Chapter 26 You've got some Christmas Talent

"Welcome parents, students and faculty to the talent show. Tonight you will see dancing, singing and other talents mixed all together. The grand prize is a possible recording contract for the singing. Now let's get this started. First up we have three young ladies who are going to wow us with a dance. Hold on to your seats ladies and gentlemen and let the show begin."

"Knock 'em dead Lils." Joe said as she walked past.

Her, Gia and Karlee took their places and waited for the music to start. Lily took one more glance towards Joe and Nick. She noticed that Kevin had joined them.

"Hey show him what he's missing." Gia told her.

As soon as the curtains opened the music started. The dance started out simple, halfway through three poles was lowered. They continued their dance using some of the moves they learned in their pole dancing class.

"Oh man not again." Kevin groaned.

Nick and Joe chuckled.

"Why can't she dance without a pole?"

"Suck it up Kev. She is having fun."

As they were finishing they grabbed onto the pole did one final spin and were lifted up. The curtain fell and the crowd was clapping loudly. The curtains raised and they took their bows and then ran off stage.

"That was so awesome. I can't believe I actually got out there and did that." Lily said.

"I know. We better get ready, we have to look hot." Karlee said.

"You guys did great." Nick said as him and Joe walked over to them. While they were talking Lily noticed that Avery was on stage singing and Kevin was playing for her.

"Don't worry Lily; you guys are so much better. Plus you already have a record deal." Nick whispered.

"Thanks Nick. I needed that."

"Anytime, you better go get ready." Nick told her and pushed her towards the dressing room.

"Ladies and gentlemen we are down to the last two acts. Next up are the same three young ladies that wowed us earlier. Following them we are in for a treat. The Jonas Brothers will perform their next single. So sit back and enjoy the rest of the show."

Lily, Karlee and Gia were taking their places. Nick came up to them and wished them luck.

"You are gonna knock 'em dean. Just take a deep breath and sing your heart out."

"Let's do this." Lily said.

She was given the world
So much that she couldn't see
And she needed someone
To show her who she could be
And she tried to survive
Wearing her heart on her sleeve
But I needed you to believe

You had your dreams, I had mine
You had your fears, I was fine
Showed me what I couldn't find
When two different worlds collide

La di da di da

She was scared of it all
Watching from far away
She was given a role
Never knew just when to play
And she tried to survive
Living a life on her own
Always afraid of the throne
But you've given me strength to find hope

You had your dreams, I have mine
You had your fears, I was fine
Showed me what I couldn't find
When two different worlds collide

She was scared
Unprepared
Lost in the dark
Falling apart
I can survive
With you by my side
We're gonna be alright
(We're gonna be alright)
This is what happens when two worlds collide

Holy cow that girl has some power. Kevin thought.

"Kevin? Kevin?" Avery was trying to get his attention

Showed me what I couldn't find
When two different worlds collide
La di da di da

You had your dreams, I have mine
(You had your dreams, I have mine)
You had your fears, I was fine
Showed me what I couldn't find
When two different worlds collide
When two different worlds collide

The crowd went wild. They were on their feet. The girls had huge smiles on their faced. Nick and the rest of the guys were clapping. Lily looked over and saw Kevin beaming with happiness. Avery looked like she was trying to get his attention. Joe was jumping up and down like a crazy person.

As Kevin and Joe were coming on stage Joe gave Lily and the others hugs and praises.

"Lily that was amazing." Kevin said as he got to her.

"Thanks." She replied and kept on walking. She wasn't going to let him ruin her high. Kevin frowned and kept on his way.

The guys sand 'Lovebug' and everyone loved it. After the judges decided on a winner everyone went home.

"You should have won Lily. You were robbed." Joe said on the way to the car. They had already left Karlee and Gia so it was just her, Nick and Joe, and Kevin.

"It's ok Joe. We'll be fine." She shared a knowing smile with Nick.

Since it was the beginning of Christmas break they decided to catch a late movie.

"Hey Kevin do you and Avery want to come?" Joe asked.

"Is it ok with you Lily?"

"I don't care; I said I was done so do what you want." Lily said.

"You know what? I think I will pass. I will see you at home. Have a fun." He said and walked away. Lily instantly felt guilty.

"Dammit, Kevin wait." Lily called after him. He stopped and turned toward her. She caught up to him.

"I'm sorry, I know I am being hard on you but you broke my heart."

"And for that I am sorry."

"Let me finish."

"Sorry."

"I have no right to ask you this but things might get back to what it was before, kind of. But if you can be patient with me I will try to be more understanding of your feelings."

"I will do my best. Now go see your movie and I will see you at home." He told her then turned and walked out the door.

Two days later Lily got a phone call that caused her to scream. Nick was the only one home so he came running through the adjoining bathroom to find her jumping on her bed.

"What is going on?"

"Jeff just conference called Karlee, Gia and I and said that we are shooting a music video for our first single." She jumped to the floor.

"Whoa, congrats."

"You have to come."

"I'll be there. Did he say when you will start shooting?"

"Saturday after Christmas."

"Boy that is fast."

"I know Jeff is messengering the script over this afternoon."

"Cool, are you done shopping?"

"Nope I have one person left. I just need to figure out what to get."

"Who is it? Maybe I can help."

"Kevin."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"So any ideas?"

"None whatsoever, I thought about getting him a gift card but then that seemed too impersonal."

"Yes it does. What if you did something personal? Something from your heart."

"What if I can't do that?"

"Lily think about it, this might help you move on."

"I guess you're right. Thanks."

"No problem."

Later that afternoon the script arrived. She had four days to learn most of it. She spent the rest of the day working on Kevin's present. Kevin came to see why her light was still on and found her asleep yet again at her desk. He went and turned down her bed then picked her up and carried her to bed. He tucked her in and then turned out her light and closed the door.

On Christmas Eve Denise and Lily spent all afternoon in the kitchen baking. They talked more about her trip to Paris. When the doorbell rang later that day it was the first of many guests that were attending the Jonas annual Christmas Party. Halfway through the party Lily went to get another tray from the kitchen. On her way back out she was stopped by a couple of ladies who were talking to Kevin.

"Lillian I heard you spent some time in Paris." One of them asked.

"Yes I was fortunate enough to visit my parents."

"That is very nice for them to send you a ticket."

"Oh it wasn't them it was Kevin."

"What a gentleman you are."

"It was nothing, just doing something for a friend who missed her parents."

All the ladies awed at this.

"Oh look you are under the mistletoe." Mrs. Smythe said.

"You know what you must do." Mrs. Cochran told them.

Lily shot a look at Kevin.

"That won't be necessary." Kevin said.

"Don't be silly, it is tradition."

He gave Lily a look to get her take on the situation.

"Well it is tradition." She replied.

"Kiss her young man.: Mrs. Smythe said.

"And not a little peck either." Mrs. Cochran warned.

Nick and Joe were across the room and saw what was about to happen.

"Oh this cant' be good." Nick said.

Joe agreed but neither did anything to stop what was going to happen.

Lily put her hands on his shoulders and his were gripping her hips, their hearts beating a mile a minute. Kevin locked eyes with hers one last time before he leaned in. When their lips touched Lily saw fireworks. Her pulse sped up. Kevin licked her bottom lip asking for entrance and when it was granted he went in for the kill. Both of them gripped tighter on the other. Neither expecting what was flooding their senses. Their tongues were wrestling with the other. Each fighting for control, they only pulled apart when one of the ladies cleared her throat.

"I think that is more than enough steamboats."

Kevin and Lily dropped their arms at the same time. They each took a stumbling step back. Lily looked like she was thoroughly kissed. Her lips were plump, her nose red and her eyes still a little glazed. Kevin had a similar look.

"Please excuse me." Lily said and headed in the opposite direction.

"Me too, please enjoy the rest of the party." He said and headed over to where Nick and Joe were standing. When he got there Nick was wearing his famous smirk.

"Packs a serious punch doesn't it?" Nick said.

"No kidding, could have warned a brother."

"How was I to know you were going to get caught under the mistletoe?" Nick replied.

"I'm going to go find Lily." Joe said.

He found her in her room. She was sitting in front of her computer and she was moving pictures around.

"Here is a new one. Hot off the presses." Joe said and handed her a picture of her and Kevin under the mistletoe.

"Thanks." She scanned it in and added it to what she was working on.

"Are you coming back down?"

"Yes, I just need to finish this."

"Ok, see you downstairs."

Joe went back down and found Abby talking to Nick.

"You can totally tell those two were meant to be together." She told them.

"We think so too but Kevin is being stubborn." Joe said. He intertwined his hand with hers.

"Oh crap." Nick said and pointed to Avery.

"This is bad." Joe commented.

Avery went over to Kevin and took his arm and pulled him to the patio.

"Why were you kissing her?"

"We were under the mistletoe and we were humoring some old ladies, nothing more." He explained.

"It sure didn't look like it."

"It was nothing Avery. I am dating you. I am with you."

"But are you happy?"

"Why would you ask that?" he asked and gathered her in his arms.

"It just seems that no one wants us to be together."

"Avery, I don't care what they want. I am happy. Don't think any different."

"Ok, it just seems like you would rather be with her."

"I chose you, now let's go back in."

"I have to go home."

"That stinks."

"Yeah my parents want to do the family thing tonight. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Ok." He said and pulled her into a kiss. When she pulled away she went around the side of the house leaving him alone on the patio. He looked up and saw the light in Lily's room on. He hoped she wasn't upset about the kiss they shared. For someone with very little experience she knocked the breath out of him. When he looked up again he noticed the light off. He headed back in to the party.

"Where did Avery go?" Lily asked when he stepped into the kitchen.

"She said she had to go home."

"She isn't upset about the kiss is she?"

"She was but I explained it to her."

"Good, well I better get these in the living room." She grabbed a tray and headed out with Kevin on her heels. When she set the tray down she turned and saw a familiar face.

"Merry Christmas, Cherie."

"JP what are you doing here? Where's Luc?"

"Right behind your bebe."

Lily screamed and gave them both hugs and kisses.

"Seriously what are you doing here?"

"Luc's family decided to go to Vegas for the holidays so we thought we would drop in on you and see how things are going."

"They are great."

"So you and Kevin are..." JP asked.

"No, I didn't get a chance at the airport because he was with his new girlfriend. But I let him have it under the mistletoe."

"That's my girl."

"I want you to meet some people."

"Ok."

Lily took both their hands and went to where Mama and Papa J were.

"Mama and Papa J I want you to meet Jean-Pierre and Luc."

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you. Lily talked about you all the time when she was in Paris."

"She talks about the two of you here just as much." Denise said.

"How long are you here for?" Kevin asked.

"Just passing through, we are on our way to Vegas; we thought we would surprise Lily here before we moved on."

"Well that is nice."

"Come on I want you to meet the guys before you leave."

"Ok, Mr. and Mrs. Jonas again a pleasure." JP and Luc shook hands with Kevin and kissed Denise on the hand.

"You will find them in the family room."

"Ok thanks." She led JP and Luc to the other side of the house to the family room.

"Hey guys I want you to meet someone." All three of them looked up from their game.

"Jean-Pierre, Luc this is Kevin, Joe and Nick Jonas, guys this us Jean-Pierre and Luc.

"Pleasure to meet you." Nick said first as the other two followed.

"Lily talked about you three a lot."

"She talks about you two a lot too." Joe said.

"Miss Lily we really should be going." JP said to her.

"I guess if you must. I will walk you out."

They shook hands with the guys and walked out to the car.

"It was really good seeing you."

"It was a good surprise. Thanks."

"Anytime."

"Enjoy the rest of your holidays."

"You too. We left your present under the tree. Don't open it until you are alone. Take care." JP said. He gave her hug.

"Don't give up just yet." Luc said when it was his turn for a hug.

She looked at him and he winked. Lily watched them get in their car and drive off. She went back inside and saw that the guys were talking to their band mates.

"Boy Kevin I saw that mistletoe kiss and can I just say wow? Greg said.

"No kidding Kev, who was it? It didn't look like Avery." Jack added.

"It wasn't Avery." Kevin said.

"Then who was it?" John asked.

"Lily." He answered.

"Lily as in our little Lily? No way." Greg said.

"Her kisses pack a lot of power don't then Kev?" Nick joked.

"Shut. Up."

Everyone laughed.

"Hey guys what are you laughing at?" she asked when she go over to them.

"Kevin." Joe supplied.

She looked at Kevin and she saw that he was a little pink. She instantly knew what they had been talking about.

"Seriously guys? It was a kiss under the mistletoe nothing else." She said.

"Whatever you say Lily." Joe said.

Lily looked at Abby and she nodded. Lily grabbed him by the collar and planted her lips on his. After a few seconds she broke the connection.

"Ok who's next? Greg, Jack, John? Anyone?"

"Um Lily..." Nick started.

"No one? Well then I suggest you boys find something else to talk about." And she walked into the other room.

"Whoa I think you all just got poned." Frankie said to them as he walked by. All six of them just stared after him.

The rest of the evening went quickly. All the guys steered clear of Lily. They didn't notice that she excused herself to go to bed.

Christmas morning found Frankie waking everyone up. Denise made breakfast and noticed that Lily was missing.

"Boys finish setting the table please."

"Ok mommy." Joe said.

She went upstairs and found Lily still in bed.

"Wake up sleepyhead. You're going to sleep the day away. Breakfast is ready."

"I thought I would let you have some family time this morning." Lily told her.

"Nonsense, you are family so get downstairs or I will have one of the boys come and carry you down." Denise said.

"Ok, I'm coming."

"I knew you would change your mind.

Lily got up and grabbed Kevin's gift and headed to the dining room where Greg, Jack and John were sitting talking with the guys. When they noticed her the room got quiet. They all stood up and offered her a chair.

"Thanks Joe."

"You're welcome. About last night we're sorry."

"Yeah Lily, we were acting immature and we deserved what you did." Greg said.

"It's forgotten."

They ate breakfast and after the dishes were cleaned up they moved to the living room to open presents. Frankie tore through his like nothing. He got some webkinz, clothes and Lily got him a stuff moose who he immediately named Sam. Lily got Nick some personalized guitar picks, Joe a new game for his x-box. When Kevin opened his he looked at her. He read the note that she had attached.

Kevin,

I had a hard time coming up with something for you. Nick told me to give you something from my heart. So on this disk is just that, part of my heart.

Merry Christmas,

Lily

Frankie gave Lily a bracelet the Denise helped him make, Nick got her a music notebook for her to write her songs in, Joe got her a video camera, and mama and papa J got her a new laptop with a music program installed. Kevin got her a diamond teardrop necklace with matching earrings.

"Kevin these are too much, I can't accept these."

"I saw them and thought of you."

"Than thank you." She got up and gave everyone a hug.

"I think I will go and get my shower." She said and started for the stairs.

"Lily?"

"Yes Greg." She said as she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"I was wondering if I could maybe escort you to the labels New Years Masquerade Ball." He asked her.

"Um...sure."

"Cool, well I'll let you go."

"Ok, see you later." She went to her room and got her clothes and headed for the shower.

By the time she was finished everyone was doing their own thing. She called her parents and talked to them for awhile. They had sent her some clothes boutique the she likes. After she hung up she remembered that she has a present from Luc and Jean-Pierre. She went to the corner and picked it up and took it to her bed. She sat down and opened it. Inside she found a midnight blue, silk strapless gown. Inside was a card. It told her not to give up. She will find the person she will fall in love with. She decided that she would wear it to the masquerade Ball.

Kevin went to his room and decided to watch the DVD Lily gave him. It faded in on the day she was born. Two year old Kevin was sitting in a green chair and his mom put Lily in his arms. It then went to Lily's first day of Kindergarten and Kevin holding her hand. It showed pictures of them growing up together. Then it went to the most recent year. The music in the background was something he had never heard before. The scenes that played were the pole dancing performance, the slumber party.

"Holy Cow" was all he could say when he saw her dancing around in her negligee. Back on the screen was the Winter Formal, the Musical, talent show and last but not least was the mistletoe kiss. The last thing he saw was, "I just wanted a chance but now I know I never had one." Kevin really didn't know what to do. She looked so full of life when she thought she had a chance.

"Hey Kev what are you watching?" Nick said causing him to jump.

"The present I got from Lily."

"What did she make for you?"

"This. Sit down and watch."

"What are you watching?" Joe asked when he came in the room.

"Lily's present to Kevin." Nick said.

"Cool."

It started and Nick and Joe sat in silence. When it was over it was quiet for just a minute.

"No wonder you were sporting a tent that night. Lily looked hot."

"Shut up Joseph." Kevin said.

"What are you going to do?" Nick asked.

"Let her move on. I don't have a choice."

"I'm sorry Kevin."

"Yeah me too." Joe added to Nick's comment.

"Well I told Avery I would drop her present off today."

"Ok tell her hello." Nick said. They both left the room to let him finish getting dressed. Joe went back downstairs to play his new game. Nick went to Lily's room and knocked.

"Come it." Nick went in and saw her at her computer looking at masks.

"Hey, trying to find a mask?" He asked.

"Yeah, I am looking for one that will match the dress JP and Luc got me."

Nick looked toward the bed and saw the box. He ran his fingertips over the material.

"This color is going to make your eyes pop."

"You think?"

"I know. Have you thought about who you are going to ask to escort you?"

"Actually I already have a date."

"Really? Who?" Nick asked. They were only sent the invitations on Tuesday.

"Greg." She answered.

"Greg who?"

"Garbo, Greg, your guitarist."

"When did he ask you?"

"Just this morning when I came up to take a shower."

"Oh." He looked at his hands.

"What's wrong Nick?" she said and walked over to the bed and sat down and motioned for him to sit also.

"I just thought you and I would go together."

"I'm sorry Nick; maybe you could ask Karlee or Gia." She said.

"I don't know. I'll think about it."

"Ok, so what do you want to do today?"

"Wanna watch movies?"

"Sure."

"Ok you get the snacks and I will get the movies."

Kevin got out of his car at Avery's and was about to ring the doorbell when he saw movement on the living room. He saw Avery standing with a guy on his knee holding a box in one hand and hers in the other. She looked like she was crying. Then he noticed her nodding and saying yes. He saw the guy put the ring on her finger and her jumping into his arms and laying kisses all over his face. Kevin just turned around and went to his car and headed home. Funny thing was, was he that he wasn't mad. Sad maybe, but not mad. When he got home he went to his room. When he passed Lily's room he noticed Nick and Joe in there watching movies.

"Hey Kevin, how did it go with Avery?" Joe asked.

"Not good."

"What happened?" Lily asked.

"She apparently, no was cheating on me."

"How do you know?" Nick asked.

"Because I saw her boyfriend propose and her accept." Kevin replied barely audible.

"That sucks. I am sorry." Joe said.

"It's ok. I am not really all that mad."

"Do you wanna join us?" Lily asked.

"Sure. I need to call Avery real quick though."

"Call her and put it on speaker." Lily said and handed him the phone off the night stand. Kevin sat down and dialed the number.

"Hello?"

"Hey Avery."

"Oh hey babe, how's your Christmas?"

"Good, yours?"

"Fantastic now that I am talking to you." Lily rolled her eyes at this.

"So when did you want to come over? I have some people that I want you to meet."

"Like your fiancé?"

"What? How?"

"Save it Avery I don't want to hear it. I was there when he proposed."

"Kevin..."

"We're obviously over. Congratulations." He said and hung up.

They spent the rest of the day watching movies and napping.

Friday flew by and Lily went to bed early because she had to be at the video shoot at 3:30am. By the time Joe and Kevin got up Lily and Nick were long gone.

"Where are Lily and Nick?" Kevin asked his mom as he came into the kitchen.

"I took them downtown. They wanted to do some after Christmas crazy people watching." Denise told him.

"Oh, when are they coming home?"

"Nick said they would call when they were tired."

"Ok, well I will be in my room." Kevin told her. He had told her about Avery and she was upset but told him there was someone out there for him.

Lily and Nick got home around 9:30pm. Lily still had her make-up on but was back in her shorts and t-shirt. She had a lot of fun at the shoot. They were able to see parts of it and were told how it would be pieced together. Lily didn't even recognize herself. Her hair was curly; her make-up was done in blacks and purples. Her clothes were tighter then she was used to. When she came out of her dressing room Nick's jaw hit the floor and he told her she looked 'Sexy Hot'.

"Thanks for coming with me today Nick I would have been scared out of my mind."

"You're welcome and you did fantastic. How awesome is it that they asked you guys to sing at the labels ball?"

"Very coo, but not sure if I am ready to go public."

"Well it is a masquerade ball so when you change to perform put on a different mask."

"That is a great idea."

"What's a great idea?"

"Ahhh!" Lily screamed. She turned around and came face to face with Kevin and Joe.

"Whoa what happened to your face?"

"Nothing why?"

"You just have a lot of make-up on."

"Oh I got a bad make over at the mall." She replied quickly.

"Yeah good thing it was free." Nick said.

"Did you two have fun?" Kevin asked.

"Yup."

"Tons."

"That is good."

"I am worn out and need to wash may face and then I am going to bed. I'll see you all in the morning." She said and gave them each a hug and went to her room and closed the door behind her.