AJ and Jen sat in the limo, sipping cokes. AJ hadn’t told her yet about him making out with Michelle, and she had no clue that he knew about her kissing Curtis, because she hadn’t told him, and he hadn’t told her that he knew. He wanted her to confess first, he wanted to know he could trust her to be honest with him. She remained silent.

“Anything new?” he asked.

“Nope.”

“Nothing to tell me?” he asked.

Jen glanced sideways at him. “Is there anything you want me to tell you?” she asked, obviously starting to worry.

“I don’t know. It just seems like there’s something on your mind.”

“Well, there’s not. Drop it,” Jen said, quickly.

“OK…” AJ said, slumping down in his seat, disheartened. If she didn’t tell him, he would never be able to trust her.

“Actually, AJ, we need to talk.”

He sat up straight. “Yes?”

“At the party at your uncle’s house the other night, something happened, but I’m afraid to tell you,” Jen said.

“Why?”

“Because it’ll make you mad and upset, when really, it was all a big mistake. Curtis was drunk, and… he kissed me.” She grimaced. “But I pushed him away, I swear! And I told him once and for all that I love you, and I want nothing to do with him. Do you believe me?” she asked.

“Yeah, Jen, and I’m glad you told me.” She started to hug him, and he pulled away. “Before you start hugging me, I have something to confess.”

“Yes?”

“I was also drunk at the party, as you probably know, and… well, Michelle, Brian’s girl, she was drunk too. She was upset over something that happened with Brian, and we ran into each other… and, well, basically, we kissed. Totally under the influence of alcohol, of course. It never would have happened otherwise.”

“Oh, thank God!” Jen said, smiling.

AJ paused. “Huh?”

“I felt so guilty, but now I see that we’re even. Let’s promise that we won’t leave each other’s side at things like that, OK? This way, nothing like that will happen with either of us,” Jen said.

“OK, but, Jen… you haven’t heard the whole story.”

“What else is there to tell?”

“Brian walked in on us, and… the alcohol reason wasn’t good enough for him. He broke up with Michelle, and he and I are on… we’re barely on speaking terms.”

“Oh, AJ… that’s… that’s horrible. Poor Brian. He must really be hurting.”

“Actually, he’s already asked out Lisa Moone, that actress. He’s so on the rebound, it’s not even funny,” AJ said.

“Isn’t she Michelle’s big rival? No wonder! He wants revenge or something,” Jen said.

“Yeah, well, he’s not fooling me with the big tough guy act he’s putting on. He’s devastated, and he’s trying to hurt Michelle. I feel really guilty about this whole thing, Jen.”

Jen reached over and took his hand. “Then why don’t you do something about it?”

Kevin stared grimly at the TV screen. An old rerun of “All In the Family” was on, but it didn’t make him laugh like it usually did. It had been a week now since Lynnsey had broken up with him. He had tried calling her, but he could never get in touch with her. He had considered flying to Florida, but ruled that out. Stalking wasn’t something he wanted to add to his list of hobbies.

Truth was, he knew he had brought this whole thing on himself. He wasn’t ever there for Lynnsey when she needed him, and he had been putting his career ahead of her. She deserved someone better than him. Her life was getting back on track anyhow. Her dad was out of the hospital, and she was back in college, getting ready to graduate in May. Sooner or later, she’d meet a nice, normal guy who would be there for her when she needed him, and even when she didn’t. He would fulfill her every want, and they would get married, and have kids, and… Now Kevin was depressing himself.

He looked around the empty hotel room and felt even more depressed. He needed to get out. As if someone had read his thoughts, there was a knock at the door.

He went to open it, and was greeted by the bright smile of Kayla Norman.

“Feel like ordering a movie off the TV?” she asked.

It was hardly ‘getting out’, but at least he would have some company.

“Sure, come in,” he said, smiling. “What movie do you want to order?”

Gretchen bit her lip as she watched the final cut of her new music video for “No More Tears.” It was beautifully done, and she knew it would be a big hit. It would show the music critics that she had depth. The video featured her in a dimmed café’, playing her guitar and singing the song. Then, it showed ‘flashbacks’ to times when the boyfriend talked about in the song had hurt Gretchen, etc. The video would be debuted on MTV’s TRL the next day, and she was going to be there for the premiere.

Nick promised he would watch from Detroit, which is where he and the rest of the BSB would be.

She also knew there was a good chance someone else would be watching- Brandon. The song was about him, and he would definitely get it. She was almost nervous about the fact, because she had never expressed her feelings to Brandon. But he would know now, finally. Hopefully, he’d feel like a jerk.

David would be watching her too, and the idea comforted her. It was unspoken support.

The day after her TRL appearance, Gretchen would be going home to Georgia for a short break. David was already back in Georgia, because he was on break from school in L.A.

Gretchen knew that she needed to keep a level head around David, or she might do something she would regret. Like kiss him or something. Oh, the last thing she wanted to do was betray Nick’s trust, or ruin the great relationship she was already in, but… it was getting harder and harder to deny the growing feelings she had for David. And she loved Nick, with all her heart… but she was falling in love with David, too.

Brian and Lisa had spoken on the phone every night for the past 7 days. It had been a week since he had first called her, and though from their conversations he already knew that she was not the woman for him, that had never been what he wanted anyway.

He had it all planned out. The Backstreet Boys would be in L.A. in two days for a press conference, and Lisa was going to be there visiting family. He was going to take her to the movie theatre he had taken Michelle to on their first date. He remembered the public spectacle he and Michelle had created when they had gone there, and he expected the same thing to occur with him and Lisa. Michelle would definitely hear about it. That was all he wanted.

“What’s wrong, mom?” Lynnsey asked over the phone, panicky. Her mom had paged her with the ‘911’ code, meaning it was an emergency.

“It’s your father! He had a heart attack!” her mom said. “We’re at the hospital. Get here, quick!”

Lynnsey hung up the phone and hurriedly grabbed her purse and car keys. ‘This can’t be happening, this can’t be happening,’ she thought.

She broke just about every traffic law in existence on the way to the hospital.

The movie ended, and Kevin turned on CNN. Kayla sat back on the bed, hoping Kevin would ask her to stay a little longer.

“Uh, Kevin…”

“Shh…” Kevin said as a broadcaster came on the screen.

“News from Tampa, Florida this afternoon. The mayor of Tampa, Mark Parker, has died this afternoon of a massive heart attack. Mayor Parker had just overcome a bout with cancer, and was looking forward to another term as mayor this coming January…”

Kevin’s heart fell. “Oh my God… oh my God… Lynnsey’s dad… he’s dead… I… oh my God…”

When Kayla saw the look on his face, she knew she had lost him. Her heart collapsed, and she sighed. “Go to her, Kevin. She needs you.”

Kevin nodded. “I’ll call my manager and tell him I won’t be able to go to Detroit or L.A. for the press conferences. Then I’ll book the first flight to Tampa I can get.” Kevin left the room to go use the phone, and Kayla let a tear run down her cheek. She was a temptress, but she was no match for a girl whose father had just died.

“What do you mean, me come to L.A.?” Michelle asked.

“I mean, we’re going to be in L.A. in two days, and since you’ll be in San Diego, you could come to L.A. and surprise Brian,” AJ said.

“But AJ, what if he doesn’t want to see me? I don’t want to ambush him or anything. I don’t want to bother him if he doesn’t want to have anything to do with me.”

“Believe me, Michelle, he wants something to do with you. He loves you, and he knows it, but he’s angry. You’re going to have to make an extra effort to reach out to him, and make him realize your love for him.”

“And how do I do that, AJ?”

“I don’t know, Michelle. That’s for you to figure out. But tell me this: can you live without him?” AJ asked.

“ … No. I can’t,” Michelle replied.

“Then show him. Come to L.A. in two days.”

“Thanks for calling me, AJ. I’ll be in L.A. two days from now. What hotel are you guys staying in?”

“The Luxury Hotel. We’ll be arriving early in the morning. Our press conference is at 2pm, and should be over by 3.”

“Thanks so much, AJ. I really appreciate you trying to help me get Brian back.”

“No problem. I just want my friend to be happy, and he’ll be happiest with you,” AJ said.

“Even though you don’t like me?” Michelle asked.

“Hey, you also don’t like me, but… maybe I just misjudged you. Anyways, it doesn’t matter how I feel. It’s how Bri feels, and he is in love with you.”

“Thanks again, AJ. And… I’m sorry about what happened at your uncle’s party between us. I hope it didn’t cause problems between you and your girlfriend.”

“No, she’s OK with it. She also didn’t see it happen, so it’s a little easier on her.”

“That’s good. Bye.”

“Bye.”

That night…

Kevin rang the doorbell of Lynnsey’s parents’ house with flowers in his hand and a backpack on his back. There were many cars in the driveway, probably family.

A woman he did not recognize answered the door. Her eyes were red, and her face blotchy.

“Aren’t you Lynnsey’s… ?”

“Yes. May I come in?” Kevin asked.

“Of course. Lynnsey!” the woman called as she let Kevin come in.

Kevin saw Lynnsey approaching. She looked so fragile, so broken. He wanted to sweep her up in his arms and never let her go.

Their eyes met, and she ran to him, starting to cry. He wrapped his arms around her, and said, “I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t leave me,” she whispered back.

“Never again,” Kevin replied.

7 AM Los Angeles

The 4 remaining Backstreet Boys arrived in L.A. right on schedule, and made it to Luxury Hotel with plenty of free time.

“Brian, when is your date with Lisa tonight?” AJ asked.

“At 8:30. Why?”

“No reason.”

“So, after the press conference, you’re just going to hang out here until it’s time to pick Lisa up?” AJ asked.

“Maybe, I don’t know. Why, do you want to go do something?” Brian asked.

“Actually, yeah. I thought maybe we could go see a movie or something.”

“But that’s where I’m taking Lisa for our date tonight. I don’t want to go there twice in a row!” Brian protested.

“Look, we’ll go see Policeman Wars. You’re not taking Lisa to see that particular movie, are you?” AJ asked.

“No. I don’t know…”

“Trust me, Brian. You want to come see this with me. You won’t be disappointed.”

Brian gave him a weird look.

“I uh… I heard it’s really, really good is all,” AJ said.

“OK… What time?”

“4:30. You’ll be back in time to get dressed in time for your date with Lisa, I promise.”

“OK.”

AJ cheered silently. What Michelle had in store for Brian at that movie theatre would make him forget all about his little date with Lisa-the-hoe.

Gretchen and her mom talked about the premiere of Gretchen’s new song and video as they made cookies in the Jones’ kitchen.

“I’m so proud of you, honey,” Mrs. Jones said. “You have totally distanced yourself from all the other pop singers with this song. You put your heart into it. You’ve been the talk of the town all week. Everyone’s so proud that you’re from here.”

“I’m happy about it too, mom,” Gretchen said.

“David’s coming over later,” Mrs. Jones said.

“He is?” Gretchen’s heart jumped.

“Yeah, he said he had something to tell you, something important.”

Kara got the phone call around noon.

“We have your surgery results,” the doctor said. “We’d like to see you in to discuss them right now, if you can make it.”

Kara exhaled. “OK. I’ll be there right away.”

Once she got into the doctor’s office, she knew it was all right. The doctor smiled at her. “You don’t have ovarian cancer, Kara. Everything’s just fine.”

Kara called her mom, and then Howie with the good news. “Everything’s OK, baby! We got through this!”

At 4:15, Michelle entered the movie complex and went straight to the manager’s office.

“Thank you so much for letting me do this, sir. It means so, so much to me.”

“It’s no problem, miss. We’re all big fans of yours. Just go to Theatre 15. That’s where we’ll bring your guy when he arrives here with his friend.”

“Thank you very much,” Michelle said. Over the past two days she had come up with her plan to win Brian back- using the place they had gone on their first date. She had decided that she would get AJ to get Brian to the movie complex, and when they sat down to watch the movie, a “movie preview” would come on. Instead of being a real preview, it would be a video of Michelle saying everything she needed to say. Then, at the end of it, the words “ Please Forgive Me starring Michelle Colback …” would come on the screen. She had gotten one of director/producer friends to film it and put it together for her the day before, and her agent had called the movie complex and confirmed a deal with them that they would reserve a theatre for Michelle and play the tape for Brian.

There was no guarantee that it was going to work. Brian could always reject her, or walk out, or a number of things.

Michelle prayed he would give her another chance.

Brian and AJ approached the movie complex, and went around to the back entrance.

“I called with this place and confirmed that we’d need to use a special way to get in to avoid a mob of fans or something. They said for us to go straight to Theatre 15,” AJ said.

“OK.”

They entered the theatre, and AJ immediately looked for Michelle, who said she would be in the very last row, sort of hiding. He saw her, and winked. She gave him a sheepish smile.

“Why isn’t anyone else in here?” Brian asked.

“Maybe we’re a little early,” AJ played it off.

“No, it’s 4:29. The previews should be coming on any minute,” Brian said.

AJ just shrugged.

Exactly at 4:30, the preview started. The background music began…

Please forgive me, I know not what I do… Please forgive me, I can’t stop loving you…

Michelle’s face appeared on the screen. “Brian, I know I messed up.”

“What is this?” Brian asked, confused.

“I betrayed your trust and hurt you, something I never ever wanted to do. These past few weeks without you have been so hard on me, because I know now that there’s no way I could ever live without you. You mean so much to me, I want to share everything with you. Brian, I’m asking… begging you to forgive me, and take back my heart. I love you… so much, and no one else. You are the only one for me. Brian, please… please forgive me.”

The screen faded to black and the room was silent.

Michelle approached AJ and Brian from the back, and AJ cleared his throat. “I’ll leave you two alone for a minute.”

Once he was gone, Brian spoke. “Why did you do this?”

“Because. I love you, Brian. I am so, so remorseful about what happened, and I need you to give me another chance. Please,” she finished weakly. “I love you.”

“You hurt me, Michelle,” Brian said. “And I don’t know if I can forgive you for it.”

“Brian…please…”

“I have a date tonight, so I need to leave,” Brian said. “If you’ll excuse me…”

Michelle watched him walk away, crestfallen.

David rang the Jones’ doorbell, nervous. He couldn’t believe it had come to this.

Gretchen answered, and smiled expectantly. “Why don’t you come sit down in the living room?” she asked.

“Sure, Gretchen. There’s something we need to talk about. I wanted you to be the first to know.”

They sat down on the couch, and he exhaled. “I’m in love.”

Gretchen’s heart raced. “You are?”

“Yes, and I…” David pulled out the engagement ring from his pocket and showed it to her. Gretchen gasped.

“David… are you saying what I think you’re saying?” Gretchen asked. ‘He’s proposing to me, and I think I want to say yes!’ she thought.

“Yes. Gretchen… I’m going to ask Haley to marry me.”

The blood drained from Gretchen’s face.

“I wanted to talk to you about it, Gretchen, because you’re my best friend. If I can be honest with you, I was in love with you for a long time.”

“Me?” Gretchen squeaked out.

“Yes, but you were first in love with Brandon, and now Nick, so I decided to move on, and I met Haley. You know how it went. Well, I’m just… I love her, and I want to marry her, and I need you to tell me that this is the right thing for me to do. I know we’re young, and we haven’t known each other for a long time, but she’s already told me that she thinks I’m ‘The One’ and I feel the same about her. Do you… do you think this is right?” David asked.

“Well… uh, David, I uh… I don’t know what to say, I’m shocked,” Gretchen said, feeling like someone had just shot her dog.

“I didn’t expect it either,” David said. “I can tell you now that I wanted you and Nick to break up so badly, which is terrible of me, I know. But now I’ve found the one I really should be with, and I just need assurance from you, my best friend.”

“Assurance? Just do what your heart says, David,” Gretchen said, forcing a smile.

David kissed her on the cheek. “Thanks. Is there any possibility of you and Nick and marriage maybe?”

“Who knows?” Gretchen said.

“Well, I need to run and tell my parents that I’m going to propose to Haley. They’ll be thrilled. Thanks so much, Gretchy,” said David as he gave her a hug. “Bye.”

“Yeah. You’re welcome,” Gretchen said sadly as he walked out the door.

As Brian and Lisa exited the movie theatre, Brian replayed the events of this afternoon in his mind. Maybe he had made a mistake, maybe he should have forgiven her. As Lisa rambled on and Brian felt more and more downcast, it became clear to him that he HAD made a mistake. A huge one.

Just as it had happened when Brian and Michelle had gone on their date at the movie complex, there was huge mob of people outside begging for autographs.

“Let’s stay and sign some autographs,” Brian said.

“Are you crazy? No way! Besides, I charge $10.00 a piece for my autograph and my purse isn’t big enough to hold all that money.”

Brian looked at her in disgust. “I HAVE made a mistake. Excuse me, Lisa. I’m going to go find the woman I reallywant to be with.”

Brian raced to the Luxury Hotel and barged into AJ’s room.

“Where is Michelle staying? I have to find her!” Brian exclaimed.

AJ shook his head. “She left tonight to go to Denver. Her flight was scheduled to leave a half hour ago.”

“Noooo!” Brian cried. “I have to find her and tell her I’ve made a mistake. I love her, I want to be with her!”

“Why didn’t you realize this at 4:30?” AJ exclaimed.

“I don’t know,” Brian moaned. “Maybe I can still catch her,” he said. “I’ll drive to the airport!”

“What if she’s gone, Brian?” AJ asked.

“Then I’ll catch the next flight to Denver,” Brian replied, leaving.

“Brian! You can’t just leave!” AJ called. But Brian was already out the door.

Gretchen didn’t know what to do with herself. She felt so guilty for betraying Nick… Not physically, but emotionally, mentally…

She was going to tell him, and hopefully, he wouldn’t be too mad.

She dialed his cell phone number, and waited as it rang.

“Hello?” he answered.

“Hey sweetie.”

“Hey, babe! It’s so good to hear your voice right now.”

“I know. Look, I have some news.”

“Really, what?”

“David is going to propose to his girlfriend,” Gretchen said.

“Really! That’s great!” Nick said.

“I also need to tell you… I’m in love with David.”

*silence*

“Nick?”

“What did you just say?”

“I’m in love with David, but I love you too, and it doesn’t matter how I feel about David because he’s marrying someone else, and I think I just started to care for David because he knows me better than anyone else, and maybe I just liked that idea. I don’t know. But Nick, I need you to forgive me for thinking about someone else that way. I need to you to forgive me for not giving you the chance to understand my past, and for not giving you the chance to know me better than David does. But I promise from now on I’m going to open myself up to you like I never have to anyone, and I’m never going to let this happen again. I want to be with you, and I want us to understand each other. Do you forgive me?”

“Yeah, but Gretchen, I think this all started with our trust issues in the first place. Look, we just need to trust each other and try to always be there for each other, OK?”

“I promise Nick.”

“OK then. Let’s just look at this is one more thing we get through together, OK?”

“OK.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.”

Michelle bit her lip and tried to hold back tears. All she wanted to do was get out of this city. What a time for her flight to get postponed!

If Brian didn’t want her anymore, than she didn’t know what she would do, but being in the same city as him hurt too much. She had to get out!

“Michelle!” she heard someone call.

‘Great, now I’m delusional too,” she thought.

“Michelle!” she heard it again. She turned around and saw Brian running towards her.

“I love you! Don’t leave!” he cried.

“Brian?”

He finally got to her and enveloped her in his arms.

“Brian, what… I thought you couldn’t forgive me, I thought…”

“I changed my mind,” he said.

“But, Brian… do you still love me?” she asked.

“I never stopped, baby. I’m so sorry for being such a jerk. I forgive you, and I need you to forgive me. I love you so much…” Then he kissed her, so intensely that they forgot that there were 100 people standing around watching them.

“Look, I don’t have a ring with me, because I didn’t know I’d be doing this, but, Michelle, will you marry me? Please?”

Michelle’s face lit up. “Of course I’ll marry you!” They kissed and the people surrounding them cheered and applauded. It was all as it should be.