“Sam, you have to come to my Orlando concert!” My best friend Lanie Rivers yelled over the phone.

“You’ll stay backstage with me the whole time!”“No. I was only the opening act, this tour. But, it was still just as good.” Lanie kept on talking. She explained everything, except one small detail and who would have guessed that it would change my life.

I slipped an one emerald green sweater that seemed to blend with my chestnut brown hair.My brown eyes shined when the light hit them. “There. I’m ready to go see Lanie tonight!”

I smiled with pleasure. Oh, how long it had been since I’ve seen her: besides in magazines or on TV. This was the first concert that I’ve gotten to see her in.

“Lanie! Gosh! It’s been so long!” I yelled giving her a huge hug.

“Sam! Man you’ve gotten tall.” Her eyes looked up at me. “Today is your 19th birthday isn’t it?”

“Yeah, August 7th.” I smiled. Every birthday that came I seemed to hate it more. We continued to talk for a while.

“Lanie? You’re up!” Backstage crew yelled.

I wished her good luck and watched her leave the dressing room. I followed a minute later and almost ran into a tall, black-headed guy.

“Sorry,” I mumbled rather embarrassed.

“Who are you?” he asked politely.

“Sam, Samantha Hesten.” I looked up and there standing in front of me was Kevin Richardson. I took a step back, startled.

I had never kept track of anything with Backstreet Boys. Some of my younger friends had. Everything they told me went in one ear and out the other. I had always thought them handsome, never sure I had a favorite. Plus why hadn’t Lanie told me that on fact? That they’d be here! p>“Which do you want me to call you?” Kevin asked smiling.

“Sam, all my friends do.” I said trying to not let my surprise show.

“Sam it is then. Do you want to meet the rest of the group?”

“Sure.”

“Follow me.” Kevin guided me with an arm around my shoulder.

“Wow! Kevin! Who do you have with you?” AJ asked raising his eyebrows.

“Samantha, or Sam Hesten. Lanie’s friend she told us she invited.” Kevin told them for me.

“Laine has told us all about you.”Nick smiled, giving me a hug. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Thanks,” I meekly replied. I had never been good at meeting new people. Especially the Backstreet Boys. We continued to talk for a little while, when all of a sudden Lanie bust through the dressing room door.

“Lanie! I’m so sorry. I meant to come and watch. I just ran into Kev, and he brought me in here.” I explained.

“That’s fine!” She smiled.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I demanded.

“Just a surprise!” She walked over to me standing in between AJ and Nick and gave me a hug.

“I love you like a sister, Sam.” Lanie whispered in my ear.

“Oh, stop.” I told her.

“Are we doing something tonight, guys?” Lanie asked.

“Of course! Celebrate the end of a successful tour!” AJ yelled.

“Lanie, Sam, your both coming!” Kevin said looking straight at me.

“Okay, okay. I get the picture!” I threw my hands up and let them collapse back down.

After a while they left for their concert and me and Laine enjoyed ourselves immensely.

“That was great!” I told all five of them.

“Thanks,” a sweaty Brian replied. AJ leaned towards me to give me a hug.

“No thanks!” I laughed backing away. He smiled at me giving my hand a squeeze.

Through many months as they passed I kept in touch with the guys and Lanie. They were pretty much my best friends now. Although it seemed like AJ kept in touch with me the most.Eventually, in one e-mail I something I never expected.

Sam,

What up? Tours going great and so are all the concerts. Everyone misses you, especially me. We all can’t wait to see you in a week. I’m hoping that maybe we can get together and do something by ourselves.

Love,

AJ

I gasped, surprised. What should I do? I never have been attracted to AJ. Well, I would have to admit, I was alittle bit.

“I asked Sam in a date!” AJ yelled to Brian.

“Cool,” was all Nick said keeping his back turned. “When?”

“Uh, not decided yet. I don’t know if she’s said yes.”

“She will!” Brian inserted in the conversation.

“How do you know?”Nick asked.

“Well, at least I’m almost positive. I don’t know why. But, who would say no to AJ.” Brian smiled.

“Yeah,” AJ, confirmed.

“Then one question.” Nick stated, “Why, don’t you have a girlfriend, right now?” He smiled, raising his eyebrows.

“Why, uh....uh,” AJ stammered. The started to ball up his fist.

“Bye!” Nick laughed and took off running. Brian watched laughing and wide eyed. ***

The week passed quickly and I said yes to the date with AJ. We decided we’d meet the day he got home.

“Hey Sam,” AJ said, opening the door.

“Hey AJ,” I replied a little nervous. I had on a khakis and really cute blue sweater. He had on a pair of khakis and, a red and gray, sweater. He looked really good in it!

“Come on in!” He told me and I did as he bid. “You look great!”

“So do you!” I exclaimed flipping a piece of hair from in front of my shoulder. Just then I heard a soft ring.

“That’s our dinner. Do whatever you want. I’ll be ready in just a minute.” AJ told me and walked into the kitchen.

I walked into the small dining and there was a table set very beautifully. Table cloth, two candles lit and everything else, perfect.

Before I knew it, I saw AJ come around the corner with two plates of lasagne.

“Dinner is served.” He announced, after he poured the glasses with tea.

“It’s all very lovely, AJ.” I shyly remarked.

“Thanks.”

We ate in silence and were finished quickly.

“I have a movie for us to watch.” AJ announced standing up and taking the dishes to thekitchen.

“Please say it’s not scary. I’m not in the mood for one.”

“No, it’s not!” He laughed. “Ever seen Patch Adams?”

“I’ve wanted to but never took the time.”

“Good, it’s starting right now.” He told me pushing the tape in the VCR. I sat down on the couch my legs curled under me. AJ sat right next to me and slipped his arm around my waist. I was a little uncomfortable, but not too bad at all. I laid my head on his shoulder and felt his cheek on my hair.

We both watched that movie quietly, you could hear the other breathe. Later, I felt AJ lift his head off mine, so I looked up at him. His eyes were on me and I felt his arms around me, pull me closer to him.

I didn’t want him to kiss me, but before I could pull away his lips were on mine. My heart raced as he tightened his arms around me. My head fell and I rested my forehead on his chest, gasping for air. He gently started to pull my face back up to kiss me again.

“No AJ.” I whispered pulling away. “Please don’t.” I didn’t know why I was pulling away, but I was. Nothing had ever happened to me. I had always had clean relationships. So why was I nervous? Was something not like it’s supposed to be in my heart?

“Sam, what is it? Do I smell bad or something?” AJ asked rather taken back.

I smiled at him. “No, it’s not that. I don’t know what it is. “I was now standing in front of the couch.

“Move over! Your blocking the TV!” He hollered at me.

I smiled knowing that was his way of saying sorry. I sat back down next to him, but not as close as before.

AJ, how was your date?” Howie asked the next morning.

“Okay.” AJ replied.

“Just okay?! Is Sam not a good kisser?”

“Yeah she is. She just doesn’t want to kiss!”

“Sam doesn’t want to kiss you?” Howie asked stunned.

“Yes, I don’t know why. She never told me. Just pulled away.” AJ almost hollered with his eyes widening.

“Hey, AJ.” I said as I walked around the corner of the studio’s hallway.

“Oh, hey Sam.” AJ said embarrassed, but walked to me giving me a hug then holding onto my hand.

I didn’t pull away but I was uncomfortable. Why? T thought I liked AJ!

“Hey guys... and girls!” Nick exclaimed seeing me. “I hope, you guys don’t mind that invited her over for the afternoon. Just to watch us practice for a bit.”

“That’s fine.” AJ smiled.

Nick glanced down and saw AJ and I holding hands. His eyes looked at me. They looked hurt and betrayed. But why? I turned my head. I couldn’t look at his soft, tender, blue eyes. But I turned the wrong way. AJ was looking at me and I looked right into his gorgeous brown eyes.

“Excuse me a minute!” I whispered and then walked away.

“Hey Sam!” Brian exclaimed as he past me in the hallway. I didn’t reply. “Sam!”

I started to jog to the stairwell, tears were forming in my eyes.

“Sam!” Brian called again, following me.

“Brian, go away!” I called over my shoulder. I fell, tripped over my own feet. I landed on my hands and knees. My hair tangled in my face.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, his voice full of concern.

“I’m confused!” I sobbed. I felt Brian trying to help me up. My tears slowly stopped when I was standing straight.

“What is it?” He asked once more.

“I don’t completely know!”

“Why not?"

“It’s hard to read my emotions.”

“Maybe I can help.”

“Well, it’s about guys and you are one so, maybe.”

“Shoot.” Brian said, sitting down on the floor against the wall. I sat down beside him.

“Well, I’ll be blunt.”

“Good, I don’t like long stories.”

“Well, hush then Brian! Anyway,” I started and looked at Brian and he smiled.” That night I was at AJ’s house, I was almost positive that I liked him. But, when he kissed me, it just didn’t feel right! But I wanted it to. With all my heart, but it still didn’t. So I pulled away. Then when we were holding hands a minute ago, Nick looked at me with such pain in his eyes! Why did it bother me?”

“Wow! A little more, emotionally involved, then I expected!”

“Told you.”

“Hush, I’m thinking.” Brian demanded smiling. “I think you should just wait a bit before breaking anything withe AJ. Your heart will lead you in the right direction.” Brian finished putting his hand over his heart.

“Thanks Frick! You’re the best!” I leaned over giving him a hug then jumped up leaving him behind.

“I love you, too!” He yelled teasing me.

“I know. You just can’t help it!” I smiled at him over my shoulder. I saw his huge smile and laughed.

“Sorry, I’m back.” I smiled at Howie, AJ and Nick still standing where I had left them.

“What happened?” AJ asked concerned, reaching for my hand, once more.

“Don’t worry about it.” I said.

“You, sure?” Nick asked.

“Yes I am, and Howie, don’t you ask!”

“I heard something was wrong. Are you okay?” Kevin asked. We all cracked up. “Okay, I take that as a yes?”

I nodded while I kept laughing. Kevin smiled and just walked off shaking his head.

“Come on.” AJ begged pulling at my hand.

“What?” I asked.

“Please just come on. Before we start our practice.”

“Okay, okay.” I said following where he guided me. “What?”

AJ pulled me against him and wrapped his arms around me. I just let my arms rest on his shoulders. He bent his head towards mine and kissed me. He kept on kissing me although I didn’t make, much of a move.

“AJ..umm....practice is starting,” Nick mumbled.

“Oh, thanks Nick.” AJ said. I backed away, so embarrassed.

“Nick stayed and watched AJ walk away through the doorway. I saw a glisten of a tear in his eyes.

He slowly walked over to me and fear was in my heart. What was he going to do?

He reached his hand out and gently caressed my cheek. His hand was so soft and warm.

“You don’t know how much pain is in my heart.” He whispered. I could hear it in his voice, but why was I giving him so much pain?

“Nick, what is it?” I questioned, nervously. He looked down at me. His blond hair fell in his eyes, swiped it back. His head leaned down towards me.

“Nick, bud. Let’s go!” Brian yelled. Nick regretfully let his hand slip from my cheek. Little did I know that I was regretful too.

I sank down in the nearest chair and cried. “What is going on? My heart is speaking to me in a language I don’t know!” I sobbed to myself.

I don’t know how long I was in there, crying, but I felt my body being pulled against another. I felt cool, gentle lips on my forehead. I looked up at the face, but couldn’t recognize it.

Before I knew it, I had been dropped off at my house and asleep

Through many more months I kept, in touch with the guys. AJ wrote very frequently, I replied every now and then. I just never had a desire to. I could tell there was nothing in me for AJ.

But every day I wondered who it was I had been with. Whoever it was my heart was with him. Maybe that was what was keeping my from AJ.

AJ,

What up? I’m bored at home and hoping that tour is going great for you.

I know you were hoping we could be more then friends and we almost were. But I want you to know that I just want to stay just friends and nothing more. I’m extremely sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings or heart.

Your buddy,

Sam

I hated writing that, but I also hated leading him on. A day later I got a depressing message from him. But I knew that I didn’t like him.

A few more weeks went on and the guys were getting back in about one week.

Sam,

Come up to Atlanta with us and you can stay on, tour with us the rest of the time. We only have about 4 concerts left.

Your buddy,

Frack

Always Nick. Thinking of someway for me to meet up with them.

“Hey Sam!” Kevin called from the door of the bus. “Hurry up before we’re found!”

I jogged over and jumped up the stairs.

“Hey Sam!” Brian called smiling. Everyone knew me and AJ had stopped dating.

I got hello’s from everyone, everyone but Nick. I sat in one of the chairs watching scenery go by, I heard the seat next to me whoosh.

“Sam, whatcha thinking about?” Howie asked.

“Life and how confusing it is.” I replied bored.

“I’m sorry about how things didn’t work out between you and AJ.”

“Don’t be. Feel sorry for AJ if either of us.

“There’s a faraway look in your eye!”

“Is there?”

“Yeah. Sam, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing! Just confused!” I almost yelled aggravated. “I need to see Nick. Where is he?”

“At the arena. He had something he needed to do.” Howie replied.

We got to the arena a few minutes later. The guys headed towards the dressing room after they gave me my All Access pass.

I walked towards the stage at first not seeing anyone.

“Sam!” I heard a familiar voice call. There was Nick standing up on the stage with is shirt in his hand. It looked like he had been practicing same dance moves. “Sam, I need help. You know the girls part in “Show Me the Meaning” right?”

“Yeah.”

“Come do the part for me. I’m having trouble .”

“Sure.” Nick helped me up on stage. We started dancing and I felt his eyes on me the whole time. In one move Nick was supposed to pulled me towards him, but he actually pulled me completely against him.

“I think that’s enough for now.” He breathed. I was breathing hard and felt his arms around me.

“Yeah, I guess so.” I sighed. I looked up at Nick and into his eyes. Gosh, they were so tender and there was something else in them. What was it?

“Before I knew what was happening I felt his arms tighten around me and his lips met mine. So gently, yet passionately with longing.

Then I knew! This was who I belonged with. The one my heart told me yes to. My one true love. We kissed a kiss that sealed up together with true love. Brian was right, the heart doesn’t lie. It can only tell the truth.