It was exam week, and the end of the summer sessions. Brianna was overjoyed that this term was coming to a close. She had been so tired for so long and was just looking forward to the break. She needed to sleep and she needed to go visit her parents and try to patch things up with them. They weren’t happy about her grades. This last summer session had been trying and Brianna had made the first “F” in her life. Actually of the five classes she took for Summer C, she failed two. Her dad had been livid and demanded she stop partying so much and study more.

They just don’t understand. I need a break from all this. Elementary, middle, and high school then right into college without so much as break. I didn’t even take off for the summer, but rather took a full load of courses. Can’t they see that I need a break? Well, I’ll just have to try to explain it to them in a way they can understand. Arguing doesn’t accomplish anything. The last thing I want to do is let them down, but I need some time for me. Maybe they’ll agree to just let me go part-time for the fall session? Dad always says that for any problem there is always an acceptable compromise. Of course I’ll have to eventually retake the two classes that I’ve failed, but that can wait until the spring. I should call them this week and see about going to see them over the weekend once finals are complete.

It was time for her Early American History exam so Brianna put all thoughts of her parents, her grades, and next term out of her mind and tried to concentrate on the test in front of her. Turning in the completed packet she felt pretty good about her effort and was certain she did fairly well on the exam. After a few hours spent in the library preparing for Tuesday’s final Brianna stopped by the store for an easy dinner from the deli and then went back to her apartment.

Unlocking the door she could hear her phone ringing and tried to hurry. But the answering machine picked up before she could make it in the door.

**beep** “Brianna. Um, hey. It’s John. Listen, I know you’re probably mad at me, but call me when you get this.” And then he hung up.

Right, as if I’m ever going to call you again. Going to delete the message she realized there were five more messages. One by one she listened, and one by one she deleted. They were all from John. All of his messages said basically the same thing, asking her to please call him. Turning to head to the kitchen the phone rang again. Instead of letting it go to the answering machine she picked it up.

“Listen John, I don’t want to talk to you so you can just stop calling here. Do you understand? How could you think I’d ever want to talk to you after the shit you pulled this weekend?”

“Bree?”

“Nick?”

“Yeah, is everything okay? What happened this weekend?”

“Um, oh, nothing really. Sorry I thought you were someone else.” Brianna could feel her heart race and didn’t know if it was from Nick’s voice or from being caught at being out with John.

“Obviously. What did John do to you? Do I have to have Billy come down there and take care business?”

He’s laughing. At least he’s not mad. “Nah. I’m okay. We just went to a party together and he decided to leave, without me, essentially leaving me stranded at some strange house. But it’s all good. I’m just not talking to him right now. What’s up?”

“I’m not even going to say anything. It doesn’t do any good anyway. You’re gonna be who you’re gonna be regardless. Nothing much going on right now. I just had a little bit and thought I’d see how you were doing. We haven’t spoken much lately. I miss that.”

“You do?”

“Of course I do. Why wouldn’t I?” She could hear some noises in the background but couldn’t make out the voices.

“I don’t know. Just we’re both so busy lately. Besides tired I’m doing well. I have finals this week.”

“Really? Hold on a sec.” She could tell he had his hand over the mouthpiece of the phone as he talked to the people in the background. When he came back it was a little quieter, but only a little. “So after finals how long do you have before classes start up again?”

“Oh, a couple of weeks. I really need it. I’ll probably sleep the entire time. The tour should be starting soon for you guys, shouldn’t it?”

“Yup. On the 24th. We’re already in L.A. rehearsing. If you are on a break you should come out and see us. Don’t tell anyone but we’re making some changes.”

“Really? What type?” It didn’t matter how many times she had seen them perform over the years, Brianna still loved to watch them. It wasn’t so much about her being a fan, but more just her enjoying seeing them do something they all love so much.

“Ah-ah. You’ll just have to come and see us. Can you do that?” It had been stressful being around AJ. Nick didn’t really know how to act and he was constantly afraid he was going to say something wrong. He took a deep breath and sighed. He needed his best friend with him for a little bit. He needed to be able to relax and have someone tell him everything was going to be okay. Besides he missed her so much. Even with things as crazy and up in the air as they were between them he still missed her and wanted her with him.

“You big tease.” He laughed at that. “Goofball, of course I’ll come see you. Just tell me where and when so I can have some time work on Mom and Dad about it.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“No you won’t. Just tell me the details and I’ll figure out a way. Besides, they’ve seen how stressed I’ve been. I’m sure they’ll agree that a visit with you is just what I need.”

“Stressed? Bree what’s been going on?”

“Don’t ask. Just school and stuff is all. Don’t worry about it, okay?” This was not something she wanted to talk about over the phone anyway. She and Nick talked for about 30 minutes before she recognized a very distinct voice in the background telling Nick to tie it up. “Tell Kevin I said hello.”

“Will do. We all miss ya, little girl. I miss ya. I’ll see ya soon, okay.” As they were saying their goodbyes there was a knock at the door.

Well aren’t I the popular one this evening? Opening the door there was a delivery person there with a beautiful vase filled with a dozen pink roses.

“I’m looking for a Brianna.” The delivery person said.

“Well, you found her.” Brianna took the roses to her kitchen table and opened the card. At first she thought they were from John. Figured he was trying a different tactic. But reading the card brought a smile to her face. Bending over she inhaled deeply enjoying the sweet aroma of the roses and then whispered, “Thank you Mitchell.”

<~ Chapter 50 or Chapter 52 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003