As the girls were talking about basic everyday things, Jess wondered if she should come out and ask what Tabitha's true feelings for Nick really were. She pondered the question in the back of her mind for a few more minutes and finally let it slip out of her mind.
"So, Tabs! Tell us, is Nick Carter really as good looking as he seems on TV and in his video's? Or is it just make-up and computerized touch-ups?"
"Well, I would be lying to both of you if I said he wasn't attractive. He is very easy on the eyes. Basically what you see is what you get with Nick." Tabitha said.
She couldn't lie to her two bestfriends. Now that she thought about it even more, Nick was more then just a good looking guy. He was sweet, funny and talented.
"So, then he is good looking? Wouldn't it be funny if you guys, after all these years, hooked up!" Megan said while nervously laughing.
"Oh please! Come on, girls! I mean, I would love to hook up with Nick. I guess I can let you two in on my little crush for him. I guess seeing him again did something weird to me."
"So, you like Nick then?" Jessica said. Trying to get a more straight forward answer from Tabitha.
"Fine! Yes, guilty as charged! But, I'm just going to leave it as is. I don't want to ruin the friendship that we striked up."
Tabitha and the girls continued talking. They were all un-aware that Kelly had heard most of their conversation.
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The next morning Tabitha checked her e-mail again after Jess and Meg had left. She hadn't expected anything from Brian, or Nick. But she was surprized when she found one message in her in-box. It was from the same address.
Hola Tabs! (Howie wanted me to include some spanish in my e-mail!)
It's Nick! Or I guess, Nicky! Which-ever you prefer. However, I think I am only allowing Kelly to call me that. She is to darn cute! Well, I checked my calander and you should be here in O-Town in a week.
I wish my mom and dad were still in Florida. But, they just left to look at houses in L.A. So, it'll just be me and the guys. Lucky you, huh?
Well, I can't wait to see you again! I had alot of fun doing the video with you. We'll have to watch the finished product with the guys.
Talk to you soon!
*Hugs from Nick*
Tabitha smiled as she read the e-mail. She was a little disapointed that she wouldn't be able to see Mr. and Mrs. Carter, but she figured she would see them soon enough.
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One Week Later.......
Tabitha, Kelly, and their mother Lynn were seated once again on a plane. Destination: Orlando, Florida. Tabitha stared out the window at the beautiful scenerey that lay below her. Kelly was listening to her very own Backstreet Boy cassette that Tabitha had purchased for her at Virgin Records.
"If you want it to be good, girwl. Getcha self a bad bwoy." Kelly sang along to the lyrics. Lynn and Tabitha exchanged glances and laughed.
"Do you think Kelly has a crush on your Nicky?" Lynn asked Tabitha.
"Mom! It's cute! And, besides, he isn't my Nicky."
Lynn laughed lightly to herself. She could see it in her daughter's eyes that she had feelings for Nick. But, she couldn't blame her daughter at all. Nick had always been a looker, even at 7.
As the plane landed, the three of them walked off and entered the Orlando Airport. Lynn had a smile on her face as she saw Nick and the guys. She had planned for them to be their when they arrived.
"NICKY! Bri-Bri! Bone is here! Kweven! And owie!" Kelly screeched and clapped her hands together.
"Oh my gosh! Mom, did you do this?" Tabitha asked as she saw all of the guys their to greet them.
"I may have had something to do with it! Who knows?" Lynn said as she greeted each of the guys with a hug and a kiss.
"Hey, Tabitha! Did you get my e-mail?" Brian asked as he hugged her.
"Yeah, I did! I was so confused when I saw it. Cuz, I didn't remember giving you my e-mail addy, but my mother filled me in on how she gave it to you guys."
"Did you get mine?" Nick said as he swung Kelly up into the air.
"Yeah! Nick, be careful! She just ate 4 bags of pea-nuts on the plane." Tabitha said while grabbing her bags and laughing.
"I o-tay! Don't worry bout me, Nicky." Kelly said as she gave Nick a thumbs up sighn.
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The guys went back to Brian's house in Orlando and Tabitha, Kelly and their mother headed to their Ocean front home about 3 blocks from Brian's house. It was truly a beautiful home. It had two floors, each bedroom over looking the clear blue ocean. Their three bedrooms and a large guest room with two twin beds. A game room, large living room, dining room, and large kitchen. It was a definate change from their ranch style home in James Town.
"I could get so used to this, mom."
"Well, you might have too. I didn't tell you this before, but we might be staying here longer then hoped. Randi says their are alot of job opportunities here for you."
"Cool! So, is this permanent?"
"Nothing is permanent. Just, temporary, for now! But, enjoy it! It's a great house. And if I might add, your bedroom is too cool." Her mother said as she picked up Kelly and showed her to her new bedroom.