I shuffled some things around in my kitchen cabinets as I cursed underneath my breath. " Come on, damn it! I know these things are...YES! Found it! " I grinned as I found the box of cheerios behind all the other cereal boxes. I happily poured them into a bowl and doused them in milk.

I picked up the remote that I had left on the kitchen counter and walked into the living room of my apartment. It wasn't actually my apartment, but I shared it with four of my friends. However, they were all somewhere with their boyfriends and my so-called one, but I now referred to him as my ex.

I turned on the TV and started channel surfing. Everyone once in a while, I would pause to look at something, but nothing was catching my eye yet. I finally found myself flipping into the basic channels and heard Rosie's voice reach out of my television. " ROSIE! " I smiled because she was one of my idols.

Suddenly, my face become solemn. I recognized the five faces that were beaming out into the audience. I slightly groaned, but continued to watch as Rosie interviewed the guys I knew very well.

Kevin was like my older brother, always watching out for me. Howie and AJ were always there for me whenever I needed them and they brought fun to my life. Brian was an absolute sweetheart and I would never forget the things that he had done for me. Nick, on the other hand, was...well, I wasn't sure where we stood right now and I didn't think that I wanted to find out.

"So, guys, the important question that all those girl fans of yours want to know.." Rosie paused for dramatic cause. " Are you guys truly single? "

Each of the guys looked to each other for support, and Brian began. " No. I'm not. I've been seeing my girlfriend for a few steady months now. "

AJ fidgeted a little. " I'm also seeing someone. "

Kevin and Howie each raised a reluctant hand as to suggest that they were also taken at the moment. " I mean, we love our fans like no other people, but we do like to have our personal lives. " Kevin spoke comfortingly.

There was a few groans from the audience and I wished that I was there to throw something like a shoe at them.

Rosie smiled at them. " Well, I'm happy for you! But Kevin...are you sure that you don't wanna date me instead? " Rosie winked.

" What would Tommy say?! " Brian smiled and started laughing. Nick remained silent until Rosie noticed him fidgeting.

" Wait, Girls...it looks like Nick is still on the market..." Rosie raised her eyebrow and pushed her hair out of her face.

Brian almost tried to tell Rosie not to ask, but he wasn't fast enough. Nick still fidgeted around. " Nick? "

" Oh, I umm, " Nick's face scrunched up and he looked hurt. " My uh, girlfriend recently broke up with me. "

" Aww, " Rosie's face became soft. " What kind of girl would EVER break up with you? You're such a sweetheart! "

" Well, I guess...I made a mistake, " Nick turned towards the camera and looked it directly in the lens with soft, puppy eyes. " I made a mistake and I'm sorry, I'm so sorry! Can't you just forgive me? "

I could see the hurt in his eyes, but I turned away, still disgusted from what he had done to me. " Don't expect any sympathy from me, Nickolas Gene Carter. " I turned my television off and put my empty bowl in the sink.

I was about to go upstairs to take my shower, when the phone rang. " Hello? "

" Lauren! " The voice of my best friend, Amanda, rang into the other side of the phone.

" Hey girl! What's up? " I smiled because she always managed to cheer me up.

" Nothing much, but we're back in New York for a week or so! I told the guys that they could come over and we'd show them the apartment, since we re-furnished and everything. " Amanda's voice sounded cheery.

" Hmm, " I looked around at the new matching set of a couch, chair, and love seat in the living room. They all had the same pattern of small blue flowers and ivy leaves with a slightly off-white background. " Alright...as long as you know who doesn't come. " I groaned.

" Aw, Lauren, come on! " Amanda protested.

" Come on what? "

" Why are you still upset about that? "

" WHY shouldn't I be? I have never been so deceived in all of my life and I honestly don't want to ever be near him again! " I nearly yelled with a scornful tone into the phone.

" Lauren! My god! Didn't you just see him on Rosie? " Amanda sounded taken back at my animosity.

" Of course I did and you know what? I'm not going to fall for any more of his fake sympathy-seeking bull shit anymore! " I was getting more upset, but I didn't want to take it out on my friend.

" Damn it! He's been so upset! If you could've seen him these past few.."

" Amanda! I don't want to know! Okay?!? I just don't want to know! " I was ready to hang up.

" Fine... I don't know what else to say to you. But, I do want to see you! I've missed you since we went on tour with the guys. How about a girl's day out at the mall? "

" Are you sure you want to see me? I was such a jerk to you right now! " We both laughed for a few seconds, but I interrupted. " ONLY girls? " I raised my voice slightly so that she would know I meant business.

" Yes! Only the five of us! I promise! " There were a few yells in the background.

" Sarah, Helen, and Tabitha all miss you too! " Amanda yelled over three other girls in the background.

" Okay, Okay. I'll meet you at the mall in an hour, okay? " I smiled as I walked up the stairs with the cordless phone still in my hand.

" Alright! We'll catch you then! " We said our good-byes and I tossed the phone onto my bed and went into the bathroom to get freshened up. About a half of an hour later, I came down the stairs with a towel wrapped around my head, new clothes on, and the phone in my hand. I was about to set it back onto its receiver when it rang.

" Talk to me. " I almost started laughing as I answered the phone with that expression. There was a slight amount of silence. " Hello? "

" Lauren..I.." The voice started, but I wouldn't let it finish.

" No. Don't! " I hung up the phone as quickly as I could, slamming it against the wall. I took a deep breath and walked away from it. The phone started ringing once again and I went back to it with a vengeance. " NICK! " I answered the phone. " I was NOT kidding! Just leave me--"

" Lauren, calm down. It's me, Bri. " Brian's voice was soothing.

" Oh, crap, I'm sorry Rok. " I sighed. " I didn't mean to flip out at you like that. "

" It's okay. " Brian's voice sounded tired. " Lauren, can't you hear and see how torn up he is? "

" What the hell is this? Everyone is giving me this big lecture about how I should be forgiving him. I don't feel like forgiving him, it hurt too much! Why can't you guys just understand that? " My voice was hurt and angry all at once.

" I never said that you had to forgive him. " Brian was always sensible. " I was saying that he's sorry and you know that. He made a mistake, Lauren. He's only human. I just want you to see that. "

I glanced at the clock on the wall. " Bri, I know you're only trying to look out for me, but right now, I just can't accept him and what he's done. I'm sorry if that disappoints you, but maybe I never could be how you wanted me to be.."

" Don't say that! I have NEVER said that you disappointed me. Don't twist my words. " Brian's words proved his personality.

" Ahh, " I sighed again. " Bri, I'm sorry. I'm just really mixed up right now. " I grumbled softly to myself. " But, I have to go meet the gals at the mall. I'll see you back at our place later tho? "

" Yeah, I'll see you then. Take care of yourself. Love ya. " Brian's voice was warm.

" Love ya too, and don't worry, I will. " I smiled and hung up the phone.

I grabbed a hair clip that was sitting by the phone and threw my hair up so that it could air dry. Summers in New York were nice, but I missed Florida somewhat. I grabbed my keys to my VW Jetta and ran out the door, making sure to lock the apartment securely.