The tour went on without a replacement act to take my spot. There wasn't really any need for a third act with Rich McLaughlin and Reflection still there. Shortly after the tour ended, Nick entered rehab. I was happy to learn that he was finally willing to seek help for his alcoholism, but unfortunately the Boys' careers never quite recovered from the scandal. It was around this time that Nick and Sheridan got together. According to Alyssa, their 'relationship' was a train wreck waiting to happen, and sure enough it was over within three months. This fling was the first in a series for Nick, all of which made tabloid headlines. It took a while for him to clean up his act. Unfortunately however, we had completely severed ties by that time.
Reflection split up within months of the release of their second album. Although they had been incredibly successful as a group, they all felt it was time to go their separate ways. Naila started to produce, and made quite the name for herself. She even contributed to Alyssa and Laurel's solo careers. Kristy ventured off into film and theater, where she happily found her niche.
She and Brice were together for years to come, and split amicably somewhere along the way. As far as I knew, they were still good friends. Laurel and Rick dated for some time too, but as always with young love, the chemistry died fast. Luckily, it was not the same case with Rick's career, which exploded after the launch of his debut album. He was the biggest male solo-artist to hit the pop scene in over a decade, and the Midas touch remained with him for many years to come.
Alyssa also enjoyed quite a bit of her own success in the music business. Even though she and A.J did part ways at one time, the break-up only lasted six months; after which they were inseparable.
Kevin and Naila eventually formed their own label, proving that it is possible to mix business and pleasure despite it all. Kevin proposed four years down the line. They remain engaged to this day, and claim to be waiting for things to settle down before walking down the isle.
Dawn quit her management job and moved in with Howie a year after the tour ended. This was a surprising turn of events for anyone who'd ever met Dawn, but those closest to her felt it was the best move for her mental health. She and Howie founded their own charity, which they now work tirelessly on. The couple is still going strong, even though there are still no signs of there being a wedding any time in the near future.
Speaking of which, Brian got married three years after the end of the tour. He was introduced to the daughter of some wealthy entrepreneur at a gala, and they had evidently hit it off because they wed a year later. While I had been asked to attend the ceremony, I chose not to. Brian and I had parted ways long ago, and I knew that the invitation was only made out of politeness. He is currently awaiting the birth of his first child.
As for me, I am pleased to report that I got to start over on a clean slate. I moved my family to New York, where I majored in Music Education at NYU. Nothing has ever satisfied me the way teaching does. Additionally, the royalties from my former career permit me to live a more than comfortable life. The only person from my past with whom I still keep contact with is Alyssa. Regrettably, our hectic schedules are beginning to put a strain on our friendship. Even so, it's always great to hear from her, as she also serves as a bridge between me and the world I left behind so long ago.
