The boys had run onto their tour bus, signaling the last show of the Millennium Tour.  After 10 weeks of a vigorous tour, they were finally done. “Finally over man,” Nick wiped his face with a towel. “I know, I’m so glad its over,” agreed AJ. “Yeah, and to think he’ll be twiddling his thumbs in a week, wondering what to do,” Brian joked.  AJ responded with throwing his towel at him. Howie and Kevin laughed at the scene in front of them, when Howie’s cell phone started beeping. “Will it ever stop?” Howie sighed.  He looked at the screen.  “Five messages?!” “Looks like Howie is da man right now!” said AJ. “Shut up man, they’re all from home,” Howie scanned his caller ID.  He read the voicemail. “Howard?  Mom… I need you to call me when you get this.”  BEEP! “Really important honey, please call me.”  BEEP! “Aren’t you done singing yet?”  BEEP! “OK, OK, mothers can get the hint.”  BEEP! “I don’t care how late it is, you call me.”  BEEP! Howie, with a rush in his dialing, called home. “Hello?” “Mom?  Is everything alright?”  The last time he got a call like this was with Caroline. “Honey, I have some bad news.  Jenna Holston died this morning.” “Oh no.” He rubbed his eyes and bent down his head.  “How?” “She fought a long battle with cancer and lost.  She died in her sleep.” “I can’t believe this.” “Sweetie, the service is tomorrow afternoon.  I hope…” “Sure Mom, I’ll send a flower arrangement to the funeral home.” “That’s not what I was asking.  You’ve known her all your life, and it would be nice to show up and pay your respects.” “Mom…” “You just finished your tour correct?” “Yeah.” “So you were coming back home anyway.  I’m expecting you to be here tomorrow morning.” Howie sighed.  “Yes ma’am.” “Bye honey.” “Bye.”  He hung up the phone.  “26 years old, and I feel like I’m a kid again.” “Anything wrong D?” AJ asked. “Friend of the family passed away this morning.” “Are you OK?” Kevin said. “Yeah… yeah, I got to take a flight back home tomorrow morning for the services.” “You don’t sound too happy about it.” Brian walked into the room. “Well who likes to go to a funeral?” “No, not about that.” “It’s just… weird.  I can’t explain it.”  Howie grabbed his phone and dialed the airport.  “Hello, I’d like to make a reservation for a flight to Orlando… Yes, tomorrow morning.” Chapter 2 Contents