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"Morning, Howie," Nick yawned as he stumbled towards the stage.

"Hi, Nick, tired?" Howie asked.

"Uh-huh."

Kevin checked the keyboards. "You guys got any idea where Brian and AJ are?"

"They're backstage getting some coffee," Howie answered.

Nick stretched. "It sure is good to be back in Orlando."

"It sure is," Howie smiled.

Kevin walked around on stage. "Do you guys know who the opening act is tonight?"

"Leslie," Nick answered.

"Your sister isn't nervous, is she?" Howie wondered.

Nick sighed. "It's hard to say with Leslie."

"I'm sure she'll be fine," Kevin stated.

AJ and Brian joined them.

"Hey, Frick!" Nick yelled.

"Hey, Frack!" Brian shouted.

AJ drank his coffee. "What time does the show start?"

"At noon, but we have some interviews first. Then soundcheck," Howie said.

"Cool."

Aaron and Angel ran in the arena. "Hi, Nick!"

Nick gave Aaron a high-five, then lifted Angel into his arms. "Hey, kids. How 'ya been? Where's Leslie?"

Angel wrapped her arms around his neck. "She's still in the car with Mom. We ran ahead to see you."

Aaron began mingled with the other Boys. "Hey, guys!"

AJ threw Aaron over his shoulder. "Hi, kid."

Kevin returned Aaron to the ground. "We missed 'ya."

"I missed you,too."

Howie smiled. "How'd 'ya like having your own tour?"

"It was awesome!"

Brian gave him a hug. "I'm gald you had fun, buddy."

Mrs.Carter entered. "Hello, Nick." She kissed his cheek. "How are you, honey?"

"Fine. Where's Leslie?"

"In the make-up room with BJ. She has an interview in an hour for MTV."

"Really? I didn't know that. We just have radio interviews. Ithink I'll go say hi."

"I'm sure she'd like that," Mrs.Carter grinned.

Nick entered Leslie's dressing room and his younger sister a hug. "Hi, BJ!"

"Hi, Nick." She grabbed her car keys. "I'll be right back. I left some make-up in the car. Leslie's so pale today I need the darkest colors possible."

"Is she sick?"

No, just tired. Be back in a minute."

Nick sat down. Leslie walked in. "Hey, Les." She faced him. "Whoa, BJ was right. You are pale. Are you okay?"

Leslie nodded and sat down. She laid her head on the dresser.

"Leslie are you sure you're okay? You don't look well.'

Leslie sighed. "I don't feel very well. I just got sick."

"Got sick?" Nick felt her forehead. "You're running a fever I better go get Mom."

"No its just nerves really."

Nick looked at her uneasily. "Well, you better rest just to make sure. And I'll check on you after your interview."

 

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