Alyssa stared back at him blankly, her heart sinking "What?"
"She-she's back" A.J said again, letting go of the phone "Amanda. She's out of her coma...
she's back..."
She could tell that he was in about as much shock as she was; how was she supposed to
react to this? Her #1 rival was back in the picture.
"Oh god, Lyss, she's alive, she's Ok!" A.J shrieked running up to her and engulfing her in
a bear hug.
Hesitantly, she responded to him by letting herself go numb in his arms "That's
wonderful"
"I have to go to her" he declared as he let her go "I need to... Lyss... You have to come
with me!"
Alyssa felt dazed "Mm-e, But why? I don't even know her" she reasoned as she watched
him dial the airport for the next flight out to Orlando.
Catching her off guard, he grabbed her by the shoulders, a firm hand on each side "I need
you with me Alyssa. You were at my side last time, and without you, I don't think I could
pull it off"
"But could you ask one of the guys?" she tried to excuse "I mean-"
"Look Lyss, you don't have to if you don't want to" A.J said glumly, reaching for his
shades "But I'd appreciate it"
Everything was moving so quickly, she could barely make sense of the situation. But she
had to make up her mind fast, because now, stood A.J before her, awaiting only her
response. "Yeah. I'll come"
"Thank you, thank you!" A.J sighed with relief "But we've gotta get going"
"Ok" she said as he dragged her away "Wait!!"
A.J turned when he felt her pull him back "What?"
"J.C"
"Oh"
He reluctantly let go of her wrist, letting her return to her room.
"J" she hollered as she entered "I'm really sorry, but something came up and I have to
leave. We'll have to continue this some other time..."
J.C, who had been following her around the room as she searched for her bag and jacket
stopped her in her tracks "Whoa. Hold on!" he said a little annoyed "So you're just going
to walk out cause that dick out there told you to!? What the hell?"
"I'm sorry" she said again with a sigh, placing a hand on his shoulder, trying to avoid the
angry expression on his face "I really am. But it's personal and- he needs me"
J.C snarled "Ok. Fine. Just fucking leave for all I care!"
"Yo! In case you are forgetting, this is MY room" she yelled, irritated by his vile temper
"You god damn selfish pig! This isn't my fault"
J.C drew back and looked down at her shoes "I'm-I'm sorry Lyss" he apologized.
"You sure as hell better be!"
All of a suden, he felt small. He never apologized for anything he did... he'd always been too damn proud of himself to do so. "When are you coming back?" he asked.
"I don't know! We're going on brake for a while back in Orlando" she answered, almost
completely forgetting about the man waiting for her on the other side of the door.
A light lit up over J.C's head "So you're gonna be in Florida on Halloween?"
"I suppose" Lyss answered.
"Sweet! Ok, Justin's having a bash at his place then, so why don't you come by? Just give
me a ring when you get back"
"Sure!" Alyssa smiled.
"Lyss... Hurry up!"
Snapping back to reality, Lyss said her good-byes and quickly left to the airport with A.J.
**The Next Day**
Alyssa had called Naila from Orlando to inform everyone about the "situation" and to let
them know that they were Ok. Sorta.
"I hope that Amanda's Ok... for A.J's sake anyway" Laurel said worriedly as she and Kristy
finished packing up their tour bus "It's so sad"
Kristy bent over to pick up the puppy Beanie Baby Rick had given her as a gift on her last
birthday. It brought back so many memories... "I know" she sighed, dropping the cuddly
object in a box along side the other belongings she meant to take home with her "But the
whole thing, I mean, it's all kinda strange. Sorta like a soap opera, ya know!?"
Laurel chuckled "Guess so. Girlfriend overdoses, goes into coma blablabla. Except, this is
real"
They both looked at each other a little distraught.
"Hey" Laurel said happily, trying to change the subject "You know what?"
"What?"
She tried to hide her exhilaration, but it just burst through "Michael and I slept together
again."
Kristy gasped "No, Laur, you're kidding me right?!" she asked, watching as her friends
mouth stayed in it's upward-curl position. Her voice dampened "Laur, please say you're
kidding"
"I'm not" she laughed "I know that last time it was a mistake, but this time it wasn't. And
let me tell you" she giggled "It was grrrreat!"
Kristy wasn't the type to overreact, so she knew it wasn't that bad. But still...
"Just don't let your hormones get the best of you, awright?! You know what would
happen if certain people found out..."
"No. I don't think she does"
Both girls turned; their jaws dropping to the floor.
**Meanwhile**
"I can't wait to be home again" Nick said happily dropping to his hotel bed.
"Yeah" I answered carelessly crouching down, taking a seat Indian-style on the beige
carpeted floor.
Nick plopped up on his elbows "You don't sound too thrilled about it"
"I can't exactly go home" I confessed quietly, my head hanging remorsefuly. I had never
told him what happened when I went back for those few days.
"Why?" he queried "You've almost never seen you're family in last few months"
I shook my head, tears already welding in my eyes "I can't go home to New Hampshire
Nick- it's not home for me any more."
"But wh-"
"Nick, just drop it, would you?" I said firmly. I really didn't feel like getting into it right
now.
Nick eyed her strangely. He couldn't make out what was troubling her, but something
definitely wasn't right. But he didn't feel like pressuring her into confessing about
something she wasn't willing to share with him just yet. So he gave in.
"So- then where are you going to go?"
"Tell you the truth, I haven't even thought about that yet" I snickered "I guess I'll just stay
here or something till we get back on tour"
"You can't do that!" Nick protested, a slight hint of disgust in his voice.
"Then what do you want me to do? I would have gone with Brian, but seeing as how
we're no longer together I..."
"Stay with me!" Nick said, sitting up, his feet now just inches away from where I was.
"You can come with me. My parents own a big house, plenty of space, and I'm sure they
wouldn't mind"
He sounded a tad too eager for my taste but "Are you sure they wouldn't mind? I wouldn't
wanna impose"
"No. They wouldn't" he smiled.
My face saddened "But what about Brian? I wouldn't want to hurt him more by going
with you... After all that happened"
"Do you have a choice?" he asked.
I bit my lip "No. I guess I don't"
"Then it's set"
**A Bit Later**
Howie walked up behind Dawn and placed his strong, worm hands on her shoulders and
slowly began to message her.
Dawn, who had been busy with paper work all day let out a loud moan, just as soon
dropping her pen. "God D, that feels sooo good" she said, her head bobbing back and
forth- left to right.
"How about a brake, huh?!" he whispered sweetly in her ear "You're gonna work yourself
to death"
Her reading glasses began to slip off her nose "I wish I could" she said, pushing them
back on her face "But I'm not even half way through this. I wanna get this finished with
before tomorrow"
He gave the enormous stack of paper on the desk a horrified look. They weren't going
anywhere for a loooong time. Sighing, he slid into the seat next. He'd always thought of
himself as a workaholic, but next to his girlfriend, he turned into the worlds biggest bum.
Never had he known someone to be so in love with their job and so reluctant to take a
brake. Idea: "Baby?"
"Humm?" se muttered, already submerged in her papers.
"We're gonna be off for a couple of days, and since I'm assuming we're going to be
together during that time, I was wondering if you'd care to come up to my chalet. It's next
to a lake and it's very..."
"Sure.Sure" she agreed, flicking her hand so he'd stop talking.
He smiled. Not the enthusiasm he was hoping for; none the less, it was still a yes.
**Same Time**
Kevin scratched his face the way he always did before he made any sort of announcement
"I think I'm gonna ask Naila to move in with me" he said, pulling up his pants as not to
crease them as he sat down.
"Now that's a big commitment considering you're on the road 300 days a year" Brian said
sarcastically, trying to close his unruly suitcase of unfolded clothes. He was always the
messy one...
He smiled "Glad to see you're back to your old obnoxious self"
"I'm not obnoxious" Brian laughed.
Kevin cracked his voice.
"Sorry" he apologized "But ya, I guess things are going better now. I'm dealing..."
"That's good" Kevin said happily. He just wanted the best for him.
"I mean..." Brian began, popping open a diet soda "These past few days have been hell...
The article, Nick, Eli. Back home will really do some good"
Kevin nodded.
He continued "And Kristy has been very helpful. She's a very sweet girl"
"Sweet huh?!" Kevin's brow hooked.
"Yes... sweet" Brian said mindlessly, his thoughts already drifting. After a few moments,
he shook his head and came back to earth "So, when are you gonna pop the question?"
Kevin grinned "When the moment is right. Timing is everything cuz, you should know
that by now"
Brian chuckled, took the pillow off the unmade bed and hit his cousin smack across the
head.
"Yup, you're most definitely back" Kevin grinned, rubbing the back of his neck.
**Later**
The door slammed; followed by stupid giggles. J.C rolled his eyes.
"Baby, baby, baby, can't ya at least wait till we reach the bedroom?"
"Hello- other person within ear range" he commented, raising his arm so that his friend
could spot him slumped on the couch.
Prying himself from the blondes pouty red lips, Justin turned to his band mate "Dude,
what ya doin' here?"
"Uh, we're sharing a room maybe?" J.C answered insultingly.
"Oh ya, cool, Ok." Justin accepted the explanation. Made sense after all... "Well then" he
began as the girl tugged on his arm, pulling him to the door already unzipping her vest "If
da room start'a rockin', don't com'a knockin'"
J.C chuckled and then remembered what he really wanted "Hold on Jus"
Justin, whose pants were already down to his ankles before reaching the door frame
looked back "What now man? Come on', can't you see the excitement Suzie has caused"
he said irritated, pointing down with both hands at his o'so crowded Tommy boxers.
"It's Tina" the groupies voice echoed from the bedroom.
"Ya Ok" Justin shrugged "So, what is it, you wanna join the party is that it?"
J.C shook his head "Naw, I was wondering if it was cool if I invited some chick to your
Halloween thing"
"Ya, ya. Sure" Justin agreed "Is that it?"
"Ya, that's all man"
Justin smiled "You sure about this though" he asked, gesturing back and forth between
the bedroom and himself "I'm sure Julie wouldn't mind"
"It's Tina!!!" the girls voice corrected again, still with out taking offense.
"Sorry" Justin said plainly as he walked in, eagerly shutting the door behind himself.
Seconds later, his head plopped out again
"Remember my advice"
J.C's brow narrowed "What advice?"
He winked back "'Bout that room'a knockin'"
"Coming honey??" she purred
Justin's eyes grew large with excitement "Right there Abbie"
"It's Tina!"
"Whatever" he grumbled as the door closed once more behind him.
J.C laughed to himself.
"Wonder when Alyssa's gonna phone?" he thought as he tuned in to MTV just in time to
catch his own video.
**Earlier That Day**
"Oh shit" Kristy gasped as a raging Naila stormed up to them.
"You did what?"
Laurel's jaw stood asphyxiated in terror.
"Don't make me repeat myself Laurel Joanna Morse" Naila yelled, her veins on her
forehead already bulging.
"I...I...I..."
"Shut up!" Naila interrupted loudly "Don't try to deny it. I heard you say it. God Laurel,
how could you be so stupid?- You idiot! Do you have any idea how stupid this was of
you..."
Naila's harsh words hit Laurel hard. She was extremely sensitive, and just the smallest
argument could set her off in tears.
Kristy tried to cut in "Naila, please calm down. It's her life and if she judged herself
mature enough..."
"Mature enough? Mature enough?!" Naila remonstrated, her voice loudening with every word
"She's 15 years old! 15. Having sex at 15 is not a sign of maturity but of naivaty"
"I'm not naive" Laurel sniffled in her own defense. "And if I wanted to sleep with my
boyfriend it's my choice"
Naila took one infuriate step closer to Laurel, who, despite her age still managed to be 7
inches taller than her.
Towering over her, Laurel managed to regain some confidence. But that didn't last long...
"Your choice was it? Well my dear, it was MY choice to accept being your legal gardien
while on this tour. And it was MY choice to even let you be in this group! So don't you
dare try to pull that "It's a free country" type shit on me. Got it? You're boyfriend is
nothing but a hormone crazed teenager with a dick for a brain!!! What if you would have
gotten pregnant? What if the condom broke? What then, huh!?"
Laurel's face remained stiff.
There was a short pause; just enough to let her catch her breath. "You know what" Naila
continued, her tone somewhat more gentle "You're right"
Laurel looked at the 23 year old curiously "What?"
"You're right" she said again quietly "You're not naive. That title belongs to me- It was
naive of me to believe a person like you would be capable of being mature or actually
keeping her head on straight when given only the smallest amount of liberty. I was stupid
to think you'd be able to handle having a boyfriend. So, as of tomorrow, that privilege
will be taken away"
"But..."
"You've had your chance and you blew it" Naila shouted "Starting tomorrow, Michael is
kicked off the tour"
Laurel's eyes filled with tears of sadness, but above all anger "You can't do that!"
But by the time she managed to speak those words, the only person left to hear them was
Kristy, who just as soon took her young friend into her consoling arms.
**In Orlando**
Knowing exactly where he was headed, A.J pounced through the crowd in-then out of the
elevator, dragging Alyssa along like a rag doll.
"For the love of god, I can walk" Alyssa whined freeing herself from his grasp.
"This is it" he thought aloud, now standing infront of a tall door; the soul object
separating him from his reunion with his beloved.
Alyssa watched him, obviously deep in thought. She could understand him feeling a bit a
nerve about this, but she was far too broken to take his feelings into consideration.
"C'mon" she said, pushing the door open and pulling him in with her.
A.J stood still in his tracks; his heart beat almost coming to a complete halt.
His vision blocked out everything: the doctor, the monitors, the nurse... everything accept
for his Amanda, who sat majestically on the white bed, her head barely leaning on the
cushy pillow as she stared back at him.
At first, she didn't know what to do. What would he say? Her lips began to curl into a
small grin, but before she could make sense of it all, her face had become a radiant smile
"Alex..."
Somehow he had managed to float over to her side, his feet still enable to touch the
ground. His hand reached out to her smooth cheek, its back softly caressing it. He smiled
as tears came to his eyes "Amanda" he said quietly, sitting down next to her.
Using all her strength, she pushed herself up and rapped her arms around her lovers neck
"Oh god A.J, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry"
It took him a moment to respond, but when he did, he made sure he held her so close,
she'd never be able to leave him again "Shhhh baby" he soothed feeling her worm tears
soak the back of his shirt and neck "It's Ok. You have nothing to be sorry for- I'm here
now"
****
Alyssa angrily walked down the hall."I bet he didn't even notice I left" she huffed. Why
was she mad? She should be happy for him... Shouldn't she? "Agh" she growled punching
her fist into the wall. Turning back, she leaned on it and crossed her arms bitterly over her
chest.
He loved her! He loved Amanda. Why couldn't she get that into her thick skull? A solemn
tear escaped her emerald eyes "Why doesn't he love me?"
