Chapter 41

When the guys were done at the radio station, they headed to the hotel first to pack all their stuff and then to the arena. They were going to just hang out until it was time for the sound check and rehearsal. Today would be easy since they had done a show already and it was more just to make sure everything was still set.

"What are we going to do, ‘Boo’?" asked Tyler as they walked into the arena.

"I thought we’d go to the bus and listen to some music. Is there something else you wanted to do?"

"No. I’m really not in the mood to be around everyone right now."

Howie had heard them talking and asked, "What’s wrong?"

"Nothing, ‘D’. Just in one of those moods. I’ll be okay."

"Are you sure?"

Tyler took Howie’s hand, "I’m fine, ‘Sweet D’. I just need some quiet time."

Before the group could split up, Linda caught them. They all noticed that she didn’t look real happy as she said, "I’ve got some news for you guys."

"I sure hope it’s better news than you look," said Nick.

"Part of it is. Fiona, Sonja, and Kryss will be joining us in Phoenix."

"Then why the long face?" asked Brian.

Linda looked at Tyler and said, "There’s no easy way to tell you this but....Mr. Burton committed suicide last night."

Tyler felt like she’d had the wind knocked out of her and it was a good thing that Kevin had his arm around her because she felt like she would collapse.

The others were in shock over the news and Lex began to cry. "What happened?" asked Lex almost in a whisper.

"Kryss didn’t give any details on the phone," said Linda.

Tyler buried her face in Kevin’s chest as he held her close. He could feel her tears through his shirt and her body trembling as she cried. He whispered, "I’m here, baby. It’s going to be okay."

AJ had his arm around Lex’s shoulder and she put her head on his shoulder. He asked, "Did she say anything about the funeral?"

"No. She called from Disney. His body was found in his office and she was REALLY upset."

Linda noticed Howie’s reaction to Kryss being upset and she said, "There’s no sense trying to call them because they are leaving Orlando within the hour."

Kevin said, "I’m going to take Tyler to my bus. Let us know when it’s time for rehearsal."

The others were still in shock over the news of Mr. Burton as they quietly went their own way. Howie, Nick, and Brian were worried about Kryss, Fiona, and Sonja but knew there wasn’t anything they could do until they saw the girls.

On the bus, Tyler sat on the couch while Kevin put on one of his Elton John CDs. Then he sat with her. She snuggled next to him, her arms around his waist and her head on his chest. Kevin had his hands in her hair playing with it and he could feel her tears again and her sobbing as he held her.

Tyler asked between sobs, "Why did he do it, Kevin?"

Softly, Kevin said, "Baby, I don’t have any answers. I don’t know what’s going on but I can tell you this. I’m extremely glad you are here with me and not in Orlando in the middle of all this."

Tyler was quiet again as the music played softly and Kevin held her close. He ran his hands through her hair and across her arm. What was going on with Disney and her friends was the only thing on her mind. She was in complete disbelief that Mr. Burton would do something so drastic.

Softly, Tyler said, "Kev, I want to go home for the funeral."

"I figured as much. Let’s get the details and I’ll get Linda to get the company jet to meet us in Phoenix."

"You don’t have to go, ‘Boo’."

"Yeah, I do. I don’t want you having to deal with this alone. You’re suppose to be avoiding stress."

""Boo’, you don’t have time. You’re doing three shows back to back. I’m sure Sonja and the others will want to go with me."

Kevin put his hand under Tyler’s chin and lifted her face to look him in the eyes. Softly and lovingly, Kevin said, "Baby, you are more important to me. A show can be rescheduled or canceled for that matter but...."

Tyler cut him off. "I love you, Kevin, but your fans are important. They are the reason you are where you are and I’m NOT gong to be the reason that they are disappointed."

"They’ll understand, Tyler. I’m sure the guys would agree that supporting you, Sonja, Lex, Kryss, and Fiona is the most important thing right now. We all knew Mr. Burton too and he was a really nice guy. We all want to know what’s going on and why all five of you were fired."

"Four. I quit before they could fire me. You know, all of this must have been happening when I called. That would explain why Mr. Burton was upset."

"You’re probably right."

Tyler grew quiet again but she was much calmer being in Kevin’s arms. All of a sudden, she was extremely tired so she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Kevin continued holding her and listening to the music. He thought about what had happened. He was extremely relieved that Tyler was asleep and not letting this upset her too much.

Linda came to get Kevin and Tyler when it was time for the rehearsal. Kevin decided it would be best if he let Tyler sleep so he carefully got up, pulled a blanket over Tyler, and left with Linda.

When Kevin joined the others, Brian asked, "How’s Tyler?"

"She’s really upset about this whole thing," said Kevin.

"Where is she now?" asked Howie.

"Asleep. I thought it was better for her. She knows the dances better than anyone and if she doesn’t feel up to it, she probably won’t dance tonight either."

Lex was with Fatima talking about the show and going through the steps. AJ looked over at her and said, "Lex is really hurting too. She wants to go back for the funeral."

"So does Tyler."

"I expect Kryss will want to go too," said Howie.

Kevin said, "I think we should ALL go and give the girls our support."

The other four nodded their agreement and Brian said, "The girls are really going to need us."

During the sound check and rehearsal, the guys mood was extremely somber and the crew picked up on it. Nick was actually focusing on what was suppose to be going on rather than playing around

After rehearsal, the guys decided to play some basketball in an effort to get their minds off of what was going on. The guys’ bodyguards went with them and the game was the guys against their bodyguards.

Lex decided to go check on Tyler and found her just waking up. "Hey, Lex," said Tyler sleepily. "Where’s Kevin?"

"The guys are playing basketball."

"When’s rehearsal?"

"We just finished. Kevin was worried about you so he let you sleep."

Tyler smiled, "He worries too much sometimes. Let me brush my hair out and we’ll go watch them."

"Are you going to dance tonight?"

From the bedroom, Tyler said, "Yeah. I guess so. It’ll keep my mind off things."

Tyler came back and the two of them grabbed some water for the guys before heading out to watch them play ball. They took their seats on some crates that the equipment was usually stored in and talked about Mr. Burton, the show, and the wedding. Tyler told Lex about the plans for the actual ceremony.

The first break they took, all the guys joined Tyler and Lex to get some water. Kevin leaned against the crate between Tyler’s legs facing her. Tyler put her arms around his neck as he placed his hands on her waist and they kissed.

"How do you feel?"

"Better. Still bummed about the whole thing but I’ll be okay."

AJ hopped up on the crates next to Lex and put his arm around her giving her a kiss.

"Hey, Ty! Are you going to dance tonight?" asked Nick.

"Yeah!"

That night the show was the same high intensity show as always despite the moods everyone was in. Tyler and Lex had fun watching the guys as they gave their fans their full attention. That was part of why they loved the guys so much. No matter what, they gave their best in a show.

After the show, everyone headed to the buses and headed to Phoenix. Howie, Nick, and Brian were anxious to see Kryss, Fiona, and Sonja and Tyler and Lex were anxious to find out what had happened.

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