He pressed play on his voicemail and walked toward the refrigerator and sighed.
Nick, it's me. I'm so sorry. I miss you. I do love you and I want to be there through all your up's and down's and everything. I'm willing to give everything, trust me this time. I miss you so much! I've talked everything out with someone important and I understand everything I need to know. Nick, I need to know if you still care, please? I don't care if I do see you on TV everyday, that doesn't matter. It's not the Nick I want. It's not Nickels. It's Nick Carter. Call me..please!

The sound of her voice made his heart ache. Too soon. He sat down the phone and smiling picking up the green book that had kept his attention for the past week. He had read it at least 20 times. Taking in each and every word. He wanted to call her so bad, everything she felt, he knew he felt it too. It was just too soon.

She shuffled through her mail and frowned, three cards and bills. "He hates me," she whispered walking back into her house. She threw the mail down on the table and sat down in a chair. Just as soon as she picked up her first Christmas card the door bell rang. She jumped out of her seat, half startled and half excited. She ran to the door and opened it quickly; smiling. FedEx.
"Sign here please."

After scribbling something that looked somewhat like her name she mumbled thank you and scrambled back into her house. She sat the box down on the floor and gazed at it. Nickels was all the return address said. She grinned. He doesn't hate me! She ripped the package open and her grin grew wider, if that was even humanly possible. She was so happy at that moment, she felt as if her heart was going to burst out of her chest. She pulled the cassette tape, letter and finally a hard back green book. She smiled as she began reading his letter.

Trouble,
No I never forgot about you. I miss you so much and I swear everything you feel right now, I swear I feel it too! Here's your diary back, I know how much it means to you, cuz it means just as much to me. I do understand Candice, maybe not completely but let me in your life more and I'm sure I will. We have forever. Here's your Christmas present, I had the fella's help me a little just cuz I know Aj wouldn't have it any other way, haha! Just listen to the tape and remember I love ya!!
         Nick

Candice walked into her room and slid the cassette into her stereo, then turned the volume up.

"Yo dis be Kev.
I'm sweet D.
I'm Rok, ya know!
Bones house of pleasure press one..
And this is Nick.
We're your friends."

Candice smiled as she heard them fighting quietly over who gets to talk next and if that was good enough. She laughed.

"Hey Candi, it's Kevin. I miss ya girl! And just let me say Nick has been extra whiny thanks to you! Haha! Kristin sends her love, it was great havin' ya around! Love ya girly! Get well and get out on tour with us!"
"Candice! Babe, you need to come visit me again! Maybe buy a Sweet D Condo! Huh? How's that sound! Buenas noches."
"Leave it to Howard to try and get money outa ya! Brian need's a new bball. You need to come with us so you and I can whip Nick at Basketball! Ya know ya wanna!! C'mon!! Love ya!"
"Ohmigod she's back again! Yo Boner speakin', hum..where do I begin. I'm gonna be serious ::SNORT:: Well, I would love to go shoppin' with ya again :: farting noise :: Nick! But ya know how busy I am. I'll give you a rain check on that one and next year we'll buy the whole town! :: burping noise :: Brian!! Get better! Love ya!"

She had to press stop. She was laughing so hard it hurt. She couldn't help but smile. She did love Nick, more than ever. She pressed play and Nick's voice came on.

"Hey Trouble, Candi Girl, babe. How are you? I'm gonna think of a really embarrassing nick name for ya soon enough! God knows how you came up with Nickels. I've been thinking, dangerous I know, but someone has to do it. I was chillin' to Journey and it hit me. This song touched me so much, and it made me think. How much better is my life with you in it? :: burping and farting noise :: Kevin!! So I got the guys to sing this song with me..enjoy. Love ya!"

Music began to fill the background and Candice sighed, taking in all the lyrics.