will kick this ex-boyfriends ass if you come face to face with him! I like that Irish temper you have going on there." He smiled.

"Don't give him any ideas, Grandpa." I sighed.

"No, I like that he has your back. That's the way a boyfriend be, not like those girly boys you usually date." My grandfater said, looking over at me than back at Lee. "I already told the other guys to keep a eye out on her, because she thinks everyone is a good person, she is just like her mother in that sense and if she is in this industry she is going to need to realize people can be sleazebags."

"I tell her the same thing all the time. We got her back though." Lee said.

"You all are talking like I am not sitting right here." I laughed.

"Sorry." Lee smiled, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

"They remind me so much of us when we were just dating. They are precious." My grandma spoke up.

"I told you he is a good guy, grandpa." I smiled, leaning into Lee.

"I still think your tattoos are stupid, but you seem like a good kid."

"Thanks." Lee laughed.

"I like the tattoos, don't listen to him." My grandma said. "I find them hot."

"Oh my gosh!" I gasped as Lee laughed uncomfortably.

"Mom, he's 24 back off." My mom laughed.

"Enough hitting on the young guy here, he doesn't want you!" My grandfather scoffed.

"I have one concern though." My grandma said.

"Here we go." I muttered under my breath, and waited for what awkward comment she was going to make.

"I just want to make sure that you two are using protection if you guys are having sex."

"Jesus Christ." My dad shifted uncomfortably.

"Are you having sex?" My grandma said.

"I don't think that is apprioprate grandma." I shook my head.

"You don't want to make the same mistakes your brother did. He was about your age when Isabella was born and it's not easy, I just want to make sure you are being careful. A baby is a was to derail your dreams." She lectured and I felt like I was 13 again and having the sex talk with my mom.

"Oh, look! Andrew is jamming out over there. Why don't we go a join him!" I stood up quickly and grabbed Lee's wrist, pulling him up.

"That sounds like a awesome idea!" Lee agreed.

We quickly walked off and he started laughing nervously, once my family was out of earshot. I looked up at him and gave him a apologetic look. The guy must be scarred for life, he was being hit on my 80 year-old grandmother and then we were be questioned about our sex life.

"I told you my family was crazy." I laughed softly. "I'm so sorry."

"It's cool. A little awkward, but cool. Wait till you get the honor of meeting all my aunts, uncles, and cousins in Chicago. If you thought my parents, brother, and sisters were crazy just wait." Lee smiled, placing his hand on my back.

"They aren't going to hit on me and ask about our sex life are they?" I raised my eyebrows.

"I have one drunk uncle who may hit on you." He said sarcastically. "Honestly the only one who does hitting on is Mike, but you know that. Just wait though, you will be surprised when you hear some of the conversations my family holds. They get interesting. I warning you a month in adavance."

"Okay." I laughed. "Are you sure you wanna stay with me after that?"

"It's going to take a lot more than that to get rid of me!" Lee said. "I would have to find out you were a dude or something, which I know you aren't for obvious reasons."

"I love you." I laughed, wrapping my arm around his waist.

"I love you too! I'm not leaving you." He leaned down and kissed the top of my head.

"Let's go and jam out with everyone." I said.

Lee nodded and we walked down the stairs of the deck and headed out to the yard where Andrew was strumming on his guitar singing with everyone. Lee sat down on the empty chair between Katie and Siobhan. Siobhan gave him a flirty smile and I rolled my eyes, before Lee grabbed my waist and pulled me down on his lap.

"She better stop undressing you with her eyes." I whispered, draping my arm around his neck.

"Shh." Lee laughed.

[caitlynj]

I liked this chapter.