"Hi Kariana!" cried Morgan Cheung, as she ran frantically past one of her best friends and towards the student's council office to meet with her committee, since she was Harbour High's senior class president.

"Hi Morgan," Kariana Willow replied, as she sat by her locker, writing in her dream journal about an idea she had about a story she desperately wanted to write. Her long, strawberry blond hair was pulled back in a claw clip, her blue eyes were soft and bright, and she wore a lavender and peach skirt, with a lavender sweater, and some lavender rose earrings on.

"Omygoodness!" someone shrieked down the hall and Kariana turned to see her other best friend, Margaret, also known as Minnie, Beauvais, as she walked in with a beautiful Calvin Klein dress that showed off her size 4 figure and spiked scandals in white. Her hair was freshly dyed in an honey blond and it was shoulder length now.

"Kariana, hey girl!" Minnie shrieked, as she stood beside her, as she fiddled with her lock on her locker. "Guess what?"

"Hi Minnie," Kariana replied, shutting her book. "What?"

"Well, I am going to be in my first music video and guess who the video is for?!" Minnie replied, as a wide smile spread across her face.

"Who?" Kariana answered excitedly.

"The Backstreet Boys!" cried Minnie and Kariana shrieked.

"Wow!" Kariana smiled, as Minnie beamed. "They are really cool!" Minnie turned to look at Kariana and knew that her best friend was trying to act cool and collected, but she was really excited about the video.

"Well, I'm going to the video after school or for the introduction meeting," Minnie explained. "Want to come with me? You get to meet the guys!" Kariana went a deep shade of cheery, as she dropped her dreams journal and it clattered to the floor.

"Yes!" Kariana shrieked, as Morgan appeared and jumped at Kariana's shriek.

"Whoa?! Kariana, calm down!" Morgan snapped and Minnie gave her a dirty look. Morgan was dressed in a practical business suit and with glasses that made her look smart. She also carried a brown leather briefcase around the school.

"Morgan, shut up!" Minnie snapped back. "You just don't want anyone to be happy."

"Minnie, can that skirt get any further up your butt?" Morgan answered sweetly, as she steadily put down her briefcase and opened her locker.

"Kariana, did you want to still come to the planning meeting for the school dance this afternoon?" Morgan was constantly trying to bribe sweet-natured Kariana into her unending list of extracurricular activities.

"No Morgan, she's not doing it," Minnie replied. "She is coming with me to my video shoot."

"How pathetic Margaret," Morgan commented,slamming her locker door.

"How come you spend your time relying on your looks to make you money? Don't you realize you could have an accident and it all could be over with? You should get some brains Minnie."

"Shut up Morgan," Minnie snapped. "Why don't you take your nose from the high cloud you're sitting on?"

"I am not going to play your childish games, Margaret," Morgan answered calmly. "So, Kariana, will you be there?" Minnie looked at her and Kariana looked kind of scared.

"No Morgan, I won't be there!" Kariana answered back softly. "I am going with Minnie to the video shoot."

"Fine," Morgan commented and she stomped off to her first class.

"Girl power Kariana! You shouldn't let her push you around!" Minnie commented and Kariana nodded.

"Minnie, is it really okay if I go?" Kariana asked her reluctantly. "I mean, I don't want to impose on your video or anything."

"Kari, it will be so much fun!" Minnie beamed, as the warning bell chimed and they both frantically grabbed their book bags. They ran towards their World Issues Geography OAC class, which in Ontario, is also Grade 13. They both grabbed their usual seats, as their teacher, Mr. Yorkshire gave them a warning glance.

"Saved by the bell ladies," said the guy who always sat in front of Minnie named Christian Williams.

"Hi Christian," Minnie flirted softly, as she twisted around to show off her legs to him.

"Minnie, you look good today sweetheart," Christian whispered back, as he put his hand on her leg. Kariana pretended not to notice what was going on.

"Thanks babe," Minnie replied with a smile. "Guess what Christian?! I am going to be in a Backstreet Boys video this afternoon."

"Well, tell AJ to keep his hands off you because you're mine," Christian replied, as Minnie let out a giggle. "Hey Kariana! Are you in the video as well?"

"No, but I'm going to see what it's like," Kariana replied with a friendly smile.

"Cool," Christian winked at her and returned to Minnie. Kariana read through the story she had begun that morning and liked what she read. It involved a story about a young singer who had made it big and now was lonely for a boyfriend. She thought back to the video shoot that was going on that afternoon. She wondered what it was going to be like. She was really excited, but Minnie seemed to be brushing it off.

"Kariana, which Backstreet Boy do you like?" Minnie asked her, as their teacher stepped out of the room.

"I like them all," Kariana replied honestly. "I don't think they'll be there this afternoon though."

"Honey, they will because I asked," Minnie replied. "I am the only girl in the video because it's a new approach they are doing. It's just you, me, and five totally hot and single guys!"

"Actually, Brian and AJ have girlfriends," Kariana answered, grateful she explored Caitlin's Backstreet Boys website the night before. She didn't like rumors, but she tried hard to be up-to-date on her favorite bands.

"Well, I can change that," Minnie winked at her, as Mr. Yorkshire returned to class. Christian seemed to have taken an interest in the girl sitting beside him, as Mr. Yorkshire started the morning with roll call and then the announcements.

**********************

After school, Minnie and Kariana retreated to Minnie's sleek red Mazda Miata and they were off from Hunter High, located in Mississauga, towards Toronto and to the BMG company. They sailed by several cars, as they retreated onto the QEW, as Minnie fixed the roof, so it went down, even though it was about 45 degrees outside. Kariana shivered, as Minnie switched the radio to Energy 108 and out blasted Maestro's "Stick to Your Vision".

"Kariana, I am so excited!" Minnie shrieked and Kariana smiled at her.

"I am just trying to be calm, cool, and collected!" answered Kariana and Minnie shrieked, which made Kariana shriek. Within minutes, they pulled up to the huge record company and Minnie parked across the street. She had changed into a nice business suit, to appear more professional, but Kariana had just stayed in what she had worn in the morning.

"Kariana, just say hi and please don't faint!" Minnie teased her and Kariana smiled. They ran across the street and went through the front doors, as the male secretary turned to them and seemed captivated by Minnie's beauty.

"Hi there! Can I help you?" he asked flustered and Kariana started giggling.

"Yes sir, I am here to see Hannah Chow," Minnie answered with a smile.

"Yes, are you Margaret Beauvais?" he replied.

"The one and only," Minnie answered, as he picked up his phone and called Hannah.

"Can I see your ID?" he asked, and Minnie showed him her driver's license. "And who are you?"

"I'm Kariana Willow," she replied shyly.

"Well, are you a model too?" he asked and she shook her head. "Well, you aren't permitted upstairs."

"But sir, Hannah said I could bring a friend if I wanted!" Minnie shrieked and the man looked flustered again.

"Fine, but don't tell them I let you," he answered. "Just say your stepsisters or something."

"Okay!" Minnie replied sweetly and they walked towards the elevator and hopped onto the production and marketing floor, which was the fourth one. Kariana became nervous, as the elevator abruptly stopped at their floor. Minnie sailed off and they walked towards the executive suites near the far end of the long hallway. "Here we go Kari! Just be nice and relaxed!"

"Hello!" said a petite, Japanese women who was wearing jeans and a nice sweater. "I'm Hannah. You must be Minnie and you're?"

"Kariana Willow," Minnie answered for her. "She's my friend. I hope you don't mind she came."

"Not at all!" Hannah replied cheerfully. "Come on in!"

"Thanks," Kariana answered politely and they walked into the huge conference room where the Backstreet Boys sat and Kariana stood back, mesmerized at them. Nick was sitting near the end, with a Dodgers hat backwards, and was talking to Brian, who was nicely dressed in khakis and a blue shirt and tie. Kevin was beside Brian, as he looked over some notes, and then came Howie and AJ across the table. Their new management was there, along with AJ's mom and some more representatives from BMG Canada.

"Everyone, this is Minnie Beauvais," Hannah introduced her, as everyone looked at Minnie. "She is going to be the video tomorrow."

"Hi, nice to meet you all," Minnie replied with a sweet smile.

"Hi, come sit here!" AJ replied and Minnie smiled at him. She sat in the empty chair, as Kariana felt out of place. She quietly headed out the door, and sat down near in a chair, and grabbed a magazine. Minnie looked back to see where Kariana was, and saw her slip out the door.

"So, where are you from?" Howie asked Minnie, as the executives seemed to engage in a big discussion about the concept.

"I'm from Mississauga," answered Minnie. "How about you guys? Where are you from? Kariana knows, but she has never told me."

"Lexington, Kentucky," Brian piped up. "Who's Kariana?"

"My best friend," Minnie replied. "She was just here, but I have no idea where she is."

"Is this your first music video?" Nick asked her, and she turned to look at him for the first time. He was incredibly good-looking with short, blond hair, blue eyes, and a nice build, but she found AJ to be the sexiest. He was wearing a tank top, and his tattoos were really cool.

"Yeah," Minnie replied. "Anyway, AJ, I love your tattoos!"

"Thanks babe," AJ flirted with her. "Do you have any?"

"Hmm, let's just say, I do somewhere," Minnie winked at him, as she turned around to show him her legs.

"Interesting," AJ winked back smiling. Nick looked at Brian and then turned to Kevin, who was discussing the concept of the video.

"I should go get my friend!" Minnie cried and she practically skipped towards the door. She peeked out to see Kariana sitting there, trying to read a magazine about menopause.

"How's it going Minnie?" Kariana asked brightly.

"Better if you were in here!" Minnie replied. "Come on Kari, they are really nice."

"Okay," she replied reluctantly and followed Minnie back into the conference room and she felt all the guys, turning to stare at her.

"Hello there," Howie said and Kariana blushed brightly.

"Guys, this is my best friend Kariana," Minnie introduced them. "She's my sweetie, so be nice to her!"

"Hi," AJ said to Kariana.

"Hi, how are you?" Kariana replied, as she brushed back her red hair.

"Good! How are you?" AJ answered politely.

"Great," Kariana said, as Minnie took her seat beside AJ again.

"You can sit down," Brian teased her and she nodded, and quickly sat down beside Minnie.

"Are you in school together?" Howie asked Kariana and Minnie, but she nodded, and shrugged him off, as she flirted with AJ.

"Yeah we are," Kariana replied. "We are in grade 13, in Mississauga!"

"How far is that from here?" Howie asked.

"Hmm, about 30 minutes," Kariana answered with a smile. "So, are you nervous about your video tomorrow?"

"Not really," replied Brian. "It's a really interesting concept and we are excited about the new album."

"Yeah, I heard your new single and I love it," Kariana replied. "It's "Who Do You Love""?"

"Yeah, how did you know?" Howie replied.

"Kariana is obsessed with you guys!" Minnie announced proudly. "She talks about you constantly and has all your merchandise!"

"Oh really?" Brian winked at Kariana, as Minnie and AJ stood up. They walked out the door and headed probably to get a drink.

"You two seem like nothing alike," Howie said.

"No, we really aren't," Kariana answered honestly. "Minnie's a flirt." "We noticed," Brian answered. "But, so is AJ, so they are perfect for each other." Kariana smiled, as for the first time, she noticed Nick as he came back over to them. She thought he looked really good and looked away, so it wouldn't look like she was staring at him.

"Hi," Nick said, smiling at her, as Brian and Howie got up. "How are you?"

"Hi!" Kariana replied brightly. "I'm good. How are you?"

"Very tired," Nick replied. "Bri, where are you guys going?"

"To get something to eat," Brian replied. "I'm famished."

"Brian, you guys are done for the day now anyway," Hannah informed them.

"Kariana? Tell Minnie to be here at six am sharp! And you can come along if you want as well."

"Thanks Mrs. Chow," Kariana replied politely, as she stood up as well.

"Well Kariana, want to get a bite to eat with us?" Brian asked her and she nodded.

"Sure, if you don't mind," Kariana replied softly.

"Why would we mind?" Nick asked her smiling and she went a deep red.

"Don't be embarrassed," Brian teased her, as Minnie and AJ appeared at the door.

"You two have been busy!" Howie teased them and Minnie smiled brightly at him, as she brushed her blond hair out her face.

"Of course we have!" Minnie answered with a sweet smile, as she hooked her arm through AJ's.

"Hannah said to be here at six o'clock sharp tomorrow morning," Kariana told Minnie, who nodded and turned to AJ.

"So Alex, what are you guys up to tonight?" Minnie asked him.

"We were going to get a bite to eat," Brian answered and Minnie ignored him, obviously waiting for AJ's response. Kariana cringed at how rude Minnie was being and couldn't believe she was since the BSB's were being nice to them.

"She is very rude," Nick muttered under his breath and Kariana looked at him and he blushed.

"I know," Kariana replied softly and Nick's face relaxed. "We are nothing alike."

"I can see that," Nick smiled at her. "I think you should be in the video instead of her."

"No way," Kariana shook her head. "I'll just watch from the sidelines."

"AJ? How's Amanda?" Brian piped up and Minnie looked at him.

"Who is Amanda?" Minnie asked innocently.

"His girlfriend," Nick replied and Minnie let go of AJ.

"You have a girlfriend Alex?" Minnie asked him and he nodded. "Oh, I'm sorry! I never knew!" She giggled and smiled at Nick.

"How about we all get some dinner?" Brian suggested, and Kariana watched as Minnie walked over to Nick and started talking to him. At first, he was reluctant, but he began warming up to her sweet smile and pleasantness, and they were instantly flirting with each other. She looked away and stood beside AJ, who was talking to Howie.

"Sure!" Howie replied, as he looked over at Kariana and saw her sad face. "Kariana, are you hungry?"

"A little," she replied softly.

"How about the Olive Garden across the street?" suggested AJ and Kariana nodded slightly.

"Nick? Is that okay?" Brian asked him and he said sure. They headed across the street, with Nick and Minnie leading the way, and Kariana hung behind. She wished Minnie would flirt with someone else beside Nick, but she wasn't going to make a big deal about it because it was obvious any guy would subject to Minnie's charm and looks, and Kariana wasn't exactly the most beautiful girl in the world. They stood in line for a table, as AJ and Brian looked over at Kariana.

"I think she likes Nick," AJ told Brian, as they got a table for five. Kevin and Howie had decided to meet some other Canadian friends for supper.

"You think?" Brian replied. "I think she's just shy."

"Kariana, are you okay?" AJ asked her and she looked at him startled.

"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Kariana replied, as they sat down at the table.

"Just thinking, that's all." AJ sat down beside her, as she grabbed her menu and looked through it. It was obvious Minnie and Nick liked each other, until Nick looked up and saw Kariana's eyes, and he saw hurt in them.

"What's wrong Nicky?" Minnie asked him, as she smiled brightly.

"Kariana, why are you so sad?"

"No particular reason," Kariana shrugged off her question, as tears formed in her eyes. "I have to go." She got up and walked towards the washroom quickly.

"What's up with her?" Minnie asked AJ. "She's never this wierd."

"She likes Nick and her best friend is all over him," AJ replied...