Nick took Brianna back to the lounge room where they sat and talked. He had already gone through make up and was in his opening costume. During that time she could hear Krystal onstage and the crowd really seemed to like her. Once they were sitting and he was sure that Aaron really was there his mood lightened. But to Brianna, it still seemed like something was bothering him. She wasn’t sure just what it was, or even if maybe it wasn’t her imagination. He gave her a few hints about the show. She showed him her new camera. But they really didn’t talk about anything serious or deep. It was too close to show time.

Eventually Kevin came looking for him and told him they were all getting ready. The typical pre-show routine, prayer, and stuff. Brianna joined them for the prayer giving everyone a hug afterwards. The crew was great and seemed to enjoy working together. Some of the dancers she found completely hilarious. Afterwards, when the guys disappeared under the stage, Eddie took Brianna to her seat, along with the other girls.

Camera in hand she thought she was ready for the show. Well, she was. She just wasn’t ready for how good it was and how electric the crowd was. They had changed the order of some of the songs, changed the correography to some of the numbers, changed the music to remix versions, and even added a few songs. Even the costumes by-and-large were different. They were goofy and crazy, and seemed to be more in tune with each other then they had been during the first leg of the tour. There still seemed to be a distance, but it was hardly noticeable. Nick was all over the stage and then some. It was easy to see how much he loved being up there and just how much he had missed it. It was impossible to keep the smile from her face. Whenever they were happy she was happy right along with them, and happy for them. And as always she loved the step routine to Larger than Life. Looking back at the crowd she noticed an array of emotions within each of them. She half wished she could be on the stage and get some pictures of the crowd.

After the encore and when the lights came up, she stuck around and took some pictures of the crowd as each fan relived the show with other fans. She stood there and took pictures of the venue during different stages while it emptied. Eventually she felt someone tapping her on the shoulder. When she turned it was Eddie.

“Hey, Nick wants to know if you are ready yet?” Looking back at the nearly empty arena she turned back to Eddie, nodded her head and followed him backstage.

As she walked through the door she was startled when someone grabbed her from behind and swung her around. Of course it was Nick. He was laughing and smiling. “There you are.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I was taking some pictures of the crowd. I hope you’re not mad.”

“Why in the world would I be mad? Just wondering if you were ready yet or not. We hang around a bit longer if you want?”

“No, I’m done. Besides you’re ready to go. And I know you want to get comfortable and spend some time with Aaron.”

He gave her a kiss on the cheek before grabbing her hand and announcing they were leaving. Back at the hotel Brianna went up first leaving the two brothers in the lobby to sign autographs and take pictures. She was setting out a pair of shorts and a T-shirt to change into when Nick walked into the room and flopped on the bed.

“Tired?” She asked.

“Maybe a little. How’d ya like the show?” He turned on his side to look at her.

Brianna went and sat next to him with her clothes in her hand. “It was great. I really like all the new changes. Seems like you guys like them too.”

“Yeah, we needed to make some changes. You know, lighten the show up.” He was looking at her kind of funny.

“What? Something wrong?”

“No not wrong, really. It’s just I don’t think I’ve ever seen you with so much makeup on, that’s all.”

“Oh. Just trying something new, is all.”

“Cool.” He smiled at her before standing and walking to the door. “Aaron and I will be out here if you want to join us.” He closed the door behind him to give her some privacy.

Brianna noticed that he didn’t say whether or not he liked her new look. She figured maybe it was too new for him to decide if he liked it yet. Standing she went to the bathroom to wash up and change.

<~ Chapter 65 or Chapter 67 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003