Nick and Karen wandered through the endless hallways of the hosiptal. They stood infront of the nurse's station. "Have I visited all the wards?" Nick asked.

Karen nervously fidgeted. "No, the uh-- cancer area."

"Oh." Nick sighed. "That's always the hardest."

"Yeah."

The head nurse spoke up. "There's only four children in that ward right now. Three of which are boys bewteen the ages of 11-13."

Nick got the hint. "So, you're saying there's no reason to visit them."

"No, Mr.Carter, the fourth child is a girl. She's 11 and could use a lot of cheering up. But she may need a little preparation before meeting you."

"Why?"

Karen patted his shoulder. "I'll talk to her first. You just wait outside her door." She turned to the nurse. "What's her name, ma' am?"

"Annabelle. Room 22."

"Thank you."

Karen started down the hall as Nick followed. She stopped. "This is it."

"I'll be waiting here."

Karen took a deep breath. Then entered. She saw a frail little girl with sad eyes. "Hi, Annabelle, I'm Karen."

"Hi," the girl barely whispered.

Karen put on a smile. "There's a very handsome young man outside who'd like to meet you."

"Me? If he saw me he'd turn and run."

Karen shook her head. "That's not true."

"Yes, it is," Annabelle said pointing to her bald spot. "I'm losing my hair."

Karen took off her hat and placed it on Annabelle's head. "There. I see no bald spot."

"Really?"

"Uh-huh. You're very pretty, hon." Karen walked to the door. "Now should I send in this handsome stranger?"

Annabelle nodded in excitement.

Nick entered.

"NICK CARTER!" the 11-year-old cried.

"Hi, Annabelle, " he said giving her a hug.

Annabelle absolutely beamed as she returned his hug.

Nick winked at Karen. "Wow. Annabelle, that's a really cool hat."

Annabelle looked at Karen. She asked, "Is she your friend?"

"Yes, she is. Karen's a very good friend."

The little girl studied Karen. "Ya' know what? I think I wanna' be her friend, too. She's REAL nice."

Nick gazed at the redhead. "Yes, she's very nice."

Annabelle spoke up. "Karen, will you be my friend?"

"Yes, honey, I'd love to be your friend," Karen replied.

Nick made a sad face. "What about me? Can I be your friend?"

The child's face lit up. "A Backstreet Boy wants to be my friend? Wow!"

A nurse stepped inside and whispered a message to Karen. Karen cleared her throat. "Excuse me, Nick, but we need to go visit another patient. Her name is Leslie."

Nick nodded. "Well, I have to go now. But I'll come back tonight."

"Cool!"

Karen waved to Annabelle. "Bye, sweetie."

"Wait, Karen," Annabelle yelled, "What about your hat?"

"You keep it. It looks better on you anyway," Karen said with a wink.

>>>>>