Part 439

Kevin came over to where Howie and Sarah were sitting and said, "They want us to do the National Anthem but they’ve also set it up for us to sing half way through the game. Sarah, I arranged for you to do the National Anthem."

"NO!" said Sarah emphatically without even giving it a thought.

"What’s wrong, ‘Tigger’?" asked AJ curiously.

"I’m NOT doing it."

Howie took her hand, "Come on, ‘Angel’. You can do it."

Sarah leaned her head on his shoulder. "’D’, please…I can’t do it."

"How about I do it with you?" offered Howie. "Or Becca? You two used to do it in college all the time."

Sarah was extremely reluctant to do this. She had had a bad experience singing the National Anthem before and had no desire to experience it again, although she knew THAT was probably impossible. Plus, even when she had done it, she’d always been nervous about it, not wanting to mess it up. The song meant so much, especially now after the September 11th tragedy. She looked up at Howie, her strength, and the confidence he had in her shown bright in his eyes. How could she disappoint him? Looking to see that Becca was still standing with Nick…well, no, more like ‘sucking face’ with him, she called, "Bec, could you turn loose of Nick’s lips long enough to talk to me?"

Pulling away from Nick, Becca asked, "What’s up?"

"Sing the National Anthem with me?"

"Sure…do we have time to run through it?"

"Nope, time to go," said Kevin. "We wasted all our time trying to convince Sarah to do this."

Howie gave Sarah a kiss in the top of her head. "It’ll be fine, ‘Angel’," he reassured her. Then, placing both hands on the side of her face to make her look at him, he said, "Sarah, I have faith in you to do this and it will be awesome. Take a deep breath and focus on me. I know why you’re scared but I’m NOT Russell. I have a lot invested in you because I believe in you…a lifetime investment."

Tears were in her eyes as she said softly, "I love you so much."

Howie kissed her again. "I love you too, ‘Angel’."

Sarah followed Kevin and Becca out to the pitcher’s mound where the girls were handed microphones. The announcer in the scorer’s booth introduced the two girls and everyone stood for the National Anthem.

Kevin whispered to both of them. "You’ll be fine. Show ‘em what the Backstreet wives can do."

Sarah looked at Becca who was equally as nervous. "Just like in college."

Becca got them on key and the two began to sing. Their voices joined together perfectly just like their friendship. As they sang, the confidence in each other and themselves came through and their voices grew stronger with each note.

Pride filled the Backstreet family, especially Howie and Nick. The two looked as if they would explode by the time the girls finished.

As everyone got ready to start the game, AJ asked Howie, "What was with Sarah? She’s NEVER that nervous or reluctant to perform."

Pulling on his baseball cap, Howie explained, "Sarah used to do this all the time in college and even at home for the local leagues. One night, while she was married to Russell, she sang and afterwards, Russell and his friends ‘booed’ her. It was the last time she tried to perform until last Christmas when she sang at the party for the Youth Center."

"What an asshole!"

Howie just nodded agreement as Sarah rejoined him wrapping her arms around him. "You were wonderful, ‘Angel’….like I knew you would be." Putting his arms around her, he pulled her close to kiss her, his tongue tracing her lips before darting in for a taste. A whimper escaped into the kiss and when he pulled away, he laughed lovingly seeing the dreamy look in her eyes.

"You’re gone!"

"Uh huh," sighed Sarah.

"That was awesome, Sarah," said Brian. "And you’ll be just as good tonight too!"

It was an acknowledgement of confidence but to Sarah, it was a reminder of what she still had to face. She paled, feeling the need to get sick but couldn’t find anywhere to go. The bus! Sarah pulled out of Howie’s embrace and raced for it.

Howie couldn’t stand it. Sarah needed him but Kevin was calling him to come on so they could start the game. Looking around, Becca was busy with Garrett and he knew Sarah wouldn’t want Sonja or Lynne to check on her, and Ali was no where to be seen. Deciding that his wife was more important than the game, he started after her but stopped when he saw Raoul climbing on the bus behind her. He knew she’d be okay.

Going over to Becca, Howie said, "Bec, do me a favor."

"Sure."

"Don’t let anyone mention tonight’s show to Sarah."

Becca had seen Sarah take off for the bus. "Do you think that will help?"

"It couldn’t hurt. Hopefully, the game will keep her distracted enough."

"If she starts getting sick, any hints?"

"Make her take a deep breath…it’s what I make her do before she goes on stage."

"Will do."

Part 440        Index