AN: Listen you guys, in all honesty, I haven’t been getting a lot of reviews and comments so if someone out there is reading this, be a mench and leave me one? Because I’m slowly running out of ideas and it isn’t fun writing unless I know you guys really like it. Just want to know so leave me a short note. K? Here’s a long chapter for anyone interested!

~~

“Whoa, what’s wrong?” AJ raised his eyebrows as he saw the panicked expression on Destiny’s face. He finished filling the trunk with the merchandise they purchased and closed it tightly.
“Nothing. Lets just get out of here.” Destiny was impatient. She opened the car’s door and slipped right in, the puppy still held tightly in her caring arms.
AJ nodded understandingly, jumped into the car and started it. As they drove past the store, he noticed Nick still crouching in pain.
“What happened to him?” AJ asked, returning his gaze to the road.
“Who knows.” Destiny said hoarsely.
“Should I go back and help him. We could give him a ride home or something.” He suggested, ignoring Destiny’s comments.
“NO!” She said loudly as she moved a finger behind the puppy’s ear and scratched it. The dog panted in response.
“Des, why did you hurt him?” AJ asked, suspiciously. He turned the radio off and sat in silence, waiting for her reply.
“Who says I hurt him? You know how klutzy he is, maybe he fell.” Destiny took out a mirror from her bag and checked the state of her appearance. She cringed when she noticed her lipstick was smudged. Her finger moved over her lips, forcefully removing the remaining color from her lips.
“He hasn’t hurt himself that bad yet.” AJ bit his lip. His temper was close to showing.
“What about the time he broke his hand?” Destiny talked back. She knew he wasn’t the one to blame and if anyone was at wrong it was her. Stirred by Nick’s actions she was trying to find the best way to approach the situation and tell AJ without getting him hurt or mad. The question that repeated in her mind was: ‘is that even possible?’. Destiny didn’t think it was.

~~

“What the hell did I do?” AJ exhaling deeply.
“What do you mean? You didn’t do anything.” Destiny rested her hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze.
“Then why won’t you tell me what happened between you and Nick?” AJ started speeding on the highway, recklessly changing lanes and passing cars that were driving too slow for him.
“Please go slower.” Destiny’s hand left his body. She looked out of the window, noticing all the angry drivers showing vulgar gestured toward their vehicle.
“Screw that.” AJ grunted and exposed his middle finger to the silver convertible beside him. He drove a bit faster and passed the car. The driver in the silver convertible wasn’t very amused by the happenings and honked his horn loudly.
“What the frigg? Who does he think he is?” AJ looked back at the angry driver. Taken back by the cold look in his eyes, AJ swerved back into the middle lane, where he started off.
“Do you think that’ll do any good?” Destiny questioned, observing the ‘battle’ her boyfriend got himself into.
“Well, I don’t know what else to do, Des. Unless you’re going to give me some sound advice, keep quiet.” He forced his car into the right lane and exited on their street.
“He’s following you.” Destiny said calmly.
“The convertible guy?” He looked through the mirror and saw that she was right.
“Maybe it’s his exit.” AJ brain stormed for excuses.
“Or maybe he’s looking for revenge.” Destiny’s voice was barely above a whisper.
“That’s it Destiny. We’re in some horror movie and we’re about to be murdered by some gang members.” AJ rolled his eyes and headed toward his house.
“Don’t jinx us.” She rubbed her temple.

~~

AJ remained silent until he saw the entrance to his gated community. With the click of a button they entered the quiet, lush neighborhood. After driving for a few minutes, gawking and gasping at the beautifully maintained mansions, AJ parked in his own driveway. The house looked pretty good considering a man lived there. Destiny hadn’t seen the place since Serenity had lived there and was pleasantly surprised to find things hadn’t changed drastically although the paint was new. The puppy wagged his tail and lifted his paws so they were touching the window.
“Are you going to tell me that guy lives in your house too?” Destiny patronized. She pointed at the silver convertible, parked a few feet behind them.
“I’ll go talk to him.” AJ tugged on his hair and opened the door.
“Be careful.” Destiny muttered.
“Be careful? Destiny, we’re not in a horror movie.” He repeated.
“I know we’re not but take in consideration that this guy followed you home from the highway.” Destiny reminded him of the facts.
“Yeah, ok.” AJ slammed the car’s door behind him. Destiny lifted the dog from her lap and put him on the driver’s seat. She got on her knees and turned her body to face the backseat. Looking out of the back window, she could see AJ approaching the driver of the convertible. A slightly overweight man in his mid 70's, with gray hair walked out of the car. He was wearing a designer suit which represented his high status at work. His walk showed him to be a confident man. A man that takes no crap from anybody. A man who would go out of his way to get what he wants. And quite obviously, by his apparel and the car he was driving, he does get everything he wants.

~~

“Excuse me sir, What are you doing in front of my property?” AJ asked politely, not wanting anymore controversy.
“Don’t excuse me sir, young man. I happen to know your type. You’re a reckless driver with no respect to other people on the road. You are such a punk! You could have killed me.” The man sat on his engine’s cover and rubbed his hands together.
“With all due respect, sir, you are the one who followed me to my private property. This is my house and if I wanted to, I could have you thrown out of here. You have no idea who you’re dealing with.” AJ stared the man in the eyes. After all, he wasn’t just some nobody this man could treat like the dirt on his shoes. AJ McLean was a Backstreet Boy and demanded just as much respect as the stranger sitting in front of him did. In a way, they were both very much alike.
“Throw me out, huh? I think the truth of the matter is, YOU don’t know who YOU’RE dealing with. I don’t know how you own a house in this neighborhood. For all I know you could have broken into this house or just the pool guy with a key. What are you trying to do? Trying to impress that girl in your car? Is she an easy lay?” The man challenged, with a playful hint on his face.
“Don’t talk about my girlfriend like that or I swear, I won’t be responsible for my actions.” AJ warned the man, making a fist with his hand.
“I’m sure that would look good on your growing police record. Breaking into a mansion, sleeping with a prostitute and now punching the manager of one of the strongest, profitable stores in this nation. No sir, the judge wouldn’t look too kindly on that.” The man shook his head.
“I don’t have nor am I going to start a police record. I don’t care who the hell you are but you’re on my property and if you don’t stop insulting me, I’m going to call the police and you are the one going to be arrested.” AJ gritted his teeth.
“You don’t really expect me to believe that this is your house? Who are you? A Bob Nobody.” The man straightened his suit and ran a hand threw his thinning hair.
“A Bob Nobody? I hate to bring this up but I probably make just as much or even more money than you do.” AJ explained, tapping his foot on the ground.
“Doing what? Dealing drugs?” The man chuckled.
“Ain’t that cute, no actually, I’m in the music industry.” AJ gave him a wicked smile.

~~

“Really? Are you in a band or something?” He asked, observing the tattoos on AJ’s arms.
“Yes.” AJ answered in annoyance.
“Do your practice in daddy’s garage?” The man let out a laugh.
“Ever hear of the Backstreet Boys?” AJ asked, doubting that he would.
“My granddaughter worked for that band a few months ago. Are you telling me that you belong in that band?” The man checked his watch.
“I do, sir. Who’s your granddaughter?” AJ’s anger faded as he started back at Destiny who was smiling brightly. She gave him a little wave. He waved back and turned to the man.
“Carrie Young. I’m Jeff Young, owner and manager of Hagen Jewelers. (AN: No, I doubt this place exists. I made it up.) Which one are you?” Jeff scratched his chin.
“I’m AJ McLean.” He reached his arm out.
“I see, I would say nice to meet you but I think you wouldn’t believe me.” Jeff shook his hand firmly.
“Might I ask how you got into this gated community?” AJ asked.
“I live here. I wasn’t planning on coming home so early but you got my anger flowing. Anything can happen when that occurs. Most people know not to anger me.” Jeff responded.
“I’ll try not to in the future.” AJ rolled his eyes.
“Carrie told me many good things about you. Don’t let this experience ruin that impression. I love my family, especially my granddaughter. Carrie has always been especially close to me. Her sister, Ashley was always closer to her grandmother, my wife. We have been divorced for a while now and they usually don’t come to see us together. I do understand that Ashley is seeing another one of your band members.” Jeff returned into the drivers seat and opened the other door for AJ to come sit next to him. Destiny’s head titled in confusion. She still thought the two were arguing.

~~

AJ sat in the passengers seat and turned to face Carrie’s grandfather.
“Yeah, Ashley’s seeing Howie. I kinda got to see them over our break. They’re very good together. If I’m not mistaken, he’s taking her to meet his family today. That always means something.”
“Yes, yes, when she called me the other night she told me it was very serious. Might even be invited to her wedding pretty soon, huh? A grandfather can only hope. What about Carrie? What did you think of my grand baby?” The man’s eyes twinkled as he thought of the past memories.
AJ’s knees bobbed up and down, surprised by the change in attitudes between the two. He was actually growing fond of the man sitting in front of him.
“Carrie’s an amazing person. We had fun together. She’s one of my girlfriend’s best friends.” He pointed at Destiny.
“Destiny? That’s Destiny?” The man’s eyes widened in shock.
“I must apologize for my rude behavior. I had no right calling her by those names. I have only heard good things about that girl. I had no right calling you by those names. I have a bad temper, one that gets me into nothing but trouble.” Mr. Young said honestly.
“Don’t worry about it. I don’t think I was too sober myself. Other things on my mind, I guess.” The two continued their chit-chat for a few more minutes until the older man departed and waved to Destiny as he drove past AJ’s car.
“Who?” was all Destiny managed to ask as AJ finally came to see her.
“Carrie’s grandfather.” AJ shrugged.
“Jeff?” Destiny asked in surprise and AJ nodded.
“I missed you.” Destiny smiled, putting aside all the bad things.
“I missed you too.” He grinned and leaned over to kiss her.
Their tongues massaged eachother. Destiny nibbled on his lip and deepened this kiss by wrapping her arms around AJ’s neck. The puppy jumped from the drivers seat and began jumping, trying to reach their faces, laying small kisses on their chins. The couple burst out laughing and separated. They led the panting, mischievous and still nameless puppy into his new home.

~~

“Brian, Brian, Brian.” Coral repeated her husband’s name as she knocked on her sister’s old room. It was around 8pm and her father had cooked dinner for everyone. Cheyenne popped over as soon as she heard her little sister was visiting. The aroma spread through the house. Coral put on one of her favorite sweatshirts and a pair of sweat pants and went to call for Brian. The two had been in their own rooms, taking some time apart to think.
“Coral, Coral, Coral.” Brian mimicked her and opened the door. He stood there in his boxers. His hair stood up.
“Had a nap?” Coral smiled slightly.
“How ever did you guess?” Brian joked. He sniffed the food like a dog and pat his stomach.
“Brian hungry.” He talked like a caveman.
“Brian put some clothes on and go downstairs to eat dinner.” Coral laughed.
“Brian no want clothes. Brian like boxers.” Brian continued talking about himself in third person.
“Coral like boxers on Brian too.” She wrapped her arms around him. They stayed in eachother’s warm embrace until they heard a man clear his throat behind them.
“Why are you in your boxers, young man?” Richard questioned.
“I was sleeping.” Brian explained.
“I don’t want my daughter seeing you in your undergarments. That’s not how we run this house. Understood?” Richard demanded more than questioned and ran back down the stairs.
“She’s seen me in less than this.” Brian muttered.
“I’ll tell him, Bri. Get ready.” Coral promised. Brian nodded, returned into his room and slammed it behind him.

~~

Carrie hadn’t left her house since she had returned from Italy. It could have been the jet lag but it was probably the depression she felt was taking over her. Too lazy to even get dressed, she wandered around her apartment in her pajamas. She glanced over at the phone, tempted to call Nick. Carrie didn’t like referring to Nick as her ex. It made her shiver and cringe. She wasn’t anywhere near over him but maybe the sound of his voice would help her move on. Who was she kidding, the sound of his voice would make her run right back into his arm but he wouldn’t let her. Nick was crossing his arms. Shielding his heart from her love. Carrie had a need for him and the need took over her because before she knew it, she was dialing Nick’s number.
“Hello?” Nick said as he picked up the phone.
“Hey Nick.” Carrie’s voice was barely audible.
“Carrie?” He asked.
“Yeah.” a one word sentence escaped her lips again.

~~

“Why are you calling me?” Nick asked, worriedly.
“Just wanted to see what’s up.” She fiddled with her jacket’s zipper as she leaned the phone on her shoulder.
“Nothing’s up.” He said, awkwardly.
“Oh, I see.” She groaned.
“Carrie is this about us?” Nick asked.
“I just wanted to know if you still feel the same way.”
“I kinda have to.” Nick stated.
“You don’t have to, Nick! You can learn to love me again.” Carrie said with a whimper.
“I’m sorry, I can’t.” Nick’s voice faded and she heard muffled sounds in the background.
“Listen honey, Nick is no longer available. Not for you. For me, soon. Don’t let yourself rot at home, waiting for this slob. You have such a pretty face. Bye sweetie.” Lin said and hung up.
Carrie rested on the couch. She was confused by the female voice on the other side. Nick wouldn’t have started to date a new girl already, right? He wasn’t that insensitive. And the woman didn’t say she was dating him but she sounded like she would want to. And why would he have to be apart from her? Have to? Weird use of words. Those and many other thoughts ran through her mind. She shook her head of them and turned on the TV. A sitcom, something so different from her life. Carrie concentrated on the show, not allowing herself to slip into thought.

~~

“Des, are you ever going to tell me what’s wrong?” AJ sat beside Destiny on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her and snuggled up to her.
“It’s about Nick...” Destiny started telling her story.
“What about him?” AJ asked, looking into her eyes.
Intimidated by the deepness of his eyes, she quickly changed the subject.
“Before I start, you want a buttercup?” Destiny asked with a silly grin.
“A buttercup?” AJ asked in confusion.
The puppy barked excitedly as his tail wagged.
“Yeah...a buttercup.” Destiny laughed.
The puppy barked again.
“I think you found his name.” AJ picked up the puppy and presented him to Destiny.
Buttercup jumped toward her and licked her face.
“Buttercup it is.” Destiny giggled as he slobbered all over her.
“Now dude, I think you’re cute and all but that’s my girl.” He removed the puppy from on top of Destiny and rested him on the floor.
“Tell me everything.” AJ requested.
Destiny took a deep breath and nodded.

~~

The Grant family and Brian were sitting around a packed table. Small talk was made throughout the dinner.
“Dad, pass the potatoes.” Coral asked.
“What did you say sweetie? I didn’t hear.” Her father questioned.
“I said I was married.” Coral said quickly. It was out.

~~

AN: There you go...hope you liked it. If you did or you didn’t, lemme know.