All you people, can't you see, can't you see,
How your loves affecting our reality?
Everytime we're down,
You can make it right..."
Chapter 15
AJ entered the hotel from the back entrance. This was an act of
caution
on security's part. They knew that despite AJ's physical ailment, he would
stop and devote time to his fans, regardless. Needless to say, there was
still a large group of girls staking out the rear entrance. As AJ exited
the
mini-van under the protection of Marcus's strong arm, the horde approached
him. As he looked up, though, they stepped back. A young lady with a
pleasant countenance held out a bouquet of flowers.
"Get well soon, AJ." she said, her eyes sparkling. AJ gripped the
bouquet, tears forming in his eyes.
"We love you AJ!" he heard another voice from beyond him. Soon,
their
concerns and well wishes filled the cold winter air, making it feel much
warmer. AJ felt a large knot form in the back of his throat. People had
always asked AJ how he handled the fame. This was his answer. All these
people caring for and loving him. This was what it was all about. It was
a
spiritual experience for AJ. His eyes watered a bit more as he smiled and
waved as he entered the hotel.
*****
I entered the room to find my two friends packed and sitting there,
staring at one another.
"Look who's back!" Nikki said, grinning knowingly. "I wasn't sure if
we'd EVER see you again. How was the workout?"
"Huh...intense." I stressed every letter of the word. I had to talk
to
them, had to say what I was feeling. "GOD." I sat down on the bed next to
Angie, hardly noticing the way she sat with her head in her hands. "It's
just ALL so intense"
"And last night?" Nikki's eyes twinkled. I knew what she was
asking.
"We kissed. Man, " I sighed deeply, "We kissed ALOT. Til we fell
asleep. He is an AMAZING kisser. And his hands, my God! They feel so
good.
Words just don't do him justice. And this morning, he told me he thought
he
was falling in love with me. And I know it's been mad quick, but you guys,
I
think...I think he's telling the truth..."
Angie cut me off, looking up at me for the first time. "Whoa, girl,
snap out of it for a sec and listen to what you're saying."
I looked at her, feeling suddenly tired. Everything that was
happening
had suddenly fatigued me.
"I'm gonna tell you what he wants, Giz. It's not a lifetime of love
and
devotion. It's a good, quick, easy fuck and when you're done you'll hate
yourself for it." Tears were in her eyes as I sat there, dumbstruck.
Angie
stood with her shoulders square and picked up a suitcase. "Check-out is at
noon." She said, not looking at either of us. "That's when I'm leaving."
She walked out of the room and the door shut lightly behind her.
I looked at Nikki. "Noon? That's in a half an hour. I haven't even
showered yet. And...and God, I at least want to say good-bye. Nikki, what
happened? Did something happen with her and Howie?"
"I'm sure Angie will tell you when she's ready" my friend responded,
looking concerned. "But I'm not leaving without saying good-bye to
everyone,
so get dressed."
*****
The elevator door opened on the 8th floor and Angie could not fight
the
urge to step off. When she looked up, there was Marcus, cell phone pressed
to his ear. He nodded to Angie and held up an extra large palm to stop
her.
"Alright, I'll see you then." his deep voice commanded into the tiny
phone, which was almost disappearing within his fist. He closed it up and
looked at Angie.
"How is he?" Angie questioned the bodyguard.
"Well, he's got a huge fever. They put him on an IV at the hopital
today and the doc says he can't perfom for at least two weeks."
"He's performing tonight I bet, though, right?" Angie had only known
AJ
for a few days but knew it would take more than a high fever to stop him
from
performing.
"That's what he says." Marcus replied with a frown. "He's up right
now
if you wanna talk to him, I'm sure he'd appreciate the company."
Angie edged toward AJ's door, he was precisely the person she wanted
to
speak to.
SFK16
Song For Kelly
NinasFiction
