Emilie's New Life by Emilie (emmarosebsb@hotmail.com) Chapter 10 *January 12th, 2000* "My new roommate looks kind of cool," Victoria Jenkins, nicknamed Torrie, told herself, as she unpacked some of her clothes. She glanced around at Emilie's stuff and wondered who she was. She had a few posters up, one of 98* and another of the Backstreet Boys. She had a few pictures on her desk and Torrie, curiously, walked over to see if she could see what Emilie looked like. The first one featured a petite girl with strawberry blond hair in her graduation gown with about five of her friends with their arms around one another. Torrie assumed the one with the red hair was Emilie and she clasped her hand to her mouth. Omigod! It's Nick Carter's girlfriend! Torrie thought to herself, and she looked at the other pictures. Sure enough, there was a picture of Emilie with AJ and Nick of the Backstreet Boys. Torrie sighed happily, collapsing on her bed. She couldn't believe out of all her luck, she would end up as Emilie's roommate. She had known Emilie went to Carleton University when she had applied for the winter term, but had no idea she would be in the same room as her. "Time to hit the books again," Torrie heard someone sigh, and she heard the door jingle open. She sat up, and saw Emilie Parker appear at the door with two gigantic suitcases, and a cell phone in her hands. "Hi!" Emilie smiled at Torrie, dropping the suitcases. "Okay! Gotta go AJ! Talk to ya later Hun!" Torrie watched in amazement as Emilie flipped the receiver up, and began taking off her ivory parka. "Hey! What's up?" Torrie replied nervously. "Nothing much," Emilie answered, not noticing Torrie's anxiousness. "How are you?" "Good thanks Emilie," Torrie replied quickly, and Emilie grinned at her. "I take it you know who I am," Emilie commented, as she grabbed one of her suitcases and placed it on her bed. "Yeah I know," Torrie answered, trying to sound disinterested. "I'm Victoria Jenkins." "Emilie Parker," she replied, sticking her hand out. Torrie shook it and smiled at Emilie. "Who is your favourite Backstreet Boy?" "AJ," Torrie replied, and Emilie laughed. "What is he really like?" "Bone is nice, sweet, and hilarious," Emilie answered, as she unzipped her suitcase. "All the guys are awesome. They were at my house for a few days before Christmas." "Was it true they were in Ottawa a few weeks ago?" Torrie asked curiously. "Yes, AJ and Nick were in this room," Emilie answered slowly. "They are normal people, you know." "I know," Torrie replied quickly. "I'm just a big fan of theirs and I'm honoured to meet you." "No, let's turn that around," Emilie laughed, and Torrie was amazed at how friendly Emilie was. "I had a horrible roommate before you arrived, and I was scared to death I would get someone who was worse then Billie. I'm glad you are really nice." "Wow thanks," Torrie breathed, as she stood up. "So, how was your Christmas?" "Very relaxing," Emilie replied. "My mom just had a baby. She is almost a month now. Want to see a picture?" "Sure!" Torrie replied excitedly, and Emilie showed her Clarissa's picture, the one she had taken three days ago. "She's so cute!" "Thanks," Emilie beamed. "I miss her already. How was your Christmas?" "Hectic," Torrie groaned, shaking her head. "I have seven siblings and my house was chaos." "Sounds like my house!" Emilie laughed. "How was your New Year's?" "Boring," Torrie groaned, as she pushed her long, brown hair out of her eyes, and sat on her bed once more. "Did you spend it with the guys?" "No," Emilie shook her head, as she started hanging her clothes up. "I spent it on the phone with my friend Drew." "Are you still with Nick?" Torrie asked, and Emilie sighed. People had been asking her this for a while now. "No, we broke up," Emilie replied simply, as she heard a knock on the door. She opened the door to reveal Billie there. "Hi," Billie told her cheerfully. "What's up?" "What do you want Billie?" Emilie snapped, as Torrie looked on in curiosity. "I was wondering if you wanted to go for supper with us, but I can see you are in PMS mood, so I guess it's a no," Billie responded, and Emilie shook her head. "Billie, no thanks," Emilie answered, and she walked away from the door. "Hi, you must be new roommates with the bitch," Billie told Torrie. "Good luck." "Emilie is not a bitch," Torrie growled at Billie. "Besides, your fakeness and bitchiness shone through the minute I saw you." "Who the Hell do you think you are?" Billie laughed at her. "Better then you," Torrie replied evenly. "At least I can judge a person's character correctly." "What's that supposed to mean?" Billie asked her. "Well, let's see, you are a psycho bitch who is jealous of Emilie and she kicked your butt out of the dorm because you have fake hair extensions, you stink like a cow, and you are uglier then my rearend," Torrie replied smiling pleasantly. "And Emilie is nice, friendly, and she has already made me welcome even though she barely knows me." "You little-," Billie sneered, coming at Torrie, but Emilie shut the door before she could come in. "Bitch!" Billie screeched outside the room, and they heard her stomp away. "Thanks Torrie," Emilie grinned at her new roommate. "You are pretty cool." "Not a problem," Torrie replied with a smile. "Want some help unpacking?" "Sure!" Emilie smiled back, as she zipped open her suitcase. Her cell phone began ringing again and she picked it up to see Nick's number coming on. "It's Nick. Want to answer it?" "Sure!" Torrie screeched, excited she was going to get to talk to Nick Carter. "Hello?" "Emilie?" she heard Nick Carter say and felt butterflies creep into her stomach. "Hi Nick," Torrie breathed, squealing inside. "No. It's Torrie, Emilie's roommate." "Hi Torrie," Nick replied. "How are you?" "Good thanks," Torrie replied excitedly. "How are you?" "Awesome," Nick replied. "Just getting back to head up to Canada actually. Is Em around?" "Yeah, she's right here," Torrie replied, and she handed Emilie the phone. "Hi Chaos," Emilie said into the phone, as she began hanging up some of her clothes. "How are you?" "Hey you," Nick replied. "I'm awesome. Excited about the tour. I can't wait to see you in a week." "I can't wait to see you guys either," Emilie answered. "I miss you guys so much." "We miss you too," Nick answered solemnly. "That's why AJ and I have been calling you so much." "I appreciate it," Emilie thanked him. "So, how's your family?" "Doing well," Nick answered, as Torrie took some of Emilie's clothes and began hanging them up. "Aaron's in the studio recording his album. Leslie's working with some producers and BJ is looking into some modeling work." "What about Angel?" Emilie asked. "She's going to school," Nick replied, and Emilie smile. "How's your family?" "Great, but I miss them already," Emilie replied. "Clarissa smiled for the first time when I left. Mouse was depressed. He knew I was leaving and couldn't believe it." "How's Drew?" Nick asked all of a sudden, and Emilie stopped taking her clothes out. "He's okay," Emilie replied. "Um, how's Mandy?" Torrie's eyes grew wide at the sound of Mandy's name. She knew all the rumors about Mandy and was interested in hearing what Nick said. "She's okay," Nick answered quickly. "So, are you coming to our concert next week?" "I wouldn't miss it for the world," Emilie replied. "Nick, could you get an extra ticket?" "Sure!" Nick replied enthusiastically. "As many as you want Em." "Three's good," Emilie replied grinning. "I know who I am going to ask!" "Billie?" Nick joked, and Emilie sighed. "I'm joking. Invite Torrie!" "I am!" Emilie replied smiling. "She'll be very excited. Well Nick, I'd better go because I have go." Emilie said good night and hung the phone up... **************** *January 17th, 2000* The blowing snow was causing almost zero visibility as Drew Winters drove his liquid red Lincoln Navigator to the Corel Center. Emilie was seated in the backseat, glancing nervously at both sides of the window. Torrie was in front, excited about her first ever Backstreet Boys concert, but concerned that they wouldn't make it there. Everyone in the car was dressed up and looked very trendy and fashionable. Drew was wearing brown khakis with a nice blue shirt, and his brown curls were tousled sexily in different directions. He glanced every few moments at Emilie through the rearview window, and couldn't help admiring the beautiful woman seated behind him. She was decked out in a cranberry-colored ballerina skirt, a matching ivory sweater set with a rosebud print throughout it, matching ballerina slippers, and a princess crown on her head, with strawberry blond spirals cascading out. Torrie looked nice too, with a long black skirt, and a matching silver top, but Drew and Torrie both knew Emilie looked extra special. "We're here!" Drew announced a few moments later, pulling up to the backdoor. Emilie stepped out with a flourish and talked to the security team. They allowed Drew to park his Jeep there, as Emilie and Torrie walked through the backdoors. Emilie felt butterflies creep into her stomach. She hadn't seen her friends in over a month and missed them terribly. "Where do we go?" Torrie shrieked, as Drew came through the door. "Right through there," Emilie replied, as they allowed Torrie to go first. "Thanks for the ride Drew. I really appreciate it." "No prob Em," Drew grinned at her. "Anything for a friend." Emilie smiled at him, happy he wasn't disappointed at her decision to keep their relationship as pure friends for a while. She wasn't ready for a relationship right now, and Drew was willing to wait until she was ready. "Where's Nick Carter?" Torrie cried, glancing around frantically. Emilie smiled at Drew, and escaped ahead to help Torrie find the guys. Emilie's eyes laid to rest on Mandy, standing opposite Nick, and she cringed. Mandy didn't like her at all, and she had made it clear to Nick, that she didn't approve of their friendship. Nick didn't care though, because he cared about Emilie too much to stop being friends with her ever. "There he is," Drew whispered to Torrie, and Torrie shrieked, causing Nick and Mandy to jump around. Mandy pasted a fake smile on her face, as Nick grinned widely. "Hi," Nick smiled at Torrie, and gave her a hug. "What's your name?" "Torrie," she replied smiling at Nick and Mandy, but there was tears evident in her eyes. "It's nice to meet you." "Same here," Nick nodded, as he looked above Torrie's head to see Drew and Emilie. "Wow, hey!" "Hi Nick!" Emilie beamed at him. "Hi Mandy! How are you?" "Fine," Mandy replied non-chalantly, eyeing Drew. "Nick, you have to get ready in wardrobe, remember?" "I know, I know," Nick nodded at her. "I'm coming Hun." Mandy nodded, and left to go back to Nick's dressing room. "So, how are you?" Emilie asked Nick, as he came over to get her a gigantic hug. "I'm doing good thanks," Nick answered. "You look really great. I missed you a lot." "I missed you too," Emilie replied, as tears came to her eyes. "Nick, you know Drew, right?" "Sure do!" Nick smiled, extending his hand to Drew. "What's up Man?" "Nothing much," Drew replied, shaking his hand. "How about you?" "Awesome!" Torrie shrieked, grinning. "When do I get to meet AJ?" "Right now!" yelled a familiar voice, and Torrie turned around to see the destined man of her dreams, standing right in front of her. She screamed, started shaking, and would have fainted, if AJ wouldn't have reached to catch her and give her a hug. Nick, Drew, and Emilie chuckled at the scene, as AJ laughed a little as well. "I'm so happy to meet you AJ!" Torrie cried. "You are my favourite person in the world. I love you so much!" "I love you so much too!" AJ flirted. "I love your outfit!" "Really?" Torrie shrieked, and AJ nodded, and Torrie shrieked again. "I can't believe AJ McLean loves my outfit!" "AJ loves my outfit too!" Nick teased him. "Right Man? Do I look so sexy?" "Nick!" Emilie cried, laughing. "AJ, this is Torrie, my roommate!" "I know," AJ winked at her, turning to Emilie. "And you Miss. Parker, looked beautiful, as always. How are you Hun?" "Good Bone," Emilie replied, as he gave her a gigantic hug. "I missed you." "Same here," AJ smiled at her. "Hi Drew. Nice to see you again Man." "Hi," Drew answered smiling back, as Mandy rushed back to them. "Nick! AJ! Wardrobe needs you right now!" she shrieked, and they both waved at Torrie, Emilie, and Drew, and followed Mandy towards the wardrobe room. "Let's go find our seats!" suggested Torrie, and Emilie followed her with Drew at her side. Drew wrapped an arm around her, as they walked towards them. Emilie smiled at him, and noticed a familiar person in front of her, decked out in a space costume. "It's Brian!" Emilie told Drew. "With LeighAnne. I haven't seen them in so long!" "Brian!" Torrie shrieked, as soon as she saw him. "Hi LeighAnne!" "Hey!" Brian and LeighAnne replied at the same time. "I'm Emilie's roommate, Torrie," she smiled. "It's so great to meet you!" "Same here," Brian shook her hand, as he noticed Drew and Emilie. "Hi!" "Hey B-Rok! Hi LeighAnne!" Emilie smiled at them. "How are you?" "Awesome!" Brian replied, giving her a brotherly hug. LeighAnne gave her one too, as the crew called for Brian right away. He promised to see them after the show, as LeighAnne scurried off to do something. Emilie and Drew followed Torrie out around the backstage area, towards the seats where Nick had reserved for them. Drew climbed over the security bar first, and helped Torrie and Emilie over it. The lights darkened, as they sat, as some fans started calling Emilie's name. She turned, waved, and concentrated back on the stage, as the 'Star Wars' theme blared through the massive speakers. Torrie stared in amazement as the dancers carried out these tall lanterns, and walked around the stage with them. They all decided to stand up with the other fans, as Drew wrapped his arms around Emilie. She smiled at him, as the beat of 'Larger Than Life' boomed through the floor. The guys started dancing right by them, and Nick looked down, and gave them a goofy smile. The concert went through that song, and Torrie was screaming, literally, with excitement. Emilie was dancing with Drew, as the screams quieted down, as the guys came out. Nick came first, and the screaming seemed to get louder and louder. "Hi Ottawa!" he grinned, waving. "How are you all tonight? I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support. I know we haven't been down here in a while and we are grateful you have been patient, caring, and understanding. We love you all, as much as you love us. Thanks so much because without all of you, we wouldn't have a Backstreet Millennium. I also want to say hello to my best friend Emilie, who is in the audience tonight. Thanks for everything! Hi to Mandy as well! Okay, here comes the Bone!" Nick winked at Emilie, and settled down in his stool. "Nick and you are best friends?" Torrie asked Emilie. "I think that's so sweet." "Thanks!" Emilie smiled, as she felt tears come to her eyes. "What's up Ottawa?!" AJ screamed into the microphone. "I am glad to be back here! Ottawa definitely has the BEST fans! Anyway, thanks so much and I want to say hi to everyone who's here!" He winked at the crowd, and went to sit in his chair beside Nick. Brian came out soon after, and got the same level of cheering as AJ and Nick received. "Hi! How are you all?" Brian said into the microphone. "I just want to thank Ottawa for welcoming us back again and we appreciate everything Canada has done for us. Enjoy the show!" Howie and Kevin said along the same lines, and then disappeared to sing some slow songs. Torrie thoroughly enjoyed the concert, as did Emilie and Drew. The sweetest moment was during 'All I Have To Give', Drew took Emilie in his arms, and they danced closely. After the concert, some fans hung around the stage where Drew, Emilie, and Torrie were, and questioned Emilie about her break-up with Nick and her cancer scare. Emilie was honest, nice, and said Drew was her friend, nothing more. The fans were appreciative of her honesty, and she even signed some autographs. Drew was amazed at how much everyone knew who Emilie was, and some even asked her about her new sister. Torrie had already disappeared backstage to meet up with AJ and the guys, and was desperate to meet Howie and Kevin. Drew and Emilie soon followed them, waving goodbye to the fans. "I never knew you were this famous," Drew commented to Emilie, as they went under the stage. "Neither did I," Emilie winked at him, as they passed some more fans, and Emilie waved. "I love the fans, or I should say friends. They were very supportive of Nick and I's relationship." "I couldn't imagine dating someone famous," Drew told her. "I couldn't handle the whole pressure of the paparazzi and everyone analyzing your every move." "Drew, I might be famous soon," Emilie told him. "I'm going to be in the guy's next video and I'm doing a duet with them as well." "Wow," Drew said, surprised. "That's cool Em. Just don't forget about me." "I won't," Emilie promised him, as they entered the green room. She observed Mandy, LeighAnne, Brian, Nick, and AJ sitting down around the furniture, drinking sodas, and eating pizza and chicken wings. Howie was on his cell phone, talking to Dalilia, while Kevin was talking with some of their band members. Torrie was seated off to the side, near AJ, listening to his every word. Emilie wondered where Amanda was and Kristen. "Hi!" Torrie waved at Emilie and Drew. "What took you so long?" "I know what did," AJ teased them, getting a devilish Look on his face. "No AJ," Emilie shook her head, but laughter was dancing in her light blue eyes. "We were just talking, that's all." "Sure you were," Brian teased her more, and Emilie shook her head. "We were just talking," Drew defended Emilie, wrapping an arm around her waist. "But of course, there was the few minutes before we started talking." "Drew! Hey!" Emilie cried to him, shaking her head. "They obviously didn't do anything," Nick defended Emilie. "Lay off guys. They aren't dating." "And how would you know Nick? Do you follow Emilie around and observe her every move?" Mandy questioned him. "I think Drew and Emilie are together, and are denying that they are." "We are not together," Drew told Mandy. "We are friends and that's all." "Yeah right," Mandy commented under her breath. "Emilie is pathetic anyway. How can she get someone like him?" "Mandy, shut up," Nick snapped at her. "I am sick of listening to your rude comments." "You are sick of it because you can't see the truth!" Mandy told Nick. "I'm sick of you comparing me to Emilie. She's nothing." "Here we go again," AJ snapped, and he stood up. "I'm going out. Anyone want to come?" "I'll come!" Torrie shrieked, standing up. "Well, if it's okay?" "Sure, no prob," AJ smiled at her. "Em, want to come?" "Sure!" Emilie answered, glad to escape away from Mandy. "Drew?" "Actually, I have to get up early tomorrow for football practise," Drew told them. "I wish I could come, but I would rather go home." "How will we get home?" Torrie asked Drew. "We'll take them home in the limo," AJ told Drew. "Thanks for coming." "No prob, thanks," Drew replied, as he turned to Emilie. "See you later Em. I'll call you tomorrow." "Bye Drew," Emilie hugged him, and whispered thanks in his ear. "Talk to you tomorrow." "Bye everyone," Drew nodded at them, and left the room. "Mandy, I'm going with AJ," Nick told her. "I'll fight about this tomorrow!" "I want to come though," whined Mandy, and AJ got a look of horror on his face. "Please no," he prayed, when Nick told Mandy that he wanted to spend time with Emilie and Torrie. He told her he loved her, would take her shopping tomorrow, and she was satisfied with the answer. She kissed him good night, glaring at Emilie the entire time, and ended up going back to the motel with herself. "Nick, when are you going to see that she is using you?" AJ asked him, as Mandy left. "She's not using me," Nick told AJ. "Is she Emilie?" "I don't know," Emilie responded quickly, as she left them, and went over to say hi to Kevin and Howie. "Hey Kev, Sweet D." "Em!" Howie beamed, giving her a gigantic hug. "How are you?" "Good thanks," Emilie replied grinning. She gave him a smile, as Kevin gave her a hug. "Hey you!" Kevin grinned. "We missed you." "I missed you guys too," Emilie smiled back. "Are you guys coming clubbing with us?" "Sure!" Howie nodded enthusiastically, as he grabbed his coat and his cell phone. "How did you like the concert?" "It was awesome," Emilie said. "I love the dancing, the special effects, everything was amazing." "Thanks," Kevin grinned. "Em, did Nick tell you the details about the video shooting?" "No," Emilie replied, as Kevin rolled his eyes. "I told him to," Kevin complained. "Anyway, it's going to take place at Disney World, actually at the Magic Kingdom. We are going to do a whole Cinderella/Prince Charming thing. I know it sounds cheesy, but we have never been in suits in a video before." "I love it!" Emilie complimented. "That is so cool." "Thanks," Howie told her. "You will make the perfect Cinderella." "Probably not, but are you guys absolutely, positively, no doubt about it sure, you want me in your video?" Emilie asked them. "Yes!" AJ told her. "Not quit asking us that Emilie Parker." "Fine," Emilie replied, a little taken back. "Brian? LeighAnne? Are you coming?" "Sure am!" Brian said, as LeighAnne yawned. "Well, I am. LeighAnne is tired." "Really? Oh, LeighAnne, I wish you would come!" Emilie told her. "Actually Em, we are in Ottawa tomorrow because of a day off, so do you want to go shopping?" LeighAnne suggested, and Emilie nodded excitedly. They waited as LeighAnne and Brian kissed good night, and she headed back to the motel with Mandy. Torrie had put an arm through AJ's, and was still hanging off his every word. They waited while Brian got his coat and his cell phone, and they headed out to a silver stretch limo. "How's school?" Brian asked Emilie and Torrie, as they stepped into the cold weather. Torrie began shivering, as did Emilie, both mad they never wore jackets to the concert. "Boring," Torrie replied. "I have so much reading to do. That's all I do actually. Emilie too. She's a workaholic." "Then I take it you guys need some fun?" AJ asked them, and Torrie nodded once more. Emilie got into the limo right after Nick, and settled down beside him. He glanced at her, and saw her hugging herself tightly. He took the extra blanket placed on the back of the limo, and placed it around her shoulders. She smiled at him, and he smiled back. "I always need fun!" Torrie responded. "AJ, want to dance or something tonight?" "Yeah sure," AJ promised nodding. "Which club are we going to anyway?" "A new club called Passions," Kevin replied. "We got an exclusive invitation from the nightclub owner, so I thought it would be an experience. Have you ladies been there yet?" "Emilie? At a club? Yeah right!" Torrie teased her, and Emilie shook her head. "Just kidding Em, but seriously, I go clubbing usually on the weekends, and Emilie never comes." "I have been to a few dance clubs," Emilie told her. "I went to one in Orlando and one in Toronto." "Really?" Torrie's eyes opened wide. "Wow! That's cool. How was the one in Orlando?" "Okay," Emilie answered. "Torrie, did I tell you what Billie said to me today?" "No, but frankly, it was probably pathetic and annoying right?" Torrie suggested, and Emilie laughed. "She said that she was going to the concert tonight and was going to try to get AJ back," Emilie told her. "The crazy thing is though that AJ and her never had anything." "We sure didn't," AJ nodded in agreement. "That girl was crazy." "I thought you like crazy girls," Torrie flirted with him. "Not insanely crazy, but fun crazy," AJ flirted back. "Which one are you?" "I can be any crazy you want me to be," Torrie answered in a husky voice, causing AJ to tilt his sunglasses down to stare deep into her eyes. "Which crazy are you Em?" Nick asked her, giving her a goofy smile. "None of them," Emilie replied. "What about you?" "I honestly don't know," Nick shrugged his shoulders. "Nick, you are crazy!" Kevin told him. "You drive us all insane constantly!" "Kev! No I don't!" Nick defended himself, as the other guys chuckled. "Everyone is very quiet tonight," Brian observed. "Anything up with anyone?" "Not really," Howie yawned. "I just guess everyone's tired." "If you are tired, you can go back to the motel and get some sleep," Emilie suggested, feeling bad. She didn't want them to go clubbing because she was there with Torrie. She looked at Torrie who was nodding in agreement with her. "Why are we going clubbing anyway?" Torrie asked them. "I would love going to get a bite to eat. I'm hungry." "Mickey-D's?" AJ suggested excitedly. "Yeah!" Torrie cried. "I love that place. I can't get enough of it, eating there 24 hours a day if I could." "Sounds awesome," replied AJ, as everyone else, but Emilie groaned. "What?" "Bone, we eat there too much," Nick complained. "Can't we go somewhere else?" "Okay, but where?" AJ replied. "I know! That's go to the on-campus pub called Lucky's!" Torrie suggested. "It's not really that busy and they have great food." "Okay!" everyone agreed, and they told the busdriver to go to Carleton University. They pulled up, and Torrie got out first. She put out her hand to help AJ, and they headed in. Emilie waited while everyone got out, and Kevin offered a hand to him. She smiled a 'thanks', and headed into the club with them. As they were entering, the Backstreet Boys 'Larger Than Life' was blaring out the speakers and everyone laughed at the irony of it. "All you people, can't you see, can't you see," AJ sang, walking into the bar. The place was packed, as people turned to stare at them as they entered. "Um, this is weird," Nick commented, as the guys ignored the stares, and headed over to the bar with Torrie to get some drinks. "Nicky, you should be used to it," AJ told him, as he told Torrie he wanted a Coke. "Em, you ever come here?" "Yeah right!" Torrie laughed, as she handed AJ his Coke. "Em? Nick? Brian? What do you want?" "Coke," they responded except for Emilie, who asked for a Sprite. They all got their drinks, and headed over to a separate table where nobody was sitting. Emilie sat down beside Brian and Nick, as she heard some people screaming at the other end of the pub. She saw some of the football players doing a drinking game, and a few gorgeous women around them. Emilie glanced closer, and her eyes flew open in surprise. She gasped, clasping her hand to her mouth. Nick followed her gaze, as did the rest of the guys, to find Drew, seated at a table with six empty Vodka glasses in front of him, while making out with a leggy blond right on his chair. He was obviously drunk and Emilie felt tears come to her eyes. Drew had told her he never drank, and hated partying. Then, the blond turned her head, and she saw Billie. Her eyes grew wider. "Oh shit," AJ muttered under his breath, as Emilie wiped the tears away. She stood up, and fled towards the woman's washroom. "I'll go see if she's okay," Torrie whispered quietly. "Who's going to kick his ass?" Nick asked the guys. "Nobody is," Howie told him. "Wait to Emilie gets back." "So, you are going to let some jerk sit there and hurt her then?" Nick snapped back. "I will kick his ass. He has no right." "Nick, it's okay," Brian comforted him. "Look, it's up to Emilie what she wants done." "Yeah Man," Kevin agreed with Brian. "Whatever," Nick glared at Drew and Billie, who were still kissing passionately. He saw them get up, as they walked towards the exit of the pub, and they never saw Emilie and Torrie coming from the washrooms, where the door was. Torrie had her arm around Emilie, as they ran right into Drew and Billie. "Hi Emilie!" Billie grinned widely, as Drew's eyes flew open. "Drew and I just started dating! Isn't that great?" "Screw off Billie!" Torrie swore at her, as Drew's eyes grew worried, and he glanced at Emilie. "Em, I-," he told her. "I'm s-sorry." "Drew, screw off too!" Torrie responded angrily. "Drew, kiss me!" Billie sang, and she grabbed Drew, and kissed him. Drew pushed her away, as he saw more tears fill up in Emilie's eyes. She looked down, not allowing him to even see her face. "Em, I can explain," Drew told her, grabbing her arm. "There's nothing to explain," Emilie mumbled back. "Just because I am not skinny. Just because I'm not pretty. I understand perfectly well. Billie's gorgeous, and I'm boring, ugly, and disgusting, and I know exactly why you would want her." "I know I'm gorgeous!" Billie shot back at Emilie. "You are ugly Emilie. You were insane to think you could even have Drew. I don't even know why Nick fell in love with you. You are so fat and gross." "Shut up Billie!" Torrie told her. "I'm warning you now." "Emilie, just remember, beautiful woman always win!" Billie told her. "Right Drew?" "Yeah sure," Drew sighed. "Sorry Em. I'll talk to you tomorrow." "Don't even call," Torrie threatened him, as Drew and Billie left the club. Emilie felt more tears stream down her face, as she watched Drew and Billie leave. "Em, hun, you aren't ugly. Why do you say that?" "Because it's true Torrie," Emilie whispered back. "I couldn't even keep Nick. What does that say about me?" "Oh Em, don't think that," Torrie whispered, wrapping her arms around her. "The guys love you. You now that." "Yes we do," Nick echoed, as the two girls looked up to see the guys standing there. "Em, come here." Emilie let go of Torrie, and Nick enveloped her, in his arms. She felt warm and safe in Nick's arms, and the hug made her feel a little bit better. "Em, he's not even worth it," AJ patted her back. "He's a loser. You don't need that in your life." "AJ, I'm pathetic," Emilie told him. "As Billie said, I was insane to think I could have a platonic relationship with such a hot guy like Drew. Beautiful girls always win out. I'm not pretty, and never will be." "Looks have nothing to do with it," Kevin told her, as they climbed into the limo. "You'll realize that when you get older." "Which residence are you in?" Brian asked her, offering her a kind smile. "Daisy," Torrie smiled back. "Em, how about we pig out on Smartie ice cream and watch a sappy romantic comedy?" "Okay," Emilie nodded with a smile. "That should be fun." "Can we join you?" AJ asked her. "Wait a second," Kevin told them. "How about you two pack some overnight clothes, we'll rent you a room near ours, and we can pig out on ice cream together and watch a romantic comedy?" Nick cringed at the thought because Mandy was there and he wanted to spend time with Emilie, without Mandy in the picture. "Okay," Torrie shrugged her shoulders, as the limo pulled up to the residence. AJ volunteered to go with them, and they walked quickly to their residences, picked up their clothes, and were back in the limo in a few minutes. Emilie was quiet the entire way, and everyone noticed. They arrived at the motel, as Kevin went and got a room for Emilie and Torrie. It was right near Brian and LeighAnne's room, so they headed up to get ready. Brian went to see LeighAnne and apologized for not being able to join their movie party, and went to sleep. They decided to watch the movie in Emilie's and Torrie's room, and Nick cringed at going back to his room because Mandy was there. He went anyway, and saw she was fast asleep. He kissed her good night, change into some plaid pants and a Nike t-shirt, and headed over to Emilie's room. He knocked on the door and saw Torrie decked out in plaid pants too, but with an Adidas t-shirt. "Nice outfit!" Torrie winked at him, and he laughed. Emilie came out from the bathroom in teddy-bear printed pyjamas, big dog slippers on her feet, and her hair in pigtails. "Em, you look so adorable!" "Torrie," Emilie blushed, and Nick laughed. "Hi! Wow, you guys match!" "Carter's got good taste," Torrie teased him. "Emilie, I ordered Smarty ice cream, peanut butter pie, chocolate chip cookies, and some chocolate milk. I figured we could pig out." "Yum," Emilie nodded, as she sat down on the floor. They heard a knock on the door, and Torrie opened it to see AJ wearing wearing jogging pants, and a t-shirt. "Hi." "Hey," AJ winked at her, coming in. "Look, it's the Thompson twins!" "I'm going to change," Nick sulked. "You look fine," Emilie assured him, as her cell phone rang. She glanced at the clock and wondered who would be calling her so late. She saw Drew's number flash across the screen, and she felt her heart skip a beat. Another came on the door, and AJ let Howie and Kevin in. "What's wrong?" Nick asked her. "Who is it?" "Nobody," Emilie answered, as she picked it up, walked to the washroom, and she answered the phone. "Hello?" "Emilie? Hi." she heard Drew say. It was obvious he was crying, and Emilie felt bad for him. "Hi," she replied softly. "How are you feeling?" "Em, I'm so, so sorry," Drew told her. "I only had a few drinks and Billie just started making out with me. I had no idea. I feel so bad and I didn't intend to hurt you in anyway. I just wish I could show you how sorry I am." "Drew, I understand," Emilie told him. "I am not pretty. I can never have a guy like you. I understand." "Emilie, don't say that," he told her. "I just hope you can accept my apology. Billie's a bitch. I want to be friends with you. I care about you a lot." "I care about you too Drew," Emilie told him. "I just want you to understand that I know why you kissed Billie. You kissed her because she is so beautiful, and I am frankly, just plain and ugly. I understand why you would want to be friends or have a girlfriend like her. I do accept your apology, but I don't know if we should be friends because I drag you down. You are on the football team, are popular, and have a lot of friends. I am just a plain, geeky loser." "Emilie, I'm not even going there," Drew told her. "Look, I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay?" "Sure," Emilie nodded, and they said good night to one another. She hung the phone up, and walked out to see everyone pigging out on the food. Torrie was sprawled on her bed, demolishing some cookies, as Howie and Kevin sat at their table with two seats, AJ was beside Torrie on her bed, but laying near the pillows, and Nick was sitting on Emilie's bed. "Did you fall in?" AJ teased her, and she shook her head. "No," Emilie smiled, as she grabbed some cookies. She laid back on her bed, as Kevin switched on '10 Things I Hate About You'. "I can't believe I'm watching this," commented AJ, rolling his eyes. "Shut up Bone!" Torrie smacked him, grabbing some peanut butter pie. "Are you feeling better Emilie?" Nick asked her, as he laid back beside her. "Do you mind if I lay here?" "No," Emilie smiled. "I'm okay." "Who was on the phone?" Nick asked curiously. "My mom," Emilie lied. She knew if Nick knew she was talking to Drew, he would be mad. "Em, if it was that pathetic Drew, I think you are insane for talking to him," Nick told her. "He doesn't deserve you." "You should talk Nick," AJ told him, as he overheard their conversation. "Mandy's using you." "No, she isn't," Nick defended himself once more. "You are just jealous AJ." "Jealous of what Nick?" AJ shot back. "I have a beautiful woman at home named Amanda who doesn't use me and is great." "Whatever," Nick shrugged his shoulders. "I'm serious though Em." "Don't worry about it Nick," Emilie told him. "It's my business, not yours." "It is my business though when some asshole thinks he is going to walk all over my best friend," Nick cried, a little too loudly. "Lay off Nick," Kevin told him. "It isn't your business." "Shut up Kev," Nick yelled at him. "Stay out of this." "Can we please watch the movie?" Torrie rolled her eyes, turning the volume up. Everyone was silent for twenty minutes, until Emilie glanced over at Nick, and saw tears in his eyes. "Nick, what's wrong?" Emilie whispered to him. "I just don't want him to hurt you like I did," Nick whispered back. "You don't deserve it." "Oh Nick," Emilie replied, as tears came to her eyes. "I'm sorry." "Want to go for a walk?" Nick suggested, and Emilie nodded. Nobody noticed, because they were so absorbed in the movie, as they slipped out the door. "Nick, I'm sorry about saying it's none of your business, but you have to get over the past," Emilie told him, as they walked towards the elevator. "What happened is in the past, and I forgave you a long time ago." "But, Drew shouldn't be hurting you like this," Nick told her. "Drew made a mistake," Emilie told him. "I care about him a lot and I am willing to give him a second chance." "Emilie, you are too nice," Nick replied, as they got onto the elevator. "You shouldn't even give him the satisfaction of talking to you." "Nick, don't worry so much, okay?" Emilie smiled at him. "Look, I want you to understand that I really forgot about everything that has happened between us. I want to stop fighting and be friends with you." "Me too," Nick smiled back. "I just don't want Drew to hurt you." "He won't hurt me," Emilie told him. "So, how are things with Mandy? I noticed AJ hates her a lot." "Things are fine," Nick replied. "The guys think she is using me, but I don't know. I love her a lot. She's a good person." "I know you love her," Emilie agreed. "I think she's okay. Besides, it's only want you think." "Nick?!" they heard Mandy scream in the lobby. "What the Hell are you doing?" "Mandy, I thought you were sleeping!" Nick cried back. "Ugh Nick! I was so scared! I didn't know where you were, when you didn't come back!" Mandy replied, as tears came down her face. "Did you guys go clubbing?" "No, we are watching a movie, or were," Nick answered, as he gave her a hug. "What woke you up?" "I don't know," Mandy answered. "What movie are you watching?" "10 Things I Hate About You," replied Nick. "Have you seen it?" "No," Mandy smiled. "I missed you Nicky. Emilie, have you seen the movie before?" "Yes I have," Emilie offered her a kind smile. "Why don't you come watch it with us?" "Sure!" Mandy nodded enthusiastically. "But I just need to talk to Emilie for a second Nick. We'll be up in a few moments." "Okay," Nick kissed her, and he headed towards the elevator. "Emilie, I just want to apologize for being such a bitch to you," Mandy told her. "You have been nothing much good to me, and I feel really bad. AJ and the guys don't like me, but you are the only one who has given me kindness. I just hope we can be friends." "Of course we can," Emilie smiled at her. "I have been unpleasant to you too. I'm sorry." "Apology accepted," Mandy smiled. "Let's start all over. Emilie, I'm Mandy! Nice to meet you!" "Same here!" Emilie smiled, as they shook hands. "So, we'd better get back up the motel room." "Yeah, we'd better!" Mandy agreed. "Everyone's going to wonder where we are." "We got peanut butter pie, chocolate chip cookies, and Smartie ice cream," Emilie told her, as they stepped onto the elevator. "Better hurry before the guys eat everything," Mandy grinned, and Emilie laughed. Emilie smiled at Mandy and was happy everything was cool between them. She was unsure about the future held for Drew and her, but she was willing to wait and see. As far as Nick and her, she knew that they would never be together again, but knew that would always be friends. Relationships come and go, but friendships were forever, and she knew she had five best friends up in her motel room that were always going to be there and for that she was grateful... *When you want it the most, there's no easy way out, when you're ready to go, and your heart is left in doubt, don't give up on your faith, love comes to those who wait, and that's the way it is... You are probably wondering why in the world I am starting this little excerpt off with a line from a Celine's song, but the reason I am is because I am listening to it, but this song has so much meaning to me and to my story. I love this song. I think the message woven within it is so powerful and intriguing. Love comes to those who wait is a great line. I guess you just have to wait to find that special someone.:) Mandy and Emilie finally made a truce eh? Cool. I like Mandy, the real Mandy, and if she ever did read this story, I don't want her to think that I hate her or something. I like all the Backstreet Boys girlfriends. They are all cool, sweet, and nice, and that's why I have included them in the story. I don't know about Nick and Mandy's break-up or whether they did or not, but honestly, I don't really know. I don't follow rumors, gossip, or anything. I just hear official information and rely on that for my story. I don't know the Backstreet Boys, probably never will, but I love their music, going to their concerts, and like them as people. I'm sure you all do too! :) Anyway, so, I have some questions for you! I want to know what should happen in the story! Here's some suggestions: 1) Should Drew and Emilie get together? Or should they be friends? I want to know what you think. If not, should I include a new character as a boyfriend for Emilie, or should she stay single for a while? Let me know! :) 2) Do you like Torrie? Torrie is based on my real best friend right now. We aren't roommates or anything, but we never became really close friends until last summer. We share so much together and I wanted to put her in the story. The only difference between Torrie and the real Torrie is that she's actually obsessed with Brian and Nick, and not AJ, but I wanted to make the story more interesting. Torrie has also written a fan fiction and maybe someday you can read it. 3) What do you want to happen in the story, besides Nick and Emilie getting back together? ;) I want to know your suggestions. A big hello out to Desyre, Edie, Rachel, Shannon, Katie, Debbie, and everyone else who reads the story! You guys rock. Joyce too! Sorry! Okay bye everyone! Let me know your answers to these questions! Bye! Always, Emilie :)* Next: Chapter 11 -FanFics -Home