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"What time do we go to the venue? When's the soundcheck? What time are we taking the stage tonight?" Nick shot out these random questions as the guys sat on their bus heading to Orlando.
"Geez Nick, chill out!" Brian laughed.
"What?? I wanna perform!! I mean, it's been over a week!!"
All the guys began to laugh at him. Nick in turn, crossed his arms across his chest and glared out at the road.
"We're sorry Kaos.....we know how hard it's been for you to take a backseat to all this," Howie finally apologized.
"I'm juste excited is all. I've got this feeling something big is gonna happen tonight!"
As the guys looked at Nick, they saw he was already out in space, with stars twinkling in his eyes. Sighing, they each went back to what they had been doing earlier.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sam spent the next few hours trying to figure out what Jordan had planned. She also began to get paranoid. It seemed like everyone she talked to knew what was going on but her. Now, her, Jordan and BJ sat in her room, staring at her closet.
"So, since you guys know where I'm going and what's going on, you pick what I wear." Sam stated decisively.
BJ and Jordan grinned at each other and began going through her closet.
"Well......you're gonna want something airy, light, but sexy...." BJ giggled.
"Oh god.....help me!!"
Without a second glance to Sam whom was lying on the bed covering her face with her hands, BJ and Jordan began to arrange one outfit after another for Sam to try on. It was about an hour before they were supposed to leave when they found the "perfect" outfit for the occasion. They chose black capri pants, a white, lowcut crop top with a white button down shirt to go over it and tie at the waist. Finally they chose, plain, white canvas shoes for her to wear.
"Okay....the hard parts done.....now onto hair and make-up."
"Oh no BJ......I don't know what you guys are up to, but stop!! I don't want to go anywhere now!!"
BJ and Jordan continued to grin and laugh at Sam. Pushing her down in front of her vanity, BJ went to work on her make-up while Jordan did her hair. They finished just in time. Her long, dark brown hair was now framing her face with soft curls everywhere. BJ had gone easy on th make-up.....a little pale eye shadow and lip gloss were all she used.
"Okay, lets go!" BJ squeeled in excitement.
"Okay...BJ you blindfold her, I'll grab the sign and then we'll leave."
"WHAT?!! You are not blindfolding me!!"
"Yes I am Sam....it's all a surprise....trust us!!"
"Oh god......." Sam mumbled before BJ put the black eye mask on her.
Jordan grabbed the sign and then the two of them led Sam downstairs where everyone was waiting. Jane stood up and led them out to the car, passing Jordan an enevelope with the front row tickets and backstage passes in them.
"Good luck," she whispered in Jordan's ear, "We'll meet you backstage after the show."
Jordan nodded, grinning like an idiot with excitement. BJ finally had Jordan settled in the car and then got out and went to stand by her mother.
"Have fun Sam!! See you later!!!"
Jordan jumped behind the wheel and they were off.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The guys sat backstage in their dressing rooms, getting into costume before the show. They had a little over an hour before they were due onstage. Each of the guys was beginning to feel the nervous tingling in their stomachs. For some reason, Nick seemed to be especially nervous.
"Hey Frack, you okay?"
"Huh? Oh yea Bri, I'm fine.....just nervous....."
"Why?"
"I......I don't know......," Nick laughed nervously, "For some reason....I don't know.....something just feels weird...."
"Are you okay? You aren't sick again, are you?" Brian asked concerned.
"NO! Nothing like that. It's like.....like something exciting is gonna happen.....I dunno....maybe it's just because the whole family is gonna be here."
"Yea that's probably it....come on Frack...we gotta warm up."
Nick followed Brian out of the dressing room to where the rest of the guys were. Taking their positions, they began to warm up their vocals with a few easy acapella songs. After 20 minutes of that, they each grabbed a spot and began to do some stretching so they wouldn't hurt themselves during the dance routines. Finally, it was time to perform. All the opening acts were done and all they guys had left was their group prayer then they were on.
"Okay guys!! Are we ready!!!? BSB WHAT TIME IS IT?"
"It's time......to go to work...."
"WHAT KINDA WORK?"
"HARD WORK!!"
After a few more grunts, the boys went and took their spots on their platfroms and waited for the explosion.
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"DAMMIT JORDAN!! Where the hell are we going!" Sam hollared from the back seat.
"You'll see when we get there."
"WHERE IS THER?!!"
"There is there! Now shut up and don't make me gag you!"
Sam shut up and sulked in the backseat while Jordan tried not to laugh. Upon arriving at the venue, she went around to the back like Jane had told her too. One of the guards approached the car and upon seeing her pass, flagged her through to park. After parking, Jordan helped Sam out of the car and led her through into the building. It seemed like everyone was in on the surprise cuz the gaurds knew who she was and directed her to the front of the building and down to the seating. Placing a backstage pass around her and Sam's necks, Jordan led Sam to their seats.
"Can I take this thing off yet?!!"
"NO! Now shut up and enjoy the music."
"Music??"
"Yea they're gonna play footage of a concert they had last night, before the main event starts," Jordan said trying not to giggle. This way Sam wouldn't know where they were when they opening acts came out.
"Oh..."
Sam and Jordan sat in silence as the opening acts came out and performed. Jordan couldn't help but laugh. Everytime she did, she had to explain to Sam that they group on the screen looked funny or something. Finally, it was time for the guys to come on. Turning to Sam, she took the blindfold off just as an explosion of fireworks went off and the guys popped up on the platforms. It took Sam a few minutes to realize what was going on. She finally caught on when she heard Nick's voice singing to "That's The Way I like It". Jordan watched as her mouth dropped open and then she turned to Jordan, giving her the evil eye. After a moment, Sam got up and tried to push past Jordan to leave, but Jordan grabbed her arm.
"Dammit Sam......you've got to do this!" she hollared about the music.
Sam stared at her for a minute before finally nodding and turning back to the stage. She watched, mesmerized as an older, more mature Nick danced across the stage, singing his heart out. Sam couldn't help but blush at some of the dance moves they were doing. They were definitely provacative. As Sam stared at Nick, Jordan focused her eyes on Brian and kept grinning like an idiot.
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Popping up, the guys launched into their first song, an upbeat dance one that always got the crowd going. After that, they slowed it down a bit and sang one of their mid-tempo ballads. During this time, Brian scanned the audience, making eye contact here and there, letting the fans know he saw them. Scanning the front row, he stopped midway. Staring a bit, he couldn't help but think the girl looked framiliar. Not being able to place her face, he went back to focusing on the song. Soon enough, it was to the point of the show they all had begun to hate.......the time to sing "Missing You". THey all loved the song and it was a very good one....but it always brought up memories for Nick. Backstage, they were just getting done changing when Brian appraoched Nick.
"Hey Nick.....you gonna be okay?"
"Yea Brian.....it's only a song....."
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'll be fine."
Nodding, Brian and the guys took their positions once more as the music started up. Nick started up on his cue.
Oh baby I'm missing you
We used to love so strong
Tell me where did we go wrong
Oh baby I'm missing you
They say I'll learn to forget
But it sure ain't happened yet
As Nick headed over to his part of the stage, AJ took over on the lead vocals.
Been checking out the places where we used to go
(used to go)
And looking for your face inside the crowd
I've been talking to the people that we used to know
But nobody wants to say where you hang out
As AJ sang his verse, Nick worked the crowd. Winking and flashing his famous Carter grin at a few girls, causing each to shriek and turn red. He always got a kick out of why they did that. Scanning the front rown, he stopped halfway down to read a sign. After reading it, his jaw dropped open as he looked to the girl holding the sign. Nick was so busy staring that he almost missed his cue. It took Kevin lightly pushing him out of the trance to realize it was almost back to his verse. Shaking his head, he tried to pull himself together.
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As the guys came out and Nick started the song "Missing You", Jordan looked at Sam.
"Here's your chance. Hold up the sign repeatedly throughout this song."
"Why this song?" Sam asked apprehensively.
"This is the song he wrote because of you.....now hold the sign up!"
Sam glanced down and unrolled the sign and read it.
Nickers~ I'm so sorry... <3 Sam
Plain, simple and to the point.
"How did you know of his nickname??"
"His mom told me....now he'll know it's you.....so hold it up!!"
Slowly Sam opened the sign, took a deep breath and held it in front of her. Sam held her breath as she watched Nick saunter across the stage. Just off to the side of her he stopped and scanned the audience and flashed his million dollar smile. She continued to watch as he scanned the front row and stopped on her and her sign. Sam watched as he read it and his jaw dropped open. A moment later she found herself looking into his eyes. She couldn't read anything behind them though because of all the lights. Sam watched as Kevin lightly bumped into Nick, gaining his attention. Coming out of his daze, Nick began to sing.
And when I call your phone
Seems like you're never, ever home
And you don't return my calls
(return my calls)
No, it tears me apart
(tears me apart)
This breaking of my heart
(this breaking of my heart)
Sam felt tears welling up in her eyes as she heard the words. She could feel Nick's gaze on her as the tears spilled over and down her cheeks as they went into the chorus. Sam sobbed silently as she watched them all. After the chorus, AJ took the lead.
I still have your pictures hung around my room
(around my room)
They're the only thing that's left of you and me...Ohh
Girl what can I do to make you come back soon
And make it just the way it used to be
Sam could feel the anger in his glance as he looked down at her. Out of all of them, Sam didn't know if she was more afraid of AJ or Brian. AJ seemed like the type to hold a grudge, but Brian was Nick's best friend now. Shifting her gaze with each verse, she watched Brian take center stage.
Oh is there some one new
Could never go on....without you
Girl I don't wanna think about
(think about this)
No, I can't sleep at night
(can't sleep at night)
No this can't be right
(this can't be right)
Come back into my life
(come back baby, come back)
Brian tried repeatedly to make eye contact with her, but Sam couldn't look up. The shame and embarrassment that was filling her right now wouldn't permit her too. She just prayed that the song would end soon.
I know there's a chance for you and I
If I believe there's no way our love could die
So not matter how long it takes, I'll wait for you
And whatever it takes I'll be there for you
I'll be there
(I'll be there)
I'll be there
I'm missing you
We used to love so strong
Tell me where did we go wrong
Oh baby I'm missing you
They say I'll learn to forget
But it sure ain't happened yet
Oh baby I'm missing you
We used to love so strong
Tell me where did we go wrong
Oh baby I'm missing you
They say I'll learn to forget
But it sure ain't happened yet
But it sure ain't happened yet
But it sure ain't happened yet
Sure ain't happened yet
But it sure ain't happened yet
Just when Sam didn't know if she could take anymore, the music sped up to a new song. Looking at Jordan, Sam silently shook her head.
"I'm sorry Sam.....I didn't know it would be......this...bad," Jordan whispered in her ear as they stood hugging each other.
"It's okay....you're right....I needed this......just a lot harder than I thought it'd be."
"Come on.....enjoy the rest of the show...the hard part is yet to come...."
Sam looked at her questioningly and noticed the backstage pass around her neck. Groaning lightly, Sam turned back to the stage.
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During a 10 minute break in which the band played and the stage was changed around, the guys sat backstage changing.
"Um....guys was it just me or did I see who I thought I saw?" Nick asked, white as a ghost.
"Nope....you saw her....." Kevin answered quietly.
"So the weasil finally had the guts to show up......4 years later."
"Hey! Chill out AJ.....we haven't heard her side yet," Brian said calmly, "Besides......you have no reason to be mad......this one is up to Nick."
Everyone looked up at Nick who had stayed quiet during all of this.
"I dunno yet......I dunno.....lets just finish this show and not worry about it right now."
Nodding, the guys took their places again and finished their show without missing a beat. After the show, they all went backstage and showered, delaying the inevitable.....for they had all seen the backstage passes around Sam's neck.
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"I can't do this Jordie....."
"Yes you can Sam....you've come too far to turn around now. You have to do this so you can move on."
Nodding, Sam let Jordan lead her to the nearest security guard who led them backstage.
"The boys will be back in just a little bit, you can wait here."
Sam and Jordan took a seat and waited. After what seemed like an eternity, all the guys entered, single file. Gathering her courage, Sam stood up.
"Hi Nick......"
"Sam."
"So....how's it going?"
"What do you care?"
"Nick.....I'm trying here, okay...." Sam pleaded, "Can we go somewhere and talk?"
"Whatever you have to say to me, you can say in front of these guys. They're my friends and indirectly, you've affected them too." Nick responded coldly.
"Look Nick....I'm sorry...there's not much I can say.....I want to explain what happened....but not with an audience."
"Tough shit then. They deserve an explanation too. So.....start explaning. Why did you leave? Why did you feel the need to stop all correspondence? Why did it take you four fucking years to get the guts to come home?" Nick said, his voice getting louder with each question.
Without another word, Sam shook her head no and turned and ran out of the room.
"SEE!! YOU'RE STILL RUNNING AWAY!! YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED AT ALL SAM!" Nick screamed after her, his anger finally coming out.
Jordan just stared at the group of them.
"You asshole!!" she screamed at Nick.
"Look, I don't know who...."
"No, you look! You shut up and listen your spoiled little brat!! For the four years that I've known Sam, she has always been depressed and upset. She has NEVER stopped torturing herself over this! You owe her a chance to explain!!"
"Whatever! I owe her nothing...she owes me.....she owes me a lot!" Nick spit out between clenched teeth.
Without anothe word, Jordan walked up to Nick and slapped him hard, "You asshole......you don't deserve an explanation....you deserve to live a life of lonliness."
Without another word, Jordan turned and left the room in search of Sam. Nick just stood there in shock.
"She slapped me....."
"Well Nick......no offense meant buddy, I love ya.....but you deserved it." Brian said softly surprising everyone.
Of all the guys, Brian had the biggest reason to be mad at Sam. Not only had she hurt his best friend.....but he had considered her a friend too, and therefore she had hurt him as well.
"WHAT!" the guys cried in unison.
"Nick, you could have let Sam explain.....but you had to be your pigheaded self and yell at her. Yes, you have a right to be mad....but you gotta give her a chance to tell you what happened. And none of us deserve an explanation until she's ready to give it."
Nick looked at Brian incredulously before storming out of the room himself. Slowly, one after another, the guys left the room, going their own seperate ways.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Jordan found Sam sitting in a dark corner by the exit, crying.
"Hey.....you okay Sam?"
"Yea Jordie...I'll be okay...you were right though....I needed to do this and put it all behind me......thanks."
"No problem.....me and Jane hoped it would have had a better ending though..."
"So Jane was in on it too, huh? Should've known," Sam said with a smile.
"Yea....everyone minus the guys knew. You will be kinda happy though....on your behalf....I yelled at Nick and those stupid Backstreet morons and slapped him."
Sam looked at Jordan in shock for a second before busting out laughing.
"Thanks Jordie.....it's nice to know I've got you in my corner."
"No problem sistah! You ready to go home? I'm starving and exhausted!!!! Keeping all this a secret was hard work!!"
Laughing, Sam stood up and followed Jordan out to their car. Slipping into the seat, Sam leaned her head back and sighed. What a long day it had been. Jordan glanced at her once before starting the engine and heading home.
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Nick slowly climbed the stairs to his room. It was exactly as he had left it.....messy. Undressing to his boxers, Nick turned on the TV and sat on the bed. Glancing out the window, he saw Sam's old room staring back. Still watching, he saw a light turn on and then go off about 10 minutes later. Sighing, Nick turned off his TV and climbed under the covers where he fell asleep out of exhaustion instantly.