“Mom! Please!” I yelled sitting at the computer bench. “Just a few more minutes online tonight. I want to chat with some of my friends.”

“You got 15 minutes. Don’t ask for anymore.” She replied. I hear the aggravation in her voice and decided not to push my luck.

I clicked connect on the screen, patiently waited as the internet failed up and connected. Within minutes I had several conversations bugging me. My best friend Laura, then many others I hung out with at school.

I started to get bored with their conversations and clicked on search. The scrolled down to areas of interest. Music. A list of hundreds of names filled the tiny box.

My eyes scanned each name till it landed on an unusual one, BNSGBC. I decided he would be the lucky one that got to talk to me.

“Hey!” I typed and sent. I waited for what seemed like ages until a response came.

“Hey, who are you?” Was his response.

I answered his question and then he told me a little about him. “Oh guess what! I’m going to the Backstreet Boy’s concert this Friday!” I always say about the Backstreet Boys to guys. It annoying them and I love to see their faces and reactions.

“Really? I take it you live somewhere in Georgia.”

I stared at his response. A 13 year old, blonde hair, brown eyed guy knew this? “Uh...yeah. How did you know?”

“I’m on tour with my brother. I’m on his computer right now. He would kill me if he knew!”

“Who is your brother?” I inquired. Then it hit me, I was talking to Aaron. At least that’s who he’ll claim to be.

“I really shouldn’t say!”

“You’re Aaron Carter aren’t you?” I blurted out.

“Yeah, I gave out too much info. Don’t tell anyone.”

“Sure! Like you’re really him! Anyone could say the things you just said. Just another fraud.” I accused.

“No! Really! I’m not! How could I prove it?”

He was begging to prove it!? Man! It really might be him. My mind thought.

“Anything I could do at the concert?” He asked before I could say anything.

I thought hard. This could be my chance to get backstage passes. Wait! I’d have to give out my home address. Mom would kill me. “I’d love to get backstage passes.” I typed any way, hoping against all odds.

“BRB,” (be right back) he typed. I got annoyed waiting for him to get back. “Sorry. I went to ask Nick if there are any extra passes. We have two left.”

“I want them but...” I slowly typed in as excitement rushed into me then quickly drained with reality.

“But what?”

“You’d have to mail them to me and I don’t want to give out my home address.”

“See your point! Never really know who you can trust on the internet. But I promise you can trust me! I promise!”

I took a deep breath and punched in each letter to my address. I almost deleted it, but them slammed the enter key before I could change me mind.

“Thanks! I’ll send both of them to you today. You should get them Thursday. I gotta go!”

“Okay!”

“Bye! Trust me, you won’t regret this!”

“Bye.” I finished and logged off the internet. I felt weird. A let down feeling. Those passes would never come. Just another ray of hope that was going to be flattened. I sighed and went to go get ready for bed.

“Aaron! What are you doing?” Nick hollered as he watched his brother drop the two backstage passes in an envelope.

“Nothing! Don’t worry about it!” Aaron yelled in protest.

“Aaron, you better tell me what you’re doing.” Nick demanded walking over to him.

“I’ll tell you later. Wait till Friday and I’ll tell you. Okay?”

“You’re just asking for it!”

“Am I really?” Aaron smiled as he wrote the address, the placed a stamp on the top right hand corner.

“If it was stu.....”

“Don’t worry, Nick! You’ll thank me for this. I have a feeling that you will.”

“Ah crap!” I yelled. I over slept me alarm, with barely any time to get ready for school. Thank goodness this school year was almost over. My Junior year. I couldn’t believe how close I was getting to graduating.

I crawled out of bed and hurried into the bathroom. I put my contacts in then plugged in the curling iron. My layered brown hair needed a lot of work. My brown eyes shined through. I always thought they were the prettiest thing I had. Quickly. I threw my make-up on, and it still seemed to look okay.

I took one last glance in the mirror. I’m tall about 5'7'’, tanned enough to were I didn’t look pale. I guess I could be considered attractive. At least that’s what guys told me, no clue how they can...but they do.

I hopped in my car when I was finally ready to go. My parent had given me my dream car, a dark blue Jeep Grande Cherokee. I loved it.

I hurried into my first period class actually on time. A fresh Wednesday morning filled the air. Only two more days till the concert. Unfortunately I didn’t have first period with Laura. I wanted to tell her about last night, to see what she though of all of it.

“Anne!” Alex called to me.

I turned to my head and looked at him. “What?”

“Why are you almost late?”

“Nosey!” I teased. “I over slept my alarm.”

“Uh oh!” He exclaimed. “Bad girl!”

“I know,” I smiled then turned back to the front of the class as the tardy bel rang. My teacher walked over to her desk then cleared her throat, like always, s she started yet another boring Literature class. I rolled me eyes and sigh to brace myself for the next hour and half.

“Laura! I have something so weird to tell about. It happened last night.” I yelled across the lunch room. I watched as Laura’s beautiful face turned to me with an anxious look in her eye. Her blonde hair fell in front of her blue eyes, she swiped it back while she waited for me to continue.

“Well?” She prompted.

“Last night I had a guy claim to be Aaron.” I started.

“Umm...and?”

“To prove that he was the real Aaron, he said he would send me two backstage passes for this Friday’s concert!”

“Really? On my gosh! I hope it’s the real Aaron. I want to meet those guys so bad! Wait! How are you going to actually get the passes. Did you give him your home address?”

I lost my smile as she gave me her motherly look. “Yes...” i mumbled looking down at the floor.

“Do you know what could happen?” She exclaimed grabbing my arms.

“You don’t have to give me a lecture! Yes I do know! I just decided to take the chance.”

She looked mad, yet happy at the same time in some sort of odd way.

“Forget it! We both know it’ll never come true.” I sighed and grabbed a lunch tray, then walked over to my table and sat down. I sat quietly at lunch. I hadn’t realized how much I was hoping that I could really het those backstage passes. But I refused to give up all hope. The truth wouldn’t come till Thursday.

“Anne! Don’t worry about it!” Laura smiled as she sipped her coke. “Nothing is going to happed.”

I smiled to let her know I heard. Just deep down in my heart I had a feeling that everything in life was going to change. All because of my careless chat on the internet. I had no clue if it was all for the good or bad. Only time would tell.

I drove home listening to my BSB Millennium CD. “Don’t Want You Back” blared out of my speakers. I loved loud music, I always have.

I arrived home before too long and was greeted by nothing. Both my parent worked till evening and we didn’t have any pets. I unlocked the door and walked into the dining room. “Might as well do my homework” I mumbled. So I set my books down and got busy with my math.

I logged on the internet when I finished. No ane had gotten home yet. I had put the so called Aaron on my buddy list. Maybe he might be on. He was!

“Hey!” I typed to him.

“Who are you?” Was the returned message.

“You don’t remember me from yesterday Aaron?” I questioned getting a little worried.

“Oh, sorry. This is Nick. Aaron always makes friends online and doesn’t tell me about them. I get a little freaked out!” He complained.

I smiled. I could picture the aggravated look on his cute face. Nick had always been my favorite. I knew two reasons why I’d never have a chance with him, but I didn’t care. One, our age...him 19, me 16! No way! Second, we don’t even know each other. Things don’t just happen to work out. That just wasn’t how life goes.

“I’m sorry. If you’re too busy I won’t try to keep you.” I typed.

“No! This my free time. I haven’t had a normal conversation with someone I don’t know in a long time.”

“Really?”

“Yeah! It’s aggravating. So tell me a little about you.”

“My name is Anne Johnson. I’m 16 and a junior in high school. Anything else ya want to know?”

“Na. Just the basics. So have you been to any of our concerts?”

“No. This Friday will be my first one. Me and my best friend Laura are coming.” I exclaimed. I knew he couldn’t tell my excitement.

“Really? I wish I could meet you in person there.”

“I know. But more then likely not.”

He laughed. I don’t know why, but he did.

“I hope you don’t mind me asking this, I’m just asking to get my facts straight. “I explained. “Do you have a girlfriend right now?”

“No I don’t. I haven’t met anyone that meets my standards.”

“It just gets harder to find someone doesn’t it?”

“Yupe!” he agreed.

We chatted for a while longer and he finally had to get off. He had to go to practice. They already were in Atlanta, with a day off on Thursday. Brian was excited cause he was getting a chance to see Lighanne.

My phone rang soon after I logged off. It was no one for me, so I hung up quickly.

“Oh my gosh!!” I screamed the next afternoon. I couldn’t help my curiosity to check the mail. “They came! They really came! It really was Nick and Aaron! Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it! I have to call Laura!” I ran inside and laid the two prized passes on my dresser.

The phone rang as I ran down stairs. I picked it up. It was Laura.

“Hey!” I yelled.

“Wow! What’s got into you?” She inquired.

“The passes...they came! They’re in my room...waiting for tomorrow!” I yelled still out of breath.

“Funny. Real funny!” Laura remarked.

“No! I’m dead serious. I talked to Nick online yesterday.” I bragged, I just couldn’t help it.

“You talked to the real Nick Carter online yesterday?” She cried in shock.

“Yeah!”

“Is he nice?”

“Yupe! He said he wanted to meet me in person. Can you believe it?”

“No I can’t! That is just so amazing. Now you can surprise him tomorrow.”

“I hadn’t thought of that. That will be awesome! I can’t wait!” We both let out a scream. We stayed on the phone for a while discussing every tiny detail for tomorrow’s big event. Since we were finally getting to meet them, dressing normal was the best thing. And we had to look nice.

The backstage passes said for us to be there by five. So as soon as school was over Laura would come to my house and we’d ride to the concert together in my car.

Everything had been taken car of. I picked my camera up off the dining room table and out a new roll of film in it. I put in it’s carrying case and dropped my other four rolls in the side pockets.

Soon I crawled into bed and couldn’t wait for tomorrow night. My feeling that things would change came true. I was getting to meet the Backstreet Boys and I knew Nick’s screen name. Yet I still had the feeling that more was to change as time passes on.

I slipped my flare blue jeans on and zipped them up. I loved the way they looked on me. My red Gap shirt brought out my hair and eyes. I glanced in the mirror one last time and was completely satisfied with the reflection.

Laura had on khakis that were made of jean material. She wore an orange halter top. She looked so pretty in it. Her blonde hair spilled over her shoulders . She turned around and looked at me. Her blue eyes shone with excitement.

“I’m ready!” She sighed holding her hands innocently in front of her.

“Me too!” I smiled linking arms with her. “Let’s go! We’re already getting close to late.”

“I don’t wanna miss anytime I can get with those guys!” She laughed and started to walk out the door still holding onto my arm. I turned around and locked the door to the house behind us. I left my mom a note with our complete plans for the night taped to the door.

“I can’t believe it’s tonight! We’re meeting the Backstreet Boys! Well, you’re just meeting Nick in person.” Laura smiled. She popped in the second European Cd and let it start up.

“Oh, Nick is single.” I laughed giving her a look. She looked back at me.

“If anyone will get him, it’ll be you!” She pointed out. She was lucky she didn’t have to drive.

Neither of us had much to say for a little while and so Laura just reached over and turned the music up. We had an hour drive ahead of us and a lot to think about. Tonight was one of the best nights of our lives.

“Let’s go!” I laughed, linking Laura’s arm again. “It’s time to go meet our dream guys.”

She smiled at me as we walked through the doors. Security guards looked at us strangely till we showed them our passes. Quickly they escorted us to an empty back room.

“How long till me meet the guys?” Laura asked looking around her.

“Right now!” Brian smiled as he walked through the doorway. Hie blue eyes sparkled with happiness.

“So how is life treating you guys?” I asked. My heart started to pound as the rest of the guys came in the room.

“It’s going good. Busy as usual. Nothing out of the ordinary.” Kevin answered.

“So what are both of your names?” AJ asked looking at us.

“I’m Laura.

“I love that name!” Howie complimented.

“Really? Thanks.” Laura blushed.

“I’m Anne Johnson.”

“What?” Nick exclaimed as his head turned to look at me. “You’re the girl I was chatting with yesterday?” I smiled and nodded. He walked over and looked deep in my eyes. “Are you really?”

“Yes Nick I am!” my eyes looked back into his, and for a second something connected.

“We need to head out to the stage to check on something before the rest of the fans get here. You guys are welcome to come if you like.” Brian called motioning towards the door. We all followed although Nick held back and looked like he wanted me to also.

“This is crazy!” Nick mumbled. “Did Aaron send you backstage passes?”

“Yeah.” I sighed starting to walk away. Nick started following me. We finally caught up with the others on stage. It felt so cool to be up on the stage instead of staring up at it. Again I noticed we were the only ones with the guys. I guess Aaron gave us a pass to get us in earlier. Where was Aaron any way? “How long till the other fans get here?” I asked Kevin.

“Who?” he replied looking confused.

“All the other people with backstage passes.”

“Oh! In about 15 more minutes.”

Before I could stop him, Nick came running over and picked me up over his shoulder. “What do you think you are doing?” I screamed supporting myself with my arms against his back.

“Just messing around. Do you want me to put you down?” he questioned. I could tell he was in a feisty mood.

“Yes...but gently.” I added too late as I was sitting on the stage floor.

“Sorry about Nick.” Howie apologized for his band mate.

I glared at Nick and wiped the dust off my pants. We all walked backstage later and had screams greet our ears. Nick looked at me with annoyance as I watched him roll his eyes.

“Well, that was interesting!” Laura sighed as we sat in our third row seats looking at an empty stage. The opening act had already finished and the whole crown was waiting impatiently for the real concert to start.

“That was awesome!” I breathed thinking back to earlier. There was an awesome picture that I took with Nick I knew I would treasure forever.

I had let Laura hang on to my camera. Nick ran up behind me and wrapped his arms around my waist. All the other fans head’s turned to watch. Laura snapped the picture right as Nick rested his chin on my shoulder. I couldn’t wait to get it developed. I had finished my first roll and started the second. I staved all the rest for the actual concert.

“I know you thought it was awesome! Nick hung all over you!” She screamed. The teenage girl sitting in front of us turned around.

“Excuse me.” She whispered a little shy.

“What?” I answered still laughing.

“Are you talking about Nick Carter?”

“Yeah.” I smiled.

“Did you have backstage passes tonight?”

“Yupe. The guys were nice.” I said. I had no clue what else to say.

She turned back around and I felt sorry for her. I could tell that it was one of her dreams to be able to the guys. Then I remembered, the guys gave me two signed pictures. I leaned over and pulled it out of my notebook, still in perfect condition. I tapped her on the shoulder and waited for her to turn around. She did, quickly.

“Here,” I sighed, holding out the picture.

“I can have it?” She asked stunned.

“Yeah. I got it tonight from the guys.” I watched as her eyes brightened with joy. She took it from me, after giving her thanks many times. I was proud of myself. Me, Anne had just completed a good deed.

As screams erupted I looked over towards the black box and saw five guys flying in. The dancers unhooked them. Soon they started to make their rounds on each side of the stage.

The Backstreet Boys had my whole attention the full two hours. Dancing and singing their hearts out. It was the same for Laura. We both loved the whole concert and couldn’t believe when “I Want It That Way” started up. We knew it would be the last song.

Once the finished and ran down the isles to get to their bus, we waited around a little before we left. We knew the cold and terrible traffic was waiting on us and we weren’t looking forward to meeting it.

We hurried through the crowd and heard singing everywhere. Different songs that others had picked up as their favorite. My favorite was “The One”. I don’t know why, but that song had always appealed to me.

After a ten minute walk we finally made it to my car. As soon as I sat down and buckled my seat belt, my cell phone rang. I scrambled around in my purse till I found it.

“Hello?”

“Hey, Anne?” A male voice questioned.

“Yeah?”

“Hey! It’s Nick.”

“Oh my gosh, hey! I forgot I gave you my cell phone number.”

“Really? How did you like the concert?”

“It was really great! I enjoyed it a lot.” I smiled as I bit my bottom lip.

“Good! I’m glad you liked it. Are you free in three weeks?”

“I don’t know! I don’t learn to plan that far ahead. Normal people don’t have to book things.” I teased. I was stunned at how quick Nick was the just jump at the chance to do something with me of all people.

He laughed. “I know. Well, if you are, save Friday and Saturday for me. Get someone to take you to school. I want to pick you up.”

“Nick, you’ll be seen! No!” I exclaimed.

“I don’t care. I’m going to make it a great day for you. I’m going to do everything.” He ordered.

I smiled. “Okay. Remember Georgia is cooler the Florida. Ne sure to bring a light jacket.”

“Yes mother. I’ll call you as soon as I can. Just to make sure all the plans are on. Okay?”

“Okay. I’ll check with my parents and my own plans. Call soon!” I replied.

“I’ll try.”

“Bye.”

“Bye.”

I pushed the off button and set my phone down between the seats. As I looked out the windshield, I let out a deep sigh of joy.

“Who was that? Nick?” Laura asked slyly.

I nodded my head and started the car up.

“I told you that you would get him!” She yelled grabbing my arm tightly.

“I don’t have him!” I corrected. “Beside, he’s 19 close to 20! He would never be interested even slightly in a 16 year old.”

“Well, you’re wrong! He’s showing interest in you!” Laura almost yelled trying to make me give in. But I wouldn’t.

Through the next few weeks my phone was the most prized thing in my life. It was my only link to Nick, who had become a real love in my life. Not just a crush on some singer that I’d never meet.

I would never actually admit it to anyone, not even Laura what I wished. From the bottom of my heart I prayed that Nick really did like me, I’m not just another lucky girl he decided to keep in contact with. My heart had grown to love him and at times I was so scared that my heart would be broken if he didn’t.

Bring!

“Mom! Can you get that for me?” I hollered from in my room as the phone rang. Within seconds she was at my door holding the phone out to me. I took it from her as I turned my music down. “Hello?”

“Hey babe! It’s Nick!”

“Hey. You can come in tow weeks. My mom said you can even spend Saturday night if you need. Sunday is open to, if you want to stay longer.”

“Great! I’m going to leave Sunday morning. I gotta get home to Tampa.”

“Why?”

“It’s our break and the guys have something planned. No clue what. They said it was going to be a surprise for me.”

“Sounds like fun.” I laughed.

“Yeah!” I could hear his smile in his voice. “Well, Brian is calling me. I gotta go. I’ll call you later, okay?”

“Sure thing!”

“Bye babe!”

“Bye, Nick!” I hung up the phone and hurried downstairs. I flipped the TV one and enjoyed the rest of my night till time for bed.

Believe it or not the next two weeks flew by. I told Laura that Nick was coming for the weekend that Friday morning she picked me up for school. She didn’t quite get why I needed the ride if my car was working fine.

Her reaction to my news was so funny. She slammed on the breaks and her was of pure surprise. Through the whole day she kept demanding of me to tell her everything that happened as soon as he left Sunday. I promised to tell her parts...not everything.

“Anne! What are you doing waiting for a ride? I thought you could drive!” Alex questioned when he saw me waiting.

“I can. One of my friends is picking me up today.” I explained

“Oh...well. I’ll see you Monday.” Alex replied and started walking towards his car.

“I sure hope he was able to follow my directions!” I mumbled. “Oh good! There he is.” I walked quickly towards his prowler. I wondered why he drove that, he never did!

“Like the car?” He smiled as I sat down and closed the door behind me.

“Of course!” I laughed.

“Good.” He said as he covered my hand with his. “I’m so glad I’ve gotten to see you again.”

I smiled at his comment and held onto his hand as we drove off.

“So where do you want to go?” Nick asked looking over at me.

“I don’t know! You pick! What are your plans for us to do tonight?” I asked.

“Go out to eat, nice that watch a movie.”

“Okay, how does this sound. We’ll to my house, meet my mom in the process and let you unpack and me put my school stuff up. Then we’ll go rent a movie, go out to eat and come back home to watch it.”

“Sounds fin to me. You just gotta be my navigator.”

“I think I can handle that.” I gave him directions to my house and we managed to get there easily. “Mom! We’re here.” I yelled opening the front door.

“Hey dear. You must be Nick.” Mom said as she eyed him.

“Yes, ma’am.” He smiled standing behind me. His tall frame hovered over me and my mom could still easily see him.

“How old are you? Anne told me, but I forgot.”

“19.” Was all he said. I could tell he was hoping it wouldn’t make a difference.

“Okay. Make sure you’re home by 11 o’clock. Do you hear me?” She harshly finished eyeing me. “Oh, and don’t sleep in the same room.”

“Mother! “I exclaimed in embarrassment. “Let’s go Nick!” I looked up to find him still smiling at my mom’s last comment.

“What was your mother thinking of me?” Nick questioned as we walked up the stairs towards the quest bedroom.

“I don’t know. I guess it’s cause of your age and job. Living on the wilder side. If you get what I mean.”

“Yeah, well she doesn’t have to worry about that.”

“Okay!” I exclaimed getting sick of the topic. “I’m going to change. Do whatever you want in the guest bedroom. Knock on my door when you’re ready to go.” I hurried in my room and locked the door, incase Nick forgot to knock. I pulled out my black pants and my emerald green sweater. I quickly pulled my old clothes off and replaced them with the fresh outfit.

Within minutes I was ready to go as Nick knocked on my door.

“Are you ready?” He called.

“Yeah, you can come in!” I had unlocked the door get a minute ago.

He came up behind me and slipped his arms around my waist and leaned his chin on the top of my head.

“You look great Nick.” I, complimented.

“Thanks. So do you!” He smiled at me in the mirror. “Let’s go, I’m hungry.”

“Does Mexican sound good to you?”

“Yeah, tell me how to get there and we’ll go.”

“Nick, no!” I laughed as he ate a spicy pepper with globs of hot sauce along with it. I watched as he slowly chewed and swallowed it.

“On my gosh! That was hot!” He choked through huge sips of his coke.

We were sharing a booth. I got a waiter to take a picture with my camera. Nick hated it, but I had to have a picture of us on our first date.

As we sat talking, after we finished eating, I was surprised how long Nick got through without having to sign any autographs.

“Soo....” I breathed pushing my hair away from my eyes.

“So, how’s life treating you?” Nick asked looking straight into my eyes. He smiled knowing that even my life could actually get busy. He slipped his hands across the table offering me to put mine in his, I took the invitation and felt his fingers curl around mine.

“Well, I actually think we should be heading out.” Nick sighed after we talked for a while longer. It always amazes me how easily we talk to each other and how good it seems we already know each other.

“Okay. Got any ideas of a movie you want to rent?” I questioned. I slipped my arm through his as we stood up. I leaned against him and felt his head rest on mine for a second or two.

We hurried and paid in hopes that Nick wouldn’t be spotted. It paid off and we were soon safe in his black prowler.

Nick said he wanted to the “Sixth Sense”. I had it so we went straight home. My mom was surprised we were in before ten o’clock.

We soon settled in on the couch with a huge bowl of popcorn in between us. In less then 20 minutes we had finished it. I watched as Nick set the empty bowl on the floor beside the couch then slip his arms around me. I sighed and leaned on his shoulder, he kissed the top of my head and held onto me even tighter.

Through the whole movie we didn’t do anything, just sat and watched. I have to say I was little disappointed.

“Well, I’m going to head onto bed, so we can get an early start tomorrow.” Nick said as he stood up.

“Okay. I will too.” I smiled and started towards my room. There was only one bathroom me and Nick could use. I forgot that he would need to use it. I was used to being the only one at home.

“Anne! Unlock the door!”Nick yelled pounding on it.

“Shhh! You’ll wake up my mom.” I laughed.

“Well, let me in and I’l stop yelling.”

I laughed again as I reached behind me and twisted the knob.

“Thank you! You are so kind!” he sarcastically smiled.

“Anytime.” I smiled and pushed his hair away from his eyes. He grabbed my falling wrist as I tried to walk away.

“And where do you think you’re going?” he teased pulling me back against him.

“To bed if you don’t mind.” I said looking him straight in his eyes.

“Aww...alright! You’re gonna kill me with those eyes!”

I smirked and collapsed on my bed. “Music! I need music!” I mumbled as I hurried over to my CD player. I pushed the play button. I forgot what I had in there and how loud it was. All of a sudden “Larger The Life” busted out of the speakers. I hurried and turned the volume down as Nick came in my room.

“Was that me?!” he inquired.

“Umm...yeah.” I sighed looked down in embarrassment.

“I’ll be the one who will make all your sorrows all gone! I’ll be the light when you feel like there’s no where to run. I’ll be the one...”Nick sang and smiled as he gathered me in his arms and held me tight against his chest, “To hold you and make sure that you’ll be all right. I’ll be the one.”

“Wow! That was great, Nick!” I exclaimed as I turned around to look at him.

“Really? I hadn’t warmed up or anything.” We both laughed at his last comment.

I pulled away from him and laid down on my bed, snuggling up with my pillow. We actually let the CD keep playing. Nick sat down beside me and leaned over me with an arm on each side of me. I rubbed my hands up his arms and let it rest behind his neck. Without knowing why I pulled him down on me as I wrapped my arms around him.

Nick started to laugh and tickle my stomach, which just happened to be my most ticklish spot.

“Nick! No stop!” I yelled between trying to get my breath and laughing. No matter what I did he wouldn’t stop. Finally, I got enough strength and shoved him to the foot of my bed.

“Ow! You got my back!” He complained.

“Aww! Poor, baby! Should I run it for you?” I mimicked his tone of voice.

“Yes!” he pouted. I crawled down towards him and started to rub his shoulders. He had no shirt on to get in my way, so it was real easy to feel where his muscles were sore and tense.

“Oh my gosh!” Nick moaned.

“What?!” I exclaimed thinking I had hurt him.

“You’re good!”

“Oh, thanks.” I shrugged off the compliment. I kept on rubbing his shoulders for a few more minutes.

“Okay, you can stop.” Nick told me, leaning back against me. I wrapped my arms around him. Nick started to rub my arms and soon just held my hands.

“Is my baby okay now?” I teased.

“Yes I am! Thank you. I am completely ready to go to bed now.”

“Me too!” I crawled up to the top of the bed and slipped under the covers.

“Night babe.” Nick whispered as he kissed me on the forehead.

“Night. Get me up whenever you want to.” I mumbled already close to dream land.

“Okay.” He replied flipping my lights out and leaving for the guest bedroom.

“Hey guys! Where’s Nick?” Brian asked.”

“He didn’t tell you?” Howie asked.

“Tell me what?”

“That he went down to see Anne.” AJ replied.

“Who’s Anne?”

“You know, that girl he was all over at the meet and greet about 3-4 weeks ago.” AJ tried to explain.

“But she’s 16! Isn’t that a little young for Nick?” Brian inquired.

“He doesn’t seem to think so!” Howie joined in again.

“Tell me when he gets back tonight. Will it be really late?”

“Brain, he isn’t getting home till Sunday afternoon.” Kevin said confused that Brian didn’t even know where his best friend was.

“So where is he spending the night?”

“Mr. Protective are we?”AJ teased. “At her house.”

“What?! What is doing there?” Brian yelled.

“What do you think?” AJ smiled raising his eyebrows.

“Oh my gosh...”Brian mumbled.

“No, think about the ages. 16, 20. Jail bait!!” Howie commented to rescue Nick.

“Well, they better hope they don’t get caught.” AJ exclaimed. “Brian you need to learn to keep better tabs on your best friend. Who knows where he’ll be next time!”

“Thanks AJ! I really needed that from you of all people.” Brian replied sarcastically.

“Nick, what do you think of this top?” I asked the next afternoon. We had decided to go shopping, making sure that Nick had a good disguise. I was taking no chances of a mob. We were now in GAP which is one of my favorite stories. He wouldn’t let me pay for anything, then made me find things to get.

“It’s cute. Go find a few more things then try them on.” He replied taking a quick glance around. I could tell he was a little nervous something might happen.

I picked out a pair of pants and two more tops then went to the dressing room. I came out so Nick could see the tops on me.

“Wow!” he smiled. “Looking sexy!”

“Oh shut up!” I mumbled and walked back to my little dressing room.

After 15 more minutes in GAP we were done and actually tired of shopping.

“In the mood for ice cream?” Nick inquired as we past Baskin Robins.

“Sure, something really small thought.”

“We’ll just share a shake.” He said. I waited as he ordered a mint chocolate chip shake and grabbed two straws and spoons.

As we were walking towards the door one of my good friend from school walked up to me.

“Hey, Anne! What’s up? She asked.

“Not much, what about you?”

“Nothing really. I came to pick up a few things. Would you like to come with me?” She asked linking arms with me.

“Sorry I have to meet someone at my car right now!” I said looking at Nick, signaling him for him to leave. He took my hint and kept on walking.

“Oh really? Man! I’m going to be all lonely!” She whined hoping I would change my mind.

“Sorry, they’re probably waiting on me right now.” I started to walk away as I listened for one more plea. Nothing met my ears.

“Who was that?” Nick asked once we reached his car. He popped the truck so I could place all my bags in the back.

“Just a friend from school. I didn’t want to take any chances of how she would react.” I explained walking around to the front door and getting in.

“I completely understand that. I wasn’t in the mood to face a bunch of girls at the moment.”

I laughed at Nick’s expression. He looked so cute.

I woke up late that night and rolled over to look at the clock. Three o’clock. I couldn’t sleep no matter what I did.

Slowly I slipped my robe on and walked down to the kitchen. I searched through the pantry, in the dark, to find a cup. I found one. I pouted myself a large amount of milk. For some odd reason it helps me sleep better.

Climbing back in bed I drank the whole glass, hoping sleep would welcome me. It didn’t. I looked over at the clock again. Four thirty.

Once again I got up and put my robe on. This time I walked into the quest bedroom. Nick looked so peaceful. Blankets up to his waist bare chest moving as he breathed. His hair fell in his eyes. His arms were holding the covers as if there was a person next to him.

I walked over to the opposite side of the bed and sat down. Nick felt the movement and sat up.

“Anne, what are you doing?” He hoarsely said.

“I couldn’t sleep, Nick. No matter what I did.” It felt childish once it came out of my mouth.

“It’s okay.” he smiled as he wrapped his arms around me. I turned to face him and rested my forehead on his chin.

“I’m so tired...just can’t sleep.” I whispered. I didn’t even bother to get under the covers. My robe was keeping me warm. A little later I felt Nick kiss the top of my head then sigh as he to finally feel asleep.

Chapter Four

Mu Stories

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