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*Click the links below to read the chapters*
*Prologue 1*| *Prologue 2*| *1: Last Night*| *2: A Brand New Day*|
Co-written with : Mersey
Started On : 23 September 2002
Completed :
Odd Chapters Written By Mersey
Even Chapters Written By Backstreet's Gal
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a/n: Events in this story does not follow the facts of actual events of BSB. Most are made up. So please don't start suing...*
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Prologue 1: Nick
AJ told me to scrap the journal and invest some of my money on you instead. Said that the laptop are much more reliable than books. Said that me being Nick, I would end up leaving behind the deepest secrets of my life in a hotel somewhere only to find it end up on ebay for some lucky fans to start bidding on it. You have no idea how difficult it was to say goodbye to that brown leather journal. It's tucked safely in one of the drawers back home.
You my friend, you're another story altogether. I'm not computer savvy, not at all, and so far I had managed to make a fool out of myself and lost some of my entries somewhere in here. And I am still trying to retrieve this certain file where Brian and I had recorded a sound file for one of the songs we worked on two days ago. I am still working up on a gentle way to break the news to the man.
But that was not the reason why I'm typing this down this beautiful Saturday morning. It had been almost two months since we took that flight out to this resort. It was like paradise here. I wish we could stay here forever. And it was because of these reasons that I had been sort of neglecting you. But that's the whole point of this entry. I'm trying my best to make it up.
Our 'plan' actually worked. See, after the accident and I was recuperating, I was really, really depressed. I'm sure you already knew that cause I think I had been whining about it in all my previous entries. So one day, Kevin and I, we were talking and I wasn't sure how we touched to that subject but he suggested that I should set up my own charity foundation that I'm really passionate about and take it as a project that I could dwell myself into. I thought it was an excellent idea.
It wasn't difficult at all. I knew just what I wanted. Since Kevin already had the Just Within Reach Foundation up and running and since it's main aim was about better care for the environment, I decided I wanted to protect the wild life of the sea creatures. Kevin agreed it was a good idea and offered to open up a foundation for me as a wing from his foundation. So, while I was busy with physiotheraphy, he set up the entire proposal and it was just perfect. However, came the difficult task of recruiting.
It was to be held at JWR's headquarters and which by the way wasn't what the headboard said on the building. To avoid fans, the JWR logo could only be seen once you stepped into the building. So Kevin said that it would be safe to be there and meet the candidates while announcing to the media that we were taking a long vacation to an undisclosed location. Clever huh? That's Kevin for you.
So the other guys joined in just because we were supposed to be 'vacationing' together. Kevin told me that they wouldn't know we would be there since we would only be seeing their profiles as the first round of interview. But I got restless as I normally would and excused myself to the men's room.
And of course, I just have to get lost. Which was a good thing considering that was how I finally met my best friend, Nicole Anne Carrie.
Yes, after four years of snail mails and near misses, fate decided to meet us up at the most unexpected situation. She was filling up the form for the post of Publicist, which I personally believed she would have aced.
But she ended up taking the flight out with us to this resort. Yes, we did plan to take a vacation, only that to everyone else we were already out of the country. Therefore, we were ensured smooth sailing at the airport.
We decided on Bahamas. I mean come on, it couldn't get any better than this. Management even booked the entire resort for us. They basically had five different huts that looked very much like any other huts from the outside but the inside…man, this is the dream.
So the guys retreated to their own huts with their wives and girlfriends in tow and I had Nicole. Oh man, she's lovely. Every time I wake up in the morning and see her next to me, I couldn't believe that it was for real.
Like when I wake up today.
I opened up my eyes and there she was fast asleep next to me. But don't get me wrong, we're just friends. For now at least. I hope. I'll explain it to you when I have the time. Just be clear that Nicole and I aren't an item, yet. Hopefully. Argh! I like her. And this must be weird, but I could fall in love with a girl like Nicole. Maybe I already am falling, but come on! We just met, and even though I've known her for 4 years, this is just too fast. So anyway, back to story at hand. She's still asleep on the bed right now. From the sofa where I am right now, I could see her very clearly. In fact, she just turned and now she's facing me. Only that she's still fast asleep. Half of her face hidden behind that thick hair.
She isn't the most exotic looking girl I've ever seen, just enough that she is beautiful in her own ways. Her hair is much longer than the picture she had given me. It now reached her waist and her curls are now big waves mostly at the bottom. Her hair is really auburn, like it's burning. Her eyes are green, very piercing green, you can see the hazel brown right in the middle and even outlining her pupils. It was that dreamy. And her skin was smooth and milky; only that these days, it's tanned. It made her looked sporty and more out-going, which was just the way I like it.
She told me she would be staying at Natalie's if she get the job as Publicist. What she didn't know, she already got that job hands down. She was as perfect for the job as every finalist for that post but Nicole is the only one whom I trust. I will tell her tonight, after the BBQ we would be having.
See, the thing is, if Nicole really decided to stay with Nat, that means she would be living right here in Florida! Here. I am here. We could see each other like everyday! And she would be working at NCOC (that's Nick Carter Ocean Campaign, for you…I feel important…) which means, we could be working together! I am so excited. Life couldn't be any better than this.
Actually, if Nicole wakes up right now, it would be perfect. I missed her already. Go to Top
Prologue 1 : Nicole
If I could wish for anything in this world, it would be for this moment to never end. It was such a blessing to watch him frowned and pout at the same time while facing the laptop, probably still trying to find that sound file he had misplaced. He must have thought that I was still asleep when I had been observing him for the last ten minutes from where I was now. Thank God my long bangs covered my eyes, so he couldn't have noticed I was already awoke by the soft clattering of his keyboard.
Everything was like a dream. A sweet endless dream for someone like me. It seemed like only yesterday I met my best friend, Nick Carter, for the first time after years of corresponding to him through snail mails sharing all my thoughts, my feelings, my sweet and sour experiences. In fact he was the only person whom I trusted with my life enough to share my dreams.
When I saw his face that day, I knew my life was going to change. I don't know how it was going to, but it could never be the same again. Being with him for almost the past two months had taught me something in appreciating friendship even more. Even though we stayed in the same hut, sharing the same room, the same bed and the same washroom, he NEVER took advantage of me. That was something I respect most about him, and that he respects me not only because I'm a girl but as a friend.
Perhaps my life had already changed since the day I entered that building to
enrol myself as the Publicist for the ocean campaign, or maybe too, it had changed since the day I received that brochures from Natalie before deciding on whether I should stay or move on with my life somewhere else apart from Australia. Seemed like for once, I've made a wise decision to start a brand new life with Natalie here in Florida.
Of course, I never thought I would be seeing him there cause for all I know, he's off for vacation where the place was not known to me. So when my eyes met his for the first time, I could feel the electrifying sensation piercing through every part of my body and the warmth of his hug was totally incredible, needless to say the moment when he pressed his lips on my forehead.
It was indescribable.
I knew girls are going to hate me now for being such a 'bitch'. I mean, I was there lying next to him, watching him move his body and how I would pretend to be asleep and then felt him gently pulling up the blanket over my body and whispering 'Goodnight Nicole' to me; all the time I was wishing that I could reply back 'Goodnight Nick'. He simply had no idea how my heart was pounding hard when he did that. He was such a sweetheart and no doubt Annie was so fond of him.
Those beautiful blues that were unfortunately often hidden by his shy, downward gazing eyes resembled so much of the deep blue ocean out there; and just like it, they held untold secrets and unfound beauty of what made this young man.
It was this same ocean that we dived into together on the third day we were here. At last our dream of doing some scuba-diving has been accomplished. It was funny how it happened that morning. We were both admiring the sea view from our balcony after having a light breakfast in the room when something caught our attention.
Without saying a word, we turned to each other and as suddenly, were were mind readers. We smiled impishly and nodded our heads before we ran out to the nearest scuba-diving booth to borrow the equipment required for a safe scuba-dive.
We managed to convince both Kevin and Kristin to dive along while AJ and Sarah preferred the more sporty hang-gliding; Howie and Leigh B decided that a stroll along the beach would be romantic enough for them. Brian and Leigh offered to take care of the things on land while waiting for us.
It was surreal to witness the beauty of the wild life under the sea, particularly with someone who shared the same passion as you. I've seen it with Danny but with Nick, the feeling was exhilarating.
Actually when I first stepped into this resort, I felt so nervous. I was so afraid that I might not be able to fit into the crowd. I mean, the others like Kristin, Leigh, Sarah and Leigh B already knew each other way before I came into the picture and I doubt they will be able to accept me that easily. But I was wrong. They were kind enough to make me feel a part of the big family. Leigh was the first one to come to me and stretched out her hands to welcome me aboard. It was through that her I got to know more about my best friend. Like, he hated every time Brian bite his nails cause it only made him do the same and he hated crooked nails.
Nick had confided so much in Brian especially about us. Leigh and Kristin told me the other day when the guys were all out to play pool in the club while we spent the time watching movies Sarah and Leigh B rented that afternoon. It was quite touching to know how much a simple call to him would change his life. I'm glad I'm a part of that cure to bring him back to his feet apart from all the encouragement given by the others.
Its from Leigh too, I learnt more about Mandy or rather Amanda Willa Ford, his old girlfriend. I knew Nick would never want to touch on this topic again and its fine with me. I don't see the need for me to pursue on the matter if that would bring back the dead scar bleeding again. That will only hurt both of us.
But I can never forget what happened last night…
We were having dinner at this posh restaurant in the resort. It was so huge and it was so splendidly arranged with classical touch that made the whole layout looked so posh and classic at the same time bringing out the romantic ambience. It was facing the sea and indeed the whole scenery was perfect for a postcard.
That was not the first time he caught me by surprise. I was stunned when I found out that we have the whole swimming pool to ourselves and a Jacuzzi in a small hut made of glass and sheltered with blinders for privacy purposes. I mean, hello! Jacuzzi? That was way too cool! I'm pretty sure if Nat works hard, she too will get to enjoy such privileges. Oh! Not to forget all those wonderful times I have with the other lovely ladies going for a shopping spree. I'm going to miss them for the great time together especially Leigh B. I didn't know she can be such a joker among us.
But I really have to thank Nick for all these luxuries, indeed he had made me someone special in here with all these facilities meant for each and everyone of us. That's awesome!
Just as awesome as last night's stroll along the beach with him walking side by side. The sounds of the waves tickling at our feet kept us accompanied as we walked and talked and laughed under the bright moon. Basically I let him do all the talking while I was trying my best to be a good listener to all his words and whines. Whines? That's another side of Nick Carter I've been seeing lately. Yeap his whining and I guessed I am already accustomed to it now.
Sometimes I really wonder if I were to stay on in Australia, would I ever be here in the first place? To enjoy the night scenery with my best friend sitting next to me as we counted stars from the sky above.
Serendipity.
I read that in one of his letters in the past and in fact I still remembered what he said in that letter. Things happened for a reason and I'm glad that the reason for what was happening around here had brought me to him. At least I know one of my wishes had been granted and that to meet up with him apart from having my fingers crossed for the election on the post of the Publicist in the ocean campaign. Nah! I'm not going to think about that for now… not going to let it spoil my day with worries and stuff.
So Nicole, erase, erase, erase!
And it was because of serendipity too, that I'm lying here admiring his boyish face at work. His messy bangs often got in his view as he stroke them to the back before he put his full concentration on the screen. He looked calmer now and how I wish I could touch that calmness portrait in his face as he bit his lower lips but guess the time was not right yet. Not now. We are best friends and we'll stick to that, at least for the mean time and there's no way am I going to jeopardise this friendship for anything else in the world.
Gosh! I think its time for me to greet him with my morning hugs and of course I can't wait to plunge into the clear swimming pool with him and this time I am not going to let him win!
Go to Top
Prologue 2 : Nicole
If I could wish for anything in this world, it would be for this moment to never end. It was such a blessing to watch him frowned and pout at the same time while facing the laptop, probably still trying to find that sound file he had misplaced. He must have thought that I was still asleep when I had been observing him for the last ten minutes from where I was now. Thank God my long bangs covered my eyes, so he couldn't have noticed I was already awoke by the soft clattering of his keyboard.
Everything was like a dream. A sweet endless dream for someone like me. It seemed like only yesterday I met my best friend, Nick Carter, for the first time after years of corresponding to him through snail mails sharing all my thoughts, my feelings, my sweet and sour experiences. In fact he was the only person whom I trusted with my life enough to share my dreams.
When I saw his face that day, I knew my life was going to change. I don't know how it was going to, but it could never be the same again. Being with him for almost the past two months had taught me something in appreciating friendship even more. Even though we stayed in the same hut, sharing the same room, the same bed and the same washroom, he NEVER took advantage of me. That was something I respect most about him, and that he respects me not only because I'm a girl but as a friend.
Perhaps my life had already changed since the day I entered that building to
enrol myself as the Publicist for the ocean campaign, or maybe too, it had changed since the day I received that brochures from Natalie before deciding on whether I should stay or move on with my life somewhere else apart from Australia. Seemed like for once, I've made a wise decision to start a brand new life with Natalie here in Florida.
Of course, I never thought I would be seeing him there cause for all I know, he's off for vacation where the place was not known to me. So when my eyes met his for the first time, I could feel the electrifying sensation piercing through every part of my body and the warmth of his hug was totally incredible, needless to say the moment when he pressed his lips on my forehead.
It was indescribable.
I knew girls are going to hate me now for being such a 'bitch'. I mean, I was there lying next to him, watching him move his body and how I would pretend to be asleep and then felt him gently pulling up the blanket over my body and whispering 'Goodnight Nicole' to me; all the time I was wishing that I could reply back 'Goodnight Nick'. He simply had no idea how my heart was pounding hard when he did that. He was such a sweetheart and no doubt Annie was so fond of him.
Those beautiful blues that were unfortunately often hidden by his shy, downward gazing eyes resembled so much of the deep blue ocean out there; and just like it, they held untold secrets and unfound beauty of what made this young man.
It was this same ocean that we dived into together on the third day we were here. At last our dream of doing some scuba-diving has been accomplished. It was funny how it happened that morning. We were both admiring the sea view from our balcony after having a light breakfast in the room when something caught our attention.
Without saying a word, we turned to each other and as suddenly, were were mind readers. We smiled impishly and nodded our heads before we ran out to the nearest scuba-diving booth to borrow the equipment required for a safe scuba-dive.
We managed to convince both Kevin and Kristin to dive along while AJ and Sarah preferred the more sporty hang-gliding; Howie and Leigh B decided that a stroll along the beach would be romantic enough for them. Brian and Leigh offered to take care of the things on land while waiting for us.
It was surreal to witness the beauty of the wild life under the sea, particularly with someone who shared the same passion as you. I've seen it with Danny but with Nick, the feeling was exhilarating.
Actually when I first stepped into this resort, I felt so nervous. I was so afraid that I might not be able to fit into the crowd. I mean, the others like Kristin, Leigh, Sarah and Leigh B already knew each other way before I came into the picture and I doubt they will be able to accept me that easily. But I was wrong. They were kind enough to make me feel a part of the big family. Leigh was the first one to come to me and stretched out her hands to welcome me aboard. It was through that her I got to know more about my best friend. Like, he hated every time Brian bite his nails cause it only made him do the same and he hated crooked nails.
Nick had confided so much in Brian especially about us. Leigh and Kristin told me the other day when the guys were all out to play pool in the club while we spent the time watching movies Sarah and Leigh B rented that afternoon. It was quite touching to know how much a simple call to him would change his life. I'm glad I'm a part of that cure to bring him back to his feet apart from all the encouragement given by the others.
Its from Leigh too, I learnt more about Mandy or rather Amanda Willa Ford, his old girlfriend. I knew Nick would never want to touch on this topic again and its fine with me. I don't see the need for me to pursue on the matter if that would bring back the dead scar bleeding again. That will only hurt both of us.
But I can never forget what happened last night…
We were having dinner at this posh restaurant in the resort. It was so huge and it was so splendidly arranged with classical touch that made the whole layout looked so posh and classic at the same time bringing out the romantic ambience. It was facing the sea and indeed the whole scenery was perfect for a postcard.
That was not the first time he caught me by surprise. I was stunned when I found out that we have the whole swimming pool to ourselves and a Jacuzzi in a small hut made of glass and sheltered with blinders for privacy purposes. I mean, hello! Jacuzzi? That was way too cool! I'm pretty sure if Nat works hard, she too will get to enjoy such privileges. Oh! Not to forget all those wonderful times I have with the other lovely ladies going for a shopping spree. I'm going to miss them for the great time together especially Leigh B. I didn't know she can be such a joker among us.
But I really have to thank Nick for all these luxuries, indeed he had made me someone special in here with all these facilities meant for each and everyone of us. That's awesome!
Just as awesome as last night's stroll along the beach with him walking side by side. The sounds of the waves tickling at our feet kept us accompanied as we walked and talked and laughed under the bright moon. Basically I let him do all the talking while I was trying my best to be a good listener to all his words and whines. Whines? That's another side of Nick Carter I've been seeing lately. Yeap his whining and I guessed I am already accustomed to it now.
Sometimes I really wonder if I were to stay on in Australia, would I ever be here in the first place? To enjoy the night scenery with my best friend sitting next to me as we counted stars from the sky above.
Serendipity.
I read that in one of his letters in the past and in fact I still remembered what he said in that letter. Things happened for a reason and I'm glad that the reason for what was happening around here had brought me to him. At least I know one of my wishes had been granted and that to meet up with him apart from having my fingers crossed for the election on the post of the Publicist in the ocean campaign. Nah! I'm not going to think about that for now… not going to let it spoil my day with worries and stuff.
So Nicole, erase, erase, erase!
And it was because of serendipity too, that I'm lying here admiring his boyish face at work. His messy bangs often got in his view as he stroke them to the back before he put his full concentration on the screen. He looked calmer now and how I wish I could touch that calmness portrait in his face as he bit his lower lips but guess the time was not right yet. Not now. We are best friends and we'll stick to that, at least for the mean time and there's no way am I going to jeopardise this friendship for anything else in the world.
Gosh! I think its time for me to greet him with my morning hugs and of course I can't wait to plunge into the clear swimming pool with him and this time I am not going to let him win!
Go to Top
Chapter 1: Last Night
The coal were burnt to perfection. Now, it was only glowing in the BBQ pit, it's heat perfect for grilling. For the ten of them, it was the night to be taken advantaged of. Tomorrow, all of the paradise would be left behind. For Nicole, as she craned her neck up to admire the beauty of the blinking stars and full moon, her dream was about to end. She wished for it not to, but she knew once the moon gave way to the morning sun, it would.
The night couldn't have been more beautiful. The weather was cool and windy, the heat from the barbeque pit blown by the wind teased her skin and warmed her up at the same time. As she sat on one of the wooden chairs sipping on her coconut drink, her attention was brought back to reality when she heard the familiar squabbling of Nick and AJ.
"You burnt the damn chicken wings again Chaos!" AJ yelled as he lifted a blackened chicken wing with his thong. Even in the dark, she could see the blush on Nick's face as clear as daylight. He raised his soot-covered hand and rubbed his temple, leaving behind traces of black ash on his forehead.
Giving what Nicole had learnt as Nick Carter's 'what's-the-big-deal' shrug, he said, "It's still edible."
AJ scrunched up his nose and placed the burnt meat on a new paper plate and shoved it to Nick. "You eat it then. I'm not touching it."
"Fine, be that way. Do you have any idea how many homeless kids around the world would die for this?" Nick asked exaggeratedly as he placed the delicacy to his face. AJ pushed his hands away in a flash.
"Yes Nick, they could actually die after eating this." AJ shook his head and started placing new chicken on the grill.
"Well then, since you're so good at this, I'm just going to leave it to you while I go back there and appreciate this food." Nick smiled and left him. Nicole already had a small smile on her face as she watched him strut his way back to her. He looked so comfortable wearing what she learnt was 'batik sarong'. It was just a piece of cloth that they wrapped from the waist down, like a skirt, only that the 'sarong' could be worn by both men and women. With his huge baby blue shirt covering the knot on his waist and his dampened blonde flock and soot-covered face, he was still a sight to behold.
"Everyone, eyes on food." Howie announced and the rest of the gang immediately acted busy with their food.
"Why?" Nicole asked, as she looked at Brian trying his best to make Leighanne swallow a chicken thigh whole.
"My advice is you do the same Nicole. Or-" Kevin couldn't finish his advice, Nick had already reached them.
Pulling out the chair next to Nicole, he placed the plate of burnt chicken wing down on the table and smiled at her.
"What have you got there?" Nicole asked as he took his seat. She thought she heard Brian chocked on his food.
"I heard that!" Nick hissed. Nicole was still in the dark. The frown on his face disappeared as soon as he laid his eyes on her again. "I grilled this for you."
She felt all blood drained off her face. No way. "Um…I still have mine. I don't think I can finish all."
"She's not some homeless kid, Nick. You don't have to kill her." Kevin said matter-of-factly without even looking at him. Kristin gave him a slap on his shoulder. "What's that for?"
"That's just mean." Kristin said, although Nicole could see that she was trying her best not to smile.
"You're such a bad liar, you know that?" Kevin pointed out and that got Kristin laughing.
"I know."
Soon, they were all laughing except for Nick "Yeah, funny huh?"
"Nick, I know AJ was being an asshole, but don't you think it's just a bit too much to have Nicole eat that to proove your point?" Sarah giggled.
"It's not that bad." Nick shrugged again and started pressing on the hardened meat.
"Care to show us Nick?" Leigh B, Howie's girl friend joked.
"Huh?" Nick asked, still confused. Nicole found this too amusing to interfere.
"Like eat it, right now." Brian explained, putting on his best serious face.
Nick sighed and raised the chicken up, inspecting it with uncertainty on his face. "It's not that bad…"
"You seriously gonna eat that?" Nicole asked.
"Do I look like I'm joking?" Nick asked sarcastically. Nicole shrugged. "Okay then, go ahead, kill yourself."
"Come on Nick, it's burnt right to the bone. It's gonna taste awful!" Leighanne persuaded.
"Well, we're not gonna waste food now, are we?" Nick said, rolling his eyes.
"We agreed not to waste food, we never agree we should eat crap." AJ said as he made his presence known, a plate filled with hot, perfectly grilled chickens placed in the middle of the table. He snatched the burnt chicken away from Nick and placed it with a new one.
"Here, this will taste better." AJ threw the burnt one behind some bush before Nick could argue about it.
"Why are you suddenly so nice?" Nick asked wearily.
"I'm not. But we're flying back home tomorrow and I don't want an upset stomach Nick Carter when we're thousands of feet up in the air."
Brian raised his hands as if in surrender. "You better not Chaos. Just eat this one instead. You wouldn't wanna keep visiting the plane's toilet. Nasty."
"Whatever." Nick sighed as he took a bite of the chicken wing. His face contorted as if in pain and spat out the chewed meat back on the plate. "IT'S STILL RAW ON THE INSIDE, YOU IDIOT!"
*~*
"That's the last one." Nicole said as she watched Nick zipped up the last of their luggage bags and placed it next to the sofa.
Nick stretched his sore muscles from all the packing they had done after the Barbeque and the clock showed it was already twelve thirty in the morning. "I think it's time we head for bed, we're gonna have to wake up early at five."
Nicole let out a stifled yawn and dragging her feet to the bed with Nick resting his arm over her shoulder, she couldn't quite believe that they had spent two months practically sleeping on the same bed and nothing happened.
"I don't want this dream to end." Nick said all of a sudden.
Nicole looked up at him and smiled. "I know. Bahamas is really lovely, thanks."
Nick frowned and shook his head. "No, that's not what I meant. I mean after tonight, I'm not gonna be able to sleep on the same bed as Nicole Carrie. That sucks!"
Nicole shoved his arm off her shoulders and pushed him playfully. "Jerk."
"Hey, not that I really enjoyed the whole experience. For a beautiful girl such as yourself, you snore quite loudly." Nick joked.
Nicole stopped and stared at him. "What did you say?"
"You snore woman. Get over it. Life ain't perfect." Nick shrugged.
"Not that bit. The 'beautiful girl' bit. Say that again." Nicole said seriously.
Nick smirked and pushed her down to the bed, catching Nicole by surprise. She struggled to free herself as she felt his fingers making his way to her sensitive areas, trying to tickle her.
"Nickolas!…stop…it!" Nicole giggled as she failed to free herself.
"Who's beautiful?" Nick asked, not letting her go.
"Okay…okay…I'm ugly…just stop it!" Nicole laughed, not caring if the others could hear them this late.
Nick immediately stopped. He was on top of her and he smiled before roughly slamming his body down next to her. Both staring into the brown attap hut above. "Wrong answer Nic, you're beautiful. No one's ugly." Nick said as he turned his head slightly to face her.
"You're beautiful too. But I'm sure you already know that." Nicole said.
"Yeah, I do." Nick giggled.
"Snob." Nicole scoffed.
"And you liked this snob guy." Nick added.
"I do." Nicole smiled.
"Tough luck." Nick smiled.
"Yeah." Nicole shrugged playfully.
"Now who's the snob?" Nick pointed out.
"Hey, it takes one to know one." Nicole joked.
Nick shook his head. "I can never win with you Nicole. You outwit me every time, it's draining."
"You finally met your match." Nicole said triumphantly.
Nick went silent. She was the perfect match for him. In everything that he do, she seemed to be the only one who understood him. Never there to criticise but always there to support and share his dreams.
"Nicole?"
"Hmmm?"
Nick turned his body sideway and propped his elbow and rested his head on his palm. Now, he could look into those bright greens clearly. "I want to know if we're on the same page on this."
"Same page on what?" Nicole asked as she too turned sideway and rested her head on her palm. Now, she could look into those deep ocean blue eyes clearly.
"I have feelings for you. Deep feelings, which I'm not gonna hide. How about you?" Nick tried to read her expression but all he could see was her downward gazing eyes, her fingers making circles on the bedspread. When she finally looked up again, he swore he could see only honesty in those eyes.
"We're on the same page Nick, that much I can tell you." She smiled and Nick couldn't be any happier.
"That's good to know."
"So what are we gonna do about it?" Nicole asked, braving herself for the ultimate question. Where are they going from there?
"I would love nothing more than to wake up with you next to me every morning. But I don't think that's fair for you."
Nicole frowned. "Why would that be?"
"Well, you have to adapt to living in Florida first. And then there's getting around to working as the Publicist at NCOC. If we were to live together and make this happen-"
"Whoa! Back up a little bit." Nicole cut in.
"Could you ruin the mood any more?" Nick sighed as he laid on his back again. Nicole wouldn't let the matter rest. She pushed herself up and sat on the bed, pulling on Nick's hand.
"Did you just said I'm gonna be the Publicist for NCOC?" Nicole cried.
"Yeah. Didn't I tell you?" Nick smiled.
"You jerk! You didn't tell me! You made me wait all these time?" Nicole smacked his hand, trying to look as if she was hurt; but she couldn't stop the smile from spreading on her face. Her dream was coming true!
"Hey, where's the love?" Nick whined. "Shouldn't I get my thank you kiss or something?"
"Kiss? You're soooo way out of your league. Bestfriends don't kiss each other. And we already agreed we're gonna be just that for now." Nicole pointed out.
"I'm not asking much, just a peck on the cheek, make this 2 months complete for us." Nick teased.
"For you, you mean?" Nicole said. "Fine." Nicole bent down and as they were only inches apart, she whispered, "Thanks for the job. You won't regret it." Her lips touched his cold cheek but Nick turned his head purposely and she met with the warmth of his lips.
It was a small kiss. Her lips touching his, it lingered there for a moment and she felt everything else moving around them. She couldn't do anything more than closed her eyes and telling herself this was what she wanted. To kiss him over and over again. To fall in love with him.
She felt his hands cupping her face, his thumbs rubbing her cheeks, and as she opened up her eyes, she found him staring back at her. Somewhere along the line, he had pulled himself back. Where his lips once were, was now empty space. She licked her lips, savoring the taste of him. He smiled.
He got up and sat facing her, taking both her hands into his and rubbing warmth into it. She must still be in shock for she couldn't remember saying anything to him at all. She kept her silence as Nick suddenly looked somewhat solemn. He was so serious that she felt that he had miraculously aged in front of her. The Nick Carter now staring back at her had experiences held in the stare of his eyes. It showed his laughter and his sadness, the child and the man in him. The innocence and the mischieves. Nicole wondered if she had successfully opened up the window to his soul and unravel the truth of Nick Carter.
"I can't love you the way I want to because once we get back to Florida, things will go crazy. I can't be there for you all the time like I wanted to as a boyfriend. And I want you to start your life new here and not hold back anything else. I want you to be free for the first time and enjoy life as it is. And even after all that craziness, when you've settled down and you're comfortable having a relationship with a Backstreet Boy and with me, I promise you, we will kiss again. And when that time comes, it will be forever."
"And what if I don't want to kiss you again?" Nicole asked, a smirk on her face.
"Then I'll be damn."
"You would, wouldn't you?" Nicole smiled.
"And you just have to spoil this moment again."
"Cause I can't bug you with my P.S anymore." Nicole giggled.
"Can we not start on that again, please?" Nick begged.
"Oh PPS Nick, I would have died if I had eaten that chicken wing." Nicole teased.
"Well, PPPS Nicole, I'd like to try your cooking some times." Nick bickered.
"Then PPPPS Nick, I only cook for my boyfriend."
"PPPPPS Nicole, I will be your boyfriend, mark my words."
"Okay, PPPPPPPS Nick, goodluck, just so you know, I won't be sitting around waiting for you."
"PPPPPPPS Nicole, I could be your boyfriend right now."
"PPPPPPPPS Nick, but you know you can't."
"PPPPPPPPPS Nicole, why is that, may I ask?"
"PPPPPPPPPPS Nick, cause you just told me so romantically just now that you want me to be free and start life anew."
"PPPPPPPPPPS Nicole, I take that back."
"PPPPPPPPPPPS Nick, you can't. Sorry dude."
"PPPPPPPPPPPPS Nicole, that sucks."
"PPPPPPPPPPPPPS Nick, I know. And I'm winning at this so just stop already."
"PPPPPPPPPPPPPPS Nicole, hell no! You give up!"
"PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPS No YOU give up!"
"No YOU!"
"Ha! You didn't say PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPS!"
"So did you!"
"Well you forgot first!"
"That didn't count!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
"Did too!"
"Did not!"
*~*
"I could end all this if you would only let go of my arm!" AJ cried as he tried to pull free from Sarah's grip.
"Baby just let them be, you're taking this too far!" Sarah pointed.
"LET THEM BE??? HOW MUCH MORE CAN YOU TAKE? I WANT HIS HEAD NOW!" AJ almost yelled. "NO WAIT! I WANT BOTH THEIR HEADS NOW! LOVEBIRDS KISS MY ASS!"