Chapter 76
Over a month had passed since the Grammy’s, and things were going great for the Boys. The fans had decided on their newest single, and everyone was quite pleased. “The One” was to be released in a few weeks and the guys were hard at work on the newest video. The production was a “big” secret to everyone...except for the guys of course. However, me, Dee, Kat and Leighanne weren’t allowed anywhere near the studio or the set when the Boys were shooting the video. It was a surprise all around as to what they had up their sleeves.
The only contention at the time was the release of the long-awaited sophomore album from *NSYNC. It wasn’t overly pleasing for Nick, Howie, AJ, Brian and Kevin. After an interview taped on MTV just days prior to the Grammy’s, the Boys had made statements about their concerns with *NSYNC’s management and production. The Boys felt as if everything they did was being copied, however, what MTV didn’t show was their actual feelings towards *NSYNC. MTV had a way of screwing up the interviews, to cause fights among the fans. Many of the Boys fans accused them of bad-mouthing *NSYNC and being whiny brats over it all.
As if the Boys didn’t have enough stress, the new *NSYNC album proved to be some competition that the music industry seemed to conjure up. Although “Millennium” had done extremely well and broke several records, the music industry brushed the Boys off as “second string” nobodies. The Boys knew that they had to do something that would blow the fans outta the water. They decided that a new video and a few extra tricks up their sleeves would prove to be a great success on getting them back on their feet.
*** *** ***
“God, if this baby doesn’t quite kicking me in the bladder, I am going to scream!” I said as I rubbed my belly. “Nick, if you love me, you will rub my back, and then help me pick out a pair of shoes to wear. I can no longer see my feet, so you need to make sure I put on the right shoes.” I said with a laugh.
“Jeez, Heather, you make it sound like you are a blimp. Actually, I must say dear, pregnancy is very becoming on you. You sure look “hot” in those maternity pants.” He said with a wink, and then burst out laughing.
“Laugh it up, scruffy-head!” I said as I rubbed my hands on his head.
“I am not scruffy!!! Just because my head looks like I went overboard on the new improved Flowbie, doesn’t mean I look scruffy.” He said with a pout.
“God Nick, you know how I LOVE it when you are pouty. Do it some more!” I said as I teased him.
“Oh that’s right, make fun of me.” He said with a giggle and then walked out on the back porch. “Do you want to go for a walk? The weather is great.”
“Sure, it has been ages since we have done that...let me pack a little lunch and we will picnic out there too.” I said as I walked to the kitchen.
*** *** ***
“What day do you want to announce as the wedding date?” Dee asked.
“Well, I was hoping that it would be this summer. Is there any special day this summer that we could have it?” Kevin said hopefully.
“Well, I was thinking on September 9. That gives us a few months to plan, and that way it won’t take away from Heather and Howie’s birthdays in August. July and June are really too soon. I want Heather to be in it, and with her having the baby in May, I don’t want to rush her. Plus, she will be having treatments and surgery right after the baby is born, and she will need plenty of time to get better. Is that okay with you?” Dee said thoughtfully.
“Yes, that sounds wonderful. I think it is the perfect date. As a matter of fact, I think Brian and Leighanne have a date set in September too, but I am not sure. Wouldn’t that be awesome if there were two weddings in September?” Kevin answered.
“Yeah, sounds great. But, we need to start deciding on the designs and the type of wedding. Do you want something outside or inside?” she asked.
“Well, I am not really sure. Can we give it a little more time before we make that decision? Please?” Kevin replied, hoping to not get tied down with the details just yet.
“Sure...whatever you want, hon.” Dee said and then went to call me.
After letting the phone ring about 6 times, she heard the answering machine pick up.
“I want to hear I Want It That Way!” my voice boomed... “And I want to hear...Smells Like Teen Spirit!” Nick’s argued as the message played on. “Well, I don’t care what you want...Well I do! Oh, ummm, Hi! This is Heather, and this is Nick, and we are sorry we can’t come to the phone right now, cuz Nick is too busy stealing my BSB cds! Leave your name and number and we will get back to your heart...I mean...back to you as soon as possible! Bye Bye Bye!! Er...see ya!”
Dee left a message after the beep and hung up just shaking her head. “Those two are too weird for words. I hope their child doesn’t turn out like them.” She said with a laugh.
*** *** ***
“Nick, you know something. I think little bits here is starting to get a bit uncomfortable. I still have a little over a month left until the baby is born, but I have a funny feeling.” I said, as my face twinged from the baby’s movement.
“What? Do you think something is wrong?” Nick asked concerned.
“No, but I have a funny feeling that this baby will come sooner than we expect. Let’s just hope it doesn’t.” I said as I helped spread out the blanket in the sand.
“I am sure everything will be fine. Dr. Christine has said that the baby looks good. However, she did pull me aside and talk to me about your condition. She wanted me to tell you some stuff. And, well, since we have some time alone, I thought we could talk.” Nick said sadly.
“Oh Nick...don’t worry. Everything is fine. Dr. Christine is optimistic.” I said, trying to make him feel better.
“Heather, please listen to me. She said that she passed your tests to her colleagues and they aren’t as optimistic as you are. They think the cancer is getting worse. If we don’t start you on treatments soon, there won’t be any chance of eliminating the cancer before it’s too late. Heather, it’s spreading and getting worse. We are all worried.” He said as a tear fell down his cheek.
“Stop it Nick...just stop it! How am I supposed to believe that I am going to get better if no one else does? Huh?” I asked nervously.
“It’s just that I think we should take a risk and start you on treatments now. That’s all.” Nick pleaded.
“Well, Nick, if you are willing to put the baby’s life at risk, then so be it. But I am not willing to take that chance. I don’t want to kill the baby, and since there are no guarantees, then forget it. Like I said, I have just over a month left...we can wait.” I said and then started to unpack the picnic basket.
*** *** ***
Howie and Kat had been spending much needed time together since the tour had finished. It had been a long six weeks, time that put pressures on their relationship. It was becoming evident that Kat was uncomfortable with Howie being away so much. While she liked being around me, Dee, and Leighanne, she felt pressured into hanging on to a relationship that lacked something.
“Howie, just listen to me. Maybe we should take some time off and go on a small vacation, just the two of us. There is so much going on around us that we can’t concentrate on ourselves.” Kat said thoughtfully.
“But Kat, what is Heather needs us. The baby is almost here.” Howie stated.
“Howard, Heather is a big girl and she and Nick have everything under control. I am pretty sure that she won’t need you to help deliver the baby if it comes early. Just a few days...that’s all. I am sure that everyone will be fine without you.” Kat replied and started thinking of where they could go.
“Okay, it’s just that Heather is one of my best friends...but, I am sure that everyone smothering her isn’t helping either. I think Nick is the one that needs everyone. Why don’t we go to Spain for a few days. It is a nice time of the year and it should be great. How about that?” Howie asked.
“Spain! Howie, that is an excellent idea. I have never been outta the southern United States...this will be so exciting!” Kat said cheerfully.
“Then it is done. I will call right now and make the plans. We can leave tomorrow if there is a flight.” Howie said as he picked up the phone to call his travel agent.
After about 20 minutes, Howie had first class tickets to Spain and a suite in Madrid booked. “Kat, we leave tomorrow morning at about 9:00 am. Can you have your stuff ready by then?” he said with a laugh.
“Sure thing. I will go right now and start packing. I love you Howie. See you in the morning.” She said as she grabbed her purse and ran out the door.
“I love you too sweetie!” he responded as he closed the front door.
Within minutes, he was on the phone with the guys telling them his plans.
They all thought it was a great idea, and a welcome vacation for the two
of them. With that, he began packing and making arrangements for
the trip.