Chapter Ten
Two Worlds Apart-Chapter Ten
"When I said to go have fun, I didn't mean THAT much fun." Kelli didn't even try to brush away the tears from her face. "And then to think how I acted on the plane this morning, oh how embaressing! And everyone's gonna see that tape!"
"Awww, kid, don't cry. You'll ruin your make-up." Katie tried to blot Kelli's eyes with a tissue.
"I just want you to know that no matter what, we're here for you." Sarah reached over and gave Kelli a hug.
"You know what?" Kelli sniffed.
"What?"
"I can't go out there. I can't face him. I'll break down."
"You can't get much more broken up than you are now. You're gonna go out there, hold your head up high, and when he talks to you, kick him in the balls. The almighty Sarah has spoken."
Despite her tears, Kelli smiled.
"What Sarah's saying, in her idiotic way, is that you can't stay down. At least that's what I THINK she's saying. With her, you can never tell. And Sarah, your little evil looks do no harm on me. Now isn't the time for that. But here's what I'm saying, Kel. Even though Nick is a total jerk who deserves to be kicked in the balls, you have to stay controlled. Keep in mind that this is an ugly business and this is the real world we're in here."
"I know. Maybe that's my problem. I'm only 17. I don't want the real world. I want my sheltered life back, with my friends and shool and basketball and my mom." Fresh tears began to fall down her face.
"Aw, Kel you don't mean that."
"Yeah, Kay, I really do. I've been thinking about leaving the tour for a few weeks now. This has just been the last straw. I can't take any more. This is my last show. As of the end of my show tonight, I'm done. Done with the tour, done with the business."
"Ok, Sarah, go find Dave."
"No. I'm doing this my way. I'm telling him onstage, the same way I'm telling our guys, the Backstreet Boys, and every Minneapolis fan who came to see them."
"How?"
"I'm gonna sing like I've never sung before, all while playing the piano. If I'm going out, it's on top."
"That's what I like to hear. Katie, we taught her well."
"Oh, shut up. I learned that from my mom. Come on girls. We have an audience to blow away."
"All right, boys. This is the moment we've all been waiting for. Kelli's onstage, so it's showtime."
Brian let out a monster yawn. "Wake me when it's over."
"Yeah, really Howie. I don't wanna watch this."
"Why, Nick? Are you afraid of what you're gonna see? Maybe someone might tell Kelli what's on it."
"What the hell is on that tape?"
"I don't know. Why don't you watch it and find out," Howie said, playing the video.
"Thanks, everyone!! Now, that was supposed to be my last song, but I have an announcement to make and another song to sing."
"What's she doing?" Dave hissed to Katie, who had just run offstage and was watching grand finale.
"SSSHH!"
"This has been the wildest roller coaster I have ever been on, and it's been an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. But, as amazing as it was, this is my last show. Because of personal reasons, I'm leaving the tour and the music business. But, I might be back someday. Until then, I'm leaving you with my favorite song off of my album. It's called Remember Me This Way."
Sarah, Adam, and Joe had found a white grand piano and rolled it onstage, much to the protests of Dave.
Kelli sat down on the bench, looked at the keys, glanced at her girls standing in the shadows, and scanned the crowd. She began to play with renewed confidence as she strongly sang along.
"Every now and then
We find a special friend who never lets us down
Who understands it all
Reaches out each time you fall
You're the best friend that I've found
I know you can't stay
A part of you will never ever go away
Your heart will stay
I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
I don't need eyes to see
The love you bring to me
No matter where I go
And I know that you'll be there
Forever more a part of me, you're everywhere
I'll always care
I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way
And I'll be right behind your shoulder watching you
I'll be standing by your side in all you do
And I won't ever leave
As long as you believe
You just believe
I'll make a wish for you
And hope it will come true
That life would just be kind
To such a gentle mind
If you lose your way
Think back on yesterday
Remember me this way
Remember me this way*
Thank you!! Up next, the wonderful and talented BACKSTREET BOYS!!"
Once Kelli was offstage, she was immediately approached by Dave, who, needless to say, was pretty pissed.
"What the hell was that out there? The next time you pull a stunt like that, you'll be in serious trouble , missy."
"Let's get two things straight. One, my name isn't Missy. It's Kelli. Two, there won't be another stunt like that because I am leaving the tour." She said those last five words slowly and deliberately. "Now, if you would excuse us, my friends and I would like to be out of the way before the featured act takes the stage."
"Too late," Sarah muttered as Brian and AJ ran up to them.
"Kel, are you really leaving?"
"Yeah, what's that about? You can't leave. Nick will be crushed."
Kelli was surprised that Brian could be so stupid. "Guys, that's really nice of you to say, but I'm sure Nick can find comfort elsewhere."
"Like the redhead from the party."
"Sarah, her hair was brown."
"No, I believe it was RED, Katie."
"Brown."
"Red."
"Brown."
"Does it MATTER what color her hair is? It could have been purple, for all I care!"
"So you saw the tape, huh?" AJ asked.
"Yeah. Howie gave me a copy."
"We're really sorry, Kel."
"Oh, it's ok, AJ. You two didn't do anything wrong."
"We really want you to stay. Maybe you two can still work it out," Brian suggested.
Kelli shook her head. "He probably doesn't even know I saw the tape. Nick's probably sorry he ever gave me this ring. Besides, relationships are built on trust. I can't trust Nick Carter. Come on guys. I want a hug. I'll be gone by the time your show is over."
"Let's go guys. It's time to go on," Dave said once they had all said their good-byes."
Sniffling, Kelli backed away. "Bye. I'll miss you guys. And tell Nick I'm sorry."
There was a time
When I was so brokenhearted
Love wasn't much of a friend of mine
The tables have turned, yeah
'Cause me and them ways have parted
That kind of love was the killin' kind
All I want is someone I can't resist
I know all I need to know by the way that I got kissed
I was cryin' when I met you
Now I'm tryin to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin' just to get you
Now I'm dyin' 'cause I let you
Do what you do-down on me
Now there's not even breathin' room
Between pleasure and pain**
*'Remember Me This Way' by Jordan Hill
**Taken from 'Cryin' by Aerosmith
Chapter 11
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