"I have absolutly no desire to practise," AJ said dismally.

For arguement's sake, Nick piped up: "Oh get a grip! It's not you plastered all over the cover of that damn rag!" He crossed his arms in front of his chest and leaned back into his seat, returning to his dull silence.

"Who the hell is in charge of the events at Disney anyways?" Cansy asked as she perused a brochure for Disney's annual Christmas Party...only two days away.

I looked over her shoulder "why do you ask?"

"Well, Soda Pop is scheduled to perform on the Adventureland stage, and we're going to be on the Cinderella Castle at the same time!"

Nick laughed bitterly, "like it matters. Lou says we've barely sold any tickets yet."

"Give it time, little guy!" Brian patted his buddy on the shoulder.

Everyone knew that Brian's comment was in vain though. If things were going like they always did, the concert would have been sold out in fifteen minutes flat.

"Does anyone want the last donut?" Nick asked as he reached for the last pastry in the box.

Sadly the rest of the bunch got up and filed into the dance studio for another day of gruelling practise.

"I'm worried about Nick," I told Brian as we stretched out our calf and lowere leg muscles.

Brian's eyes followed my gaze and it fell on Nick, who was trying his best to be jovial about an autograph he was signing for a little girl, who couldn't have been older than five. She appeared to be the daughter of one of the other back-up dancers.

The girl eagerly embraced Nick in a hug and then skipped away, clutching her autograph in one hand, and her father's hand in the other.

I noticed the look of happiness in Brian's eyes. "Sweetie you know what?"

"Hmmm?" I asked reaching for my toes.

"It's moments with innocent fans like that little girl that make all the gossip--well almost worth the turmoil!"

I was truly touched at his sincerity.

"And you know what else?"

I knew what was coming.

He rubbed my arched back affectionatly, "I was a jerk the other night..."

"And?" I teased.

"Well, I love you Selena," he laughed. "I was remembering the time we first kissed..."

"Brian?"

"Yeah?"

"Remind me what it was like..."

"Well, I guess I'm obligated since I aim to please..."

"OK--a number four, three number ones, a number five, and a number seven--" Nick furrowed his brow as he finalized the lunch list.

"Don't forget my apple pie Nicky!" Brian called.

"k B...gotcha!" Nick added the item to his list.

Nick and Howie stepped out into the slightly chilly Orlando air and began to walk the short trip to McDonald's.

It wasn't long before someone recognized them both. Nick took a deep breath, expecting to be hugged, groped, kissed...or maybe even all of the above. The girls were rather calm though. They looked like sisters. One was around fifteen, and the other was probably around ten.

The older girl looked at Howie "are you...?"

Howie grinned "yes we are," he said matter-of factly.

"Can we have your autographs?"

After getting their names, Howie signed the paper they gave him.

To Nick's surprise they didn't ask him next. Instead, the younger girl who hadn't said one word, looked at Nick, but avoided direct eye contact, "I always thought you were a cool guy," she began. I even had a dream that you were my older brother. I wanted it to be true too. Not anymore though. I don't want an older brother like you...I'm so sorry!" her voice trembled, and a single tear ran down her face. With one final glare at Nick, and a good-bye to Howie, the girls continued on their way.

Nick stood in the middle of the side-walk in shock. The girl might as well have grabbed Nick's head and ripped and ripped out tufts of his blonde locks, that's how shocked and hurt he was...not to mention the physical pain would have at least made more sense. A lump formed in his throat and his eyes welled up. Even though he knew he didn't do anything wrong, he still felt responsible for the girl's genuine tears. He felt rotten.

"D...would you mind...?"

Howie patted Nick's back, "you go and do what you have to Nicky," he said sympathetically.

"Thanks bro," Nick said sadly, heading to his truck. He needed to be alone.

Chapter 11