Epilogue--A Final Ending

Epilogue

Casey, Jesse, Megan, and Sarah spent three more days with the Boys. They mainly lounged and sat by Kevin's pool. There was much talking to be done. Needless to say, the nine of them became much, much closer.
Nick and Sarah spent a full day alone. He drove her to a nearby beach, where they walked the shore under the night sky. The sea was calm and relaxed. It was Nick's total dream date. Sarah was happy to have him by her side, again. She had come close to forgetting the little things--his soft touch, the smell of his clothes, his infectuous laugh.
Nick had realized he made the right decision. After that day, he became madly in love with Sarah, vowing never to touch another girl again.
A.J. and Megan were crowned "Make-Out King and Queen." They couldn't keep themselves off each other. It was funny to the others.
As for Jesse and Brian? They stayed their distance, but yet...became more intimate. There was much flirting involved. Brian never knew Jesse to be such a great athlete. She happened to be on the Varsity basketball team. They spent most of the afternoons playing one-on-one and beating each other up.
Kevin was gradually recovering from the loss of Bree. He and Howie went out clubbing, and naturally picked up women. He knew he had to "roll with it." Bree didn't fade in his mind, though. They kept up their promises and called or wrote emails. Their relationship was still close.

+++++++++++++++++

In Salt Lake City, long months later...

Bree laid down on her bed and stared up at the ceiling of her bedroom. She was home alone. Her mother was with her father at the therapist. Bree's father had been lucky. The docotors had cleared his artery, and he was able to survive. He was doing much better, and went to weekly excersise sessions.
Bree tilted her head and smiled. She was staring at a poster of Kevin amongst the litter of Backstreet Boys paraphernalia all over her walls. Nick had mailed them the copies of the pictures taken at Disney. Those were also blown up and all over her door. Except for one--her and Kevin holding hands in front of the gardens--that one was framed, sitting on her desk.
The Backstreet Boys were enjoying a successful half-year in the U.S.--they had even reached past Hanson and Spice Girls status. They were overwhelmingly popular. Their hype in the other countries had died down a bit, though. But the Boys were happy to be home. Their new movie had just been released four weeks ago, and was still in the number one spot in the box office.
She heard the doorbell and jumped off her bed and ran down the stairs to get the door. Caitlin was waiting outside. Her hair was now short and bouncy, flattering her long face. She had also gotten it bleached for a lighter blonde.
"Hey gurl...heard from Kevy-Kev?"
Bree laughed.
"Actually, he just called a moment ago...that's why I wanted you to come over."
"What is it?"
Bree lead Caitlin into her TV room and they plopped down onto the sofa. She flipped the channel to MTV. It was on a commercial.
"Bree, tell me!"
"Just watch," Bree said, nodding toward the screen.
MTV News came on. They were showing a live broadcast. A black strip with white letters read "Backstreet Boys Press Announcement."
"OMIGOD! BREE!!!" Caitlin shrieked. Bree silenced her and they continued watching.
The five Boys were sitting behind a long table with microphones and glasses of water crowded around them. Johnny stood behind a podium. They could slightly see Donna sitting in the background. Cameras and reporters were everywhere. There were occasional flashes and snaps, and a shouting of questions.
Johnny cleared his throat.
"The Backstreet Boys, I, and TransContinental Records have discussed the following issue thoroughly, and we feel that now is the appropriate time to announce it to the public."
"What issue? Bree..?!" Caitlin exclaimed. Bree motioned for her to be quiet and to watch.
"The Boys are very concerned about the state of their fans after hearing this, and want to apologize ahead of time."
Johnny paused and sipped his water.
"C'mon, Johnny!!!!" Caitlin screamed.
"We're here to announce the engagement of the eldest member of the Backstreet Boys--Kevin Richardson--to his lovely fiancee, Aimee Johnson."
The camera flashed to a drop-dead gorgeous girl, most likely working as a model. She suspiciously had the same appearance as Bree.
"WHAT?!" Caitlin gasped, covering her mouth in shock.
"Their wedding date has been set for this following summer," Johnny continued.
"H-him and Aimee were that serious already?!"
"Well, yeah, Cait. It surprised me, too...Kev's not one to do this after only six months, but I guess I could understand. They spent so much time together...remember? She traveled everywhere with him."
Caitlin still couldn't take it in. She was also confused about Bree's calmness. She turned her attention back to the TV.
"As for the other Boys--they, too, are in relationships...no marriages, yet, though."
There were shaky laughs from the Boys and the crowd.
"Nick has been involved for--lets see--about more than a year, now?" Johnny turned for confirmation. The camera zoomed in on the cute blonde with blue eyes. He nodded in response, looking down.
"Brian and A.J. have been involved for about seven months months...Howie has been involved for six."
The camera caught the three. They were also looking down, nervously picking at their fingers or playing with the tablecloth.
"The Boys apologize, again, for keeping this from their fans. They want them to know that Backstreet will always be there to spread the music and love. Hopefully, no fans will be lost. They hope that they will understand and respect their relationships--especially Kevin's engagement. Now--questions..?"
The reporters went into a frenzy.
"Yes...lady in the blue."
The reporter rose. "Why has this been kept a secret for so long?"
Johnny gestured for the Boys to answer the question.
"We felt that it would upset the fans...we also felt that there wasn't a need to announce it...there wasn't exactly a right time or place for it." Kevin said.
"Guy in the back...yes, you."
"Now that this has been revealed, do you think that there will be a massive loss of fans?"
The Boys looked at each other, slightly shrugging and slowly shaking their heads.
"No...no, we certainly hope not," Brian said.
"We've always been about music. Hopefully it's not an issue about our social lives." Howie added.
"Another question? You...in the white."
"Kevin...your marriage will obviously limit the time you have with the band...how will you handle this?"
Kevin paused, looking at Aimee out of the corner of his eye.
"Well, the band will always be one of my top priorities. I'm not going to give up on it. Or music, on the matter. As for managing marriage and showbusiness? I may have to take some time off from my career to settle down."
"Meanwhile, what will the others be doing?" a reporter shouted.
Kevin turned to his fellow band members. "The guys will most likely be pursuing their individual careers...either recording solo albums or going into acting."
The Boys nodded in agreement.
"Kev told me Nick was just offered a record deal a couple days ago--he signed onto it." Bree told Caitlin.
"Wow, really? He'll be really successful." Caitlin presumed.
"I think A.J.'s getting into a deal, too. Either that or acting. Howie's definitely getting back into acting."
"What 'bout Bri-Bri?"
"Knowin' B-rok...he's prob just gonna chill and play b-ball all day," Bree smiled. "He's been on a song-writing rampage. We'll prob see his own album, soon."
Back on the TV, another reporter was asking a question.
"After the loss of Geri, and then Victoria of the Spice Girls after her marriage, they broke up. Will the scenario be anything like that with the Backstreet Boys?"
The Boys looked irritated at the question.
"I think that we'll always be the Backstreet Boys, no matter what," Nick replied. "I'm hoping we'll stay friends for a long, long time from now, and make more music together."
"So we'll be seeing another Backstreet Boys album in the future?" the reporter asked.
The Boys smiled, eyeing each other.
"Who knows?" A.J. supplied. "You're never gonna get rid of us."
"We're unstoppable," Brian added, a cheeky grin on his face.
Johnny stepped back up to the podium.
"I'm sorry, but that's all the time we have for now. Please hold your questions till next time."
The reporters kept shouting their questions, but were ignored as the Boys were ushered off the stage. Bree turned off her TV.
"This is amazing," Caitlin murmured. "I'll be praying for them."
"If they die off, then they die off. It's bound to happen to all bands. Especially teeney-bopper ones." Bree commented.
"How sad."
"It's not sad. They've had their time in the spotlight. In my opinion, it's been a happy five successful years for them."
"I wish I could think like you, Bree."
"Just keepin' the Backstreet pride alive, Cait." Bree said.
They both started laughing, and Caitlin hit her with a pillow.

+++++++++++++++++

As it turns out, the Backstreet Boys popularity immediately decreased. Many, many fans were devasted. Some even became suicidal. TransCon was in deep financial trouble and instantly went to work with Nick and his new album project. Nick also had a video game planned, and signed a deal with N64. TransCon wasn't too devasted with the Backstreet Boys loss...they still had 'N Sync and Aaron Carter, who were doing quite well. Naturally, BSB fans turned to 'N Sync for relief. These five guys were apparently still single. At least they claimed to be...
Kevin did have his wedding in the summer. They were a handsome couple, and were doing well together. Aimee was soon pregnant, and Kevin would be a proud father near Spring.
A.J. paired up with a few singers, such as Aaliyah and Usher, to produce a few singles. He continued to be succesful in the music business, and even attempted acting in a action flick.
Howie traveled to South America, where he was a total superstar. He played roles in soap opera and produced a few songs. A possible deal for a talk show was in the works for him.
Brian chilled and played basketball, as Bree had predicted. He wrote much of his own music and teamed up with Nick for many songs. He even produced one with 'N Sync.
Nick and Sarah had an off-and-on relationship. They finally decided to end it, but still remained close friends. A.J. and Megan were still close. They were becoming very serious. A.J. spoiled her constantly with jewelry and enough flowers to fill a mansion. Brian and Jesse had hooked up, obviously. They still remained a happy couple. Their love of basketball kept them together. Many of Brian's songs were inspired by Jesse. Howie and his love, a Hispanic model, were thinking about a long-time commitment, but put it off until a little while later.

As Nick said, the Backstreet Boys were still the Backstreet Boys. They called each other occasionally, and during the next summer, Kevin invited everyone for a get-together at his ranch. He wanted to "show off Jerald," his new son. Jerald was an exact replica of Kevin with his grey-green eyes and dark hair.
They watched their old tapes, their movie, and listened to their CDs.
"C'mon, lets hear an a cappella," Caitlin urged. She was a freshman at Michigan. Bree was studying journalism at UNC. Casey, Jesse, and Megan were also there. They had changed so much in the year. They were definitely more mature, and grew to be beautiful young ladies. Sarah had quit modeling and taken up acting. She smiled, and nudged Nick.
"Lets see if ya'll remember anything at all."
"Oh, please, how could we forget? We performed those songs a million times!" Brian laughed.
"Okay, lets hear it!" Casey prodded.
Kevin handed Jerald to Aimee, and the Boys gathered together.
"Hmm..what song shall we sing?" Howie asked, a twinkle in his eye.
"Ladies? Any requests?" A.J. turned to face their audience.
"How 'bout 'I'll Never Break Your Heart'," Bree suggested.
The Boys nodded and cleared their throats...Kevin started his infamous speaking part...

Baby, I know your hurting
Right now you feel like you could never love again
Now all I ask
Is for a chance
To prove
That I love you...

A.J. began singing, his raspy voice still going strong...

From the first day
That I saw your smiling face,
Honey, I knew that we would be
together forever

Brian came next, smiling at Jesse...

Ooh and I asked you out
you said no, but I found out
Darling that you'd been hurt
You thought that you'd never love again
I deserve a try, honey just once
give me a chance and I'll prove this all wrong

You walked in you were so quick to judge
But honey, he's nothing like me

They all sang...

I'll never break your heart
I'll never make you cry
I'd rather die than live without you
I'll give you all of me
Honey, that's no lie

As time goes by
You will get to know me
a little more better
Girl that's the way love goes
and I understand
But girl it's time to let go

I deserve a try honey
just once
give me a chance and I'll prove this all
wrong
You walked in you were so quick to
judge
But honey he's nothing like me
Darling why can't you see

No way, no how
I'll make you cry

I'll never break your heart
I'll never make you cry
I'd rather die than live without you
I'll give you all of me
Honey, that's no lie....

They recieved great applause. The Backstreet Boys weren't gone. They were still going strong.

Author's Note

I ended the story this way because I felt I had to add something about the Boys having girlfriends. Lately, I've been hearing numerous rumors about their "secret girlfriends" and read the sobbing letters of girls who were devasted about the news.
Please, girls, don't be upset. We must understand the situation they're in--they're in a business. A market, rather. And I'm sure when the time comes (maybe even like the situation in my Epilogue), they'll tell us. We still have their beautiful music, and please remember that.
If you feel the need to talk to me about either this or my story, feel free to email me. Thanks :o)

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