Chapter 5
"Can't I do anything?" AJ sighed lying back against the couch.
Kevin shook his head. "Nope, unless you want to try homework."
"Homework? Ummm...I think I better rest."
"Whatever floats your boat, kid."
Nick glanced up from his school book. "I'm bored."
"Well, Nick, I don't know anyone that considers studying Greek culture intriguing," Howie added.
Brian flipped through the television channels. "Haven't any of the stations picked up the English language?"
"Obviously not," Kevin answered grabbing a video.
"What are you putting in?" AJ asked.
"Cinderella."
AJ grimaced. "Why the hell would you do that?"
"It's the only thing that will play in this damn thing."
Nick beamed. "Do I get to watch?"
Kevin nodded. "Sure-after you do your homework."
AJ coughed. "Could someone get me a drink?"
"Sure," Brian offered standing.
Nick frowned. "You never get a drink for me."
"You're not sick."
"How well I know," the teen pouted.
Howie shook his head. "Nick, honestly, why would you want to be sick? You'd still have to perform and record you know that."
"AJ doesn't."
"That's only because Johnny is sick, too."
Brian returned. "This business is full of hypocrites."
"And shams," Nick sighed rubbing his back. "Why did I have to sleep on the floor last night?"
Kevin shrugged. "You're the youngest."
"Hey! I'm NOT the one watching Cinderella!"
Brian laughed. "Oh, you know you wish you were."
"This sucks-I did all the practice you guys did today then I have to do homework."
Howie pushed a pillow behind his back. "It's called 'being a teenager', Nicky."
"Shitty deal."
"Language," the oldest members sang together.
AJ erupted into a sneezing fit. "God, I feel awful."
"And this is coming from the boy who wanted to get up and dance?"
"Ha, ha," AJ sniffled. He waved at Nick smuggly. "At least, I get to skip homework!"
Brian frowned. "You still have that fever?"
He nodded. "Yeah, but I'm freezing."
"I'm glad I won't catch it," Brian replied.
Kevin laughed. "Man, I know one of you is gonna' catch it and then Johnny and Lou are gonna' be assholes and push you through anyway."
Nick lifted his head. "Kevin, you said-"
"Shut up, half-pint."
Brian stroked his chin. "So, Kevin, you're positive you won't get sick?"
"Positive."
"Are you willing to make a bet?"
"What did you have in mind?"
"Twenty bucks says you'll get it."
Kevin chuckled. "Only twenty?"
Brian grinned. "Okay, thirty."
"Deal," his cousin responded extended his hand in a friendly shake.
Howie shook his head. "You two are pathetic."
"Could someone get me my blankie?" AJ moaned.
Brian raised an eyebrow. "I thought you said this illness wasn't that bad."
"Yeah, that was before I realized that because I'm sick you guys should be taking care of me. My chest is congested, I have a fever and chills, my throat hurts, my muscles are throbbing, my head is pounding---"
Kevin lifted his hand. "Okay, okay, we get the idea. We'll help you. Where's your stupid blankie?"
"It's not stupid! And it's in my backpack. Brian...."
Brian rolled his eyes. "Yes, AJ?"
"Could you go get an extra pillow?"
"Fine," Brian groaned.
"Howie?"
"Yes, AJ."
"I need a box of tissues."
Howie shook his head standing. "Certainly."
AJ smiled weakly. "Nick?"
Nick gave a smug grin. "Can't help 'ya-I have homework."