"Aaron says he's mad at you, but he doesn't hate you."

I turned around to face Nick again, who looked the sadest I'd ever seen him.

"Man, I feel so bad." Nick replied after a few minutes of silence. "I... really didn't think Aaron would take it that hard."

"Neither did I." I answered, "But we have to respect his feelings. He's only 13 and we don't really know what he's thinking. He's upset we didn't tell him." I told Nick.

"No he's not. He's mad at me because of what I did to you. And... and I'm mad at myself too." Nick answered, not looking in my eyes. I knew he was right. Aaron wasn't mad at me.

"I don't blame you Nick, you know that. And that's the past anyway, we're moving on and forgetting all that. Right...?" I asked him.

He just nodded and stood up. I hugged him but he didn't look convinced. He was mad at himself.

"We'd better get out to the meet n'greet, before they getted worried..." Nick answered, changing the subject.

"Or before the girls tear the other guys apart because you're not there..." I let out a laugh, and saw a small smile form on Nick's lips.

Then I grabbed his hand and we left the small backstage room. We were surrounded by people, media people, as soon as we stepped out the door. Nick grinned into a video camera and then quickened his pace, pulling me along. We were soon in the next backstage "room" where there was about fifty, if that, fans and two long tables set up for BSB and Aaron to sign autographs for the lucky fans who got backstage passes.

"Nick!" Brian yelled to his pal, and Nick jogged over to him without looking at me.

I just looked around. The fans were too occupied with the guys to notice how Nick walked in holding my hand. Nick sat down inbetween Brian and Howie, and then looked up at me. He motioned to me to go over to him.

"Nick..." I leaned down and whispered in his ear. "I... I should probably get going, I guess. I'll just be in the way, here." I finished.

He looked up again, shocked. "You can't leave." He said, but then lowered his voice, "Please, just stick around a while longer. This doesn't usually take long, and we're... going to a party after... come with me..." he whispered. I looked at him like he was crazy.

"Nick, I have to get home to my boys... you know I do. I'd love to stay, I swear, but... I should go. I can tell people don't want me here..." I sounded dumb saying that, everyone wanted me there, and I knew it. But I was scared to stay much longer. I didn't want to do something stupid, and I didn't want Shanelle to worry about me.

"What?" he practically yelled, but wasn't looking back at me. He was smiling at his many fans, some of which were crying and yelling for him. "You know that's not true."

"I'm sorry, I have to go. Ok?" I told him again.

"No, it's not okay." he replied, getting upset. But he didn't let it show. He couldn't let it show.

"Nick... you gave me your cell phone number... I'll call you tomorrow, I swear. We'll see each other again. You will see your boys again." I whispered. He pretended not to hear me, but I knew he did.

He didn't say another word, which upset me. I wanted him to say it was ok. But I knew he wasn't going to. He wouldn't be happy unless I stayed with him. But I knew I couldn't be wreckless like I used to be. I couldn't just stay out all night with my boyfriend whenever I wanted. I'd grown up alot and had learned many lessons, some of which are beyond years. I stood behind him, still waiting for him to respond.

After at least two or three minutes, when he finally had a chance to turn around to face me, he nodded.

"I know." was all he said, but he continued, after pausing, "I know I'll see you again, and my boys... because I won't leave you again. You know that, right?"

"Yeah... I know." I answered. I wanted to grab his face and just kiss him, but God knew how much of a scene that would make. The already crying fans, would cry harder, and the fans not crying would start. I knew the fans hated when the guys had girlfriends, and now that Kevin and Brian are married, it's even worse. But I think the fans support them alot, too.

"So... call me early tomorrow, ok? I'll be at my house... wake me up, I don't care." he whispered. I nodded.

"I love you." I whispered, and even though I don't think he heard me, he read my lips. He mouthed it back, and then I turned around before I did something stupid.

I stopped a few times to say goodbye to the other guys, but I knew I'd see them again, too. When I got to Aaron's table, he stopped everything and was about to stand up. I put my hand on his shoulder, keeping him sitting.

"I'm leaving, going home..." I began, and watched his smile fade. "But... I mean, if you're not still mad at Nick, maybe the three of us, me, you and him, could get together tomorrow?" I asked the young boy.

"I'd love that." he replied. But he wouldn't let me leave without a hug. I saw the faces of a few fans get upset, but not too much. Aaron said goodbye and he loved me, and then sat down again.

The next person I saw was Jane. She was still smiling. I was so glad she didn't hate me. Without a word from either of us, we hugged. Then I whispered,

"I'm gonna go home now... Nick wanted me to stay, but, I know I should go." She nodded.

"Those boys of yours sure are adorable. Hug and kiss them for me, ok?" she replied. I grinned and nodded.

"Of course I will." I answered.

"My... grandsons..." she breathed out. I nodded again. "Torrance... I'm really glad you're back in our lives."

"I'm so glad." I told her. She nodded once more before I walked away. I didn't want to make the situation sader than it already was. Within a few more minutes, I left the building, went out to the parking lot and drove home.