Part 98
While they waited for Alex to regain control, Kevin called management. Just moments later, Jeff and Christine from management appeared at the door. The mood that greeted them was somber as they asked what was going on. Kevin explained what Alex needed to do and when he was done, there was deadly silence.
Sarah looked up at Howie, questions in her eyes. He shrugged his shoulders to indicate he didn’t have any answers yet.
Finally, Jeff broke the silence, "Okay, we’ve already rescheduled two weeks. We can do two more."
Sarah said, "He needs at least six weeks."
Alex’s counselor, Max, had joined them by now and said, "Thirty days is all he needs, technically."
Kevin looked at a calendar with Christine along with a list of tour dates. He said now, "That puts us back out August 7th. ‘Age’…is that cool with you?"
Howie added, "If you need more time, say so. We’ll do whatever it takes for you to get better."
Alex nodded his head, "Thanks, guys."
"What do we tell the press?" asked Nick.
"We stick with the story that we’ve already released," said Jeff.
All the guys looked at each and Brian said, "Howie had a point. It’s not the truth."
Sarah spoke up, "You guys have always been honest with the fans. If you
start lying to them now, they’re gonna find out."
"Besides, they were fine with our weddings," added Becca.
"Okay, so we go to TRL tomorrow and tell the fans what’s going on?" asked Kevin.
Jeff spoke up, "You’re making a mistake telling the fans. You’re already postponing close to twenty shows and you’re going to tell them it’s because one of you has a SERIOUS problem…one that parents of young fans are going to take and use to turn them against you. You’re gonna lose big time on this by being honest."
"And what if we don’t tell the truth? The fans get hold of that and we loose," said Brian. "I think the best way for us to set an example for our fans, young and old, is to be honest."
The others chorused their agreement and Jeff said, "It’s your own funeral."
Sarah spoke up, "I think you’re wrong, Jeff. The fans are going to stand behind the guys and I for one, am proud of Alex for admitting he’s got a problem and of the guys for not wanting to cover it up. They’re role models for these kids and this is showing them that just because they have fame and wealth, it isn’t everything. Plus, they’re being honest about a problem."
Becca, Ali, and Denise agreed and Kevin said, "Looks like you’re outnumbered, Jeff. Make the arrangements for us to meet with Carson tomorrow."
Aggravated by the groups’ determination, Jeff and Christine left to make the necessary arrangements.
When they were gone, Alex looked at his friends, "Thanks. You didn’t have to do that."
"Yeah, we did, Bone," said Brian. "We’re behind you all the way because BSB is FIVE guys…not four."
Alex knew that the next part of this little get-together was almost as tough as the first part but he’d managed to get through it. This time though, Sarah couldn’t talk for him. He had to apologize to Nick and Becca as well as Howie and Sarah. He moved over to where the couple sat and knelt down in front of them. He took Becca’s hand in his and kissed it tenderly. Then he said, "Bec…Nick…from the bottom of my heart, please, accept my apology. There’s NO excuse and my actions were VERY wrong."
Becca squeezed his hand. "Just get yourself well, Alex," she whispered.
Nick couldn’t control his tears and he embraced Alex. "I’m sorry I punched you last night," he choked out.
Alex laughed, "I had it coming and it wasn’t the first time. Right, D?"
Howie chuckled softly, "Yeah."
Alex released Nick and moved over to Sarah and Howie. He shook his head as he knelt in front of Sarah. She smiled softly as he brushed her hair back behind her ear. "You’ve believed in me all along and all I did was hurt you. My sweet Sarah….Howie’s angel…god, that description suits you more now than ever before. Thank you for standing behind me…being there for me…and not letting Howie kill me. He had every right to…believe me, if the roles had been switched, I would have killed me."
Sarah laughed, "Alex, what Becca said. Just get yourself better. I have to have SOMEONE to have water fights and silly string fights with backstage."
Alex laughed too and then gave Sarah a kiss. "I promise….one hell of a water fight when I get back."
"Cool! I’ll get a new squirt gun."
Alex looked at Howie. "I’m…."
"Save it, Age. Too many glasses and bottles."
Alex laughed understanding completely what Howie was saying. "Thanks, bro!" he said and hugged Howie too.
Kevin spoke up, "We’ve gotta get going to the ball park. AJ, what are you gonna do?"
Max spoke up, "He’s got a flight out about the same time you guys will be at the field."
"Guess I’m gonna go pack and talk to Ali," said Alex as he looked at her waiting for him.
"We’ll be out to visit you as soon as we can," said Brian. "All of us."
"Thanks…I think. Look, I can’t apologize enough or thank you enough for ALL that you’ve put up with and done for me."
Brian was the first to get up and hug Alex and then each of the others did the same to say goodbye. They filed one by one out of the room until it was just Alex and Kevin standing there alone. Ali and Denise had already gone to his room to wait for him. Alex looked at Kevin and said, "Thanks."
Kevin took the younger man in his arms and said, "Anytime. Now go get yourself better. We’ll handle things here."