Ch.1
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I smiled as Nick threw himself into the arms of his father and siblings. He, his mother and the rest of the band had been in Europe. Tour '95 had ended, and Mr.Pearlman had granted a vacation through the month of December. I directed myself to the baggage claim. To say I felt lonely was an understatement.
Brian had flown home to Kentucky, as I wish I had, but my plans were changed. My mother had phoned me to let me know she had the flu. Of course, I wanted to go to Lexington and take care of her. But she insisted I stay in Florida. The last thing she wanted was for me to catch the flu on my two-week vacation. She suggested I soak up the Florida sun for a few days. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Besides, Howie and Brian were staying with family, I'd have the apartment to myself. Throwing my bag over my shoulder I headed over to the Carter Family.
"But Mommy I don't want to!" Aaron whined.
Angel nodded. "Yeah! It's soooo boring at Aunt Jo's!"
"Isn't there another way?" BJ asked.
"Please say there's another way," Nick pleaded.
"What's going on?" I wondered.
"There's a family emergency in New York. so, we've arranged for Nick and the others to stay with their aunt in Orlando," Mrs.Carter explained.
Leslie looked up at me with her big blue eyes. "Aunt Jo is really boring and makes us listen to opera."
"She makes you listen to opera?" I repeated wrinkling my nose. Suddenly, I felt a lot of sympathy for these kids. My idea of a happy Christmas season does not include sopranos singing in Italian.
"Maybe I could stay with them," I suggested. Did I really just say that? How lonely was I?
"Yeah!" Aaron cheered. "Kevin can be our babysitter!"
Babysitter? I prefer domestic care giver.
"Well.." I could tell Mrs.Carter wasn't too keen on the idea of a 24-year-old caring for her children. Not that I can blame her. Maybe I wouldn't have to go through this whole situation afterall.
She cleared her throat. "What do you think, Bob?"
"It's all right with me if Kevin doesn't mind." Why couldn't Mr.Carter shout against the idea?
The woman smiled. "Well, kids it's settled. Kevin will stay with you."
What had I done? I had gone from being a young, hip, talented guy- to a babysitter in the care of five childen. Three of which who happened to be under the age of ten. Suddenly, my Christmas vacation did not look so merry.
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