Friday morning came quickly upon the Backstreet Boys. AJ went into Chris’s bedroom to wake her up at 2:30 in the morning.

"Chris, time to get up," he whispered, shaking her lightly.

"Go away," she mumbled, rolling over and pulling her pillow over her head.

"Sorry, babe. Can’t do that." AJ smiled in the darkness as he gently pulled the pillow from her sleepy grasp. Chris had gone back to sleep, and in the light from the hallway, she looked like an angel. AJ felt his breath catch in his throat. He bent down and kissed her cheek. "Come on. It’s time to go."

She slowly opened her eyes, and smiled sleepily when she saw AJ sitting on the bed beside her. "Is it time to go?" she asked softly. Seeing him nod, Chris carefully sat up, swinging her legs over the side and placing her bare feet on the floor. Her flannel pants were pushed up past her knees and her T-shirt was hanging off of one shoulder. "Can’t I just go like this?"

AJ shook his head. "As much as I’d like to take you like that, you’d better change. You’re representing our country, you know. Europe doesn’t need to be reminded that all Americans are bums. Come on," he continued, standing up. Chris followed suit, but tripped over the blanket that was lying half-on and half-off the bed. She groaned. AJ looked down. "I know it’s early. You don’t need to exaggerate it."

"Oh, be quiet," she retorted, getting up and untangling herself.

"I’ll be downstairs if you need anything. We’re leaving at 3 for the airport."

"Okay," Chris said, walking to the bathroom, still not fully awake. AJ waited until she had closed the door before he turned on her bedroom light and made her bed. Then he went downstairs to the kitchen.

"Morning, Kev," AJ said, as he poured a cup of coffee. Kevin was going around and locking the windows and doors in the living and dining rooms. Even though it was so early, AJ thought Kevin looked quite awake. "Sleep much?"

"No, not really. I was planning on sleeping on the plane. How about you? And while you’re not doing anything, how about checking those locks?" AJ gave a mock salute with his free hand, and went around the kitchen making sure all locks were secure. Kevin came in and placed his hands on the counter and looked out the window into the darkness.

"Hard to believe it’s that time again."

"I know," AJ agreed. "So much has happened these past few months."

"Do you think you’re ready to go again?"

"Duh, man! Who do you think you’re talking to?" AJ puffed out his chest. "I’m the performing king!" Kevin laughed.

"Calm down, AJ! It’s too early for that. Did you get Chris up?"

"Up and running. Well, not exactly running. She’s in the shower. Can’t you tell?" AJ nodded toward the upstairs bathroom, pointing out the running water making its mad rush down the drain. Kevin looked at his watch.

"Well, it’s about time to be going. Why don’t you go up and get her out of there? And no peeking, please."

"Not to worry, Kev. I’m afraid to look at myself this early in the morning, let alone my girlfriend."

"I can tell," Kevin said. AJ raised his eyebrows in question. "Nothing, nothing. I’m taking the suitcases out to the car. No fooling around. We need to pick up the rest of the guys and hit the airport."

"No problem, Captain," AJ said, going back up the stairs. He heard Kevin open the front door and leave with the first suitcases. Knocking on Chris’s bedroom door, he opened it a crack. "Everyone decent?" he called.

"Very funny, AJ. Can you help me with this?" Chris asked in response. "I can’t get the clasp done."

AJ opened the door and went in. Chris was standing in front of her mirror, her hair pulled back in a wet French braid, and her head down as she tried to put her necklace on. She was wearing a pair of light blue carpenter jeans, a white T-shirt, and a pair of brown hiking boots. Silver-jeweled earrings were in her ears and little wisps of hair curled around her face.

He went over to her and took the two ends of the necklace and peered at the clasp. After a few tries, he finally got it. "There," he said, putting his hands on her waist.

"Thank you," she said, turning around and wrapping her arms around him. She pulled his head close and kissed him.

"No, thank you," AJ responded. "I should do stuff for you more often."

"I’ll remember that," Chris teased, then fell silent.

"What’s wrong?"

Chris didn’t answer right away. Her chin quivered and her eyes became bright with tears.

"Honey, what’s the matter? You can tell me." He led her by the hand to her bed and sat down beside her. "Are you sick?" Please say no. She shook her head.

"I’m scared."

"Scared? Of what?"

"Of leaving."

AJ was taken aback. Here was a woman who had been fighting a life-threatening disease and had never been scared in her life, and now she was terrified of leaving Orlando. He put his arms around her and drew her close. "You don’t have to be scared, ‘Riss. I’m going to be right with you. Brian and Kevin and the rest of the guys are going to be there, too. So’s Emily. You’ll be so busy you won’t be able to think about being scared. I promise you everything will be okay."

Chris let out a shaky breath, then put her arms around AJ and held on tight. AJ smelled the coconut shampoo she had used and lay his head lightly on her own, rocking her back and forth.

"Are you going to be okay, now?" AJ asked a few moments later.

Chris pulled away and wiped her eyes, nodding. "I’m sorry. I’m such a baby."

"No, you’re not. You should have seen me the first time I flew overseas. Ask the guys sometime. It’ll really make you laugh."

Chris smiled. "That’s my girl," AJ said. "Now, you’re all packed, right? So let’s turn out the light and start having some fun."

"I really hope you’re referring to the start of the tour and not that underlying message," Chris said.

"I am, I am. Now let’s go before Kevin has a cow." AJ stood up and took her hand, leading her out the door. Before they left, Chris stole one last look at her bedroom, drinking in all the items which she would not see for six months. Then she closed her eyes, turned off the lights, and closed the door softly.

"Everyone ready?" Kevin asked, as he started the car. Chris and AJ were sitting in the middle seat of the Volvo, their heads resting on each others, their fingers entwined.

"Guess that means ‘yes’," Chris said to AJ as Kevin pulled out of the driveway without waiting for an answer.

"Guess so," AJ replied. The three of them were on their way to pick up Nick and Howie, and then Brian and Emily. Then the whole group was going to the airport to board the private plane which would take them across the ocean to London, where the Boys’ new world tour would begin. Chris was going along as an assistant, helping with costumes, make-up, and mics. Emily was an assistant, too, and had already briefed Chris on what and what-not to do.

Kevin didn’t even need to honk the horn when he reached Howie and Nick’s house. They had been watching for him and came out immediately as the car parked in the driveway. Kevin hopped out of the car and opened the trunk. Chris and AJ turned around and waved at Nick and Howie as they loaded their suitcases.

"Hey, Bone! Hey, Chris! Good morning to ya!" Nick chirped.

"Hey, guys," Chris said, smiling.

"Ah, she’s smiling already," Howie said, giving Chris a smile of his own.

"That and she hasn’t shut up yet this morning," AJ teased. Chris punched him in the arm. "Ow!"

"Serves you right starting on me this early." AJ reached over and put her in a mock headlock. Chris shrieked as he dripped some of his bottled water on the back of her neck.

"Okay, you two," Kevin said, returning to the driver’s seat. "I don’t want you guys to wake up the neighbors. The last thing we need is the press following us to the airport."

Nick sat up front with Kevin and Howie sat on the same seat as Chris and AJ, on the other side of Chris. "Hey, this is really convenient," Chris said. "If I fall asleep, I have two gorgeous pillows to sleep on."

"Ha ha ha. Don’t even think about it," AJ said. "I don’t think Howie would allow that."

"Sure I would. Come on over, Chris, and see if you’ll be able to sleep on me." Howie teasingly pulled Chris toward him, but AJ pulled her back, wagging a finger at Howie.

"Howard, you know I love ya, but keep your hands off my girl."

Howie pretended to be hurt, but smiled instead. Chris squeezed his hand.

"You’re one of my best buds, Howie. I’m sure that if I didn’t have AJ to lean on, I could lean on you."

"You got that right," Howie said, winking at her. AJ smiled at him over Chris’s head and nodded.

Chris turned her attention to the windshield and the headlights on the highway. It was quiet again in the car. Nick was back asleep, and Howie was resting his eyes. AJ had his arm behind her on the seat, and she leaned back into the crook of his arm and wiggled a bit.

"What are you doing?" AJ whispered.

"Trying to get comfortable," Chris whispered back. AJ moved his arm from behind her to around her.

"How’s that?" he asked, softly.

"Much better. Thank you." Chris kept her eyes open and focused on the road so she wouldn’t get carsick. She normally didn’t sit in one of the back seats and it was hard for her to concentrate on taking slow breaths so she wouldn’t be sick. Kevin began to slow down and turned on his turn signal, pulling into Brian’s driveway. He tooted the horn softly and Brian and Emily came out with their suitcases.

As they loaded their suitcases into the trunk, the other passengers in the car woke up and waved. Brian and Emily waved back, but tiredly, and came around to the side of the car.

"Is there going to be enough room for the both of us?" Emily asked. "If I remember correctly, this only seats six."

"That’s right," Chris said. "Six safely. AJ, move over a bit." AJ moved over and Chris got on her knees on the backseat and climbed over into the trunk. "Now it seats seven," she finished, her voice muffled behind the seat.

"Chris, that’s sweet of you, but you didn’t have to give up your seat," Brian said. "One of us could have done it."

"And that one of you would have cramps so bad you wouldn’t be able to stand up straight, let alone sing and dance. So why don’t you guys get situated so Kevin can get us to the airport and I can get out." Chris said. Howie and AJ scooted over and Nick came back to sit with them. Brian and Emily sat in the front seat.

"Great, Chris. Now I have to sit next to Howie," AJ said, teasingly.

"Hey!" Howie exclaimed.

Kevin started the car and backed out of the driveway. Chris bounced on the floor of the car. "Yikes! I forgot how bumpy this is." She reached a hand up on the top of the seat to keep herself stable. AJ felt her fingers brush his neck, and he reached around and grabbed her hand, turning his head to kiss it. Chris moved her fingers in a wave, and took her hand away. She stretched her legs out around the suitcases and lay her head on a duffel bag and fell asleep.

About an hour later, AJ was leaning over the seat, tapping Chris gently on the head. "Chris, time to wake up. We’re at the airport," he said softly. She smiled in her sleep, and AJ traced her jawline with his finger. She turned her head and opened her eyes, smiling at him.

"Are we there yet?"

"Almost. We’re at the airport. We have to drive to the private runway and get on the plane. The luggage gets unloaded from the car and put directly on the plane. I don’t think you’d enjoy flying in the luggage compartment, do you?" Chris shook her head.

"Guess I’d better get up, then, huh?" Chris said, pulling her legs in and rolling up onto her knees. "Are you gonna help me or what?"

"I would, but Nick and Howie are still sitting here, and I don’t want you to kick them in the face."

"What!? You’re not serious!"

"No, I’m not," AJ smiled. "Come on. They’ll move, right guys?" Nick and Howie nodded. Howie and Nick scooted over towards the door as far as they could, and Howie bent down until he was almost one with the seat. Then AJ reached under Chris’s arms and pulled her onto the back of the seat. She was lying sideways and Nick looked over.

"Maybe pull her towards you and then she can put her legs down," he suggested.

"Good idea." AJ pulled Chris towards him. As she slid across the back of the seat, she began to stretch her legs out and swing them around.

"Heads up!" she said, and she bent backwards over the seat and let her legs dangle over in front.

"Alright, enough of that," AJ said. "Howie, help me get her on my lap."

"Uh, AJ, I don’t think that’s a good idea." Howie said, still bent over.

"Why not?"

"Because I’d feel uncomfortable touching your girlfriend."

"Well, just be sure you watch where you put your hands and we’ll all be happy."

"Don’t worry, Howie. Just grab something and pull," Chris said. Howie pulled her legs toward him, and AJ put his hands underneath her back.

"Okay, now fall," AJ commanded. Chris let herself fall into his arms.

"Well it’s about time," Nick commented, as he and Howie scooted back into their seats. Chris was sitting in AJ’s lap with her legs across the laps of Howie and Nick.

"You know, I wonder if I could have just sat like this for the past hour. It’s certainly more comfortable," Chris said. AJ tightened his grip around her.

"You watch what you say, girl. I know where you’re ticklish," AJ whispered in her ear. Chris giggled as his breath in her ear sent chills down her back.

"I agree," Howie said. "It is more comfortable. Remind me to suggest this on the way home."

"What are you guys doing back there?" Emily asked, turning around. "Oh, never mind," she answered herself as she saw Chris sitting on AJ, Howie, and Nick. "Forget I asked."

"What did she say?" Nick asked innocently. AJ rolled his eyes.

"It’s too early for that, Nick," Howie warned, looking at his watch. "It’s almost 5:30."

"And we’re here," Kevin said, pulling into a parking space. "Remember, everyone out as fast as you can and on the plane. All the luggage will be loaded by the crew. Don’t worry about the car, okay, Chris?" She nodded. "And if, by chance, something does, AJ’ll get you a new one. Right, AJ?"
"Right, Kevin. Now let’s boogie!"

The group piled out of the car. Chris was a little wobbly because of how she had been sitting in the car, and AJ pulled her along to the stairs to the plane. They boarded on the outside of the airport, and Chris paused a minute at the top to look at the lit-up airport.

"Don’t worry, Chris. I’m here, remember?" AJ said, following her gaze. She nodded, then turned and entered the plane.

Chris gasped when she saw the interior. It was like a little house inside. There were first-class leather seats that reclined, a television, a bathroom with a shower, and a very little makeshift dining area.

"This is so neat!" she exclaimed as she looked around. AJ gave her a nudge toward two seats near the middle. "I can’t wait to check it out!"

"Well, you can do it after take-off, right?" AJ asked, amused by her excitement. Chris really did have a way of taking everything, no matter how little or big, and making it exciting for everyone. It was a childlike quality, and that’s one of the things AJ really admired in her: her abilitity to take everything lightly and in stride. But he did wonder at times what would happen when reality hit her head-on. Would she snap? Or would it just pass her by, like everything else did, without affecting her? He didn’t know, and didn’t really want to know.

"I guess so. How long is this trip?" she asked, starting to sit down in the window seat. "Wait, do you want the window? I’m afraid I’ll get sick if I sit by it."

"No problem," he said. Chris moved out into the aisle so AJ could take his seat. She sat beside him and buckled her seatbelt. "Have you ever flown before?"

"Not overseas, no. I flew to Maryland once, but that was hardly a pleasurable trip. I’m not even going to ask you if you’ve flown before, because you’ve been all over the world."

"That’s right." AJ said. "But it’s nothing. You don’t even know you’re flying over the ocean."

"I really didn’t need to hear that. I’m nervous enough as it is. See?" Chris lifted her hand and showed it to him. It was shaking uncontrollably. She was visibly shaking.

"Chris, are you going to be alright?" AJ was concerned. He didn’t know why she was shaking like that. It didn’t seem at all normal to him. "Do you always shake like that?"

"Just recently. And when I get nervous," she replied, putting her hands together and placing them in her lap.

"Everything okay, here?" Kevin asked, as he boarded and sat across the aisle from Chris and AJ.

"All present and accounted for, Kev," AJ said. "You okay?"

"Little nervous, but doing great. I’m getting really excited. I just hope I can sleep."

"I’m sure you can, Kevin," Chris said. "You can sleep through anything."

"Thank you, Chris," Kevin said, rolling his eyes. "I still don’t see how we’re related. We’re too different."
"That’s a good thing. At least the fans don’t recognize me as being a relative. I get peace and quiet, well, I got peace and quiet until I got involved with AJ."

"That hurt," AJ said, rubbing his chest.

"She’s quick, AJ. You gotta watch that," Kevin warned.

"Thanks, man. I’ll do that."

Nick, Howie, Brian, and Emily filtered in on the plane. So much for "as fast as you can," Chris thought sleepily. Brian and Emily sat in front of Chris and AJ, and Nick and Howie in front of Kevin. Nick and Howie took separate seats so they could stretch out and get some more sleep.

"Good morning, folks. This is your captain speaking. Our flight from Orlando to London is right on schedule and we should be taking off shortly. Conditions this morning are crisp, but clear, and we see excellent skies for flying. The time is now 6:00 and landing time should be about 6:00 London time. I’ll take this time to remind you to keep your seatbelt on until the "fasten seatbelts" light is off, and whenever you are seated and that this is a nonsmoking flight. Thank you, and enjoy your flight." The captain turned off the intercom and started the engines.

"Ohhhh noooo," Chris said softly.

"What’s the matter?" AJ said, looking over at her.

"Nothing," she replied, lowering her head. AJ reached over to touch her hand, and she looked up at him.

"It’s okay to be a little scared sometimes. It keeps you aware." Chris smiled at him, and laced her fingers through his own, squeezing his hand.

"You guys alright back there?" Brian asked, turning around. Chris looked at AJ, then nodded at Brian.

"Just dandy. You two okay?"

"Peachy keen. I’ll talk to you guys later, okay? I want to get through take-off and then get some sleep."

"No problem," Chris said, as Brian turned back around. She looked around the plane and her eyes rested on Howie, who was looking out the window across the aisle. He sensed her stare, and shifted his eyes to meet hers. Howie smiled and winked at her, and Chris smiled back. Leaning out into the aisle, she looked to see what Nick was doing. He was sitting straight up in his seat, staring straight ahead.

"He’s not much of a take-off person," AJ explained.

"Ah," Chris said, thoughtfully. She turned her head to see Kevin looking at her, a smile in his eyes. Chris smiled back. Then she realized that the plane was speeding down the runway. She leaned back into her seat and gripped the armrest tightly with her left hand, and AJ’s hand with her right. It’s just like a roller coaster, it’s just like a roller coaster, she said to herself. When Chris felt the release of the plane from the ground, she loosened her grip and opened her eyes.

"You really have a tight grip, there," AJ said, taking back his hand and shaking it out.

"Sorry," Chris said. "It helps me get through take-off."

"You don’t need to apologize. I like it when you hold my hand, even if I can’t feel it afterwards."

"Ha ha. Do you think I could try to get some sleep? You woke me up pretty early this morning."

"At least you got sleep. When we’re flying overseas, I stay up all night the night before that way I can sleep on the way over. I was just going to ask you if you would mind if I tried to sleep. I didn’t want to seem rude or anything."

Chris fumbled with the armrest that was separating their seats. After a few tries, she got it loosened and pushed it back into the back of the seat. She loosened her seatbelt a little and leaned over to partially lay on AJ’s left side. He draped an arm around her, holding her close, and rested his head on his right arm on the window. Chris crossed her arms over her chest and sighed, closing her eyes.

"I love you, Chris," AJ said.

"I love you, too," Chris answered. And for the first time, she meant it.

It was about 12:00, Florida time, when Chris woke up. At first she didn’t know where she was, and then she remembered she was on a plane to England. She opened her eyes, sat up, and stretched. Man, I really have to go to the bathroom, she thought. Chris unbuckled her seatbelt and carefully stepped out into the aisle and walked slowly toward the bathroom in the back of the plane.

AJ felt some pressure lift from his shoulder, and he reached out his hand, only to find empty space. He opened his eyes and looked over to Chris’s seat. Just as he had thought, it was empty. She probably got up to stretch. I don’t blame her. He shifted his weight and arched his back to stretch. Then he smiled mischievously and lay down across both seats. I wonder what she’ll do when she comes back, he thought, closing his eyes and pretending to be asleep.

Chris looked at herself in the mirror in the bathroom and patted her head to make sure her braid was still in. It was falling out a little, so she removed the ponytail holder and took out her braid. Her hair was still a little wet, and she finger-brushed it to get some tangles out. She looked in the mirror again, and sighed. Her hair looked worse than it did five minutes ago.

"Guess I’d better go get my comb," she said to herself, unlocking the bathroom door and going back to her seat. What is this? Chris thought when she saw AJ laying across her seat. Maybe he couldn’t wait to get rid of me. Instead of being rude and waking him up, Chris opened the overhead compartment and rustled around for her comb in her bag.

AJ heard her trying to be quiet, and he opened one eye just enough to see her. She is so beautiful, he thought. Maybe I shouldn’t tease her that much. He closed his eye again, and waited until she had left before he got up and followed her. The bathroom door closed just as AJ reached it, but Chris didn’t lock it.

Hmm. Either she trusts all of us, or she wants me to go in. Yeah, right. He knocked lightly on the door.

"Yeah?" Chris said quietly.

"You okay in there?" AJ asked.

"I’m okay. A little lonely, but okay," she replied in a teasing tone.

"Need any help?"

"Just a second."

"Okay." AJ waited. Whatever she was doing in there, he didn’t need to know about In fact, he already knew that she was fixing her hair. He gathered that from watching her get her comb.

A few minutes later, Chris walked out of the bathroom, and right into AJ, hair freshly combed and braided again, this time in two long braids.

"Whoa!" he exclaimed, wrapping his arms around her.

"Hey! Wasn’t planning on seeing you here," Chris returned.

"Neither was I, but I was in the neighborhood, and thought I’d check out this little bathroom back here."

"Well, there’s not much to it. Wanna try it out?"

AJ nodded. "Actually, that’s the only reason I came back here."

"Why, you," Chris said, faking a punch. AJ caught her fist and held it behind him.

"Well, there’s this reason, too," he said softly, lowering his head to hers and kissing her lightly.

"That’s good enough reason for me," Chris said, then stood on her toes to give him a quick kiss in return. AJ put his arms around her and turned the quick kiss into a deep kiss.

"Mmm," she murmured.

"Mmm, what?" AJ asked.

"Mmm, I think I could use a little more of that."

"Baby, you got it," he began, then stopped.

"What?"

"How about after I check out the bathroom? I’m in a little pain here."

Chris pouted. "Fine. Put your bladder before me. I can tell where I rank in the scheme of things." AJ smiled to himself. She really was a card.

"Go back to your seat and I’ll be there in a minute."

"Just be sure to wash your hands," Chris said, turning and going back to her seat.

When she got back, Kevin and Howie were already awake. Brian and Emily were sleeping with their heads on each other, and Nick couldn’t be seen.

"Hey, guys," Chris said, her voice low. "Sleep well?"

"Not too bad," Kevin said.

"I think I’m a little too excited to sleep anymore," Howie said. "How’d you sleep?"

"Alright, I guess. I could’ve done without the bony pillow, though." Kevin and Howie chuckled. "What are you guys going to do for the next couple of hours?"
"Usually we go over some of the material a cappella before we get to the city, but I think we’ll wait until everyone wakes up," Howie said. "We’re almost there, anyhow."

"That’s good," Chris said. "Do you guys have any food on you? I’m starving."

"Not on me, no," Kevin said. "But hold on a second and I’ll call Sherrie."

Kevin pressed a button on the side of his seat and a stewardess dressed in uniform came down the aisle. "Good afternoon, Mr. Richardson. How may I help you?"

"Sherrie, my cousin here is a little hungry. What do you have available?" Kevin asked.

"Well, Mr. Richardson, we have a variety of fruits, some pastries, bagels, yogurt, and other breakfast foods. Anything sound appetizing?" Sherrie looked at Howie, deliberately ignoring Chris.

"I’ll have an English muffin and half a grapefruit and a cup of coffee, thanks."

"And for you?" Sherrie asked Kevin, her back to Chris.

"Definitely some coffee, and how about a bagel, too?"

"Okay, I’ll be right back." Sherrie started to leave.

"Wait a minute, Sherrie," Chris called. "You forgot me."

Sherrie turned back and faced Chris with a forced smiled on her face. "I’m sorry, dear. I guess I didn’t see you."

"There’s no need to apologize. I’ll just have a piece of dry toast and a cup of hot tea with lemon, please. If that’s not too much trouble." Chris said. Sherrie nodded once and then turned to leave a second time. "Thanks, Kevin."

"Chris, I’m sorry about that," Kevin apologized.

"Oh, don’t worry about it. I’m not hurt. I’m just a little disappointed." Chris said, reassuringly. "Oh! I forgot to get something for AJ!"

"I’d wait until Sherrie comes back and let him order for himself," Howie said. "There’s no need to irritate her any more than necessary."

Chris fell silent and fiddled with the pocket on the back of Brian’s seat. Soon, a hand clamped down on her shoulder and she jumped.

"Hey, woman. Scoot over," AJ said. Chris smiled up at him.

"No. I think you’re going to have to climb over me to get to your seat."

"Is that an invitation?"

"You sit on me and I’ll whack your butt," Chris teased. AJ made as if to fall back on her, and lost his balance as the plane hit some turbulance. He landed on the floor. Kevin and Howie turned around at the thud and started to laugh. AJ’s face was one of upmost surprise, and Chris couldn’t help laughing, too. Brian, Emily, and Nick all jerked awake and turned toward the back.

"What’s going on?" Nick asked. When he saw AJ sitting on the floor and the others laughing, he started to smile. He opened his mouth to say something, but AJ held up a warning hand.

"Try it and die," AJ said. "I don’t care if you just woke up."

"Oh, come on, AJ," Chris said, getting up. "You just fell on your butt. There’s nothing to be upset about. Here, let me help you." She stood and extended her right arm to AJ, bracing herself with the left. He grabbed it and pulled himself, feeling Chris’s resistance.

"Wow, girl! You’re strong!" Nick exclaimed.

"Thank you. I work out," she said, striking some "macho man" moves. Howie laughed.

"Sit down, guys," Kevin said. They sat down, AJ by the window and Chris by the aisle.

"How’s that feel on your butt, AJ?" Nick asked.

"Soft and supportive, thank you," AJ said. "But you just wait until we land."

Nick pretended to shake. "Ooh, I’m so scared."

"Geez, it’s like being with a bunch of kids," Chris exclaimed. Howie nodded.

"And just think that you’re going to put up with this for the next six months, too."

"Oh, no!" Chris groaned, putting her head in her hands and shaking it back and forth. At that moment, Sherrie returned with breakfast. She served Kevin and Howie, took Brian, Nick, AJ, and Emily’s orders, and gave Chris her tea and toast.

"Thank you," Chris said, politely.

"You’re welcome," Sherrie said with forced politeness. Then she returned to get the rest of the group’s food.

Chris took a sip of her tea. AJ looked at her with an amused expression on his face. "What?" she asked.

"Is that all you’re going to eat?"

"For the moment. I’m hungry, but I get motion sickness a lot, so I’m going to keep it light. At least I know I can keep this down."

"Thank you for the graphic answer," Brian said, turning around to face Chris. "I think we can sleep now knowing that you’re not going to puke on me."

"I may not puke on you, but there are other types of revenge," she replied sweetly.