End of the Road

Here I am,dating a sex object of thousands of screaming, weeping 14-yr old fans. He might not have been the most popular Backstreet Boy. That title was reserved for Nick Carter,but there was something about him that I couldn't even begin to explain. Was it his eyes?That's probobly his best feature, at least that's what the fans claim. But you probobly have a better chance of getting struck by lighting then seeing his deep-set piercing brown eyes because of those damn sunglasses he wears 24/7. He even sleeps with them on for cryin out loud! He says he absolutley hates his eyes and long eyelashes but I think they're kinda cute. Oh well, it's like talking to a brick wall when you bring up that subject.

Or was it all those tattoes he has? Having to maintain his "bad boy image" for the fans and for himself, he's always covering his body with one more tattoo every four months or so. His newest one? Some theatrical symbol or something, who knows,I lost count. I always nag at him saying that when he's old and wrinkled like a prune, he'll regret all those tattoes if not sooner.His response was always the same, "I'll die looking and acting my younger self."

Maybe it was the changing hair colors and styles. Just last week, he looked like a dalmation with his hair dyed jet black with white spots here and there. This week, thank god, he returned back to his normal look but only temporarily, he claims. I dunno,deep down I like his changing do's. It always brings a smile to my face when he models his "look of the week" to me.There was one time when he tried the fro route except it turnedout all wrong. When he showed it to me backstage before a concert I laughed so hard, I fell off my chair and caused the 'domino effect'. Boxes came tumbling down along with three guitars, Tommy's keyboards, and four microphones. Donna and Howie came running up to us when they heard the chaos and saw us laughing until we couldn't breathe. Donna started yelling and ordered me to get out. Luckily, we made up later.

In case you can't tell who I'm talking about, it's AJ McLean.But how did we meet? Well, it was about a year and a half ago.I was staying with my grandparents from my dad's side who live in Germany. My older cousin, Jamie also lives in Germany as an interviewer for a popular teen magazine there. She invited meone day to join her as she interviewed a pop group called theBackstreet Boys. She said they were very popular in Europe, Asia,and Canada. So the next day, we went into this ritzy hotel in Berlin. We had lunch with the boys as Jamie asked them questions. I noticed one guy in particular, named AJ, kept on checking me out. I had to admit,he wasn't bad looking. Towards the end of our lunch, I excused myself to go to the restroom. After I got out, AJ was standing there. I thought that was kind of strange, as if he were waiting for me. Anyway, we talked on our way back to the table and basically for the rest of the afternoon before they had to leave for yet another interview. AJ gave me his phone number and told me to call him that night around 10. As you can imangine, I did. We kept in contact, even after I moved back home to Flordia. To my surprise, we lived about 30 miles away from each other! When he came back in November, one thing led to another and well, here we are dating.

***

I felt someone shake my shoulder lightly as I heard a deep,husky voice call out my name.

"What?" I asked in a groggily voice, slowly openingmy eyes. AJ was on top of me practically with a big grin spread across his face.

"Oh it's only you." I said, cracking a smile. AJ frowned at me.

"Only moi? Aren't I your loyal, obedient boyfriend who would do anything you commanded?"

"Well then loyal, obedient boyfriend of mine. I command thou to get off of me so I can get up."

"Yes mam'." He replied, saluting me. I gave a little laugh as I pushed myself up. "Are we already at Brian's?"

"Yep. I hated to wake you though, you look so cute when your asleep." he leaned over and attempted to kiss me on the cheek but at the last second, I turned my face towards him and our lips met. AJ cupped my face in his hands as I put my hands on his shoulders. Just when we were really getting into it, a car beep caused us to quickly seperate in surprise.

"What tha...?" AJ began to say but stopped when he saw Kevin, Howie, and Brian standing right outside his car cracking up. Nick stepped out of the car in front of us, unable to hold back his laughter.

"You guys going to smooch smooch or party party?"teased Brian.

"Party party first, smooch smooch later." was AJ's answer as we both got out of the car. After our exchange of hugs and hand shakes, we went inside Brian's condo.

"I challenge Mel to Nintendo!" Nick called out, grabbing my hand and dragging me to the living room.

"Adios guys! C-ya soon!" I said, blowing a kiss goodbye.Howie, AJ, Kevin, and Brian laughed.

***

As soon as Mel was gone, Kevin turned to AJ. "Do you have it?" he asked him.

"Right here." AJ replied, reaching into his jean pocket. He pulled out a small black velvet box.

"Oh, I wanna see." Howie said, leaning over Brian's shoulder.

AJ slowly opened the top and a flash of light hit their eyes. Kevin and Brian let out a little gasp. It was a stunning engagement ring. 18K gold with a HUGE diamond stone right in the center.

"Oh AJ, she's going to love it." Kevin said, giving his friend a smile, "Girls love diamonds."

Brian put one arm around AJ. "So buddy, are you gonna pop the big question now?"

"Brian,"AJ said, a tad annoyed."You know I had this all planned. I hired Jon's Gifts & Gags to come out to Mel's place tonight to decorate the whole front yard with lights that spell out 'Mel,will you marry me? Love, AJ' Thank goodness her parents were cool with the idea."

That's when they heard Nick screaming. Fearing the worst, all four guys ran into the living room, AJ making sure he put the engagement ring back in his pocket.

***

"Nick, what's wrong?" Howie asked, concerned.

"Mel beat me in Super Mario Kart 64!" whined Nick, pointing at me.

"Oh you poor baby. Let Mel come over and make you feel better." I reached over and tried to give Nick a kiss but he scooted away from me and eventually off the couch.

"Oh, my behind didn't need that. I think I can't move." Nick said, rubbing his butt.

"Hey, look what I found." AJ said, walking in with a Twister game.

"Oh, Twister." Nick shot right up, nearly knocking me over. I laughed at that.

After three games of Twister, we decided to pop in a movie. Of course, deciding the movie was like pulling teeth. AJ insisted on Pulp Fiction, Kevin and Nick wanted The First Wives Club, Brian said Mr.Bean, while Howie and I wanted Titantic. In the end, Mr.Bean won. Howie and I moaned while Brian did a little victory cheer as he put the tape in like an excited child. AJ, Kevin, and Nick didn't look too pleased but didn't argue.

After Mr. Bean, The First Wives Club was next. During our little movie outing, AJ didn't seem himself. In fact, since we arrived he's been...distant. I'd have to question him on that later.

After The First Wives Club, I looked at the time. 12:49 am. "AJ, we should get going now. I'm really tired." I added a little yawn in there also.

"You're right hun." he replied, streching out on the loveseat next to me.

"Don't forget our photo shoot tomorrow AJ, 3 o'clock at..."

"I know I know Kevin,at Cape Canavral. I didn't forget Daddy."

"And..." Brian started to say but AJ shot him a look.

"Bye guys. See you soon." I hugged each and gave a small peck on the cheek. AJ opened the car door for me and I sat down, putting my seat belt on.

The car ride back home to West Palm Beach was quiet. I got bored and despite my constant yawning, I couldn't fall asleep. "Are we there yet?"

"No sweetie. Go to sleep, we still have a long way to go."

I tried to get in a good sleeping position considering I was in a car, but couldn't. "Could you sing a song for me AJ?"

"Only if you promise you'll go to sleep."

"AJ..." I said, looking at him,"Why do you want me to go to sleep so badly?"

"Uh,"he mumbled,"Well, like I told you earlier you look cute when you're asleep, yeah..."

"Nice excuse but I'll buy it because you'er my loyal,obiedent boyfriend." I smiled at him but he didn't notice.

AJ opened his mouth but no noise came out because the car began making funky sputtering sounds.We started going slower and slower...

"What's that?" I asked.

"I dunno but we have to pull over." he said, stopping the car alongside the road.After a few unsuccesful "turning the ignition to get the engine started"attempts, AJ gave a big sigh and reached for his car phone.

"Looks like I'll have to call Brian to pick us up." he murmured, dialing Brian's number.

"Yeah sure man. I'll be by in about half an hour."

"Thanks. See ya then." AJ hit the end button.

"AJ, I am really really scared. I mean, this road is deserted and it's dark and..."

"Ssh baby." AJ put a finger to his lips,"You got me to protect you from all those things that go bump in the night."

"Oh AJ, you are so silly." I pulled him closer to me and began to kiss him all over.

AJ nibbled my ear then whispered, "Shall we?"

"But Brian's going to be here soon." I mumbled, as I kissed his neck.

"True but..."

AJ got cut off by someone pounding hard on the glass window. "Damnit Brian..." AJ stopped in mid-sentence when he realized it wasn't Brian. A man wearing a black ski mask pointed a revolver right at us through the windshield.

"Open the door!!" he commanded as he continued to pound on the glass windshield.

"Oh my god!!" I screamed, quickly grabbing AJ's arm, "What are we going to do?!"

"Just chill here baby. I'll take care of this." AJ was about to unlock the door when I tugged his arm.

"Don't!! He'll kill you!" I pleaded.

"I know what I'm doing!!! Just shut the fuck up ok?!" he snapped back at me. I stared at him stunned. It took him a second to realize what he just said.

"Sorry Mel." he said more to himself then to me, as he unlocked the door. No sooner did he unlock the doors that my door swing open and another man in a ski mask grab my hand. He tried yanking me out of the car but noticed I still had my seat belt on.

"Take it off!!" the man yelled right in my ear.

"Hey, let her go." demanded AJ, cletching his fists. The man out of nowhere pointed a gun at AJ and shot him in the right lower thigh area. Blood splurted all over the grey leather seats as AJ tried his best to cover the gun shot wound. You could tell he was in obvious pain but didn't try to show it.

"AJ!!" I screamed, as some of the blood landed on my clothes. I didn't care though, the man I cared about and loved was in trouble.

The man holding my hand finally got frustrated and took off my seat belt himself. Then he dragged me out of the car, against my screaming protests. "Shut up!" he said, poking me in the back with the revolver. I tried my best to be quiet but I couldn't stop the tears that were now sliding down my face. Then he turned his attention to his partner who was pulling AJ out of the vehicle.

"I'll take care of them. You just finish up the job."

The man in the black ski mask nodded his head as he threw AJ down in a ditch as if he were a rag doll. I felt helpless,guilty,and angry at myself all at the same time. If only I hadn't suggested leaving right then and there. What if we played one more game of Twister? Watched another movie? I'd never forgive myself if something happened to AJ.

The man who had the gun pointed at my back told me to lie down. I felt a whole new batch of tears flood down my face as I did what I was told. I could remember saying something about not hurting AJ anymore.

The next thing that happened changed my life forever. The man turned me over so I was facing him. He then took off the shirt I was wearing. It didn't click what was happening until he started unbuttoning the jean shorts I had on. He's going to rape me! I started screaming and struggling to get away from him but he was right on top of me. He had trouble sliding the shorts down my legs because of me kicking but finally managed get them off. He put one hand on my neck and held it there, forcing my head to stay on the ground. He started to kiss my neck,lips,and chest. He licked the outer part of my ear. He slowly made his way down to my breasts. He fumbled around as he un-snapped my bra straps. He tossed the bra aside and started to lick and suck on them when suddenly, what sounded like a scraping noise became louder and louder. I somehow managed to crank my head around to see AJ limping towards us.

"Leave her alone." he said in a choked voice. A trial of blood was visble from where he dragged himself from and you could tell he was very weak from the loss of blood.

"Oh shit! A car's coming!" yelled the man in the black ski mask.

"Damnit." the man on top of me scrambled to a old, beat up pickup truck that was parked behind AJ's car. Just when they were about to pass us up, the man in the black ski mask got out his revolver once again and aimed it striaght at me, then fired. My mouth dropped wide open,ready for the bullet to hit when out of nowhere AJ jumped right in front of me, the bullet hitting him instead. He landed on the concrete road with a thud, not moving an inch.

"AJ, oh my, AJ!!!" I screamed in terror, as I rushed over to his side. I turned his body over so I could see if he was still alive. The bullet entered near his heart. I knew he wasn't long for this world.

"Why AJ, why did you do that?" I asked him inbetween sobs, as I cradled his face in my arms.

AJ took off his sunglasses with one shivering hand and looked straight up at me. I felt my heart melt right away at the way his eyes were,like an innocent puppy.

"Mel, I c-couldn't stand to see you s-shot right before m-my eyes. I-I love you s-s-so much, I want you t-to know that y-you hear? A-After all, I am y-y- your loyal, obediant b-boyfriend who would do a-anything you a-ah-asked for right?"

I nodded my head as a smile spread across our faces. I could tell it was time, so I said barely above a whisper, "AJ, I love you too but please don't leave me, I beg you."

"Sweetie, t-t-things happen for a r-reason (hiccup). J-just l-look inside m-my (hiccup) pocket...goodbye my l-love.." AJ mumbled the last few words as his eyes closed for good.

I felt a single tear slide down my cheek. I did as AJ instructed, going into each one of his pockets. Finally, I pulled out a small black velvet box. My hands started trembling as I slowly opened the box. Inside, was an engagement ring.

I covered my mouth as the tears started coming down once again. AJ was going to ask me to marry him! I sat there on my knees crying so hard, I didn't even notice Brian pulling up in his jeep.

"Sorry it took so long guys but..." Brian stopped in mid-sentence when he saw AJ dead on the ground and me naked, letting the tears flow with the engagement ring in one hand.

"Oh my lord, AJ!" Brian kneeled down and started shaking AJ's shoulders like a madman but he already knew it was too late. He gave up and stared at me, a few tears trickling down his face.

"Oh Mel, what happened?" he asked me, looking into my bloodshot eyes and stroking my hair. The human touch made me shudder, despite the fact it was one of my best friends. I started to feel self-conscious under his gaze.

"T-two guys s-s-shot A-AJ a-and tried t-to..."It was all too much, I just couldn't go on but Brian understood what happened and helped me up.

"Come on Mel. We have to call the police." Brian gave me a hug and patted my back as I cried in his shoulder. I took a deep breath and nodded my head yes as the two of us walked back to his jeep. Brian gave me a old t-shirt and jeans to throw on over myself. I remembered looking out the window one last time at AJ's body as Brian dialed 911.

"Yes AJ." I whispered, "I do."

* * * * * * * * * * * *

THREE MONTHS LATER

 

The winds started to pick up as I sat down next to AJ's grave.

The last three months since that dreadful night has been utter hell for me but I'm trying to pick up the pieces and move on. I go to consuling three times a week to help ease all the pain I feel inside. I don't think I'll ever get over it, but I'm trying to go on with my life.

The police never caught the two men who did this but they say they have a pretty good idea who it might be. Yeah right I think to myself everytime I hear that bullshit of an answer.

As for the rest of the Backstreet Boys when they found out the terrible news of AJ's untimely death, they were never the same again either. They were thinking of actually spliting up the group but decided at the last minute not too. They figured AJ would want them to go on. They set up a program after AJ and myself to people who have to cope with the deaths of their loved ones. Not only that, but they planted a tree in Orlando dedicated to him with a plaque that reads:

In Loving Memory Of Alexander James McLean
Nicknamed A.J. Or Bone
Who Died December 17th, 1998
To A Gun Shot Wound To The Right Thigh And Heart
We'll Remember You Always
Peace Out Brother

I looked down at his tombstone. That read:

Alexander James McLean
Born-January 9th, 1978 Died-December 17th, 1998
A Man With A Big Heart And A Even Bigger Passion For Music.
R.I.P. Forever.

 

"Well AJ, I hope you're enjoying yourself on the other side." I said,smiling. I pulled a few grass blades and threw them up in the air. The winds immeadetly carried them off.

"You know, who would have thought I would have a loving and caring boyfriend like you. I just hope that one day we could be together again...forever."

I brushed my hand over the marble tombstone. I could feel my eyes watering up. AJ's engagement ring sparkled in the daytime sun.

"I think I should go now AJ. I have to meet the guys in half an hour. They have a concert tonight at Sea World. I promised I give a mini-speech about you and how great of a man you were to me and everyone else. Goodbye AJ." I kissed the ground and got up. Just as I was getting ready to leave, I heard a low, faint voice call out my name. I turned around and gasped. AJ stood before me, looking as handsome as ever.

"A-A-AJ?" I stumbled on my own words.

"Hi there baby. I've missed you."

"This must be a dream or something. You're dead." I was in a state of shock. I was talking to my "dead" boyfriend, or should I say fiancee?

"Yes silly, I am dead. But I came to say goodbye to you one last time."

"Oh AJ,"the tears started to leave my eyes,"Why...why did you...?"

"It's called destiny my love.This was the path God gave me to follow, the path of life." he stared at me and his face saddened.

"I guess it was true when you said you'd die looking and acting your younger self." I said, laughing a little. AJ's face lit up and a smile crept across his face.

"That's my girl. Remembering the happier times but..."he grew serious again, "You got to move on with your life. Forget the past and focus on the future."

"It's not easy though. All the memories we've shared together...gone."

"Ssh..."AJ walked over and wiped the tears from my eyes with his thumb. I noted the icy cold feeling of his touch, the sign of death. Then he got on his knees.

"Melody Cathlin Kutcher, will you marry me when we see each other again for good?"

"Of course AJ." I cried out, hugging him tightly. AJ kissed my forehead and sang softly in my ear the accepla to the Boyz II Men song, "The End Of The Road",

The Farther We Go
Till The End Of The Road
Still I Cant Let Go
It's All Natural, You Belong To Me
I Belong To You
Come, To The End Of The Road
Still I Can't Let Go
It's All Natural, You Belong To Me
I Belong To You Love.

AJ paused then whispered, "My time is up.Goodbye Mel."

"And goodbye to you Alex." I said as he disappeared right before my eyes. I stood there, hugging the air when Nick came up from behind me and tapped me on my shoulder.

"Hey Mel, are you ready? Howie's waiting for us in the car." He acted as if though he didn't see anything strange.

"Yes. Let's go." Nick took my hand and we walked together, hand and hand, down the hill. After getting into the car, I looked out the window one last time. AJ stood at the top of the hill, waving and blowing me a kiss. I waved back, then blew him a kiss goodbye as we took off.

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