~*Chapter Twenty-One*~
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Three Years Later
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To Set The Scene For Y’all
The Backstreet Boys are on the verge of breaking up. They’ve all taken the Spice Girl routes in their various careers, AJ having the more critically acclaimed works, Nick invariably having the more popular albums. The other three have done various works, but have not been as successful in their own solo careers. AJ’s most recent album, a mix of pop, soul and R&B, titled "Soul Rebel", is currently number one. The Boy’s current album, "Fetish" is currently resting at number 24, as the Boy’s popularity declines steadily. Leesa and AJ have made it this far, and are still living happily together, after a small three month break from each other, to sort out their problems. Leesa still lives secretly in fear of Jason, who was recently released from the State Penitentiary. AJ doesn’t know of this fear, and Leesa wants to keep it that way. Leesa’s current album, "Paint Pastel Princess", is tugging at "Soul Rebel", both albums fighting for the top spot. The duet AJ and Leesa have recorded, Tear-Coloured Glass is resting comfortably in the Number One Singles spot.
"Xander … Baby, I gotta talk to you," Leesa called out, her voice shaking as she stared down at the small white object in her hand.
"Yeah, chicka … two seconds," AJ replied from the fast running shower. He turned off the water and stepped out of the cubicle. He reached for the towel, and patting himself dry, sat down on the toilet next to Leesa, who was perched on the edge of the bathtub.
"What’s up, babe?" AJ asked, not noticing the worried look on Leesa’s face. He continued to dry his hair as Leesa took a deep breath. She began to speak:
"Alex, just take a look at this for a sec, would you?"
"Sure … What exactly am I looking at here, Lees?"
"J… take a wild, unrestrained guess at what you’re looking at… and while you do, think about the fact that I haven’t been complaining of cramps for the last two months." Leesa informed him, looking at his face for some sign that AJ knew what he was looking at.
"But I’ve been complaining about the bills, though." Leesa thought. (- hmm, does that throw y’all off the track a little bit ?)
Recognition suddenly flickered across his face, and he looked at Leesa, his eyes wide.
"Leesa, is this what I think it is?" AJ asked quietly, the news sinking in.
"Well, babe, if you’re thinking that it’s a box of condoms, you’re wrong. But if you’re thinking it’s a positive pregnancy test, you’d … well … also be wrong."
"Oh …"
A silence passed between them, Leesa growing more anxious as each second passed, AJ becoming more dumbfounded.
Finally, AJ spoke.
"Well, you know, I’m wondering actually what this is. Can I open it?"
"Duh, of course you can open it. I can’t recall putting a bomb in there, so I think you’ll be safe."
AJ opened the box to reveal a simple, gold engagement band.
"Lees, is this what I think it is?"
"AJ, I’ve been trying to hint to you for ages that this is what I want. But being a typical male, you either don’t get the hints, or you simply ignore them. So, I decided to take fate by the balls and ask you myself. I’ve been trying to think of the best way to ask you, and this is it. You in your birthday suit, with purple dye in your hair, my in my Pooh Bear bathrobe, in the bathroom. "
Leesa sat AJ down on the closed toilet, and got down on one knee.
"AJ, will you do me the honour of being part of my heart forever?"
"Oh … my … god… Leesa, I love you so much. Of course I will."
"God damn, I was hoping you’d say that."
"But, I have one thing to say first."AJ told Leesa, fishing around in the bathroom drawer.
"Umm, okie," Leesa agreed, curious.
AJ pulled a red velvet box out of the drawer, opened it and slipped the silver snake engagement ring on Leesa’s finger.
"Can we tell everyone that I asked you first?"
"Dream on buster!" Leesa cried as she reached up to AJ, pulling his down on top of her for their first kiss as an engaged couple.
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Later at a Press Conference Announcing The Couple’s Engagement
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"I remember quite distinctly a past press conference," Leesa whispered to AJ as they sat in a couple of chairs waiting for all of the journalists to take their places. "I hate press conferences. They always seem to turn out bad."
"Babe, you have nothing to worry about this time. I’m here, I’ll protect you. You know that."
"You know what? I’m so lucky to have you Xander. I can’t believe I ever let you go. But to tell you the truth, I’m really worried about this. I can’t shake this feeling that something bad is going to happen."
"Lees, stop being so morbid, ok. You’ve got nothing to worry about."
"I know." Leesa replied quietly.
The couple’s agent called them out onto the platform, and as AJ got up, Leesa slipped a piece of folded paper into the back pocket of his jeans. His head turned around.
"Why did you just touch my ass?"
"Oh, baby, you know I can’t help myself. Want to touch the hiney!"
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-Two … this chapter isn’t up yet - sorry! :0(
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