Time for answers

*bang bang*

“Girls! This is not a joking matter! Open up....you’re only making it harder on yourself...” Denise yelled through the door of Cassidy and Becca’s hotel room.
“Denise what are you doing??” Brian approached her quickly.
“Brian....where’s Becca, there’s no use in hiding her...” Denise spun around and glared at Brian.
“Please Denise.....do you think I would be hiding her after all this.....she’s at the hospital....” Brian said sadly.
“What! At the hospital? What hospital!? What happened??” Denise gasped.
“St. Marks......Becca’s had a heart attack....” Brian said emotionlessly.
“Oh my lord......she’s not.....” Denise’s eyes grew wide.
“Touch and go....” Brian’s voice cracked.
“I’ve got to get down there! Come on I’ll take you! Are the others down there??” Denise said flustered as she hurried toward the elevator. Brian stood still.
Denise turned and looked at him confused.
“Brian?? Come on move it!” She urged.
“I’m not going.....” Brian said looking away.

“What! Brian that’s ridiculous.....no matter what that girl has done she doesn’t deserve to be alone at a time like this!” Denise pressed emphatically.

“I...I can’t Denise....I’m sorry.....” Brian shook his head.
“Brian! I can’t believe this! She was your life Brian.....” Denise said bemused.
“Was....was my life.......now just go Denise....please..” Brian couldn’t look her in the eye.
“Well may god forgive you Brian.....because she sure as hell won’t if she makes it through this........and you didn’t even care......” Denise said coldly before stepping into the elevator.

Denise’s voice stabbed Brian like a thousand knives. “Why is everyone turning on me! I’m not the enemy here! Why doesn’t anyone care about me!!” Brian said frustratedly as he thought aloud.

Leighanne had come out into the hall to see that the commotion was and saw Brian cursing himself.
“I care Bri.....” She said softly.
Brian spun around suprised.
“Oh Lee....its just you....” Brian said relieved.
“Are you alright....” Leighanne said concerned.
“Not really.....” Brian admitted.
“Here...come inside......oh my god, what did you do to your arm...” Leighanne gasped as she held the door open for Brian.
“Long story...” Brian sighed not really wanting to talk, but needing someone to be on his side.
“Sit down and rest.......you must be going through hell right now.....but don’t worry, that bitch’ll be on her way back home any moment now....” Leighanne assured him.
“Don’t call her that! Leighanne I’m serious......don’t you call her that....” Brian eyed her.
“Whatever Brian.....how the hell can you keep defending her after what she did to you! But she’s gone now so don’t worry....” Leighanne soothed.
“You don’t know do you?” Brian clicked.
“Ummm...know what? About the tape? Yeah....” Leighanne replied confused.
“Becca’s had a heart attack.....she’s on life support at the hospital......” Brian whispered not taking his eyes off Leighanne.

“Ok.....this is NOT part of the plan.....the last thing we need is a sympathy vote....” Leighanne panicked.

“Oh God.......are you alright?” Leighanne asked.
“You know you are the first person to ask me that?” Brian commented.
“Because I care......I care a lot....and I feel really sorry for you.....after what Becca did.....” Leighanne moved a little closer to him and played with the curls at the base of his neck.
“You have a very short memory it seems Leighanne.....” Brian said softly shifting slightly.
“What?” Leighanne confused.
“Well...its seems that you too easily forget that only a years ago I was in this very same position.....only you were the one that had broken my heart.......” Brian said bluntly.
Leighanne’s cheeks flushed at this and she didn’t know what to say. Brian looked away from her and made a little sound that might have been a laugh....but he wasn’t smiling.
“So you’re never going to forgive me for that? Is that what your saying Brian??” Leighanne said finally, a little annoyed.
“Oh I’ve forgiven Leighanne.......but I can never forget.....” Brian shook his head.
“But when you’re in love with someone.......the happy times should outweigh the pain.....real love...”
Leighanne said, referring to hers and Brian’s relationship. But as Leighanne continued to talk Brian couldn’t think about anything but him and Becca.

“.....real love, where you are completely meant to be....they make everything alright. When even the greatest heartbreak can’t erase the love.......” Leighanne looked up for any response from Brian.

“You know what Lee.....you’re right....” Brian said surprised.
“I am?” Leighanne said trying to contain her excitement.
“Yeah.....” Brian said, thinking of Becca laying so pale in the hospital and felt pangs of guilt for letting his pride get in the way.

Before he knew what was happening he felt Leighanne’s lips leap onto his. He quickly pulled away shocked. “Leighanne what are you doing!” He gasped and quickly wiped his mouth.

“Brian......we’re meant to be....please, you’ll feel it if you give it a chance....” Leighanne said leaning into him again.
“Leighanne! Don’t.....ok? Just don’t.....its not you.....” Brian said a little more gently.
“Sorry Brian......I can’t help the way I feel....” Leighanne said through gritted teeth.
“I know......look...I’ve gotta go to the hospital......do you..uhh..want to come...?” Brian offered.
“Alright, let me get my coat.....” Leighanne quickly walked over to her wardrobe.

Denise rushed over to where Cassidy, Kirstie, Nick, AJ, Howie, Kevin and Krissy were sitting silently on the pale grey plastic chairs looking worried and tired.
Kirstie and Cassidy looked at each other even more worried when they saw Denise.....both wondering if she was going to order them home. Denise took a few deep breaths to calm herself as she approached them.
“How is she?? Are you all alright?” She asked worriedly, looking especially concernedly at Kirstie and Cassidy.
Kevin filled Denise in on Becca’s condition and what had happened while everyone else looked relieved at each other at Denise’s concern for them and Becca.....and nothing else.
“Mom.....did Brian come with you??” AJ asked hopefully.
“Sorry baby.....” Denise shook her head sadly.
“Man....” AJ sighed and shook his head disappointedly.
Kirstie took a hold of his already clammy hand and gave it a squeeze. AJ smiled slightly in gratitude and kissed her softly on the forehead.

*An Hour Later*

“Mmm…..anyone for a unhealthily strong coffee?” Cassidy asked dryly and set down a tray of seven, white steaming cups of coffee for anyone who wanted it.
“Thanks Cassidy…..” Kevin said appreciatively, taking a cup for himself and passing one to Krissy who was seated next to him wearing a worried expression on her gorgeous face.
They say there once again in silence. Denise, frustrated, stood up.
“I’m going to find a doctor and find out what the hell is going on…” She said before walking quickly down the hall away from them.
After a little while Howie spoke.
“AJ….why don’t you try Brian’s cell-phone again…” He suggested quietly.
“Its no use D! He’s switched it off and obviously doesn’t wanna be here anyway!” AJ said exasperatedly.
“Why the hell wouldn’t’ he wanna be here! This is Becca we’re talking about….not some stranger, not some…stray dog!! Why isn’t he here!” Howie pulled at his hair frustratedly.
“You know why D….” Kevin said cautiously.
“Guys please don’t start this now…” Nick warned, knowing that they had been tip-toeing around the subject of the leaked tape all day…..and now with everyone tired and emotional, everything could blow.

Kevin went to say something, but then thought better of it and quickly shut his mouth.
“What? Kev? If you’ve got something to say…then say it!” Kirstie challenged.
“Kirstie….” AJ began.
“No, say it Kev….we can’t keep pretending this isn’t an issue forever….and I for one am quite interested to find out what everyone is thinking right now.
“Kirstie please….” AJ soothed dreading a confrontation.
“Do you think she did it Kevin. Do you think Becca leaked that tape?” Kirstie asked bluntly, ignoring AJ. Kevin looked her dead in the eye, and took a moment before answering her.
“I only believe what the evidence suggests……you can’t have room for bias….” He said emotionlessly.

Cassidy looked at him sadly and sighed. Kevin looked at her for a moment before dropping his eyes to the floor in shame.

“Krissy? How about you? What do you think??” Kirstie stared her down, she was on a mission now to see who she could trust and who she couldn’t.
“Sorry Kirst…..” Krissy said shaking her head.
“Howie what do you think? Innocent or guilty?” Kirstie continued around the circle.
“I don’t know…..I’m not saying she did! I just don’t know…..” Howie said unsurely.
“Nick?”
“I…I don’t think she would do that…..” Nick said quietly.
“Cass?”
“She didn’t do it…” Cassidy said confidently, eyeing the group pointedly.
“I know…..AJ?” Kirstie turned to him.
“Undecided….” He said quietly in his husky voice, avoiding eye contact.
Kirstie dropped his hand and brought both into her lap.
“Ok…well I’m glad we got that sorted….” She said in a whisper.

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Leighanne purred in Brian’s ear as they walked along the hospital corridor.
“Not especially no….” Brian swallowed the lump that seemed to have permanently implanted itself in his throat.
“I’m here for you Bri……” Leighanne said taking his hand and sneaking closer to him as they walked.

No one knew what to say after Kirstie had finished…..so they didn’t say anything at all….

Cassidy looked up as she heard footsteps approaching them. She looked relieved at the sight of Brian, and then confusion overcome her as her eyes trailed next to Brian where Leighanne was clinging to him and whispering things in his ear.

Kirstie noticed Cassidy’s confused expression and looked over to Brian and Leighanne, where everyone was now looking in still an awkward silence. Brian and Leighanne had stopped a little bit away from them and were talking quietly. Leighanne stroked Brian’s face lovingly and pulled him in for an embrace.

“What the hell is she doing?” Kirstie asked out aloud.
“Kirstie…..she’s probably just here for moral support….” Kevin reasoned.
“I was thinking more a vulture circling its prey but whatever floats….” Kirstie said dryly back.

Brian, still holding Leighanne’s hand came over to them finally.

“Hey…” He said quietly.
“Hey…” Everyone replied half heartedly.
“How is she…..” He asked tentatively.
“Oh like you care….” Kirstie mumbled.
“We don’t know….mom’s gone to find out…” AJ replied.
“She’s…gonna, be alright….isn’t she….I mean…” Brian stumbled and stuttered, the realism of the situation finally hitting him like a ton of bricks.
Two perfect tears slid down Cassidy’s cheeks silently, followed by another, and another.
“God let this be a dream…..let me wake….wake up….”

“Isn’t she??” Brian pressed, not satisfied with the silence that met him.
“We don’t know Brian! We don’t know! So don’t start pretending like you give a flying fuck either way because you obviously proved today that you don’t care about anyone else but yourself and your stupid ego!” Kirstie finally hit breaking point. She stood up and threw her cup at Brian.
“Kirstie that’s not fair….” Brian tried to stay calm.
“To you! To you? Its not always about fucking Brian Littrell! Becca’s laying in a bed, fighting for her life…..tell me again what’s not fair!” Kirstie screamed hysterically. The others just rubbed their temples distressed, not wanting this shit to happen now. AJ tried to calm Kirstie…taking her gently by the arm.

“Don’t you talk to him like that! Do you know what he might be going through!” Leighanne stepped in front of Brian, defending him.
“Oh don’t even get me started on you…..she’s not even gone yet and you’re already moving in on her man….please don’t tell me you didn’t think you were that transparent….” Kirstie spat at her.

“Kirstie that’s not even….” Leighanne rolled her eyes.
“What? You are denying that you have feelings for Brian….flat out?” Kirstie went with her gut feeling on this one.
“I err…that’s completely irrelevant….” Leighanne stammered slightly.
“Admit it Leighanne….you love him…you always have…” Kirstie stepped closer to her, invading her space….a tactic she’d learned in Law school about interrogating the witness.
“Kirstie!” Leighanne said backing away a little.
“You want him Leighanne….you need him….” Kirstie kept on.
“I…I…” Leighanne looked around helpless.
“Unless you’re not woman enough to admit it? God you’re pathetic…” Kirstie shook her head at Leighanne, who had begun to sweat and shrink under Kirstie’s powerful gaze.
“What does it matter?!”
“It matters to everything! It matters to you….unless you wanna live your life with yet another lie and…”
“Stop it! Stop! Alright, I have feelings for Brian….I want him and love him more than you will ever be able to comprehend…..and I honestly don’t know if I want that bitch to make it through this….because she doesn’t deserve him and never did..….” Leighanne said bitterly through gritted teeth before turning and running out of the hospital as fast as she could.

Everyone sat shocked at what had just happened. The group quickly stole glances at each other to try and guess whatever the others might be thinking.