The morning was barely controlled chaos. The boys themselves were all running behind. Plus, Nick and Aaron kept joking around and putting off saying goodbye. Every few minutes there was a phone call to deal with regarding the previous nights show and internet broadcast, questions about the new changes, questions about AJ, family calling, etc…

Nick and Aaron were standing in the hall talking when they heard Kevin shout “That’s it!” from inside his room. Walking out in the hall he called for everyone to join him there. When the whole group was ready he began, “As of right now everyone turn off their phones, grab you stuff, and let’s get out of here. If I hear one more ring, or have to tell them one more time that we are leaving any minute I think I’ll pull my hair out, cornrows and all.” At first everyone just stared at him open-mouthed. It only took a very loud “NOW!” to spur them into motion. People scattered in every direction only to return dragging their luggage behind and converged on the elevators. Busses loaded, goodbyes given, pictures taken, and autographs given the busses finally pulled away from the hotel.

After putting her things in the back, Brianna sat down on the couch. “Well, that was a busy morning!” She stated resting her head back against the couch. Turning the TV on Nick agreed with her, sat down, and began flipping channels.

“I don’t know why I’m doing this. Not like anything’s gonna be on from the numerous channels we have to choose from.” He was being sarcastic.

“Why don’t you put a movie in or we can play a game?” Brianna sensed he was uptight about something, but she wasn’t sure what that something was.

“I don’t know. I really don’t feel like watching anything anyway. Why don’t we just play cards or something?”

“That sounds good. You get the cards and I’ll fix us something to drink.” Grabbing some sodas she went and sat at the table while Nick hunted for the cards. Finally he came to the table with the deck in hand. The first game was played without much conversation outside of what was required for the game itself. Finally, Brianna spoke up, “So are you going to tell me what is bothering you?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing. Well that explains a lot.” A few more minutes went by and she decided to speak up again. Things were not going well and this was just not like them. “Listen Nick, I thought you wanted me here.”

Her sharp tone got his attention and he finally looked up at her. “I do want you here.”

“Well, you sure haven’t been acting like it. I mean, yeah, yesterday I kind of blew it off as you needing to spend time with Aaron. But if this is how it’s gonna be then I might as well just go home.” Brianna had put her cards down on the table and crossed her arms over them.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m just not in the mood to talk okay? It’s not like we haven’t had quiet times before.” He knew he was being defensive but he couldn’t help it. Things were off and he didn’t know why.

“Quiet yes. But not this, this, hesitancy that is in the air. It’s awkward and we’ve never been like that. Why?”

He shrugged his shoulders.

“Damnit Nick!” She stood from the table and started pacing in the living area of the bus. “I can’t stand being like this with you. God! Even fighting is better than this. What did I do to cause this? Can you at least tell me that?”

He was watching her walk back and forth and wondering himself how they had gotten here. “You didn’t do anything.”

“I had to have done something. Why won’t you tell me?” She stopped her fast pacing and turned to look at him.

“I don’t know what you mean. You didn’t do anything. Things are just, just, well just strange right now.”

“Strange? Is that what you call this?” She swung her arms in the air trying to signify everything she was feeling. “I know you have so much going on, but you used to be able to talk to me, tell me stuff. Now you…” She hung her head not really sure what to say next.

“Now I what?” Nick was confused. She thinks she’s done something? Why would she think that when I’m the one who made things like they are between us?

“Nothing. That’s just it, it’s nothing.” She seemed to be struggling with something, so rather than interrupt her he waited. Finally she looked back up at him. “We’re friends.”

Nick wasn’t sure what she was saying, or asking. So he answered the best he knew how. “Of course we’re friends, Bree. We’ll always be friends.”

She nodded her head and sat down on the couch. “Friends” she whispered. Then she said a little louder “Good friends.”

Nick stood and went to sit next to her. Lifting her chin he made her look at him. “Best friends,” he said looking into her eyes. She sniffed a little and nodded her head. “Come here you.” He said pulling her into a hug. “I’m sorry, ok. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. I’ve been an ass, can you forgive me?” Feeling her nod her head he went on. “Listen, trust me when I say this, you have done absolutely nothing wrong okay? It’s me, it’s all me.”

“Are you sure?” She asked looking up at him.

“Positive.”

“Only fools are positive.” She smiled slightly.

“Well then I am definitely one humongous fool for making you feel like you did something wrong. You’re my best friend in the world and I can’t stand to see you upset. I’ll always be your friend, always. Okay?”

“Okay.” It will just have to do.

<~ Chapter 67 or Chapter 69 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003