Later that night Karen stood backstage awaiting her performance. AJ ran up to her. "Guess what?"

"What?"

"Tonight's show's gonna be on MTV, " he announced. Karen became white. AJ took her hand. "What is it?"

She clutched her stomach. "I think I"m gonna' be sick."

AJ gently braced her. "Come on, hon, sit down," he said clearing off a chair.

Howie joined them. "Hey, AJ---" he noticed Karen. "Oh, my gosh, are you okay?

"AJ, did you get the paramedics?"

AJ wiped Karen's forehead with a cold rag. "Relax, Howie. She's just got a bad case of stagefright."

Howie massaged her shoulders. "Don't worry, sweetie. It'll all be okay."

Brian entered. He gazed at Karen's pale face. He turned to the guys. "Stagefright?"

"Yup," they said in unison.

Karen stood up embrassed. "Sorry, to trouble you guys. I'm fine now."

Brian gave her a hug. "You sure?"

"Yeah." She started to walk onstage, then turned to the guys. "Oh, I forgot. I need a huge favor. May I borrow someone's cell phone?"

Nick and Kevin came into the backstage area as she finished speaking. "Here," Nick said tossing her his. "Why do you need it?"

"You'll see," she grinned. She ran onstage. "Hey, everybody, I'm Karen! Unfournately, Leslie Carter has taken ill, but I was wondering if you all would do me a huge favor?" the fans screamed. Karen continued. "I'm gonna give Leslie a call, and on the count of three everybody let her know how much you miss her." She dialed the number. "Leslie? It's Karen. There's a few people here who wanna' tall 'ya something." She held out the phone, and counted with her hand. Thousands of fans shouted there get well wishes.

Nick spoke to Kevin backstage. "You know, Kev, you're right. She is amazing."

>>>>>

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