Part 181
With the cake cut and after making sure Sarah was settled in, the boys headed out to begin filming. They took care to see that Becca, Jesse, Ali, Sonja, and Vanessa had a seat off to the side, but close enough that they could see the entire proceedings. The set was nothing like Becca had ever seen. The entire video was to be filmed in front of a 'green screen' so that the special effects could be edited in at a later time, so at first it was a bit tough for her to grasp the concept.
She knew there was water involved, Sarah had taken great pains to taunt her with that fact, but even so she wasn't prepared for the full effect of totally wet, completely legal Backstreet Boys. It started out innocently enough.
For the opening shot, they all gathered around a grand piano, Kevin seated at the keyboard. The recorded music would be edited in later, but as they filmed, they sang along with themselves. Becca supposed it was the only way they could get the timing correct. They sang the entire song this way, and Becca noticed that there was more than one camera rolling. Each one was focused on one or two of the guys as they did their solos, and on the group as a whole. Simple enough right?
The director called a halt to the action as the music faded away and Becca stood up to leave. That was IT? Strange, very strange. Nick saw her start to walk away and stopped her.
"Bec, where are you going?"
"Back to the dressing rooms." She sounded totally unimpressed and even a little disappointed.
"You can't go, you have to stay and watch the rest."
"The rest? There's more?"
Nick laughed. "Sure, Bec, that was only one camera angle. We're gonna be here for hours yet."
"I don't get it," she said with a blank look.
"Now they film each of us doing the entire song, one at a time. Then it all gets pieced together."
"Oh." Becca blushed, feeling incredibly naïve. "I thought-"
"That they just put us out there and filmed us?" Nick laughed. "I know, that's what *I* thought the first time we did a video, but it's a lot more complicated than that."
"I should check on Sarah first."
"Bec, I wish you wouldn't." He put his hands on her shoulders to keep her there.
"Nick, she's so sick-"
"Exactly my point. Becca, I know you're best friends, but I don't want you catching whatever she's got. We've finally got you feeling good, Bec, if you get sick now it wouldn't be good for you or the baby." Nick watched her face as she thought about what he'd said. He hated keeping her away from Sarah, but it was for the best.
"Would you at least check on her and tell her why I'm not coming in?"
"Of course, baby. I'll go now. Howie's up first and then Alex. Sit back down and watch." He kissed her quickly and turned to go. "Oh, one more thing," he said, turning back.
"What?"
"I know you and running water," he said in a stage whisper. "I suggest you go to the little girl's room NOW before they start the rain machines."
Becca stuck her tongue out at him as he turned away giggling, but she took his advice. There was no way she wanted to be responsible for messing up a take on the video by bolting for the nearest bathroom stall as the power of suggestion worked on her ever distressed bladder.
* * * * * * *
After the group shot, Howie made a bee-line for his dressing room to check on Sarah. Slipping in the dressing room quietly, Howie found Sarah asleep and Raoul flipping through a magazine.
Raoul looked up, "How’s it going, D?"
"Slow. Kevin’s looking at what we just did. How’s Sarah doing?"
"She’s been asleep the whole time."
Howie sat beside Sarah and gently brushed her hair back. Slowly, she opened her eyes and smiled sleepily. "Hey, Angel," he whispered. "How do you feel?"
"Wrung out," she answered weakly. "I’ve missed most of the video."
"We’ve got it taped just for you. In fact, we’ve got an extra camera going on just Becca. Brian, Alex, Kevin, and I paid Jimmy to tape her reaction, especially to Nick and we’re gonna give it to them at the baby shower."
"So, are you taking a break?"
"Yeah. Kevin’s looking at what we’ve done so far," said Howie as he caressed her cheek. "Sarah, I’m worried about you. When’s your next doctor’s appointment?"
"I’m gonna check in with a doctor in New Jersey. We’re there for two shows."
"I want to ask about all this…what it might mean AFTER the twins."
Sarah knew what Howie was trying so desperately NOT to say and she saw the fear in his eyes. Sitting up, she took his hands in hers. "Howie, please stop worrying. I’ve read all the information about Lupus and I know what to watch for."
"But you’ve been sick the entire time and you weren’t with Jesse and now this."
"D, every pregnancy is different. Mama and Aunt Jackie had the SAME symptoms and they were fine afterwards. I’ll be okay."
"What about this?"
"What about it? It’s just the flu, D. I probably caught it from one of the kids at the center."
A tear escaped down Howie’s cheek and Sarah tenderly brushed it away. "I can’t help but worry about you, Sarah."
Sarah leaned to him giving him a soft kiss and whispered, "I’ll be fine, Sweet D."
"Make sure you drink plenty. I don’t want you to get dehydrated."
"Yes, dear," said Sarah rolling her eyes.
Raoul laughed and Howie shook his head. "Woman…you’re gonna drive me nuts."
"But you love me anyway."
"Yeah, I do," answered Howie as there was a knock at the door. "Come in."
The door opened and Alex stuck his head in. "I have a little girl who wants to see you two."
Jesse popped in and went to sit between Sarah and Howie while Alex sat next to Sarah on the arm of the couch.
"Mommy, are you sick?"
"Yeah, baby…I am. Are you having fun watching Daddy and your uncles?"
"Yeah, but Aunt Becca is acting REALLY weird."
All three laughed and Sarah asked, "Was Uncle Nick wet?"
"No."
Alex said, "We did the group shot with Kevin playing the piano first. How do you feel?"
"Tired but I’ll be fine. Do me a favor…DO NOT let Becca come back here. She doesn’t need to be around me with this."
"Or Nick," added Howie.
"No problem," said Alex. "D, you’re up next."
"Thanks, J…Angel, I’ll see you later. Jess, are you gonna stay
here?"
"Yes sir," she said as she gave him a kiss.
Howie gave Sarah a kiss then headed out into the studio. Jesse went over to Raoul who had her backpack, took out her crayons and a coloring book, then sat down to watch Howie on the monitor.
Before Alex moved down onto the couch with Sarah, he asked, "Baby, do you need anything?"
"I could use some more ginger ale. Look in Howie’s refrigerator."
Alex went over to check but it was empty. "No dice, baby."
About that time, Jesse piped up, "Uncle Alex, I want to go back and watch Daddy."
"Okay, ‘Little One’. I’ll take you when I go to get your mom some more ginger ale."