Chp 3
"Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with the ability to perform tonight. May everything run smoothly and may everyone be safe. Amen," prayed Brian as the Boys and backstage crew huddled together. It was a ritual to say a prayer before every show.
"Ok, guys, let's get ready to kick some butt!" exclaimed AJ as they pranced to their places behind the stage. They've popped out from platforms and flown. This tour, they're entrance was a bit less dramatic, yet just as affective.
They could definitely hear the fans' screeches become higher as the stage got dark. They knew this was a sign the Boys were coming out. Minutes later, a spotlight illuminated a single microphone set in the middle of the stage. Seconds passed. Another microphone on its right was spotlighted. Then on its left. Lastly, the fourth microphone was shown. Side by side by side by side, all evenly spaced in the middle of the stage. The fans were becoming restless. Then unexpectedly, the lights turned off. The audience died down in confusion and fear. What happened? Where are the Backstreet Boys? Is this part of the show?
Suddenly, the lights were switched on simultaneously and their beloved Backstreet Boys stood there, legs spread apart, hands behind their backs, and heads hung.
The fans once again screamed and cried at the top of their lungs. Seconds later, Nick's head snapped up and he said the words "let's dance" in a very deep and monotone voice. Then the first beats to the song started. Soon, the Boys were grinding, pelvic thrusting, and grooving to a medley of Let's Dance, Larger Than Life, and Everybody (Backstreet's Back).
Elena and Staci who were sitting in fifth row center screamed their heads off and danced just like the rest of them.
"OMG! Kevin looks so friggin' GORGEOUS!"
"ALL of them look GREAT!"
"Yeah, but Kevin looks so friggin' GORGEOUS!"
AJ came down to a lower platform and reached over the barricades to touch a few fans' hands. He smiled at them and blew them kisses, while the fans fought with each other over which kiss belonged to who. He waved to them and scanned the audience. That was when he saw her.
'It can't be! Can it?' He tried to concentrate on the lyrics, but it was hard as her familiar bright green eyes met his. He gave her a confused look. She just smiled and mouthed the words "hi."
AJ returned the smile and greeting and went back up to the other guys. He tapped Brian on the shoulder. Brian gave him a questioning look that asked "what's wrong?" AJ pointed out into the audience. Brian followed his direction and found out what had distracted AJ. Pleasantly surprised, he grinned and waved at her. She waved back.
"Hey, Eelie! They recognized you!" Staci shouted excitedly.
"I know!"
The concert was two hours and a half. Pretty long, but it flew by so fast. The fans cried hysterically when it was over. They didn't want to leave. Elena and Staci tried squeezing out of the packed arena.
"Excuse me! Pardon me! Coming through here! Ouch!" exclaimed Staci.
"What?"
"That little bitch elbowed my boob!"
"Oh Gawd!"
"Eelie! Where's the backstage entrance?"
"We can't just walk in! I have to ask their body guard or something!"
"Well, hurry up! Do it!"
"Chill out! I have to find one!"
She was looking all around for Q or Jeff or Joe, but no familiar faces surfaced. Suddenly, Elena felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and came face to peck with a very large man.
"U-u-uh, may I help you?"
"No. I've come to help you. Mr. McLean requested your presence backstage, miss."
"Oh." She glanced at Staci who gave her a pleading look. "Ok. Umm, can I bring my friend?"
"Yeah, sure. Follow me."
"Thank you."
"OMG! I'm gonna beat Kevin! I mean meet! MEET Kevin!"
Elena laughed and the bodyguard snickered. They walked through a long corridor and came upon a closed door marked Do Not Enter to fool the fans. It didn't work, though.
"You can just walk in. I'm sure they're fully dressed by now and if they're not, well, at least you'll get a couple of laughs and a nice view," he laughed.
"Thank you so much uh"
"Larry and you're welcome."
Larry walked away. Elena stood in front of the door.
"What are you waiting for?! Hurry before they're dressed! I wanna see their tighty-whities!"
Elena gave her the evil eye. "Shut up! This is a little hard for me."
"What's so hard?! You just put your hand on the knob like this then turn it! Oh, I'll do it!"
"Staci, don't!"
Too late. The door swung open to reveal Nick struggling to get his jeans on and three other very shocked Backstreet Boys.
"Wow!"
AJ walked up to her cautiously with a confused expression on his face, while Nick, red in the face, finally zipped up his pants.
"You're not Elena."
"No I'm not." She was staring at Kevin and started walking up to him moving her booty from side to side.
"Hey, Kevin. What's up, baby?"
"Uhh" Kevin was dumbfounded. 'Well well well. Look at what the cat dragged in. That is one fly honey.' "Who are you?"
"Oh, I'm Staci, Elena's partner in crime."
AJ shook her hand paying more attention to the doorway. "Pleased to meet you. Where's Elena?"
"Right here," she answered meekly walking slowly into the room. "Hi, guys. Long time no see."
"Hey, girl!" AJ picked her up and spun her around. "How ya been?! Where ya been?! How come you didn't keep in touch?! We missed you!"
" *Lol* I'm sorry, guys! I've just been really busy, but when I heard that you guys were doing a concert here, I jumped at the chance of seeing you! I missed you, too!"
Staci rolled her eyes and laughed. "Ha, yeah right! I had to practically beg her to come!"
"Shut up!" She hit her on her arm.
"Is that so? You don't like us anymore?" AJ asked her joking, while giving her the sad puppy dog face.
"Ahhhhh! Stop it! You know I can't resist that!"
"That's why I do it!"
"Well, move out of my way! I have to say hi to the other guys, too!" He stepped aside and let her greet the others. She hugged each of them and gave them a kiss on the cheek. "Aaahhhhhh! Nick! You have facial hair!!!"
Nick laughed and stroked his goatee. "Yup. Puberty finally caught up with me, I guess."
"It looks great!"
"Thanks."
"I'm sorry we lost touch. But I've been following on you. I got your new album. Congratulations! It's the best I've heard so far!"
"Thanks! You probably said that about Millennium, too!" laughed Brian.
"Well, yeah! Your albums just keep getting better and better!"
"Thanks! And don't apologize. We know how it feels to have a busy life."
"Duh! Oh, let me introduce you to one of your many stalkers. AJ, Nick, Brian, and Kevin, this is my good friend, Eustacia, also known as Staci. Staci, you know who they are!"
"Hella yeah! We've already met before. When I barged in. Hey, Nick, cute butt!"
Nick blushed. "Thanks."
"Take a seat, lovely ladies," said AJ as he bowed and escorted them to the sofas where the rest of the Boys were lounging.
"Why thank you, hotstuff," replied Staci as she took a seat between Kevin and Brian. Elena sat next to Nick and AJ sat next to her.
"So how's life?" he asked.
"Eh, so so. I just came back from Washington where I did a story on the Goo Goo Dolls. They are so unbelievably nice!"
"Cool."
"Yeah and I've been helping my sister with her writing career, nothing big. How about you? As if I need to ask!"
"Everything's good here in Backstreet World."
"GOOD?! Mr. I'm Part Of A World Famous Group Who Went Multi-platinum For The Fourth Time And Sold Out Every Venue In The USA In Less Than An Hour?! I think your life is a little better than just good !"
"Ok, my life is going GREAT! Better?"
"A little. You're rich, young, talented, good-looking, famous, and successful. What more do you want?"
"Love?"
"Love? Come on, practically one-third of this earth adores you!"
"No, not that kind of love. Real love. True love."
"Oh." Elena looked at the ground. "You're not alone, AJ."
"H-h-how are you doing? You know, with"
"Oh, I'm ok. I'm fine. Just going on with my life."
"Good. Just hang in there, Eelie."
"Yeah."
Staci cleared her throat very loudly. "AHEM! You two aren't the only ones in this room, you know!"
"Oh yeah."
"Hey, guys? Why don't we go out somewhere?" suggested Nick.
"That's a good idea. Where?"
"I don't know. I can't think of everything."
"Hahaha, Nick thinking, now that's funny!" stated AJ.
Nick threw a pillow at him.
"Why don't we go to the Sun Tavern?" suggested AJ looking at Elena. "You know, for old times sake."
"Fine with me. Everyone else agree?" Everyone else shook their heads yes.
Kevin stood up. "Alright then. Let's go."
As soon as they walked out the door, a group of waiting fans screamed and stampeded towards them.
"Can I have your autographs???"
"OMG! OMG! OMG!"
"I love you, AJ!"
"I love you, Brian!"
"Nick, I wanna have your baby!"
"OMG! I can't believe I'm standing right in front of the Backstreet Boys! AAAAHHHHHH!!! I LOVE YOU!!!"
"Sign this! Please???"
Larry came to their rescue and made them stand in a line. The Boys happily signed autographs after the fans had calmed down. A girl looked Staci over and grunted.
"Eww! Is that Kevin's girlfriend?! Gawd, I thought he'd have better taste than that!"
Staci, who was standing next to Kevin, heard her comment.
"What did you just say, little girl? You better watch your mouth and respect your elders! Didn't yo mamma teach you any manners!"
"Whoa now! Chill, Staci! Don't cause trouble!" warned Elena.
"She started it!"
After the fans were satisfied, they all made their way to the tour bus.
"Wait! What do we do about our cars?"
"Umm, ok, you know what? Will it be a burden to you and Staci if we all split and took your cars to the Sun Tavern instead of our big tour bus? It would really be easier and there would be less of a chance of anyone recognizing us," suggested Kevin.
"You guys? A burden? Of course not! But I'm taking Kevin and Nick!" proclaimed Staci.
"Ok. So that means I'm stuck with AJ and Brian, huh?"
"Hey!" both Brian and AJ said at the same time.
" *lol* I'm just playin' with ya! It would be an honor for you two to ride in my car. Then we can just drop you off back here and then go our separate ways."
So, Kevin and Nick walked to Staci's car, while Brian and AJ hopped into Elena's.
"Ok, who's going in the front?" asked Nick.
"Kevin!"
"Me!"
"Fine! No need to shout! I was just asking! Jeez!"
Kevin and Staci climbed into the front smiling, while Nick pouted in the back. The venue was a half-hour away from Elena's house and then it would take another fifteen minutes to get to their final destination. They had plenty of time to talk, and in Staci's case, flirt.
"So, Kev may I call you Kev? You must work out extensively to keep up that physique of yours, am I right?" she asked bending over to "fix" her skirt. Kevin stared at her cleavage and almost missed the question.
"Huh? Oh! No, not really. I work out when I have the time, which isn't often, but I try my best to keep in shape. Although, I've been slacking these past few weeks. Can you tell?" he flirted back.
"Yeah right! Kev, if every man on this earth looked as good as you, oh what a wonderful world this would be!"
"Thank you. You're not so bad yourself." He gave her a sexy smile.
"Why thank you, stud muffin."
'Oh my Gawd! Gag me! They'll probably be doing it by the time we reach the place! This is going to be a long ride!' Nick thought with a huff.
Meanwhile in Elena's car
"So, Eelieam I still allowed to call you that?"
"Yes, silly, of course you are."
"Ok. So, Eelie I don't mean to pry into your personal life, but what have you been up to these fast few years?" AJ asked her.
"Well, I've been writing, duh, and I found a new love for music. Thanks guys. You've really inspired me."
"Really? You sing?"
"Well, no. Me, singing? Haha! Please, I can't carry a single tune! Although Staci has a good voice, which she won't admit to. I've resumed my piano lessons."
"Cool. I've been plucking at the keyboard and bass guitar here and there. Not quite pro yet, but you know. I'm getting there."
"Why? You're doing great dancing and singing."
"Because some people aren't satisfied enough that we now write most of our own music, sing, and dance. But that's not the real reason. I don't know. I just want to be a well-rounded musician, that's all."
"That's cool. So, how's your mom?"
"She's good. I bought her a shore house."
"Hehe. Every mother's dream! So, you live by yourself now?"
"Yeah. *sniff sniff* I'm aaaall byyy myyyy seeeelfdon't wanna be aaall byyy myyy seeelf anymooooooooooore!" He sang off key. Elena hit him.
"Shut up! I know you can sing! You don't have to rub it in!" she laughed.
"Pbbbbbtttthhhh!"
" *gasp* Brian! OMG! *lol* I forget you were here with us! I'm sorry!"
Brian crossed his arms and replied coolly, "Oh so now you remember I'm back here! Ok, fine. I see how it is. I see how it is now. I don't care. Don't include me in your little private conversations. You think I care what you two are talking about? Well, you're wrong. I don't give a rat's butt about what you two are talking about---"
"Ok! We get the point!"
"Hehe. I'm just kidding!"
"I know, Bri. I'm sorry."
"It's all good."
"I'll talk to you now. AJ, keep your mouth closed. So, Brian, what's up?"
"Besides the obvious, nothing much really. No, wait, actually, I've been with this girl named Jen for over two years now---" AJ smacked his head. "Ow! What did you do that for?!"
"Shut up, Rok!" AJ said through clenched teeth.
"What?! Huh? Oh. I'm sorry. I forgot," he replied softly. Elena smiled.
"That's ok, Brian. I'd love to hear about your girlfriend. What does she do?"
"She's a lawyer. Ironic, huh?"
"I'll say! You better keep your practical jokes to yourself or else she'll take you to court and bust your pretty little ass!" she teased.
"No way! I'm way to mature now for practical jokes. I've grown out of them. You should yell at Nick."
"Aww, Bri! Why did you have to grow up?! We all must grow old, but growing up is optional!"
"Because it was time."
"No, I don't wanna hear anymore from you! Stop being so mature! I miss my Baby Bri-Bear!"
"Hey, Eelie, do you mind if I ask you something?"
"Not at all, AJ."
"Well are you dating? Have you dated?"
"I'm not involved with anyone right now, but yes, I do date. I've been with a lot of great guys, but none that hold my interest."
"Oh."
"Why?"
"Just curious."
"Have you?"
"Hella yeah! Tons of girls!"
"Were they of legal age?"
"Yes, smartass, they were!"
" *lol* I love you, AJ!"
"I love you, Eelie!"
"I love you, Brian!"
"Love you, too, hon, and AJ, if you tell me that you love me, you will get hit!"
"Eww, Brian!"
Half an hour later, they arrived. Staci, Kevin, and Nick were already waiting for them.
"Hey, strangers! Did you catch up on old times?" asked Staci.
"Yeah we did. Did you get to know Kev and Nicky better?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Humph! More like got to know Kevin a little too much better! I didn't know if we were going to make it!" complained Nick.
"Aww, poor Nicky. Don't worry, once we find a table, we'll divide our attention to each of you equally."
They entered the restaurant and were immediately seated because they knew who they were.
"That's strange. Last time I came here, they didn't recognize me," stated AJ.
"You guys get bigger everyday!"
"Oh goody!"
The waitress walked over to them.
"Before I take your orders, let me tell you that I absolutely adore your music! Those harmonies and lyrics always tug at my heartstrings! You are a very talented group of young men! May I have your autographs? Oh yeah, my daughter loves you, too."
Brian smiled. "That's very good to hear and certainly you may have our autographs."
She handed them her checkbook to sign. Brian passed it around and then handed it back to her.
"Thank you so much. Now, may I take your orders?"
"Sure. Two pina coladas, one strawberry daiquiri, one margarita, one iced tea, and one cappuccino."
"Is that all? I'll be back in a sec."
"Yeah, thanks."
"Eelie, if you drink that cappuccino, you're gonna be up all night."
"I know."
"Ok, so Kevin! You and Staci get along all right?" asked AJ.
"Oh yeah."
"Boy, did they!" Kevin elbowed Nick. "Ow! You punk!"
"Ah, the memories. I remember when Eelie and I came here to talk about---uh, stuff"
"AJ, it's ok. You guys don't have to do this for me. I'm fine, really. I've accepted it and moved on."
"Yeah, but, I still kind of feel bad. Really bad."
"Oh, AJ, don't start," groaned Nick.
"I wasn't going to."
"Anyway, to change the subject Staci, I've heard you sing."
"What? Where did you hear that?"
"Elena told us on our way over here."
"Elena, you skank!"
"What?! It's true! You know you can sing!"
"No!"
"Uh, yeah! I've heard you! Don't lie!"
"Sing for us."
"What?! No way!"
"Why not?"
"Because!"
"You've got a really nice voice! You've won quite a number of talent shows in your time! Why not?"
"High school talent shows! That was a long time ago! Besides, who cares if I won a few lousy talent shows?! Next to these guys, I'll sound like a dying animal!"
"I bet that's not true," said Kevin.
"I bet it is," retaliated Staci.
"Oh come on!"
"No! You can't make me!"
"Please?"
"No!"
"Pretty please?"
"NO!"
"Puhleeeeeeease?" Kevin gave her the sad puppy dog eyes and a pout. "Do it for me?"
"Noooooo, uhhhhhugh! Fine! Dammit! Why did you have to be so damn cute?! I hate you!"
"No you don't." He grinned.
"You're right. But still."
"You're really going to sing?"
"Yeah yeah yeah."
"Ok. Go ahead."
"What do you want me to sing?"
"Anything. What ever feels comfortable."
"Umm Jam on 'cause Backstreet's got it Come on now, everybody We've got goin' on for years HUH!"
"No! Not that! Come on, be serious."
"What, you don't like it?"
"Please, that was such a long time ago."
"Well excuse me, Mr. I Look 25 Years Old But I'm Really 80!"
"Sing something nice and sweet like you."
"Aww, okahemme me me me meeeeeeeethere. Now that I'm all warmed up Said the night wind to the little lamb Do you see what I see?Way up in the sky, little lamb Do you see what I see?A star, a star, dancing in the nightWith a tail as big as a kiteWith a tail as big as a kite Ok, that's it! You're not hearing another word from me!"
She had turned bright red as the BSB stared at her in amazement.
"What? Was I that bad?"
"No, not at all!" complimented Kevin. "You were phenomenal!"
"Stop it." She blushed a darker shade of red.
"Seriously! Why didn't you want us to hear you? You know, you can become the next Shania Twain with those pipes of yours."
"Umm, I don't think so."
"Why not?"
"Because I have no desire to become famous. I know about all the things you guys have to go through and everything and I don't want to be a part of that."
"But it's fun!"
"I'm very content where I am, thank you."
"Ok."
The waitress came and set each of their drinks in front of them.
"Thank you."
"You're very welcome."
"AJ, I'm surprised! This is the first time you had the opportunity to get liquor without any penalties in a long time and you didn't!" stated Brian.
"I don't feel like getting drunk tonight. I already have a big headache as it is."
"Really? Because of all the noise from the concert?" asked Elena.
"No, we're used to that. I've just been thinking too much."
"About what?"
'You,' he wanted to say but held it back. "I don't know."
Everyone was having a wonderful time chatting and joking and catching up with old times. Everyone except for AJ that is. He just sat back and kept quiet and stared at Elena. 'She has gotten even more beautiful then I last remember. Should I say something? No, I can't. Not yet. This could get too complicated. But it probably will anyway because I don't know how long I can suppress these feelings. They've been inside me for so long' Brian noticed AJ's unusual behavior.
'What the heck's wrong with him? He's usually the life of the party.' Brian leaned over and whispered, "Hey, what is it?"
"What?"
"You're being too quiet."
"So?"
"So, are you ok?"
"I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, don't worry about it. It's not your problem."
"Sorry, I just wanted to help."
"I know. I'm sorry. But really, there's nothing to worry about."
"If you say so. But remember, I'm here, and so are Nick and Kevin. I don't want a replay of what happened last time you kept something from us. You do remember that, don't you?"
"How can I forget?"
"AJ? Brian? What secret are you hiding from us?" teased Staci.
"Umm, nothing."
"Ok, I see we're not special enough to know, am I right?"
"Yeah, it's a secret for club members only," said Brian.
"Oh? And what club may that be?"
"The BAAC."
"What's that?"
"The Brian And AJ Club."
"Fine! I'm forming the Staci And Elena Club and YOU can't be in it!"
"What about me?" whined Kevin.
"You get to be in a club with Nick."
"What?! I'm stuck with Nick?! Why do you people hate me so?!"
"Hey! What is this?! Pick On Nick Day?!"
"No, everyday is Pick On Nicky Day."
"Shut up! And DON'T call me NICKY! I'm friggin' 23 years old!"
"Ooooh, 23! Nick's a BIG boy now!"
"That's right!"
"Ok, stop picking on poor Nick," Elena defended him.
"Thank you, Elena. At least one person appreciates me!"
"Aww, we appreciate you. We just like to torment you."
"And why?"
"Because you're the blonde."
"I'm not naturally blonde!"
"Yeah, but you're still blonde."
"You suck!"
"Well, actually, it depends"
"Pervert!"
"Hehe."
Staci's eyes bulged and she felt herself getting really turned on. "Kevin?"
"Yeah?"
'Screw me.' "Oh, nothing."
Brian looked at his watched and realized it was getting really late.
"Hey, guys? It's past twelve already, so we really should be getting back. We have to be up bright and early tomorrow for the Rolling Stone interview, and photo shoot, and the five-hour bus trip to our next concert venue."
The Boys all groaned and reluctantly got up. Staci and Elena split the bill since it was their treat. They all filed back into the cars for the long ride to the arena. This time, Brian sat in the front so AJ could sprawl out in the backseat and sleep. He wasn't feeling very well.
"Hey, Bri," whispered Elena leaning over.
"Yeah?"
"Is everything ok?"
"What do you mean?"
"Well, AJ doesn't seem like himself and I was wondering if it had anything to do with the group. You guys are ok, right?"
"Yeah, we're all great. I don't think it has anything to do with us."
"What do you think it has to do with then?"
"I don't know, but I'll try my hardest to find out. He hasn't been the same sincenone of us are."
"Oh. I understand."
"Yeah. Well, anyway, your friend and my cousin are getting pretty cozy with each other." He grinned.
" *giggle* My friend likes your cousin a lot."
"My cousin really likes your friend, too. I wouldn't be surprised if they hooked up."
"I hope they do. They would make such a cute couple!"
"Hehe. Me, too. It's about time Kevin found someone to spend his life with. He's already 31, for goodness sake!"
"I don't think Staci's ready for that big of a commitment yet! And besides, you're a bachelor, too!"
"But I'm younger! AndI won't be a bachelor for long"
"Bri?"
"I think she's the one, Elena. I'm going to ask her to marry me."
"Aaaahhhhh! Brian! Congratulations!" she squealed quietly and hugged him.
"Thanks! But don't congratulate me yet! She hasn't said yes yet!"
"Oh of course she'll say yes! Who wouldn't say yes to that adorable little face of yours?"
"Teehee."
Elena glanced at her rearview mirror and saw the disturbed expression on AJ's sleeping face.
"Man, he's out like a light."
"He's a very heavy sleeper like the rest of us. You have to be if you wanna get some shut eye in this business."
"True."
They arrived at their final destination a few minutes later. AJ was still in Lala Land. Brian was about to rudely wake him up, but Elena stopped him.
"You go in, Bri. I'll wake him up. I don't want you being out here for too long unprotected."
"The fans went home already. Aww, Elena, you're ruining my fun!"
"Shush and just go, Mr. Littrell."
Brian pouted. "Yes, ma'am."
They laughed and hugged.
"I'll see ya around, ok?"
"Take care, Brian. And good luck to you and the other guys with your tour and everything else in your lives."
"You, too. Bye."
"Bye."
Nick, Kevin, and Staci got there momentarily.
"Good bye, Nick, Kevin."
"Bye, Elena. Bye, Staci."
"See ya, Nick. Oh and Kevin?" She grabbed his arm and pulled him in for a deep wet kiss. Breathless after pulling apart, he looked at her in shock. "I'll be seeing you later." She smirked.
"I-I-I, yeah"
"Hey, where's Bone?" asked Nick.
"He's asleep in my backseat."
"Sorry to tell you, Elena, but you can't take him home with you," he joked.
"Aw, nuts! And I was so hopeful!"
"You want me to yell in his ear?"
"Hehe, no, that's quite alright. I'll wake him up."
"Ok, bye."
She hugged all of them goodbye and then they jogged into the building. She then proceeded to open the back door and wake AJ up.
"AJ, wake up, hon," she hissed into his ear. He stirred a little and mumbled something in his sleep.
"No I dobut I can't you won't let me"
Elena wrinkled her brow in confusion and tried shaking him awake.
"AJ, come one now, you have to wake up."
"NO!" he screamed as he woke up with a violent jerk.
"AJ! Calm down!"
He looked in the direction of where the voice was coming from. All he saw was a blurry image. He squinted his eyes and soon the image took shape.
"Elena? Whatwhere am I?"
"You're still in my car, silly. Are you ok?"
"Oh. Yeah, why?"
"Because you were mumbling in your sleep. Was it a bad dream?"
"No, just awkward. Where are the guys?"
"They're already inside. You should be heading back, too."
"Yeah I should." He stumbled out of the car, yawned, and stretched. Elena giggled.
"You know, you're awfully cute when you sleep."
"Thanks."
"Is your headache gone?"
"No, but I'll live."
"Ok, well, I hope you feel better soon."
"Thanks." He gave her a weak smile. "I had a great time, Eelie. Thank you."
"For what?"
"For being there to make me laugh and not forgetting about me."
"How can I forget you? The Backstreet Boys are everywhere I look!"
"No not the Backstreet Boys. I mean not forgetting about me, AJ McLean, not AJ Backstreet."
"AJ, I'd love you even if you weren't a BSB, you know that right?"
"I guess."
"Don't doubt it. You're my friend. A great friend. And for the record, I had a great time, too. Oh my gosh, I'm starting to cry" she laughed as she wiped a few stray tears away. "When will I see you guys again?"
"I really don't know. We're pretty much booked for the year."
"A year? That's a really long time, isn't it," she stated sadly.
"Yeah, but not as long as four. I'm sure we can hang in there. Please don't cry. I promise we won't lose touch again. And if you cry, you'll make me cry, and that's not good for my image."
"Oh come here, you." She hugged him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Take care and stay sober."
"I promise. Bye, Eelie."
"Bye, AJ."
She got into her car sniffling and blew her nose. 'Dammit! Why do I have to be so emotional? It's not like I'm never going to see him again. I'll just have to deal with my loneliness for another year, that's all.' She backed out of the parking lot and started driving away. Staci had already left.
AJ just stood there, right where he was, watching her car get smaller and smaller until finally, he couldn't see it anymore and the pain and longing he felt deep inside became almost unbearable.
"I love you, too, Eelie but not the way that I should," he whispered to the night wind. Then he slowly walked inside the building and joined the others to prepare for the long and exhausting journey ahead.
Chp 4
Chp 2
Home
