“Hello?”

“Hey Bree, what’s up?”

“Oh, hey! Hold on a sec. I’ll be right back, okay?”

“Okay.”

“No, not you silly. I was talking to a friend. You caught me in the middle of dinner.”

“You’re eating out? Never mind don’t answer that. Dumb question. I guess the better question would be where are you eating?”

“You wouldn’t believe this, I but was actually enjoying a very nutritious meal of cheeseburgers and French fries from McDonalds.” She joked as she stepped out into the warm late afternoon.

“Where are you now? It sounds like you’re at an intersection or something, a lot of cars. Did you walk?”

“You got a lot of questions tonight. I’m just outside, you know the McDonalds off of 13th by campus. It’s always busy, especially this time of day. How’ve you been? I haven’t heard from you in a few days, but boy the fans have been going crazy about you showing up with Aaron. Things still going well there?”

“Yeah, it’s great. He’s a pain in the ass sometimes. But I just have to laugh and remind myself that I was probably exactly like him around the fellas when I was his age. Man, if not worse. So, what you up to?”

“Just making plans to go to 626 tonight. I got this huge exam on Tuesday that I should probably study for, but I figure it’s only Thursday. So, I’ll have all weekend to fit in some study time. How’s AJ? You heard anything more? You guys ready to get back on the road?”

“He’s doing okay, I guess.”

“What do you mean, you guess? Nick haven’t you seen him yet? I heard that Howie’s been out there and I figured you probably had already as well.”

“No, I guess I should soon. It’s just I don’t know how I’m supposed to act around him. Yeah, he’s doing better, but it’s gonna take longer than we all thought originally.”

“Huh? He’s staying there longer. How much longer?”

“Only a few more weeks. Actually, not where he’s at now. Once he finishes the program there he is gonna transfer to this other place, like and in-between sort of thing to prepare more for being back on the road. We’re all concerned about what it’s gonna be like for him with the stress of the road.”

Brianna sat down at one of the outside tables just as Megan was walking up to her. “Hey, who ya talking to?” Megan asked as she handed Brianna her soda.

Taking a sip first. “Mmmm. Thanks. It’s just Nick.”

“Tell him hello for me.”

“Nick, Megan says hello.”

Nick laughed. “Okay, hello Megan. Who’s Megan?”

“Meg, he says hello back. Nick, she’s a friend from class. She’s the one who originally found me and told me about AJ. Don’t worry, she’s cool. She knows about you and all and has never said anything, not that I know of anyway. So, anyway speaking of AJ, maybe a few more weeks is a good idea.”

“Yeah, I think so. I’m nervous about seeing him, but I want him to take all the time he needs to get himself better. It’s been hell this past year watching him self-destruct.”

“Well, tell him when you see him that everyone here is pulling for him, even other guys. He earned a lot of respect from them by admitting he needed help and you guys too for supporting him publicly. I’ve got a ton of cards and stuff for him. Some how people began finding out that I know you guys. So, just about everyday when I get back to the dorm there are countless cards and letters stuffed under my door. I’ve been making this scrap book of all of them to give him when he gets out.”

“Bree, that’s awesome. I know he’ll love it.”

“What are you up too? No good, I’m sure.”

“Very funny little girl. Actually, I was calling to see if you wanted to come to Tampa for a day or two, but seeing how you have this big exam and need to study.” He trailed off.

“You’re gonna be home? Well isn’t this lovely. Shoot, I’m sure I can visit you and still find time to study. The test isn’t until Tuesday. What do you think, Meg? Think I’ll do okay? She’s nodding her head yes.”

“Really? I don’t want to mess you up in your classes more than I already did.”

“Nick, you know I’ll be fine. Sure I caught hell trying to catch up for a week or two, but I didn’t mind at all. Besides, you’ve been gone almost as much as if you guys were still on tour. Where are you now? You home?” She was already thinking about blowing off the club to drive to Tampa.

“Naw. Actually, Tony and I are on the road right now. I won’t be home until tomorrow.”

“What not flying?” She teased. He groaned. They both laughed. “Okay, so what, you want me to come down when? Saturday?” Knowing that he was gonna be home she was already getting impatient and wondered how she was ever going to wait until then.

“When ever you want. You can come down tomorrow if you like. Go have fun at 626 with your friends tonight. Then just whenever you wake up and feel like it you can head to my house.”

She started jumping up and down. “Wow! Great. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Tell Tony hello for me and to keep taking care of you for me too.” She heard Nick talking to Tony and then heard them both laugh. “Some how I don’t think you said exactly what I told you to say. No matter. I’ll see you then.” They both hung up happy about seeing each other.

“So, you’re gonna go down and see him this weekend? What’s gonna happen this time?” Megan was asking as they walked to Brianna’s car.

“I don’t know what you mean.” Brianna smiled.

“I mean that the last few times you two have been together have been filled with drama. So, is this thing getting that serious?”

“Meg, you’re so silly. Things are just weird now. But Nick and I will always be friends.”

“But not JUST friends.” The other girl teased getting in and shutting the door behind her. They continued to joke all the way back to the dorms.

<~ Chapter 37 or Chapter 39 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003