"Are you ok?" Brian asked me as he laid his hand on top of mine.

"Yeah," I answered, halfheartedly. "I'm just trying to figure out what the heck I'm gonna do now."

"Well... first you can open the door, and then you can step outside of the car... in that order..." Brian joked with me. I smiled and breathed a laugh or two. But, I was still nervous. Brian smiled and squeezed my hand. "Come on," he said. I smiled back at him, and opened the car door.

We walked up the steps to The Carter's porch, and Brian slung his arm around me. With a deep breath, he opened the door, and we both stepped inside the house. It didn't take long before BJ and Nick ran up, soon followed by the others.

"Corinne!" BJ shouted, "are you OK?" she asked as she came up and wrapped her arms around me. Brian reluctantly released me from his grip as BJ hugged me.

"Yeah BJ... I'm fine," I answered her. She looked at me and smiled. She didn't have to say anything, she just arched her eyebrows. I laughed at her goofy expression, and whispered so only she could hear, "Yes, Brian and I are together now." She tried to contain her glee, but danced around in place as she squealed under her breath. Both Brian and I laughed, because he had been eavesdropping on our conversation.

Nick walked up to Brian. "Did you do it?" he asked. Just as Brian began to speak, Sarah walked in the room.

"Do what?" she asked. Nick remained quiet, as did the rest of us. I watched as Sarah walked up to Brian. "Brian baby... where did you go?" she asked. Brian took a deep breath in and looked at me nervously. Sarah caught this quick movement and immediately became uneasy.

"Sarah... I had to leave, because I... I um..." Brian struggled desperately. In his mind he wished he could just say it... "I love Corinne and not you." But in his heart he could never hurt anyone like that. "I had to find Corinne," he answered plainly.

"Corinne?" Sarah asked coldly. "So that was your 'important business you needed to attend to'? THAT'S what's more important than ME?!" she shouted. BJ wanted to rip her hair out by the roots, but stood still, as hard as it was.

"Yes," Brian answered. "I'm sorry to say this," he began, as gently as possible, "but I think I've made a big mistake..."

Sarah just glared on in anger. "You sure as hell did! Your mistake was leaving me here so you could chase after something as insignificant as that!" she screamed. I clenched my jaw trying to be quiet, but Brian was in no way even attempting it.

"Don't speak to her in that way!" he yelled. Sarah stared at him wide-eyed. "My mistake was getting as involved with you as I did! I'm trying to be as gentle as possible here, but you... you're attacking not only me, but someone I love!" he continued.

"Oh, and I suppose the next thing you're going to tell me is that you're breaking up with me for her!" Sarah yelled disgusted.

"Maybe I am," Brian in turn answered, calmly. He took my hand and pulled me close to his side. I didn't know what to say or do... I just stared at the floor ahead of me. Kevin, AJ and Howie were astounded by Brian's words; But none of them were as shocked as Sarah.

She wanted to say something badly... she wanted to cuss Brian out... but she remained quiet. Infuriated, she ripped the engagement ring off her finger and grabbed her things. "I AM NOT STAYING HERE, AND I'M SURE AS HELL NOT MARRYING YOU!!" She screamed at the top of her lungs. She pushed her way to the front door, and stood in front of Brian and I. I stared her in the face, still unable to speak a word. "I hope you two are very happy... you bitch!" she screamed and slapped me across the face. I fell to my knees as she stormed out the door.

"Oh my God!" almost everyone shouted as Brian fell to his knees to help me. BJ Burst out the front door after Sarah. "Uh... BJ... WAIT!!" Nick yelled and chased after his sister. The other 4 guys were circled around me, all creating a jumbled mess of confused words.

I wanted to cry. In no way did I ever mean for this to happen, and the emotional distress I was going through was overwhelming. I was on my hands and knees with one hand clasped across my cheek, and four concerned men by my every side.

"Are you alright?" I believe AJ said.

"I'm FINE! Why are you all so worried? Back off!" I hurtfully screamed back. The guys raised their eyes and looked at each other, not sure of how to react.

"Do you guys mind if you leave Corinne and I alone for a moment?" Brian asked. The others immediately complied, only wanting what was best, and left the room.

It was silent for a few moments, as tears slowly began to make their way down my face. Brian hushed me, and tried to coax me into his arms. Up to this point I had refused his attempts, but I needed a shoulder to cry on. I removed my hand from my face and looked at Brian, teary eyed. "Ohh, I'm so sorry," he whispered gently, furling his brow in concern. My face was a deep red, and it made Brian upset to look at it. He put his hand at the back of my head and pulled me near to him. He hugged his arms around me as I rested my head on his shoulder. Moments passed as we sat on the floor.

"Corinne," Brian finally spoke up. "We're leaving for New York and then to tour in 2 days... I want you to come with us," he said.

I froze immediately. I lifted my head and peered into his baby blue eyes which radiated in all seriousness. "Brian... what are you saying? I mean... are you sure?" I asked him.

Brian smiled at me. "Of course I'm sure!" he answered, stroking my face, gentle as not to touch the spot Sarah had hurt. "I don't want to leave you just yet. And the tour starts in June... you graduate this semester, right?" he asked. I shook my head. "Then as soon as you graduate, you can hop on a plane and come with us! Please say you will?" he looked me straight in the eyes... I just couldn't resist him!

I let a smile creep across my face. "Yes Brian... I'd love to come with you," I answered. Brian hugged his arms around me, overjoyed.

"Wonderful! There's a few details we need to work out, but that will come later. Oh Corinne! I love you so much!" he shouted. I felt my face heat up. I was ecstatic at the sound of his words.

"I love you too, Brian," I whispered. With that, he kissed me. I knew that I had made the right decision, and I'd be safe with Brian by my side.