Laila was sitting in the cafeteria with her best friend, Karin. They were discussing the BSB concert that was coming to their town the next week.

"Man, Laila, how could you not like the BSB?" Karin asked in between bites of her sandwich. She was a die hard BSB fan, but Laila was as opposed to them as much as she loved them.

"Easy." Laila sounded scornful." They are just a bunch of pretty boys showing off and making money off of you guys.I'm not into that kind of music anyway"

" There's more to them than that and you know it."

"Prove it to me. I'm going to this concert cos you are my best friend and because you sat through the Blink 182 concert although you hate them -"

"And that was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen. They actually stripped on stage and there was still nothing interesting to see."

Laila laughed."Whatever.If we weren't so tight I would probably rally a protest outside of their hotel."

Karin looked shocked."You wouldn't!"

" You're right, I wouldn't but it's an interesting idea."

Karin threw a kernel of popcorn at her."You are such a nut."

"Isn't that why we're best friends?"

A week later they were standing in a crush of girls as the concert was starting.

"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!" Karin was screaming at the top of her voice and waving madly as the guys performed Larger Than Life.

"Man, I have a headache" thought Laila. Her head was pounding from the screams that were revertebrating in the stadium. And she was bored. At least the music has a beat, she thought.

" Laila , isn't this the best!!" yelled Karin over the noise.

That made Laila's head pound more. But she nodded glad to see her friend so happy.

"Liar." Karin put a reassuring arm around her."Thanks for sticking this out for me." She dug in her baby backpack."Here's a couple of panadol and some mineral water. I knew you'd need some during the concert and I'll need some afterward."

"Thanks" Laila smiled gratefully and gulped down two of the pills straight away.

"Hey, what are friends for."

"This doen't mean I like these guys, okay?" Laila put up her hands defensively.

"Darn. Oh well, it's the friendship that counts."

"It's gotta be. This is boring."

Karin grinned and went back to screaming.

"Man, that was slamming!!"

The concert was almost over and Laila was relieved. Karin was disappointed but was determined to enjoy it to the fullest.

"Hey Karin, I have a surprise for you." She yelled at her.

"What?" Karin stopped jumping up to look at her friend in surprise.

Laila handed her a paper with the words ' I got my dad to get us backstage passes for this thing. Love, Laila (Not that I really want to meet those guys but I knew you'd love it)'.

Karin squealed so loudly that Nick glanced in their direction but because of the press of the crowd he couldn't see who it was.

They both turned around and out of instinct, Laila immediately covered Karin's mouth to stop her from screaming. Or to muffle it at least.

Howie was surprised at the suddeness with which she'd anticipated Karin's reaction.

"Hello Howard, I'm Laila and this is Karin. Before you start giving me any crap, I don't like you or your band and more likely than not never will. Other than that, hi."

Howie took the hand she offered politely, if somewhat taken aback by her abrupt manner.

"Hi. Aren't you going to let her mouth go now." Laila was still holding Karin captive and Karin's eyes were bulging at Laila' words but she made no move to get free.

"Kay, if I let you go will you behave like a human being?" Laila was dead serious, having gone through the same reaction when Karin met N Sync while they were shooting a video.

Karin nodded. As soon as Laila let go of her mouth she started babbling. " Oh my god, I have been dying to meet you for so long ,I am one of your biggest fans, but everybody probably tells you that, I am so gald to finally meet you!"

"Slow down, slow down" Howie patted her shoulder." O know this sounds weird and your friend might take offense,"he nodded towards Laila who was leaning on the wall, bored, "but can I invite you girls out for a late dinner. You seem pretty interesting but our curfew is almost up so I can't stop and talk. Whaddaya say?"

" Laila?" Karin decided to put the ball in her friends court since she didn't know how she would take it.

Laila raised an eyebrow." You're letting me decide? I guess it's okay, we are on vacation."

Yes, Karin screamed silently." Okay, whatever you say, little sister."

You're only older by two days, so shut up grandma, And for that, I'm driving"

"Okay, you win." Karin turned to Howie, "We're following your lead."

"Let me tell the guys where I'll be and we'll go. I'll have to borrow a car from someone too, but I shouldn't be long."

Laila rolled her eyes."Hello! Mr. Latin Lover ! We have a car, in case your ears don't work" These people are so stupid, she mumbled below her breath.

"I realise," Howie's tone was icy." I'm trying to save you the trouble of transporting me to and fro, in case your mind doesn't work."

" I'm trying to save the environment. Now go do what you gotta do and let's go. Your curfew is going fast."

Howie blinked at the almost friendly tone her voice had taken on before complying with her request.

"Laila, you are amazing." Karin shook her head." Thousands of girl would kill to be back here and you come and diss Howie like he's Annoying Andy from Clover street."

"Maybe they need more people to come and treat then like the humans they are, not worship them like gods. You can control yuorself once you get over the initial shock, but most girls act like they're God or something. Please, I'm gonna gag. I saw some girl talking to Nick earlier and she was practically fawning over him."

Karin thoght about that." Sometimes you piss me off when you diss them, but you do have a point.But some girls like to be like that"

" Stupid little bitches, as far as I can see. I'm not telling them who to like and who not to like but there's a limit to everything.

Howie came back with Kevin in tow." Do you mind if I tagged along?" Kevin asked.

"Not at all." Karin slipped in between them and took each one's arm."Ready, Laila?"

"Let's get this over with."

Laila pulled up next to the backstahe door where the others were waiting, accompanied by security. One of the guards got into the front while everyone else got into the back.

"Where to, homeboys?" she looked back at them.

"We agreed on Chinese. That's about it." confided Karin.

"You were chatting them up the rest of the time, I beleive. Well then, Mien Lo it is."

Dinner was fun. Even Laila had to admit she enjoyed the guys company, although she remained quiet most of the night. When the others ordered dessert, she excused herself and went outside. When they evetually decided it was time to go, they found her parked on the cliff close to the restaurant looking at the sea while listening to Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie.

"Laila?" called Karin. Laila had spread a blaknet on the top and was lying down.

"mmmm."

"Let's go."

She rolled off the roof and grabbed the blanket as she rolled over and lande4d effortlessly on her feet. It always amazed people the first time they say it.

"Okay. Get in people" She unlocked the back doors and they all got in.

When they got back to the hotel, before getting out, Howie asked somewhat hesitantly," Umm, we don't leave until tomorrow evening.Would you guys like to have lunch tomorrow?"

"Sure!" Karin was entuhsiastic.

"Are you kidding? The main reason I suggested Mein Lo was because I could have some peace and quiet while you guys ate. No offense, cause you're an interesting guy and all but no thanks.

Kevin, Howie and Q stood looking at each other as the minivan pulled away, with Laila's laughter clear in the night air.