PAINFUL TIMES
Characters:
Tarantella Full name: Tarantella Caster. Facts: Golden-blond, deep-blue eyes, 25 years old, born Mars 28, 1978, 170 cm tall. Brian's ex girlfriend, Justin's ex girlfriend, cousin to June Omega/Joan Lady, lives next door to Nick and Shirley in Tampa, Florida.
June Full name: June Omega/Joan Lady Facts: Blond, blue eyes, 171 cm tall, 19 years old, born June 17 1984, got two sisters (22 and 20 years old), singer, cousin to Tarantella Caster, A.J.'s ex girlfriend.
Shirley Full name: Shirley-Jean Mary Dale Facts: Redhead, grey eyes, 175 cm tall, 19 years old, born January 7 1984, Nick's girlfriend, daughter to Anne and Harvey Dale, lives in Tampa, Florida with Nick, next door to Tarantella.
Kevin Full name: Kevin Scott Richardson Facts: Dark brown hair, green eyes, 187 cm tall, 30 years old, born October 3 1972, Backstreet Boy, Kristin's husband, lives in Orlando, Florida.
Howie Full name: Howard Dwanie Dorough Facts: Dark brown hair, brown eyes, 168 cm tall, 29 years old, born August 22 1973, Backstreet Boy, Sharon's boyfriend, lives in Orlando, Florida.
Brian Full name: Brian Thomas Littrell Facts: Dirty blond, blue eyes, 173 cm tall, 28 years old, born February 20 1975, Nick's best male friend, Backstreet Boy, Tarantella's ex boyfriend, LeighAnne's husband, lives in Orlando, Florida.
A.J. Full name: Alexander James McLean Facts: Colored green hair (dark brown hair), brown eyes, 177 cm tall, 25 years old, born January 9 1978, Backstreet Boy, June Omega's/Joan Lady's ex boyfriend, lives in Orlando, Florida.
Nick Full name: Nicholas Gene Carter Facts: Blond, blue eyes, 190 cm tall, 23 years old, born January 28 1980, Backstreet Boy, Shirley's boyfriend, lives in Tampa, Florida with Shirley, next door to Tarantella.
August 3 2003 (Sunday)
- Guess who, he smiled and hugged her.
- Why am I not surprised? She smiled and looked at him, I'm doing a tour and you show up... again.
- I've told you before, just following my heart.
- And you already know what the answer is...
- But you love me, right? You said you did.
- I do.
- So?
- So?
- Are you sure you don't wanna...?
- Yes.
- Really sure?
- Yes.
- 100% sure?
- Yes! She smiled, Cut it out!
He looked at her a bit disappointed.
- Don't look at me like that, she sighed, I do love you, and I know you love me but... It's like everyone I love gets hurt, Anthony died, I hurt you and Victor... I left Peter for no reason at all... I am just so confused right now A.J., I don't know what to do anymore. It seems like everyone is willing to evolve his or her relationship except me, I just want to stop time.
- That's easy, he smirked.
- I know, she sighed, But I wanna be 10 years old again, but I can't. I want Anthony to be alive again, but it won't happen...
- And I want you to be mine again, he said and took her hand, Could that happen?
- No... I don't wanna go through the pain of being hated by so many people again...
He nodded quietly and kissed her on the cheek.
- I understand, he whispered, and I won't ask you again. But always remember that I'm here if there's anything...
- I know, she smiled and hugged him, I know you are...
August 23 2003 (Saturday)
Nick smiled and looked at her. The sun were going down and her hair went over to a rusty red color... they'd spent the day at the beach and for once they hadn't had a fight.
- What are you thinking of? He smiled.
- That you're leaving in three days, she sighed and looked at him.
- I'll miss you, he said and laid his arms around her waist.
- I'll miss you too, she smiled.
- Now what? He smiled.
- No... nothing...
- Tell me or I'll tickle you, Nick smirked.
- Don't you dare, she smiled.
- Then tell me...
- I just thought...
- Yeah? Nick looked at her.
- How I always feel safe when you hold me in your arms... it sounds so stupid but I actually do...
- It's not stupid...
Shirley smiled and looked at the ocean.
- It's beautiful here...
- I agree, he smiled.
- How come we fight so much? She said and sat down in the sand.
- I don't know... I don't want to fight, he sighed and sat down beside her.
- You think I want to?
- Nope, I don't.
- Still we do...
It was quiet for a while before he leaned over and kissed her.
- How come you're always so damn sweet, she sighed and looked him in the eyes.
- I am? He smiled.
- Yeah... which makes it pretty hard to be mad at you...
Nick smiled and looked at her. She was always wearing baggy clothes, it didn't bother him but A.J. was annoyed by it. He kept on telling her that she should wear tight clothes, or at least show of her legs, she just used to give him a look and then ignore him.
- I love you, he whispered and stroke her over the cheek.
- I love you too, she said and leaned against him.
"I just wish you would be faithful to me too" she thought.
September 16 2003 (Thursday)
He looked at her, he'd just been home for two days and they'd already had three fights, and now she wanted to break up with him.
- All we do is fight, Shirley looked at him, There's no love left either, at least not from your side.
- I love you to death Shirl!
- No, you don't.
- I do! I swear I do! What would I otherwise be doing here with you? Nick looked at her.
- I don't know, getting some?
- What? He stared at her surprised.
- You heard me!
- Why would I stay in a relationship if it only were the sex?
- Cause you're a guy, she hissed.
- Not all guys are sex-obsessed perverts!
- Give me three guys then...
- Brian, A.J. and Kevin, he said and looked at her.
- Stayed with a girlfriend for the sex even though she abused him, slept with a firend's girlfriend and cheated on a girlfriend.
- What?
- Guys got two things in their heads, sports and sex.
- Not true!
Shirley looked at him but didn't say a word.
- I do love you.
- You don't. If you love someone you trust that someone, she hissed.
- I trust you!
- No, you don't. You're so damn jealous Nick, you can't even hide it! I can't even talk to a guy without you thinking that I'm going to sleep with him!
Nick didn't say a word.
- News flash Nick, I'm not a slut! She hissed.
- I'm just scared of loosing you, he tried.
- We've known each other for 6 years, we were best friens for 3 of those years, we're a couple now, and we have been for over 2 years, and for over 2 years we've lived together. What do you think I'll do? Go and sleep with A.J.?
- I just can't imagine my life without you...
She looked at him and shook her head.
- You better start, cause if you can't trust me then I can't trust you, and then I can't stay.
- I've tried so hard to make you happy Shirl, he said and took her hand, I've done everything...
- Except trusting me, she hissed and pulled it back, That's the one thing you haven't done and that's what I wanted in the first place!
- I'll trust you if you stay.
- Oh, so now you'll change IF I stay? She looked at him.
- You know what I mean...
- No, for the first time I don't. I really thought I knew you, but I never thought that you'd be acting like this.
- Like what?
- Shady.
- What?! Nick stared at her.
- I know you kissed Joan a year ago, I know that you've met up with Kathleen again...
- What? I haven't...
- STOP LYING!! She yelled and hit him, I can tell when you're lying Nick! Don't do that!
- Don't thit me!
- What are you going to do if I do? Shirley hissed and hit him again, Hu? Tell me!
- I won't hit you...
- But you'll lie... Words can hurt more than fists you know, and lies even more...
- Shirley...
- WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO LIE ABOUT NOW?!
- I'm not going to lie...
- There's a first for everything, she said and wiped away the tears that had started rolling down her cheeks.
- I did kiss Joan that time, I'm sorry about that... but I wouldn't do that again...
- Finally you tell me. After I've known it, Joan told me and then A.J. told me, you couldn't have told me the truth from the start?
- But I didn't call Kathleen, I have met her but...
- Oh, so I was right, again, Shirley looked at him and shook her head.
- We didn't do anything... she wanted me back and I said no...
- And I guess that's all that you've been doing too...
- Okay, I admit, I did cheat on you once but...
- WITH WHO?
- Ashley...
- Oh, you were on tour and just felt the urge to sleep with someone?
- We didn't...
- Okay, so you kissed, I don't care! You cheated on me one time to many Nick! I want you out of here now! And take your dogs with you!
- And Nirvana?
- She's mine! Unless you want her that is... You can take her, if you want to, like you've taken everything else I've ever loved!
- What? Nick stared at her.
- My parents are in Norway! Shirley looked at him, I'm here with you! You are cheating on me and obviously don't give a shit about my feelings!
- I do!
- That's why you're cheating on me?
- It gets...
- Lonely on the road, I know, you've told me...
They were quiet for a while before anyone did anything.
- Go Nick, take Mickey, Nicky, Houston, Jewel, Baby, Tommy and Star with you, but Nirvana stays with me.
- In the car?
- Yeah, in the car. Go somewhere, I don't care where, I don't want to know...
- And the house?
- Well it's yours isn't it? I'll move, I promise, don't worry about me.
Nick looked at her.
- What are you waiting for?
- Shirley, 6 years is a long time...
- I know and you just threw it all away. Are you sure you're not taking Nirvana with you? After all you've taken everything else so...
- No, I won't. It's your dog, and I haven't taken everything away from you.
- Oh yeah? Who do you think made me so sad that I tried to commit suicide? Who do you think made me stay here while my parents moved to Europe? Who do you think that was?
He didn't say a word for a long while.
- I'll go pack then...
- Good.
- All the dogs? LeighAnne stared at Nick, I mean, I don't mind if you stay but...
- Not all... Nirvana stays with Shirley...
- Which?
- The border collie...
- Oh...
- It's going to work out, Brian tried.
- You said that before...
- And it did, at least for a while. You've two been through so much and I highly doubt that anyone of you are ready to throw it all away...
- I've already done that...
- What?
- London...
- Ashley?
- What did you do? LeighAnne looked at him.
- I went out with Ash... and Shirley knows about it...
- That's why she broke up?
- Probably...
Brian looked at him for a while.
- I never thought that you actually would cheat on her...
- Neither did I, Nick cried, and I so regret it...
September 19 2003 (Friday)
- Did Nick send you here? Shirley sighed and looked at Kevin.
- No...
She nodded and pet Nirvana quietly.
- He's really sad Shirley...
- He cheated on me.
- He regrets it and I don't think he will do it again...
- Neither did I after he kissed Joan...
- You two... you've lived together for two years, you were best friends for what, two years?
- Three.
- Exactly. There shouldn't be anything that should keep you two apart.
- Nick cheated on me. With Ashley.
- Is it Nick or Ashley you're mad at?
- Nick.
- Then why do you care so much about Ashley?
- Oh, I don't, she's just a stupid blond...
Kevin looked at her for a while.
- I don't mean that all blondes are stupid, Shirley sighed, Kristin isn't...
- I know. You're mad at the moment...
- No, I'm going to be mad for a couple of weeks.
- Okay...
- I mean, it's not Ashley's fault or anything, she probably thought that Nick and me were history, he probably told her that. But she's the one I'm competing with right now and... I don't know.
- I think you're right.
- Hu?
- That's why you're mad at Ashley... when it's really Nick you should be mad at.
- I AM mad at Nick. I would like to kick him in the balls right now.
- Okay, Kevin said and looked at her, I understand that you're pissed...
She looked at him for a second.
- It's too bad you're married, she smirked.
- What?
- Just a thought.
- Feel free to tell me.
- Nah, I just thought that I might fool around with you, there's nothing wrong with you I mean, but you're married...
- I'm glad that you respect that, he smiled.
- Yeah, too bad everyone doesn't...
- What do you mean?
- Nothing, she sighed, I just remembered Joan...
- Oh...
- Yeah...
It was was quiet for a while.
- What is he doing now? Shirley looked at him.
- Nick?
- Yeah.
- He's at Brian's place, with all seven dogs. He's going to move in to an apartment next week...
She nodded.
- Are you taking him back?
- No.
- And when we go on tour...?
- I'll take care of the dogs, it's not their fault that Nick is such an asshole...
- It will work out, he said and hugged her.
- Yeah... when he falls down dead...
- I hope you're not going to kill him.
- No, tempting but no.
November 12 2003 (Wednesday)
Howie sighed and looked at Nick again, he was staring of the window again, probably in his dream world again. They were going home from tour again, and Nick had been hoping that he and Shirley could get back again. The possibility of that was less than one in a million, at least now.
- Do you think she'll be there?
- Hu? Howie looked at him.
- Shirley, do you think she'll be at the airport? Nick looked at him.
- I don't, sorry...
Nick nodded and went back to looking out of the window again.
Howie sighed and looked at Kevin for a second. They both thought the same thing. Nick was going to be disappointed when they got back and Shirley hadn't forgiven him.
- Do you think she'll forgive me?
- Like forgiven? Howie looked at Nick again.
Nick didn't answer.
- I don't think that she's forgiven you Nick, he sighed, Shirley is loyal but you kind of abused that trust...
- Do you think she'll forgive me?
- In time, I think she'll forgive you one day.
Nick nodded and looked down on his shoes.
- Are we going to be there soon?
- Half an hour, Kevin mumbled.
He sighed and turned around to Brian and A.J.
- Hello, Brian smiled.
- Hi.
- Bored?
- Extremely, Nick sighed, How do you think the album will do?
The new album was going to be released the next day and they were all really nervous about it.
- I'm sure it will go fine, A.J. said and forced himself to smile.
- Probably, Nick said and looked at him, I'm bored...
- We all know you are, A.J. smiled.
- Do you know something I can do? He said and leaned his head on the chair.
- Listen to music?
- Already done that.
- Annoy Howie? Brian smiled.
- No! Howie protested, Not that, do something else.
Nick sighed and sat down again.
- Nick?
He looked up.
- Nicholas?
- Um... yeah?
- It's me, Jenny!
- Jen? Nick got up and stared at his ex.
- Yupp, she smiled and walked over, how are you?
- I'm fine, Nick smiled, and you?
- Fine.
- Which is your seat? Howie said and looked at her.
- Two lines up and to the right.
- Then we'll change for the rest of the flight then, he smiled and got up.
- Thanks D., she smiled and sat down, What's going on in your life?
- My girlfriend and me just broke up, Nick sighed, and she's probably still mad at me...
- What happened?
- I...
Nick looked at her, she probably didn't know what he had done to her.
- I cheated on her.
- Oh... why?
- I don't know, he sighed, I really regret it...
- What's her name?
- My girlfriend? I mean my ex girlfriend.
- Yeah.
- Shirley-Jean Dale, you remember her?
- Yeah, your best friend, she sighed, So you two got together after all...
- Yupp, and me my idiot cheated on her with Ashley...
- Who?
- Ashley, a girl in London... one of my ex's too...
- Oh...
- I know, I completely lost my head...
- How long were you and Shirley together?
- Over two years...
- Oh? She smiled, Tell me more.
- We got together on Valentine's day 2001 and she moved in with me when my family moved to California and hers to Norway. We got 8 dogs... or well, I got 7 and she kept one of them...
- How long?
- What?
- How long did you live together?
- Two years...
- So you moved together pretty much right at once?
- Yeah... but I've known her for a couple of years and we had been best friends for three years before that, Nick sighed and looked at her, What are you doing here anyway?
- I've moved from Sydney, she smiled, I'm a reporter for a newspaper now.
- Really? What kind of newspaper?
- Teenage.
- Oh... are you going ot publish our conversation?
- No, don't worry, she smiled, No, but maybe we could get together one day.
- Doing what? A date or an interview?
- You pick, she smiled.
- Nick? Brian said.
- Yeah? Nick turned around.
- How are you and Shirley going to do about the house?
- Oh, don't worry, we'll fix that, Nick said but knew that Brian only had said that to remember him of Shirley.
He sighed and turned to Jenny again.
- You don't happen to have some news amongst you guys that you would share, as a celebrity to a reporter? Jenny smiled.
- Other than the things you already know?
- Yeah.
Nick looked at Kevin.
- Can I?
Kevin looked at him for a while before he nodded.
- What? Jenny smiled.
- Kristin is pregnant.
- Really? Jenny smiled and turned to Kevin, Congratulations!
- Thank you.
- How far is she?
- Soon second month...
- But that's great!
November 14 2003 (Friday)
- Leave me alone, Shirley hissed.
- Please Sihrl, I know we can work things out if we just try...
- No we can't.
- Why not? Nick looked at her.
- Crying isn't going to help, she muttered.
- What? He said surprised and realized that he actually was crying.
- I don't want you back, not anymore, not ever. You cheated on me, that's why. Now go.
Nick wiped away the tears and looked at her.
- How about the house?
- It's yours, I'm moving anyway...
- Where?
- To my parents Nick...
- To Norway?!
- Yes, Norway.
- I know I was an asshole but don't do this Shirley! He took a step forward and looked her in the eyes, Please don't do like this, we'll regret it for the rest of our lives.
- You should have thougth of that before you had your fun with Ashley, she hissed, NOW GO!
- But Shirl...
- Go! She hissed and hit him, Just go now!
- But...
She pushed him back and closed the door quickly.
- SHIRLEY! Nick tried to open the door but it was locked, Shirley please open!
December 25 2003 (Thursday)
- Shirley? There's someone here to see you.
- Oh? She said and got up, Whom?
- You look, he smiled.
- Okay, she sighed and walked out in the hallway and stared at him.
- Hohoho, Nick smiled.
- What are you doing here?! She hissed.
- Came to wish you a merry Christmas...
- You came from Florida, to Norway to wish me a merry Christmas? She said irritated.
- Yeah...
- Go.
- There's something more...
- Leave now, Shirley hissed, I don't want to see you.
Nick sighed and looked at her.
- Don't try to look sad to make me change my mind, she muttered and pushed him outside, Go!
She closed the door and hurried up to her room again.
"How could he come here" she thought and sat down on her bed.
- Shirley?
- What? She looked at her mother.
- Are you okay?
- No.
She was quiet for a while.
- What? Shirley looked at her.
- He's waiting outside...
- He's what?!
- I asked him if he wanted to come in but... He said that he wouldn't come in unless you agreed with it...
- Good.
- It's snowing outside...
- I know. I hope he'll freeze to death.
- Shirley-Jean!
- What?!
- He was your best friend once, he might have hurt you but...
- But what? Mom, you don't even know how much it hurt!
- Maybe not but even if you don't love him anymore then at least let him come in for old friendship's sake... He came all the way from Florida for your sake...
- Fine! She got up and walked over to the hallway.
She hesitated for a while before she opened the door. Nick looked at her and smiled.
- Are you going to let me sit out here?
- I have no choice than to let you in, Shirley muttered and stepped aside, and I haven't forgiven you, it's my mom...
- Ah, he smiled and got up, Then I have to thank her... it's really cold out here...
- I know.
He smiled and stepped in.
December 26 2003 (Friday)
Shirley looked at him where he was laying on the madras on the floor from the bed.
- Why do you keep on asking me to come back?
Nick smiled and looked at her.
- Cause I love you... and...
- What?
- Nothing?
- Come on...
- ... and you're the only girl that I know who cares about who I really am...
She looked at him quietly for a while.
- Are you still mad at me? You got all the rights in the world to be mad...
- More disappointed in you...
- I understand...
They looked at each other for a while under silence.
- If I asked you for one more chance, and that we started all over again, like that never had happen...
He looked at her carefully.
- ... What would your answer be?
Shirley sighed and looked at him.
- Doesn't Ashley love you for you?
- No.
She nodded.
- Ashley is just another girl that was together with Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, he sat up, You were the only one who were together with Nicholas...
- How do you know I loved you? How do you know I didn't forgive you because you are a superstar? How can you guarantee that I ever loved you?
- Cause you wouldn't have told me about Chris if you hadn't trusted me... and that's what friendship is built on.
They looked at each other for a while.
- And a friend wouldn't lie about her feelings...
- How do you know that's true?
- I don't. I just told you what I'm hoping for.
She couldn't help smiling.
- Will you forgive me? You don't have to forgive me now, just... sometime...
- You are already forgiven, she smiled.
Nick looked at her for a while before he laid down again.
- Friends?
- Friends who are in love, Shirley smiled.
- With each other? he said with a smile.
- Yeah...
- Good night Shirl.
- Good night Nick.
December 26 2003 (Saturday)
- Thank you, he whispered and kissed her.
Shirley smiled and looked at him.
- For what?
- For forgiving me... I promise you that I won't ever do it again...
- You better not; this is the last chance Nick...
- I know, and I'll be careful and I won't throw it away.
- Good, six years is a lot to throw away for some flirt.
Nick nodded and kissed her on the cheek. He had missed her so much, he highly doubted that he'd ever do the same mistake again.
Shirley stepped in to the house and said hello to the dogs. She'd missed them and the house, and she'd missed Nick even though she had been so mad at him. She was still mad, but she'd decided to forgive him, hoping he wouldn't do it again.
- Welcome home, Nick smiled and kissed her, Did you miss us?
- No, she smiled, of course I did!
- Promise you won't leave again... ever...
Shirley looked at him for a while before she said anything.
- I promise, she said and hugged him.
She knew she probably couldn't keep that promise but she couldn't exactly say that she'd leave in any second, at least not to Nick.
January 3 2004 (Saturday)
- All of them? Shirley sighed and handed Houston to Nick.
- Yeah, he smiled, we can't leave them now can we?
- Fine, Nirvana, Jewel, get in, she sighed and let the two dogs jump in, This is crazy...
- Well you're coming with us, Nick smiled, who's going to take care of them then?
- I don't know, LeighAnne? Kristin? Sharon? Your family? She sighed and stepped in to the car.
- We can't just send them to California all alone, Nick smiled, ready?
- I think that our bags are going to get smashed to something beyond recognition by the dogs...
- No they won't...
- Wanna bet? Tommy is laying on one of yours...
- I'll live.
- It's the one with the Nintendo...
- WHAT?! Nick turned around and stared at the German shepherd, Tommy! Move!
- But Nick... weren't it okay that he laid there?
- My Nintendo! Nick protested.
Shirley smirked and picked up Star instead of listening to Nick yelling at Tommy to move.
January 18 2004 (Sunday)
She jumped out and put her hands over his eyes.
- Guess who! She smiled.
- Joan? A.J. smiled and turned around, What are you doing here?
- Free for a couple of days! She smiled and hugged him.
- So you came to torture me?
- Exactly.
- I've missed you.
- Ditto.
"I'm just going to let it all be" he thought "She doesn't want me back and that's that, I won't talk about it"
- What are you thinking about? She smiled.
- How long are you going to stay?
- Oh... for six days.
- Really?
- Yeah, and then we'll see each other on that charity concert in February too.
- Yeah February 27th... don't you think that's a little long?
- Yeah, you can pop in to my hotel room if you want too, she smiled, How is everything now?
- It's going fine... just fine. Shirley and Nick are back together again...
- I know... I almost drowned in the ocean of badly trained dogs on my way here...
- Yeah, they brought all 8 of them...
- Only 8? I could have sworn that they were like 14 of them...
January 20 2004 (Tuesday)
- Boner?
- Yeah? he looked at her.
- Nothing.
- Nothing? A.J. smiled.
- Do you still love me? Joan said and looked at him.
He was quiet for a while.
- Yes. Yes I do.
- Can we try again?
- Why do you change now?
- I've cleared up the mess in my head, she said and smiled, I realized that I shouldn't care about what people think about me, as long as I can make somebody happy doing something I like it's completely okay...
- Sounds good to me, he smiled, a new start.
- Or pick it up where we left it? She looked at him.
- What?
- We can do that too...
- Ready for that?
- I think I am, she smiled, as long as it's with you...
- Is it for the sex? He said and smirked.
- Yes! It's only for the sex, she laughed.
- I feel so used! He said and laughed.
- So? She smiled.
- And today I became the happiest man on earth, A.J. smiled and kissed her.
February 27 2004 (Friday)
- Rok!
- Nick? Brian turned around, Where have you been?
- I bumped in to Ashley, I never thought she'd be here in Orlando, anyway...
- Ashley? Shirley looked at him.
- Shirl... nothing like that...
She turned around and went in to the hotel room again.
Brian looked at him with a disappointed look all over his face.
- I swear!
- There you lost your second chance, and I don't think she's going to give you another one. I know I wouldn't.
- Brian!
- I don't even want to hear it.
- I didn't do anything! I met Ashley and...
Brian shook his head and walked away, leaving Nick standing in the hallway.
- Bye, Shirley muttered and walked out of the hotel room with her bags and Nirvana in a leash.
- Shirley! Don't go! I swear I didn't...
- Have a good life Nick, she said and kissed him on the cheek, It was nice knowing you.
- I swear I didn't even kiss her! We talked!
She just ignored him and walked down the hallway leaving him where he was.
- Nick.
- What? He turned around.
- Time to go, Kevin said, charity show...
- But, Nick turned around to see Shirley stepping in to the elevator, SHIRLEY!
He hurried over but the door closed just before he got there. Nick bit his lip and hurried to the stairs instead.
- NICK! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!
- TO GET SHIRLEY BACK!
Kevin sighed. He knew Shirley weren't coming back, not again, no matter what Nick had done.
- Nick? Kevin looked at him, We really have to go now...
- She's gone, Nick said and wiped away the tears, she actually left me for good...
- Could you please think about that later?
- I love her!
- I know you do, but we have to get to the show now.
- Do you think she'll be back?
- Nick, Kevin said and sat down, whatever you did to her... I don't think it matters anymore, you've let her down too many times... Maybe in the distance future but not right now...
Nick nodded and got up.
- Okay...
- Where are you going?
- Bathroom...
- Okay, hurry up then...
Kevin got up and left the room.
Nick sighed and closed the door.
- I look like shit, he muttered.
He knew Shirley weren't coming back, just like the rest of them. She'd taken Nirvana and her bags and all her love with her and left, leaving him all alone there again.
- I never did anything, he cried, This time I didn't do anything at all...
He opened the cabinet and saw the sleeping pills.
- Where is he? Kevin muttered and was just about to get out of the car.
- Don't! We'll let a car wait for him.
- He better hurry, he sighed.
- Okay, let's go then, Howie sighed.
- Okay, and where's Nick? Howie said upset.
- I have no idea! Brian protested.
- What if he doesn't show up?
- He will Howie, don't worry...
- If he doesn't, Kevin said and looked at the others, who's taking his parts?
It was quiet for a while.
- Bri? Kevin looked at his cousin.
- It will be only me singing!
- Fine... anyone?
- We'll see how we can do this, we'll survive, A.J. said, And he'll be here... I know he will...
Right in that second the door opened.
- I demand to change room, she hissed.
- J, A.J. said surprised, it's nice that you know how to knock...
- I'm sharing room with the queen of bitchiness!!!!!!!
- Who? Brian said surprised.
- Boob Job Queers herself, Joan hissed, I demand to change room, can I change here instead?
- Information for June Omega, Howie said, you're a girl...
- No? I am? She muttered and rolled her eyes, I know that! I can't stand that bitch!
- And you are coming here because?
- Because I was hoping to see my boyfriend and then I found out that I have to share room with the plastic freak... Where's Nick?
- He's missing, Brian sighed.
- What?
- He hasn't showed up yet, Kevin said, Shirley broke up and... he's just a little late...
- Oh... Well I guess that you got worse problems than I do then.
- Yeah, A.J. smiled and kissed her, Now go and solve your problems...
- I know exactly how... I'll put my hands around her neck and rip her head off! Bye.
Joan simled and left the room.
- Is she always like that? Brian looked at A.J.
- Just under influence of Britney Spears.
- Ah.
Joan looked at Britney.
- Are you going to wear that? she said.
- Yeah.
- THAT ISN'T EVEN A SHIRT! Joan protested.
Britney sighed and rolled her eyes.
- Leave it.
- KIDS WILL BE WATCHING! YOU CAN'T JUST WALK AROUND LIKE THAT THEN!!
- I CAN!
- I meant in moral terms, she hissed, and you might use a bra...
- I wear what I like to wear, Britney sighed.
- Yeah, but it would be nice if you'd cover up sometimes too...
Britney ignored her and went back to choose nail polish.
- So, Joan muttered, Sized up your boobs lately?
- WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?! Britney turned around and stared at her, Why are you so rude to me?
- Oh? Joan said playing surprised, Did I offend you? I'm so, so, SO sorry Miss Spears, but I don't believe that they just started swelling while you did a knee operation... again...
- They did! Leave it!
- Is Bitchney Smears mad? Joan smirked.
- Is it so damn hard to be polite from time to time?
- Not really, it's very easy when it comes to people I actually respect. But I'm sorry Boob Job, people with plastic boobs...
- What's your problem?
- You. I can't believe you ever got famous, I mean $5 hookers usually don't...
- I can't believe YOU got famous! With that attitude!
- Awwww.... but it's true what they say, especially in your case, who needs talent?
- I am talented!
- Yeah, but I didn't mean lap dancing now, I meant as in singing, dancing and stuff like that, Joan smirked, By the way, do you even got a hint in how you do those things?
- Say something like that again and I swear...
- What? She smirked, What do you, oh queen of whores, talk about?
Britney bit her lip and slapped her in the face.
- Oh! Joan smirked, You're slapping me? I just got one thing to tell you then... Do that again and I'll kick your sorry ass so you won't be able to go up on stage again to your beloved Justin... Did I tell you he's my cousin's boyfriend?
- Cut it out!
- And you know she is abusive, and he's so pathetic, he doesn't leave her or anything, I think he loves her. Really loves her, have you ever been loved? Oh, I'm sorry, of course you haven't, I'm sorry...
- WHY ARE YOU SO MEAN TO ME?!
- I'm usually not mean to people, but you deserve it! So, are you going to slap me again or are you going to go crying to your pimp?
- I AM NOT A HOOKER!
A.J. carefully opened the door.
- Can I come in?
- Sure, Joan smiled, that's just fine...
- Britney?
- Mhm, she said and looked at Joan.
- You know what, she smiled, I just thought of a new name for you...
- J...
- ... The Wannabe Artist Formerly Known As The Bimbo Who Screws Everyone! Do you like it?
- J! A.J. protested, That's enough...
- She slapped me, Joan hissed.
- Oh, A.J. looked at Britney, I think I'll stay for your sake then.
- Yeah, that's an insurance... I think that I'd prefer to kick Shitney Smears' ass if you're not here, you could accidentally get hurt when her fake nails starts flying...
- CUT IT OUT!
- June!
- No really, Joan smirked, Blow Job and me are only getting started...
- Stop calling me those things! She hissed and slapped her again.
- Ouch! Joan muttered and looked at Britney, now it's my turn...
- June! A.J. protested, Cut it out!
- J! A.J. hurried over and pulled Joan away from Britney.
- Damnit A.J.! Let me go!
- You've already hit her that's enough!
- Put me down! She protested when he picked her up.
- I'm sorry Britney, A.J. said and left the room carrying Joan.
- Either put me down or I'll kick your sorry ass!
- Okay, okay, okay, he sighed and put her down, But don't hit her again... charity concert...
- Look, there she is, Joan said and looked at her, It would be really nice to hit her again...
- I know you think that would be really nice, but I think she's getting a bruise now and...
- So what, she disses you guys, she keeps drooling over my cousin's boyfriend, she slapped me, she keeps being a bitch... I think I'm entitled to hit her.
- It won't solve anything...
- Unfortunately I know that, she sighed, Okay, I won't.
- So you'll behave?
- As long as the slut isn't there...
"You were there for me
When I needed you
You could just have let it all be
But you did that something only you could do
You held me in your arms when I was sad
You made me smile when I were mad
You were the only one that really cared
No matter if I was happy or sad"
Joan smiled and continued.
"You were there for me
When I needed you
You could just have let it all be
But you did that something only you could do
You lifted me up when I fell
You kissed me when the tears was falling
How much you helped me I can't tell
But I know you heard my desperate calling"
She turned around as the music changed. A.J. smiled and stepped out on stage.
"All I want, all I want is forever
I don't want much from you
Just your love my whole life through
That's all I want, yes, that's all I want"
She smiled and took his hand.
"And all I need is to be with you always
I don't need much, you see
Just need eternity
And to be with you, yes, to be with you
Forever
All I want is forever
Am I asking too much?
Asking for all your love forever"
He smiled and looked at the audience and then at her again.
"Oh, all I know is when we're together, baby
Time passes much too fast
And I want to make it last
Last forever more, girl, forever more"
He laid his arm around her and let her sing her solo.
"And all my life I've been waiting to find, to find you
Now that you're finally here
I want you always near
And to share my life, yes, to share my life"
They both knew tha people were going to start talking about if they were together again or not, but none of them cared too much about it.
"Forever
All I want is forever
That's all I want baby
Am I asking too much?
Asking for all your love
Forever
Won't you give me forever
This time make it last
I'm not asking much
Asking for all your love forever"
They looked at each other and smiled.
"Just say, just say that you will stay for always
And always you'll be mine
At least till the end of time
Won't you give me forever?
Forever
I just need forever
All I want is forever
And you know I love you
Am I asking too much?
Asking for all your love forever"
A.J. smiled and kissed her softly on the lips in the same second as Kevin, Brian and howie entered the stage. Joan smiled and walked out as they started singing on 'The One'.
Joan looked on the stage, BSB were singing the end of 'The One' and soon they were going to... the music changed and Britney Spears got ready to enter the stage.
Brian smiled and started while the other fell in to the song as Geri Halliwell entered the stage.
"Let's dance in style
Let's dance for a while
Heaven can wait
We're only watching the skies"
Britney came up on the stage.
"Hoping for the best
But expecting the worst"
Joan stepped up together with Prankster Boys and 'NSync.
"Are you going to drop the bomb or not?"
She walked over to A.J. and forced herself to smile.
"Let us die young or let us live forever"
A.J. smiled and sang the next lines with her.
"We don't have the power
But we never say never"
She turned around to see Britney holding hands with Victor.
"Sitting in a sandpit
Life is a short trip
The music's for the sad men"
Geri smiled and stepped forward followed by Britney.
"Can you imagine when this race is won?
Turn out golden faces into the sun"
They stepped back again and Joan was close to walk over to Britney and hit her when she kissed Victor on the cheek.
"Praising our leaders
We're getting in tune
The music's played by the madmen"
She turned to A.J. and smiled.
"Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever - and ever"
She caught that he thad noticed that something was wrong before he looked at the audience.
"Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever - and ever"
The Backstreet Boys, or the four Backstreet Boys that were there, took a step forward, followed by 'NSync.
"Some are like water
Some are like the heat
Some are a melody and some are the beat
Sooner or later they all will be gone
Why don't they stay young?"
They stepped back again and A.J. looked at Joan again.
"It's so hard to get old without a cause
I don't want to perish like a fading horse"
She looked at A.J., and wished that she'd be able to tell him right then.
"Youth's like diamonds in the sun
And diamonds are forever"
Joan looked at Geri who stepped forward and did it herself, followed by Britney.
"So many adventures couldn't happen today
So many songs we forgot to play
So many dreams swinging out of the blue
We'll let them come true"
A.J. stepped up by her side and looked at her, Joan looked at Kevin who'd also noticed that something was wrong.
"Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever - and ever
Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever
Forever - and ever"
He put his arm around her waist and smiled, she knew he knew something was wrong, she could see it in his eyes, but he completely let the show be the only thing that he thought about.
"I wish I could be like you Alex" she thought and looked out at the audience.
"Forever young, I want to be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever - and ever"
She turned her head to him when he laid his hand on her cheek. He smiled and kissed her softly.
"If you only knew what's on my mind right now... you wouldn't kiss me then, I don't think you would anyway" she thought "But I don't really know you either, how much would you give up for the show?"
Joan looked at her with a hateful look all over her face.
- What's your problem June? Britney smirked, Can't stand that I got together with your ex boyfriend?
- No, it's just that I didn't think that he had such bad taste, she sighed, I mean, at least mine are real...
- Oh, well, at least I got a boyfriend...
- Don't you think I got a boyfriend, Joan smirked, Then what's A.J.? It's not exactly over between us...
Britney didn't answer her.
- Well, Bone and me are just as in love as your ex boyfriend Justin Timberlake is with my cousin... even though she hits him... Do you still love Justin?
- That's irrelevant! She hissed.
- Oh! You do? Awwww... poor little Britney... but at least your still the queen of the sluts... That has to be something, don't you think?
- I don't love Justin!
- No, maybe not. I understand that that would be hard, but you could always fake it, just like you fake everything else...
- CUT IT OUT!
- Now what's your problem? I mean except that you're all fake and you don't have a brain.
Joan smirked and was just about to walk out of the room when she turned around.
- By the way Bitchney, I know you got together with Victor cause you wanted to make me jealous... but guess what, I don't care, I got A.J. and I love him.
- I love you too, A.J. smiled and hugged her from the back.
- Oh, hi, she smiled, I didn't know you were there...
- You two will make a wonderful couple, Britney smirked, Freak number one and freak number two...
- Oh, the bitchiness, Joan smirked, But I think your right, you can keep freak number three.
February 28 2004 (Saturday)
Kevin carefully opened the door to Nick's room and looked in.
- Nick? Brian said worried.
Nobody answered.
- Nick? Kevin said a bit louder.
- Where is he? Brian said worried and hurried in to the hotel room.
Kevin followed his example and went over to the bed.
- He's here...
- Nick? Brian hurried over.
Nick didn't answer them, he just sat there crying.
- I'll take that, Brian said and took the jar of sleeping pills away from Nick.
- Did you take any of those?! Kevin stared at Nick.
When he didn't answer Kevin turned to Brian.
- There's still pills left...
- Nick?! Listen to me, did you take any pills? He took a grip around Nick's shoulders, Did you?
Brian looked at Kevin while he shook Nick a couple of times getting more and more frustrated when Nick didn't answered him.
- TELL ME NICK!!
- No, he cried, I didn't...
- You're sure? Kevin said and let go of him.
Nick nodded quietly.
Brian and Kevin looked at each other and then at Howie and A.J. who stepped in to the room.
- What's going on? Howie said worried.
- I... I, Nick mumbled, I thought that I might as well... but... I didn't...
- That's good, Kevin said and looked at Nick again, That's good...
March 2 2004 (Saturday)
Nick looked around in the house. Everything weren't like it used to be. All his stuff were back but all Shirley's were gone.
He sighed and sat down in the living room. It was so empty without her there, he never thought that she'd actually leave him, and especially not for something he hadn't done. He had always thought that they'd work it out and then go on like it never had happen... but that weren't how it ended...
The phone rang, the sound cut through the silence. Nick looked at it, but didn't answer. He knew it weren't Shirley, she wouldn't call... she'd left two days ago and she weren't coming back... ever...
THE END!!!