Emilie's New Life by Emilie (emmarosebsb@hotmail.com) Chapter 9 "Jingle Bells, Mouse Smells, Pokemon laid en egg!" Jordan sang, as he pranced around the kitchen, the next morning. He was excited because of everyone being there, and wanted to help his father cook some breakfast. Mr. Parker was grateful for the help, but Jordan was creating more of a mess, then really cooking a decent breakfast. He didn't mind though because Christmas was barely six days away, and the snowstorm, which had been in Michigan, had made it's way up to Southern Ontario. The lake effect show was accumulating up to one inch an hour, and the winds were causing white-out conditions. "Good morning everyone," Billie said, as she sailed into the kitchen. Emilie and her were sharing Emilie's bedroom, and Emilie hadn't gone to bed until really late. She was still conked out on her bed. "Hi Billie," Mr. Parker commented, as Billie realized Mr. Parker and Jordan were the only ones up. "You are up early." "Hi," Billie smiled back, as she patted Jordan on the head. "I know. It's so unusual for me to be up at this time." "Me too!" AJ laughed, as he walked into the kitchen from the opposite direction. Billie couldn't help but become amused at his appearance. His new red hair was standing straight on end, and he was wearing sweat pants with a white tanktop. He had on no sunglasses of course, and Billie loved his eyes. "Nice outfit AJ," Billie teased him. "You don't look too shabby yourself," AJ replied, but there was amusement in his eyes. "Mr. Parker, need some help?" "No, I'm okay thanks," Mr. Parker answered. "You guys want some pancakes?" "Sure do!" AJ answered, becoming hungrier at the thought of food. "How about Billie and I set the table?" "Sure, that would be great," Mr. Parker thanked him, as Jordan showed AJ where the utensils and napkins were. Billie went to the cupboard, and they began pouring juice and trying successfully to fit ten people into a table made for six. "Daddy! Clarissa's crying!" Brandy screamed, coming into the kitchen. "Mommy's still sleeping. I don't think she feels very good." "I'll get her!" AJ volunteered. "Where's her room Brandy?" "In there!" Brandy squealed, and she led AJ into Clarissa's room. Billie grinned, as Jordan pulled her into the livingroom, and they settled down to watch some Barney together. "Brandy, what do you want from Santa?" AJ asked her, as he picked Clarissa up gently, and placed her on the changing table. Brandy handed him a diaper and he tried to change her. "I want a Britney Spears doll!" Brandy replied enthusiastically. "Have you talked to Britney AJ?" "No, not recently," AJ answered, as Brandy helped him. "I think she's working on her next album." "I want to meet her again!" Brandy announced, as she gave AJ the baby powder. "What should Clarissa wear today?" "How about this?" Brian suggested, as he stepped into her room. "I forgot to give this to your mom last night." "Aw! Wow! Thanks Brian!" Brandy hugged him, as she took the present from Brian. She loved the little Noah's Ark painting that was outside of the gift bag. "I have something downstairs too," AJ told Brandy. "Little sunglasses and fake baby tattoos?" Brian teased him, and AJ rolled his eyes. Brandy ran into her mother's room, and returned, with a worried expression. "Mommy has the flu, but she said I could open the present!" Brandy commented, and she sat on the floor. She opened the present carefully to reveal a pink jogging suit with a matching pink bonnet. There was a pink teddybear sown into the front of it, and there was little boots to match it. AJ took the outfit from Brandy, as she gave Brian a hug again. "You've got good taste man," AJ grinned at him, as he finished dressing Clarissa, and gave her to Brian. "I finally get to hold her," Brian smiled back, as Brandy followed them out of the room. "Nick hogged her yesterday." "I know," AJ remembered, as he heard a door open. He turned to see Emilie yawn, and smile. "Good morning." "Hi guys," Emilie smiled, as she looked at Clarissa. "Aw! The outfit is adorable!" "Brian got it for her," Brandy told her proudly. "Wow Brian, it's so nice, thanks!" Emilie thanked him, as Clarissa yawned, and her eyes drooped close again. "No prob," Brian said, as he carried her into the kitchen, followed by everyone else. "Did you sleep well?" AJ asked Emilie, as they settled down at the kitchen table, as Billie helped serve the breakfast. Brian was still holding Clarissa, and Brandy was sitting beside him, explaining how jealous all her friends were of her new little sister. "Sure did!" Emilie replied, as she sipped some coffee. "It was so great to be in my own bed again." "I totally understand that feeling," AJ agreed. "Whenever I come home from the tour, I love relaxing in my bed. Sometimes, I stay in my pyjamas all day and just relax." "Sounds good to me!" Brian commented. "I feel so relaxed right now." "I love the holidays!" Billie smiled. "Who wouldn't?" "Daddy, Mommy has the flu!" Brandy called from the table, as she took a sip of her orange juice. "I know Honey," Mr. Parker answered, as he headed over and placed a plate of pancakes on the table. The doorbell rang soon after, and Brandy ran to answer it. "Ariale!" Brandy shrieked, as she leapt into Ariale's arms for a hug. Emilie got up from the table and ran towards the door to see her best friend. Ariale's hair was now halfway down her back in luscious brown curls, her brown eyes were now tinted green, and she was wearing jeans and a fashionable jacket. "Omigoodness Ariale! You look great!" Emilie shrieked as well, and gave her a big hug. "How are you?" "Awesome!" Ariale grinned, as she pushed a stray of her hair, behind her ear. "How are you?" "Tired," Emilie admitted, as Ariale's eyes set on someone, and Emilie turned to see AJ staring at her. Over the summer, Ariale and AJ had dated for about a week. They hadn't really reconciled their differences as far as Emilie knew, and hoped everything was going to be civil among them. "Hi," AJ breathed, in awe of Ariale's makeover. "Hi AJ," Ariale answered back nonchalantly, as she followed Emilie into the kitchen, breezing past AJ. Brandy hung Ariale's jacket up, as Ariale greeted Mr. Parker and saw Brian at the table. "Ariale, hey!" Brian smiled at her, as she went over to see Clarissa. "How are you?" "Hey Brian!" Ariale grinned at him, cooing over Clarissa. "She's adorable Emilie! Can I hold her?" "Sure!" Brian answered for Emilie, and handed Clarissa over to her. "By the way Ariale, you look great." "Thanks Brian," Ariale winked at him, as she took Clarissa in her arms. "Emilie, I forgot to tell you, JC called me." "JC Chasez?" Emilie repeated, as AJ looked very uncomfortable. "Yeah!" Ariale nodded, as she shifted Clarissa over to the other side. "He asked me out a few weeks ago because they were in Toronto on promotion and I said yes. We've been seeing each other for a few weeks now." "Congratulations," Emilie offering a small smile, but she noticed AJ's embarrassment. AJ and JC had both wanted Ariale over the summer, but she had chosen to go with AJ. "I should have went with him in the summer," Ariale commented to mostly AJ. "Summer's over," AJ answered quickly. "Emilie, can I have a towel please? I want to take a shower!" "Sure Bone," Emilie replied quicker, and she ran into the bedrooms to get him some. She brought back five for the rest of the guys, and AJ disappeared down the stairs without eating breakfast. "You were really nice to him," Billie finally spoke up to mostly Ariale. "Whatever," Ariale snapped back. "Who are you anyway?" "I'm Billie, Emilie's roommate," she answered, and Ariale just nodded. Emilie and Brian exchanged looks, as they began eating their breakfast. Brandy never noticed any of the tension, as she chattered away about what she wanted for Christmas. Soon, Jordan came into the kitchen to join them, and sat down beside Brian. Nick, Kevin, and Howie came up the stairs soon after, and Emilie served them their breakfast with Brian's help. Soon after, Emilie and Billie headed into the bedrooms to get ready for the day. Ariale had soon left, and promised to call Emilie later on. She wanted to plan a social outing with their high school friends, but Emilie wasn't really interested in going. There was something different going on between Ariale and her, and she wasn't really sure what it was. "Em, how come Ariale was so mean to AJ?" Billie asked, as she picked out some clothes from her suitcase. "Because they dated over the summer and nothing really happened," Emilie answered, as she choose some jeans and a Tommy Hilfiger sweatshirt. "I don't really want to talk about it Billie." "Does AJ have a girlfriend?" Billie wanted to know, as Emilie turned to look at her. "Yes," Emilie replied quickly. "He's been with Amanda for a while now." "Oh," was all Billie said, but Emilie could tell she was falling hard for AJ. Emilie sighed and headed into the shower. She was feeling so restless about everything that was happening. Everything was crazy, and Billie's crush on AJ, just added to the chaos. She relaxed in the shower, allowing the water to drip over her in relief. There was the most peaceful she had felt in days, and wished everything could have been more peaceful. "Em, hey," Nick smiled at her, as she walked into the kitchen, after her shower. "How are you?" "Crazy, oh," Emilie sang, and Nick laughed. "What's up with you?" "I slept really well, even though Brian was snoring loud!" Nick said a little too loudly. "Hey, I heard that!" Brian called from the livingroom, and she laughed. "I just need to get away," Emilie told Nick. "Now, Billie has a crush on AJ and she was fighting with Ariale at the table." "Oh damn," Nick told her. "How come Bone affects so many women?" "It's not his fault," Emilie defended him. "AJ's just got a charm that many women like I guess." "I know I do," AJ commented, as he came into the kitchen. He walked over and gave Emilie a hug, before retreating into the bedrooms. "I think it's working on you too Emilie," Nick observed, and he saw Emilie's eyes fly open. "Nick, I do not like AJ in that way," Emilie told him. "He is purely my friend." "I know Hun," Nick told her, smiling. "I'm kidding. I'm just jealous for the fact he got a hug and I didn't." "Nick, you don't have to even ask me for one," Emilie smiled at him, as she wrapped her arms around him. "I love hugs. You know that!" Nick loved holding her, but he didn't feel anything when he hugged her. All he felt was a warmth, that wasn't what he felt when he hugged Mandy. Emilie was purely his good friend now, and they both knew, the chemistry in themselves, was no longer existent. Nick wondered how long is it was going to be before she found another guy to fall in love with. He wondered if it was going to be that guy Drew from her university, that she had introduced him too. "Are you all ready to go?" Howie asked, as he streamed into the kitchen, holding Clarissa. "Em, do you think your parents would mind if we brought your siblings along?" "They would be very grateful!" Emilie told Howie. "I don't think they've had much time to themselves." "Can Clarissa come too Sissie?" Brandy wanted to know, as she bounced into the kitchen. "I don't really know," Emilie answered. "She might be too young to come out." "Yeah, the mall could overwhelm her," Nick agreed, as he grinned at the tiny baby. "Emilie, I'm not going to the mall," Billie announced, coming into the kitchen. "I already got all my shopping done." "Oh, when did you go?" Emilie asked, slightly disappointed. She had hoped Billie would have waited to go shopping with her. "I went with Alecia and Jane the other day," Billie answered, not noticing Emilie's sadness. "Great," Emilie sighed, as Nick took Clarissa from Howie again. "Well, who wants to go shopping?" "Not me," Howie replied. "Dalilia and I are going to go when I get back to Orlando. She has decided to spend the holidays down there, so we are going to get some shopping done when I get back." "I'm kind of tired," AJ admitted, coming into the kitchen. "Same here," Brian agreed, as he came into the kitchen with Kevin. "We can get our shopping done when we get back to Florida." "Nick?" Emilie asked him. "Can you go?" "Well, I already finished actually," Nick replied, not taking his eyes off of Clarissa. "I guess I'll have to go by myself then," Emilie sighed, and she headed into the bedrooms, not waiting for anyone's reactions. "She's pissed," Billie commented. "It's not our fault that nobody wants to go shopping. She should get over it." "Billie, stop being such a bitch," AJ snapped at her, as Brandy gasped. "AJ, you shouldn't swear around children," Billie snapped back, as Nick shook his head and headed out of the kitchen with Clarissa. "Billie, bite me," AJ said, and he walked into the family room. "No thanks," Billie yelled back, and she stomped into the bedrooms, leaving Howie, Brian, and Kevin in the kitchen. "That was exciting," Brian observed. "Brandy, what do you want to do today Hun?" "I want to build a snowman!" answered Brandy excitedly, as she looked outside at the fresh white snow. "Sounds fun!" Kevin commented, smiling. "How about it fellas?" "Are you serious Man?" Howie asked him, and Kevin nodded enthusiastically. "It'll be fun!" Brian laughed at Howie's reaction. "Yo Bone! Want to build a snowman?" "Sure!" AJ yelled back. "Is the bitch gone?" "AJ, why do hate Sissie?" Brandy asked, her eyes wide. "I don't hate Emilie," AJ replied. "I don't like Billie and she hates me." Brandy nodded slightly, as she turned back to the snow outside. "I think I'll stay inside," Howie told the guys and Brandy. "I hope that's okay." "Chicken!" AJ teased him, and Brandy giggled. "Who's a chicken?" Emilie asked, streaming into the kitchen, and they all turned to see if she was mad. "What?" "We figured you were mad we wouldn't go shopping with you," Brian replied. "Of course I'm not!" Emilie answered, shaking her head. "It's cool. I can go another day." "Are you sure?" AJ asked, and she nodded, smiling. "Sissie! We're going to build a snowman!" Brandy told her excitedly. She started jumping from foot to another, and then gave Emilie a big hug. "Awesome!" Emilie smiled. "I can't help Hun because I'm not up to it, but I'll watch you guys from the livingroom!" "Me too!" Howie agreed. "How about we get some hot chocolate ready?" "Great idea Howie," Emilie replied enthusiastically, as she took out some hot chocolate mix and marshmallows. Jordan came into the kitchen and he and Brandy went to get on their snowsuits and boots. AJ helped them locate everything, as there was mis-matched mittens, scarves, and hats everywhere. Emilie and Howie settled down in the livingroom with Nick, who was holding a sleeping Clarissa. Kevin had gone back downstairs to call Kristen about meeting at the Orlando airport, as AJ and Brian joined Jordan and Brandy out in the snow. "Are you sure you aren't mad we don't want to go shopping with you today?" Nick asked Emilie. "Not at all Nick," Emilie replied, sipping her hot chocolate. "The weather is crappy anyway." "Emilie, I'm going back to Winnipeg tonight," Billie announced, as she strolled into the livingroom. "I talked to my sister and she asked me to come down for the holidays." "I thought you didn't want to go to your sisters," Emilie replied, and Billie shrugged her shoulders. "I changed my mind," Billie snapped back. "Is that a crime?" "No," Emilie answered, as she saw Nick give Billie a puzzled Look. "Well have a nice holiday Billie. Remember, you are always welcome here over the holidays." "As long as AJ McLean is here, I won't be within a five mile radius," Billie answered, giving AJ a horrid Look out the window. "It's your fault," Nick spoke up for his friend. "You were the one who treated us like dirt when we arrived in Ottawa." "I wouldn't talk Nick," Billie shot back. "You were the one who told your girlfriend you didn't love her anymore when she was in hospital. Heck, you were the reason why Emilie ended up in the hospital anyway." "Billie, I had no intention of hurting Emilie!" Nick replied. "Don't bring up my relationship with Em into your hatred for AJ." "Can't you all stop fighting for one day?" Howie asked them, as he stood up, and left the room. "Look what did you now Billie," Nick replied angrily, standing up. "I don't blame AJ for hating you." "Screw off Nick," Billie snapped back, as Nick left the room with Clarissa, leaving Emilie and Billie in there. "Billie, I thought you liked AJ," Emilie told her, and Billie was caught off guard. "It's none of your business who I like!" Billie screamed at her. "Everything's perfect for you Emilie. You have a beautiful family with a white picket fence and you have the Backstreet Boys who care about you so much! I have nothing! It's so unfair how someone can have everything, and someone else have nothing!" "Billie, you can have the guys care about you, but you are scared of opening up to anyone," Emilie answered back, becoming hurt. It wasn't her fault that Billie's life was hard. Emilie hadn't forced any of the guys to care about her. Heck, sometimes, she couldn't believe it. She was lucky though, and she knew it. She thanked God every day for all the blessings that she had in her life. "I am not scared," Billie defended herself. "I just don't trust them." "How can't you trust them?" Emilie wanted to know. "You barely know them!" "Whatever," Billie muttered. "I'm leaving Emilie. The airport service is coming to get me in an hour." "Billie, I wish you would stay," Emilie replied softly, putting a hand on her friend's arm. "I want you here." "Yeah right," Billie snapped back. "Emilie, you don't care about me at all. By the way, when we get back to Carleton, I'm moving my stuff into Jane's room because her roommate dropped out of school." "Billie, why are you hurting me so much?" Emilie cried, as tears formed in her eyes. "I'm not hurting you Emilie," Billie defended herself once more. "I just want to start the Millennium off in a new room." "Oh, I understand," Emilie nodded, but in reality, she was confused. She thought Billie and her had gotten along extremely well, when they had first met one another. She believed that Billie had been sweet, sincere, and honest, and she really thought they were going to be friends for a long time. Little did she know, Billie had been jealous of her since the beginning. "Good," Billie rolled her eyes. "I'm gone in less than an hour. Thank your parents for their hospitality." "I will," Emilie promised, but she really was fighting back tears that were going to spill any moment. Billie soon went to pack, and Emilie let the tears spill down her face. It seemed as if everything in her life had come crashing down on her, in a matter of a few days, and now the whole episode with Billie was going to put her over the edge. She didn't know whether to beg Billie to stay or let her go. She was confused about everything, and she wished somehow, she could make everything in her life better. Nick and Howie were seated in the livingroom, as they watched CNN half-heartedly. They had heard the commotion between Billie and Emilie, and Nick was horrified at how cruel Billie could be. At first, when he met her the week before, he had come across her on a bad day, but the fight before, had made him realize she was really mean. Howie had taken Clarissa from Nick's arms, and placed her in a cradle that the Parker's had placed in the familyroom. They both heard Billie eventually stomp off, and heard Emilie start crying softly. "Should I go see if she's okay?" Nick asked Howie. "Sure," Howie nodded. "I can't see Emilie going through anymore pain. She's been through too much." "I caused some of that, or most of it, I should say," Nick muttered, shaking his head. "Nick, you apologized to Em right?" Howie asked him. "And what did she say?" "She said she forgives me and that she never wants to lose me as a friend," Nick told Howie. "Well, obviously, Emilie isn't mad at you anymore Nick," Howie informed him, and Nick nodded slightly. He wished he could believe in all his heart that he would never hurt Emilie, but he know he did. "I guess," Nick shrugged, and he headed into the livingroom to see if she was okay. She wasn't, as he could tell, as he laid eyes on her and noticed tears streaming down her face. She didn't notice him right away, as she rocked back and forth, trying to keep her emotions sacred, as if not wanting anyone to know what was really there. "Em?" he spoke softly, and she raised her bloodshot eyes up to him. "I'm okay Nick," were the only words she spoke, and she got up, and walked out of the room. Nick stood, dumbfounded for a moment, until Howie walked in a few moments later to see Emilie, nowhere in sight. "What happened?" Howie asked, and Nick shrugged. "Where is Emilie?" "I have no idea," Nick answered quickly, and disappeared back into the familyroom. Howie stalled for a moment, and didn't know whether to go off after Emilie, or grill Nick to make sure Emilie really was okay. He didn't have much time to think about it, because soon AJ, Brian, Brandy, and Jordan were through the doors from their snowman building excursion. "Did you have fun?" Howie asked, grinning, as he helped Jordan off with his snowsuit. "We built the most awesome snowman in the whole wide world!" Jordan cried. "It even has a 69 tattoo on it's stomach!" "AJ?" Howie laughed, and all the guys cracked up, as Jordan and Brandy looked at them puzzled. "It needed a little creativity sown in it," AJ defended himself, as Brandy beelined into the kitchen to get some hot chocolate. "Where's Nick and Emilie?" Brian wanted to know, as he took off his coat. "We had a little argument while you guys were outside," Howie told them, as he helped Jordan and Brandy hang their winter clothes up. "Billie told us she's leaving in an hour to go to her sister's for Christmas and caused Em to cry. So, Nick went in to see if she was okay, and I don't know what happened." "Billie is such a witch," AJ commented. "I know I am AJ," Billie snapped, as she dropped her suitcase at the front door. "I'm leaving now, so you can piss everyone else off." "Can you stop it with the language in front of Jordan and Brandy?" Brian asked her calmly. "None of us appreciate it." "Brian, you aren't so innocent yourself," Billie snapped at him. "Billie, leave everyone alone," AJ told her. "I'm glad you're leaving. It would have make the Parker family Christmas miserable." "The Parker family is so perfect," Billie spat out. "I wouldn't have made it anything. Nobody could dampen their spirits." "Billie, what did Emilie ever do to you?" Howie finally spoke up. "Nothing actually," Billie shrugged her shoulders. "I just think she's too nice and people like her always get hurt." "Billie, leave my sissie alone!" Brandy screamed at her. "I hate you!" "Yeah!" Jordan agreed with her. "You are a meanie." "AJ probably got you two to say that," Billie snapped, turning away. "Pathetic AJ McLean. He thinks he's all that, but he's absolutely nothing to look at. Just a big clown with all this tattoos and crazy clothes." "Leave AJ alone too!" Brandy screamed again. "I love AJ and I hate you!" "I hate you too, you little brat!" Billie snapped back, and Brandy's eyes flew open. "My sister is not a brat Billie!" Emilie snapped at her, as she came into the kitchen finally. "Why don't you just leave my family and friends alone? All we have done is try to make you feel welcome and you are treating everyone like dirt!" "Go Sissie!" Brandy chimed in, happily. "Emilie, your sister and brother are brats and your friends are annoying," Billie told her. "All they do is thrust their pelvis' at a bunch of 13-year-old's and make sugary pop songs that really suck." "Billie, what's really bothering you?" Brian finally spoke up. "Making rude remarks about everyone is going to make anything better." "Nothing is bothering me," Billie replied, as she saw the airport service pull up. She opened the door, picked up her suitcase, and slammed the door on her exit. "Emilie, am I really a brat?" Jordan tugged on her sleeve. "Far from it Hun," Emilie answered, as she patted his head. "Billie is just having a bad day." "More than that," AJ shook his head. "What's a pelvis?" Brandy asked the guys. "Um....uh...," the guys were speechless and Emilie couldn't help but laugh at the irony of the situation. "It's nothing Brandy," Emilie smiled. "Just forget Billie was ever here." "Is AJ really pathetic?" Jordan asked Emilie. "No," Emilie shook her head. "AJ is cool. I'm pathetic." "Why are you pathetic now Emilie?" AJ asked her. "Because I became friends with someone like her and never saw her true colors," Emilie responded. "I'm sorry you guys had to put up with that." "Forget about her," Brian shook his head, as Kevin appeared in the kitchen. "What did Kristen say?" "She's going to meet us tomorrow at the airport with Dalilia and LeighAnne," replied Kevin grinning. "What were you all up to?" "We built a snowman and named it Bone," AJ answered, as he sipped his hot chocolate. "It even has a 69 tattoo on it's stomach!" Jordan told Kevin, and Kevin glanced at AJ. Everyone cracked up again, and then sat down at the kitchen table to talk. Jordan and Brandy got bored soon after, and headed into the livingroom to play Nick's Nintendo 64. "Nick, when are you going to California?" Brian asked him, as he sipped his hot chocolate. Mr. Parker had gone into the livingroom and get Clarissa, to bring her into her nursery. "Tomorrow night," Nick replied. "I am really looking forward to seeing my family, but you know how much I hate flying." "You'll be fine," Emilie assured him with a smile. "Flying can be scary sometimes, but it'll be over before you know it." "Emilie, what are you doing for the holidays?" Howie asked her. "Celebrating it with my family," Emilie replied, as the phone rang, and Nick volunteered to answer it. "I don't have much friends right now. Ariale seems a little irritated. Oceane's in Boston. And you all know about Billie." "You are welcome to come down to Orlando," Kevin told her. "Come anytime." "Thanks Kev, but I don't want to be a big pain or anything," Emilie replied with a smile. "Em, it's um Drew," Nick told her, and Emilie looked at him with surprised eyes. She had no idea that Drew even had her home phone number. "Um thanks," Emilie replied softly, as she took the receiver and picked up the other extension to speak with Drew. "Hello?" "Hi Emilie," Drew responded. The connection was crackling, and she figured he was either on a cell phone or on an airplane. "How are you feeling now?" "I'm doing okay Drew," Emilie replied. "How are you?" "Tired actually," Drew laughed a little, which made Emilie relax more. "I'm just going home for the holidays." "Where do you live?" Emilie wanted to know. "Montreal actually," Drew replied. "Have you ever been there?" "Last summer and Quebec City as well," Emilie answered. "I was on tour with the guys for a few weeks in the summer. I love Montreal. It's a beautiful city." "Thanks," Drew grinned, as Emilie smiled herself. "Is it snowing there in Toronto?" "It sure is," Emilie answered, glancing outside at the fat snowflakes. "Is it there?" "A little bit," Drew commented, as he glanced out at the snowflakes in front of the bus he was travelling on. "So, what are you doing for the holidays?" "Spending time with my family," Emilie replied. "The guys have been here for a few days. They are leaving tomorrow." "Sounds cool," Drew nodded smiling. "I'm spending it with my dad and my stepmom. It should be rather exciting. How's Billie?" "Not too good Drew," Emilie replied softly. "She left about an hour ago. She got all worked up and left." "Emilie, Billie is really moody," Drew told her. "We both spent some time together and she flipped out when she saw you hugging AJ. She couldn't understand why a guy that gorgeous was with someone like you. I told her that looks have nothing to do with it." "I know I am ugly Drew," Emilie answered, as tears formed in her eyes. "I understand why Billie said that." "No, Emilie, don't say those things," Drew replied, shaking his head. If only she knew how incredible she really was. "I know the Backstreet Boys and whoever else, hang out with you because you are sweet, caring, and really nice." "Billie is the only one who knows the truth," Emilie answered, as more tears came to her eyes. "Forget it Drew. What are you doing for New Year's?" "Going to a party with some old high school buddies," Drew replied. "You?" "Watching Dick Clark," Emilie answered. "I bet your party will be fun." "Probably not," Drew laughed. "My friends will get drunk, puke, drink some more, puke some more, and then pass out. Very exciting. I don't think so." "Don't you like drinking?" Emilie asked, amazed. She figured a guy like Drew would be into the whole partying scene. "A little, but I don't like it that much," Drew replied. "I would rather be watching Dick Clark too." "Then, stay home Drew," Emilie told him. "Who cares what everyone else things?!" "You should say that to yourself Emilie," Drew told her, and Emilie shook her head. "Look. I have to go because we are almost in Montreal, but can I call you tonight?" "Sure Drew," Emilie answered, smiling. "Have a safe trip home." "Thanks Em," Drew said. "Talk to ya later. I hope you are resting and taking care of yourself!" "I am," Emilie replied. "Bye Drew." She hung the phone up with him, and a smile creased across her face. Maybe she wasn't alone after all. She got up and walked into the kitchen, to see the guys chatting away at the table. She sat down beside AJ and Brian, and listened as Howie explained what had happened at the airport when he met Dalilia and Katie. "How's Drew?" AJ teased Emilie, and she blushed. "He's quite fine Bone," Emilie winked at him, and AJ laughed. "So Howie, how is Katie? Is she excited about Christmas?" "She sure is!" Howie winked at her. "She told she wants a Britney Spears doll for Christmas." "So does Brandy!" Emilie told them smiling. "These seem to be a very popular doll." "When are our dolls coming out?" AJ joked and the guys look at him in horror. "Look Bone, you can be a Ken doll any day, but the rest of us don't want to be," Kevin told him. "Maybe I can be the Ken doll to Britney's doll and call myself Bone," AJ suggested, and Emilie laughed. "Britney would love that!" Brian rolled his eyes, but everyone else was laughing. "Emilie, are you feeling better about Billie now?" "I sure am," Emilie replied, nodding. "Drew told me something interesting. She told me she got jealous of me when I hugged AJ because she thought she was prettier then me and doesn't understand why you guys would associate with someone as ugly as me." The guys stared at one another, as they noticed Emilie trying hard to fight off tears. "Drew shouldn't have told you that," Nick spoke up for the first time. "Does he have a low brain cell count or something?" "And then Drew said not to listen to Billie because I am special," Emilie responded quickly, defending him. "Oh sorry," Nick apologized, and Emilie gave him a smile. "Well, Billie is wrecked Em. I don't understand why she dislikes you so much." "She's jealous," AJ told them. "I mean, she always scowled when I hugged you Em. I saw her." "Emilie just went through a huge emotional ordeal," Kevin commented. "What was she expecting? Everyone to back away from Emilie when she needed us most?" "Know what I think?" Howie began. "We have all been through so much hurt, heartache, and anguish the last year. You all know what I am talking about. The fact that we keep trying to analyze everything and not put it behind us is pathetic. We should all stop dwelling on the past, be thankful for what we have now, and look forward to a future full of health, love, and happiness." "You go D!" AJ patted his shoulder, and everyone nodded in agreement. "Hats off to a new Millennium." "Billie was a waste of time," agreed Emilie with a smile and everyone else nodded. "Let's discuss our new year," Brian told them. "Em, we have so much coming up, it's unbelievable." "Well, first, there's the Canadian tour in January," AJ told them. "Em, we are coming to Ottawa I believe. What to come down for the show?" "Sure!" Emilie replied enthusiastically. "That would be so much fun." "We'll get you two passes," Kevin told her winking. "In case Drew wants to come." "Okay," Emilie beamed. "When are you guys shooting your new video?" "In February," AJ answered. "I think we are going to go to Magic Kingdom to film it." "Really? Awesome! I love Disney World!" Emilie exclaimed, and they all laughed a little. "And the Grammy Awards with five nominations? Awesome! Wow, you guys have done so well this year." "I know," AJ smiled. "We are very grateful for all the blessings we have had." "Guys, let's just say, this year is going to rock!" Nick chimed in, and they put their hot chocolate mugs up to cheer with... *Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all are doing well and keeping safe. Well, the story has taken some twists. First, Nick AND Emilie broke up for good. They will not getting back together. I am sorry to everyone who loved them together, but I like the fact they are going to be good friends. Billie will no longer be in the story. I have a new roommate coming up named Victoria who is going to be Emilie's nice, new roommate. :) The story is heading towards the American Music Awards, the Grammy Awards, the shooting of the new video, and a South American tour the guys will be doing. There will be no more fighting between anyone because the first couple chapters of this story have all been fighting. Peace and harmony are expected for a while Backstreet Land! Okay gotta go. Keep e-mailing me with suggestions and your e-mails! Thanks! Love ya all, Emilie :)* Next: Chapter 10 -FanFics -Home