"I can't read the words. They're goin' too damn fast. Uh, blood in the streets it's up to my ankles. Blood in the streets it's up to my knees." Alex, getting tired of the group conversation, found his way into a room where they were doing karaoke. He was having more fun than expected. An unknown young man came to join him. He looked a little familiar, but Alex couldn't place his face. So, he kept on singing. "She came and then she drove away, sunlight in her hair.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(The song ‘Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds’ is playng)

Nick and Layla returned to the balcony, spotting Sabra. “Hey, have you seen Sarah?” Layla questioned.

“Uh, I think she’s in the kitchen getting drunk.”

“Lovely,” Nick sighed. “That’s all AJ needs.” They made their way to the kitchen, stopping at the entrance. Sarah was already blitzed. “We have to get Alex,” he warned. That’s when he heard the familiar raspy voice. “Where’s that singing coming from?”

He followed Layla to a room in the back of the house. “Well, at least he’s having good clean fun,” she smiled. There, standing before them, was Alex doing his own rendition of Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing.’ “Damn, he’s really good,” she giggled.

“Holy shit, that’s Devon Sawa over there,” Nick whispered to her.

“Who?”

“Devon Sawa. He’s a really good actor.”

“Oh yea,” she smiled. “I think he’s the one I bumped into in the hall upstairs. He was great in ‘Around the Fire.’ He looks different now.”

“Nick! Layla!” Alex yelled into the microphone. “Come join me!”

They both shook their heads no. “It’s time to cut out,” Layla laughed.

There were collective boos from Alex’s ‘audience.’ “Layla, don’t take him yet. He’s pretty cool for a newbie,” one of the girls argued.

Layla raised her voice above the chatter. “Calm down, calm down. If you would like to hear the further talents of Mister McLean, please direct yourselves to the nearest music store and look under Backstreet Boys.”

“But please, get our newer stuff because our older shit is kinda whack. Tootles!” He jumped off the mini stage and made his way through the crowd. Once he reached Nick and Layla, there was a tap on his shoulder.

“Not bad for a Backstreet Boy. I had no fucking clue, man. Devon Sawa.” The young man held his hand out.

“I knew you looked familiar! Alexander McLean. Nice to meet ya.”

“Are you friends with Jasper too?”

“Who?”

“No, they’re friends of mine. Layla Harris, I bumped into you earlier.” He gladly shook her hand, not really wanting to let go. “This is Nick Carter,” she offered.

“I’m a big fan, man, have been for a while.”

“Thanks. Wish I could say the same, but your music isn’t really my scene.”

“It’s all good,” Alex reassured, “can’t please everyone.”

“Um, we have to go, but I’m sure we’ll see you again.” With that, Layla smiled and turned to leave.

“I hope so,” Devon smiled as he eyed Layla up and down. Nick took note, but kept his mouth shut. After all, he was the one staying at her place tonight and getting to know her better, not Devon.

(The song ‘Palisades Park’ starts playing)

“So, is Sarah ready to go too?” Alex questioned as they made their way through the house.

Nick and Layla both stopped, unsure of how to tell him about Sarah’s current condition. Layla stepped up. “Um, Alex, I don’t think Sarah’s doing too hot right now.”

He shut his eyes, not wanting to think about it. “She drank, didn’t she?”

“Yea, she’s drunk,” she replied sadly.

He looked away, not wanting either of them to see the real hurt in his eyes. “Is she safe here?”

“What do you mean?”

“Is it safe if she stays here?”

“Everyone knows her and cares about her if that’s what you mean.”

“We’re just gonna leave her here?” Nick questioned, a little surprised.

Alex turned around, knowing that hiding his pain was useless. “This sobriety thing is harder than anything I’ve ever done. When she goes off and does this, it hurts more than you'd think. We’re supposed to be sober together.”

“Alex, she needs you. I’m sure she’s on her way to being passed out by now. Please, if you love her as much as Nick says you do then don’t leave her.” He looked away, fighting every urge to break down. “I’m not saying she’s right. This was really stupid of her actually. But I don’t want to see her just left here. Please, just take her home. Lay her on the couch for all I care so she wakes up with a backache!”

He laughed lightly. “That would serve her right." He pondered a moment and then spoke. "Fine, I’ll take her home. I hate to say it, but Nick, I can’t make the trip to Marathon.”

“Don’t worry, I have that covered,” he assured.

“Just take me back to my car,” Layla requested.

He eyed them suspiciously. “Is there something going on?”

“Nothing like what’s going on in your wicked mind,” Nick smirked.

“Let’s just get your girl and be on our way.” Layla led them to Sarah while the two men followed.