Chapter 30

Part 1
"Ok so your taking Flight 487 directly to Cleveland" Lauren reminded, handing AJ his ticket while they sat in the airport together. It had been four days since Rachel had left, and only Lauren had been able to get in touch with her. She was the only one that had accompanied AJ to the airport, since he said something about wanting to talk before he left.
"I won't be gone..no more than 2 days. I can't miss any shows so I'm going to try to get a flight back early Friday morning"
"Ok I'll tell the guys that. You know AJ, maybe I should be the one to go back and talk to her. You have more important things to do" she said sympathetically.
AJ turned to Lauren with hurt eyes. "You really think that low of me? That my job is more important than someone I love. One missed concert isn't going to ruin my career. Words left unsaid, one missed opportunity could ruin everything else that is important to me right now."
Lauren nodded, and smiled. "No I don't think that low of you AJ. I just want you to know, that everything Rachel is going through isn't all because of you. I don't want that burden on your shoulders"
"Thanks Lauren. I know what you mean, but I think this is something I need to do on my own" AJ sat silent for a moment and then looked back up at her. "So your... I mean her dad is going to be home, correct?"
"No she said she got in touch with him, and he's on vacation for the next week with his girlfriend. Somewhere in Cancun I think."
AJ let out a sigh of relief, but then his gaze turned stony again. "God, if I ever get my hands on that asshole, I swear I'll-"
"AJ, remember what I told you. Rachel can't know that I told you everything from the past. Its up to her to let you know, though its not likely she will"
"Yeah, I meant to ask you about that. You said your mom died when Rachel was five right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Well I knew when you said that, it didn't sound right, and then I remembered Rachel telling me, back in May or something...her mom died when she was 10. I don't understand why she would have felt the need to lie"
"Wow, I don't know. I guess she'd rather forget that whole time of abuse. The later in her life my mom passed away..the later the abuse would have started. I think maybe she's jealous of me..I was just turning 7 when mother passed away, and I have a much clearer idea of who she was. Only being 5, I'm not sure how much Rachel really remembers about her. I really don't have an idea AJ. We don't talk about her dad often, or the things he did to us. We talk even less about mom..it's too painful for the both of us"
AJ could see tears welling up in Lauren's eyes, and decided to kill the subject. "I understand. I just needed to know about the whole age thing. It was confusing. God, I have no idea what to say to her when I get there"
"Just be careful. From the way she sounded..she's changed in the past couple of days. I don't know if you will be prepared for the side you'll see of her, once you get there. I don't think you'll be expecting it"
"What do you mean Lauren? How is she any different at home, than she is here?"
"You need to find out for yourself. Don't worry, you'll see what I'm talking about once you get there"
AJ shuddered, now completely worried about what or who he would find once he got to Cleveland. He wanted to know more, but a static filled voice blasted out of the intercom, announcing that Flight 487 was now boarding.
"Well I guess it's time for you to go" Lauren sighed, and got up from her seat. They had been sitting in a private area so noone would bother them as they spoke. A stalky looking body guard now joined AJ's side and escorted him to his terminal. He and Lauren were silent the whole time, not knowing what to say anymore. As he waited nervously in line, Lauren pulled him to the side and spoke quietly. "AJ...I know everything will work out in the end. I'm sure of it. Rachel is a strong person, regardless of what she may think. At the same time..she's very, what's the word...well, she does things unexpectedly. So just remember that. Oh, and AJ?"
He nodded and smiled. "Yea?"
"Tell her I love her for me k?"
"I will beautiful, I will" he said softly, pulling her into a tight hug.
As he boarded the plane and took his seat, he wondered whether all of this was worth it, well whether this would all be worth it in the end.
He had no idea what to expect upon arriving in Cleveland. Lauren's words about Rachel's irratic change troubled him, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for all this "heavy shit" as he had put it earlier on that day. All he knew was that he loved this girl from the beginning, and wanted what they had to last. He had never had been more sure of anything in a long time.

Katie read the last chapter of her book, as she waited patiently for Lauren to return. She was still in shock, and rather hurt that Rachel had left in such a rush without saying anything, not even good-bye. But she understood at the same time. There was a knock at the door, and without really wanting to get up from her spot on the bed she called to whoever to just come in.
Brian's handsome frame appeared in the door way, and he had a silly expression on his face. "Hey darlin!" he cried entering the room loudly.
"Oh Brian...you're people called. Their village idiot is missing, and they want know when you'll be coming back"
"Hahahaha" Brian laughed mockingly. "That was almost funny!!" he cried, but quickly joined her on the bed and snuggled up next to her. "What cha readin?"
"Some murder slash drama mystery thingy. Its not that bad, I'm almost done"
"Oh. Do you read alot?" Brian asked, glancing at the stack of novels on the bedside table.
"Yea. More now, since you're gone alot, and there isn't much to do"
"I'm sorry Kates. I wish I could spend more time with you too, but its next to impossible"
"Brian, its ok, I don't mind. In fact, its given me a chance to work on my writing and stuff. I've got plenty to occupy my time"
"You write too?"
"Mmhmm. I want to write children's books. Well just as a part time thing. I still want to be a teacher, but writing is another thing I do"
"Do you have any of your writing here with you?"
Katie hesitated a minute. "Well..yes"
"Can I see?"
"No"
"Why not?"
"Cause its private"
"But you plan on writing it for the whole world to see, correct?"
"Yeah, but its not finished yet"
"So let me read some"
"Brian....when you write your songs, I know you don't let the others, let alone me, see or hear them until its completely done"
"But that's different"
"No it's not. Brian..you can agree with me or be wrong"
"Hey!"
Katie smiled, and rolled off the bed.
"Look, I'm getting claustrophobic in this damn hotel room. I wanna go for a drive. You're welcome to come if you want"
Brian shrugged, and got up off the bed aswell. "We have a magazine interview at 4, and its 3:30 now. How long were you planning to be gone?"
"Oh, in that case don't worry about it. I was thinking of going into the next town, and I won't be back for at least an hour. I'll catch up with you later. Maybe around dinner" Katie smiled, and kissed him on the cheek, while putting a sweatshirt on.
"Yeah. Sounds good" Brian sighed.
She smiled, and followed him out the door.
"You want me to walk you to the parking garage?" he asked quietly.
"Nah. I know you need to get ready for that interview. I'll be ok" Again she smiled, and pressed her hand to his cheek. "Don't worry Brian. I understand this is your job, and that if you could you would come with me. I support what you're doing, so don't think I don't"
Brian's eyes trailed down to the floor "You have no idea how much I needed to hear that Kate. Thank you"
Suddenly there was a commotion at the other end of the hallway. The couple looked in the direction of where the sound had come from, and noticed a small handful of girls heading towards them. Katie immediately backed away from Brian and put on her pink tinted sunglasses and "Carleton University" hat. "You better go before they recognize you" she said quickly, and headed in the opposite direction of the teenage girls, hoping to avoid their cameras.
"Too late" he muttered under his breath, as the group of bubbling young women approached him.

Nick checked out some of the attractive fans as they eyed him in the restaurant. He felt a little self conscience as he sensed the peering faces gazing at him. Even more uncomfortable since his mom was sitting across from him.
"Nickolas...didn't you're father ever teach you to keep your eyes to yourself when your mother is near by?"
Nick blushed, and coughed nervously "Sorry"
Jane Carter just laughed, and rubbed Nick's hand affectionately from across the table. She had arrived in Europe at midnight the evening before, and was now having lunch with her eldest son. "Its okay. I understand. You know, you're brother Aaron is starting to look at girls too. Sometimes it worries me though. There are so many young woman out there who only like him for his fame, and I want the best for my boys"
"Mom, don't worry about it. He's only twelve, if he likes girls, I'm sure its only puppy love and nothing serious. His head is on straight...thanks to his big brother" Nick smiled proudly.
"Well how about you hun? Where are you in the whole dating scene?"
"Non-exisistant"
"You? Nick Carter? The most sought out Backstreet Boy of the bunch?"
"Ma, just cuz I'm a Backstreet Boy, doesn't mean it's any easier to fall in love. In fact its harder. I have to watch out for who I date"
"I know I know. I'm just teasing. But what happened to Korrie. I thought you liked her?"
"At first I did. Then it just started feeling like I had been brainwashed. "Don't Want You Back" has more and more meaning each time I sing it. Anyways, we broke up a couple of days ago, and to tell you the truth I don't mind being single at the moment"
Nick immediately regretted his words, as he heard a few gasps from the fans that were near by. That comment would definitely make its way onto the internet in no time.
"So how are the other guys?" Jane asked, changing the subject after seeing her son's apparent uneasiness.
"They're all good, as far as I know. Brian met this girl a while ago, before we started touring, and her and her cousin are visiting him and Kevin as well as they're cousin slash sister slash our makeup artist, who AJ's dating..well was dating, no is..oh I don't know, but anyways, they're all good. Howie is off in his own little world. I think he's talking to some girl who's friends with our makeup artist, and I think she's coming over to visit sometime at the end of tour. AJ actually isn't here right now, he's on his way to Cleveland where this girl is..our makeup artist. They are having some problems, partly cause of me I think, but that's beside the point" Nick took a breath after his long winded explanation.
Mrs.Carter just laughed. " I have no idea what you just said"
Nick rolled his eyes, and raised his hands over his head. "Women. I swear I'll never understand them"
Jane glanced at her watch. "Nick honey, I thought you said you had an interview at 4"
"Yeah. What time is it?"
"3:45"
"Shit"
"Nick!"
"Sorry! Well, I know you wanted to go shopping, so you can have the chauffeur drive you around and I'll take a cab back to the hotel, where this journalist is meeting us"
"Oh that's sweet of you honey. Are you sure?"
"Positive. Go ahead, I'll be fine"
Nick bent down and kissed his mom on the forehead. In doing so, he heard a couple "Awwws" as the fans looked on with goo-goo eyes. He decided to cut them some slack and shot a killer smile and a wave in their direction. They all squealed and Nick, still amazed at the fan response they always received where ever they went, shook his head and walked out of the local cafe.

Kevin coughed and smiled as Lauren sat down stiffly next to him on the couch in his room. "Hey you"
"Hi"
"How was AJ before he left?"
"A little nervous, but confident he was going to make a difference"
"He's always very confident"
Lauren smiled slowly, and there was a short, incredibly awkward pause between the two, before she grabbed his hand, and looked straight in his eyes. "Kev, I just want to apologize for the other night"
"Oh Lauren, you don't-"
Lauren raised a finger to his lips to quiet him "Shh, let me just say this"
He nodded, and let her continue.
"I know the other night I played it off as if I was going to let things happen. Like I wanted us..to be together intimately. And me stopping just before, pushing you off me..probably made you feel like you had done something wrong. Well I want you to know that you didn't and its all me. It really is. I never told you this but" Lauren stopped, and swallowed, feeling the blood rush to her face.
"What is it?" he prodded.
"I'm still a virgin" she said, sounding as if she was choking on the words.
Kevin filled with almost a sense of pride, and pulled her into a hug. "Oh God, Lauren. You don't have to be ashamed. I understand. I completely respect that you haven't given yourself to anyone yet. I wish I was the same way. It's the worst feeling sometimes, knowing something so special happened on a one night stint with someone I barely cared about."
"How old were you?"
It was Kevin's turn to blush and he had to look away before he answered. "Nineteen"
"Oh"
"Are you disappointed?"
"No. I expected it.....ooo, that came out the wrong way. I just meant"
"I know what you meant don't worry"
"The truth is Kev, waking up next you that morning...was such a nice feeling, and I know that you're the one who I want wake up next to more often. But if the whole...de-virginization thing could wait until we weren't in a hotel room in another country, it would make everything so much more special. Are you ok with that?"
"More than ok. I respect your decision, and I'll wait as long as you need me to"
"Thanks Kevvy. It means alot to me, you know, that you're being so understanding"
"Whenever you're ready, just tell me"
"I will. Believe me, I just want to make sure its the right time"
There was a knock at the door, and Kevin got up to answer it.
"Oh hey Kevin, hope I didn't interrupt anything" Howie apologized, seeing Lauren sitting in the background.
"No, don't worry about it. We have to go meet that journalist don't we?"
"Two actually. We were double booked"
"So that means we have to do two interviews now?"
"Yeah but they agreed to do it at the same time, and alternate asking questions"
"Whatever" Kevin sighed. "Lauren, I gotta go. We'll talk later"
She nodded and smiled.
"Just wait here until I get back ok?"
Lauren nodded again, and began making herself comfortable on the couch.
Kevin turned to leave for the second time, but then stopped. "Oh, and order some food up for around 5. We'll eat in here tonight. I should be back by then"
Lauren nodded once again.
The door finally closed, but then seconds later Kevin reappeared, ran across the room and kissed her quickly and roughly. "Bye"
He was gone again before she could blink. She chuckled to herself and flicked on the t.v to find a movie to watch.

AJ could feel his palms sweating as the plane landed safely in Hopkins Airport, Cleveland.
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We are now safely in Cleveland. The time is 11 p.m Rome time, 6 p.m Cleveland time. I hope you enjoyed your flight"
AJ grabbed his bookbag and walked off the plane into the terminal. He proceeded to pick up his other luggage and the keys at the car rental booth, where there was an SUV waiting for him.
As soon as he was on the highway heading towards Rachel's father's house, he picked up his cellphone and called Howie.
"Hey D. It's me, just wanting to let you know I'm in Cleveland. What's up?"
"Not much buddy. How are you?"
"I've seen better days. I'm nervous like no other though. I have no idea what I'm going to say to her once I get to the house"
"Don't sweat it Bone. As soon as you get there I'm sure it will all come to you."
"Yeah I hope. What did you people do today after I left?"
"Not a hell of alot. We had that magazine interview. They were asking about you"
"What did you say?" AJ asked, turning off the freeway and onto the exit that would bring him to Rachel.
"Just that you had some things to clear up in the States, and that you would be back in a couple days for the next concert"
"Good good"
"So you gonna be okay?"
"Yeah. I'm fine. You know me man, tough to the Bone"
"Bad pun"
"None intended" AJ laughed. "Look man, I'm going to have to let you go. I should be getting to the house soon"
"Got ya. Good luck Bone"
"Thanks Howie. Peace out"
"Peace"
AJ clicked off his phone, and went back to concentrating on the directions Lauren had made out for him before he left. He turned down a couple more streets before finally coming upon "Juniper Circle" which was in fact the street Rachel was currently staying on. "You can do this Alex, you can do this" he muttered in his head over and over. He had no idea why he was so nervous or uptight about the whole thing. Normally he would go in knowing his girl would fall straight back into his arms and not question him at all. But he had a gut feeling that things weren't going to go as smoothly as he would like them to. He pulled up into the driveway, and sat there for a moment, getting his composure. He straightened out his baggy black cargo pants (think IWITW video) and his sleeveless Gucci top. Cologne clung to him lightly as he stepped out of the car, and cautiously walked up the front path. He glanced at his reflection in the glass door, smoothing out his goatee, and styling his hair as he usually did. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. After thirty seconds with no response, he knocked again. Still noone came to the door. He peered in through the window and noticed a light shining from a door near the back of the front hallway.
"Well someone's home" he thought, and began considering what he was going to do next. "You've come this far AJ, you're not going back now"
Without a second thought he opened the glass door, and then tried the handle of the main door. It opened with ease, and with no hesitation, AJ stepped into the house.

Chapter 31
INDEX

A Story is a Wish your Heart Makes