Isabel braced herself for the landing of the huge jet she was and began getting ready for what she thought of as 'the rest of her life'.
Two years had passed since she had left the BSB behind in Europe for college life back in the States. She was now 20, getting ready for her third year at UK studying English.
Now, summer was upon her and like many other college students she was off to Florida, only not to party, Kevin was gettng married and he insisted she be there, so did Kristen. Isabel had loved Kristen the minute she met her, she was kind, sweet, friendly, gorgeous, and perfect for Kevin. Kristen had called about a month and a half before school ended for summer break to invite her down. How could she refuse a free trip to Florida?? Isabel couldn't, so now here she was, on her way back to life in the fast lane. Okay, maybe not so fast but whatever.
She had lost contact with Nick pretty much right after she left Europe. The letters and phone calls were infrequent and then just stopped altogether. It hurt, yes, but she was starting to realize there were other guys out there besides Nick Carter.
After it was clear to get off the plane, Isabel grabbed her backpack, threw it over her shoulder, and politely pushed past people to get through to the terminal to Orlando International. She looked at the signs that directed her to the baggage claim and she lugged her things off and set them by her side as she looked around for Kevin..or someone. "Isabel!"
She spun around to see a tall, thin, blonde woman waving at her and making her way through the crowd of people; Kristen. "There you are! I thought maybe I was too late and missed you!"
Isabel laughed as they hugged one another, "I was beginning to think I told Kevin the wrong time!"
"Well look at you little Miss College Student, you look great! How was this last semester?"
Isabel blushed, she wasn't used to getting compliments, "Thanks, this last semester was hard but I'm just glad its over and I get to spend the whole summer here!"
They began the trek through the busy airport. "Well, we're glad to have you here. I still think you should transfer to UF."
Isabel rolled her eyes, "There is no way in hell I'd go to the University of Florida, its nowhere near the beach!"
Kristen laughed, "True, very true."
"I thought Kevin was going to meet me?"
"He was but he saw how many people were inside and kinda freaked so I said I would. He's waiting in the car."
They walked out the sliding glass doors and into the humid, heavy sunshine. "Awww..gotta love the weather.."
Kristen looked at her weird, "It is too hot Isabel, what are you thinking??"
"I love hot weather...means more beach time!"
"True, ooh, there's Kev."
Kevin spotted the two women and stepped out of the 4-Runner, his hat pulled low. He grinned as Isabel walked up to him. "Some disguise Kev, NO ONE will recognize you."
"Funny..come here and give me a hug girl!"
She reached up and hugged him tightly, it'd been nearly 6 months since she had seen him. "Its good to see you Kev."
"You too, how was the flight?," He asked putting her things in the back.
"Good, alot of boring people though."
"I bet...come on, let's get home."
They climbed inside and Kevin pulled away from the airport and towards the interstate.
Isabel had a feeling the other guys would be at Kevins' house...and she was right. As Kevin parked the 4-Runner she successfully guessed each of their cars. Kristen led her up the walkway, "I know about you and Nick, you know.....you haven't seen him in awhile, have you?"
She shook her head, "No..the letters we promised each other stopped as soon as school started..."
"Well..lemme warn ya; he's not the same Nick. He's bitter and sometimes downright mean, but you ignore him and move on. I think it has to do with his new girlfriend; Kelsey; there is just something not right about that girl."
"What's she like?"
Kristen paused a minute, "Well..I think you just pretty much have to see for yourself.."
"Oh..okay.."
Kevin appeared behind them, "Go on in...they're waitin' for you.."
They entered the large house and Kevin led the two women into the living room area and kitchen. AJ spotted her first and whistled appreciatively as he came over to her. "Well look at you, damn girl you are hot!"
Isabel laughed and hugged him, "And you haven't changed one bit AJ."
Brian bounced over, "Its been too long Isabel."
She nodded, "It has," and hugged him.
LeighAnne was next, she was a complete sweetheart and had predicted they'd be perfect for one another, "Its so good to see you Isabel."
"You too Leigh."
Howie was next, he hugged her, "You look great Isabel..how's college?"
"Its good, real good."
He introduced her to his girlfriend, Christine, who seemed really nice.
Everyone pretty much dispersed to eat and whatever. Isabel spotted Nick's tall frame in the back corner talking to who she presumed must of been Kelsey, a short blonde girl. Isabel kinda wished he'd come talk to her, but he seemed content ignoring her. Amanda, AJ's girlfriend, arrived a few minutes later. It was true what AJ said in the Rolling Stone article, she was the female version of him, but she was sweet and nice so Isabel really liked her. "AJ is right, you look awesome Isabel!"
She laughed and hugged Amanda, "You don't look so bad yourself, how's the music thing going?"
Amanda made a face, "I dunno...I really don't know if I wanna be solo or what..its just too damn difficult.."
"I bet.."
"How's college?"
"Its good, hard, but its good.."
Amanda nudged her playfully, "Any boys??"
Isabel laughed and blushed....
Nick had pretty much watched Isabel's every move since she had entered. She was even more beautiful than he could of imagined. And she held herself with so much more confidence; that made her even more gorgeous. 'Must not forget Kelsey..she is MY girlfriend.,' He chided himself.
But he wasn't the same Nick he was when she left. Her presence had made him feel so much but once she was gone, he went back into his hole and didn't want to come out. The past year had been rough on the whole group; engagements were announced, and of course there was that GREAT drunken fight with AJ that one night. Of course, Nick had initiated that one. Everyone was coming down on him SO hard and he was losing it, he knew he was. Of course, Kelsey didn't help, she just was so needy and so wanting that she got annoying.
They were perfect for one another, bitchy and annoying and whiny. No wonder the guys tried to distance themselves asmuch as the could from Nick.
Nick was listening to Amanda's and Isabel's conversation more than what Kelsey was saying. 'Boyfriend? Well OF COURSE she has to have a boyfriend. Looking like that?? She has to have one....why couldn't that one be me? Because stupid, you lost contact with her..DUH..,' He argued with himself for a few more minutes.
Isabel laughed and blushed, "I've gone out with like three guys I guess but nothing serious.."
"Ohhh...well thats understandable, you don't wanna be tied down to someone while in school, thats hard. Damn, AJ needs me, I'll be back, ok?"
Isabel nodded, "Take your time."
Kelsey had disappeared to the bathroom and Nick saw his opprutunity to talk to Isabel.
She was standing in the kitchen by herself drinking a Diet Coke, she was so predictable. "H...Hi Isabel."
She looked surprised that he was actually talking to her, "Hi Nick.."
"Its...its umm..really good to see you.."
"You too...you look umm..great.."
"Yeah..so do you..."
"Is that your girlfriend, you were talking to?"
She saw his eyes harden and knew she hit a sore spot as his whole way about him changed, "Yeah..and what if she is?"
"No..no reason..just trying to make conversation.."
"Yeah well, let me live my life and you live yours, since you've seemed to of forgotten about me..."
"You want to explain what you mean by that Nick?"
"You don't write or call..hell, was I even supposed to know you were alive Isabel? I mean, shit, it's like you disappeared from the Earth!"
"You didn't exactly keep up with your end of the bargain either Nickolas, so I wouldn't talk. Next time you decide to take your shit out on me, do me a favor? Go to someone who gives a shit because I'm one girl who doesn't.," She said pushing her way past him and walking upstairs.
Back to the 'Hold Me' Page
Back to the Story Page
Back to the Main Page