Two Weeks Later:
“Morning,” Ang said as she walked into the kitchen and saw Brian sitting at the table. She leaned down and gave him a quick kiss.
“Hey,” Brian said as he set his newspaper down. “Where’d you go so early?”
Ang opened the fridge and grabbed a water bottle. “Just went for a run. Needed to get some exercise. I feel like I’ve done nothing but bum around at the pool these last two weeks.”
“My mom called this morning,” he told her. “She’s wants us to go out there for a few days next week. You up to it?”
“Sure.” Ang smiled. “I’d love to meet your parents.”
“Good,” he said, pulling her into his lap. “Cause they want to meet you too. I think Kev and Brooke are going to fly there with us.”
“I need to get back to New York at some point and pack up my stuff to be sent here,” Ang informed him.
“Still haven’t heard from her, huh?” Brian questioned.
Ang shook her head, sadly. “Nope. I don’t think anyone has. She’s not returning any of my calls. I wonder if Nick has talked to her.”
“I have no idea,” Brian shrugged. “I doubt it, though. Anyway, he’s been in Cali visiting his family for the past week.”
“Well, I gotta go shower,” Ang said, jumping up. “I’m going baby shopping with Krista today. Is everyone still coming over tonight?”
“Yup,” Brian nodded. “Probably around seven or eight.”
“Alright. See you later.”
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
“Krista!” Aj called from downstairs. “Your mom is on the phone.”
Krista stopped applying her makeup and went to get the phone. “Hey mom,” she said once she picked up the phone.
“Krista, darling, how are you?”
“I’m fine. What’s up?”
“Your father and I were planning on coming down there before heading to the Bahamas.”
“Really?” Krista asked, nervously. “When are you coming?”
“On Friday. We’ll probably stay until Sunday. Is that okay?”
“Uh, that’s fine mom. What time are you coming in?”
“Around three. We’re staying at the Marriot. Why don’t you meet us there around seven for dinner?”
“Alright. I’m bringing AJ though.”
“Whatever, darling. Just don’t be late.” Krista hung up the phone.
“Shit! Shit! Shit!” Her mind screamed at her. She knew her parents wouldn’t approve of her boyfriend and they definitely were going to flip shit when they found out that she’s pregnant with his child. She checked out her figure in the mirror. Turning sideways, she smoothed her shirt down and examined her stomach. Not too bad. Nothing baggy clothes couldn’t hide. But how was she going to explain all of this to AJ?
“Hey honey,” she heard as Aj walked into the room. “What’d your mom want?”
“Nothing really,” Krista answered, turning around to face him. “She and my father are flying in on Friday. They want us to have dinner with him.”
“That’s great.” He wrapped his arms around her. “What’d she say about the baby?”
Krista bit her lip. “I haven’t told them yet.”
AJ pulled back and looked at her. “Are you still waiting to do it in person?”
“Something like that,” Krista shrugged. “Listen, could you not mention anything to them on Friday?”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want them to know yet.”
He looked at her, skeptically. “What are you so afraid of?”
Krista sighed. “You don’t know my parents, AJ.”
“That’s a cop out, Kris, and you know it,” he said. “When do you plan on telling them? Six months from now when you deliver? You’re twenty one years old, Kris. They can’t ground you.”
“AJ—“
“No,” he interrupted her. “You need to grow up. Call me when you do.” He walked out of the room and stomped down the stairs. A few seconds later, Krista heard the front door slam. She threw the phone across the room. “I hate you too, Alex!”
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
Kevin walked into the beach house that the girls shared. It was now only Brooke and Alyssa, since Krista and Ang both moved in with AJ and Brian. Brooke didn’t believe in living with someone before you’re married because she felt that that left nothing to look forward to.
“Brooke!” he called to the seemingly empty house.
Alyssa walked out of the kitchen, eating an apple. “She’s in the shower. Fatima’s bringing our new roommates over in an a little bit.” Kevin looked at her, confused. “Krista and Katelin’s replacements,” she quickly explained. “They’re moving in with us today.”
Kevin nodded. “I think I left my cell phone here last night. I’m just gonna go up and see if it’s in her room.” He walked up the stairs and into Brooke’s room at the end of the hall. Spotting his phone on the table next to the bed, he walked over and picked it up. As he was putting it into his pocket he saw a letter from that guy Alex that he vaguely remembered meeting in Europe. He was about to pick it up when he heard the bathroom door open.
“Hey,” Brooke said, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“I just came by to get my phone,” Kevin replied, quickly forgetting about the letter. “ I’ve got some things to do this afternoon. You heading over to Bri’s tonight?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” Brooke answered. “I feel like it’s been so long since I’ve seen everyone even though it’s only been a couple of weeks.”
Kev smiled and leaned over to give her a quick kiss. “Well, I’ll see you later, then.”
“Bye!”
“Hello?” Ang called as she entered Krista and AJ’s quiet house. Krista walked out of the kitchen holding the phone to her ear. She held her finger up, signaling she’d be done in a minute.
“Okay, will you just tell her that Krista called and I’d really like it if she’d call me back…Okay…She has the number…Thank you.”
“Who was that?” Ang questioned.
“No one,” Krista answered. “You ready?”
“Yup!” Ang smiled. “Let’s go!” The two walked out of AJ’s house and into Ang’s new Jeep Cherokee.
“Where’s AJ?” Ang asked as they drove towards the mall.
“I don’t know,” Krista shrugged. “We kind of got into it before and he stormed out of the house.
“Why? What were you guys arguing about?” They reached the mall parking lot.
“I’ll tell you about it over lunch. Come on. I’m starving.” The two friends went to TGI Fridays and sat down for lunch.
“So, what were you guys fighting about?” Ang asked again as they waited for their food.
“He’s upset that I haven’t told my parents about the baby yet,” Krista explained.
“You haven’t?” Ang’s eyes widened. “ Why not?”
“It’s complicated.” Krista squirmed. “You’d have to know my family to understand.”
“Well, why don’t you explain it to me,” Ang suggested. “Maybe I can help.”
Krista began telling Ang about why her family wouldn’t approve. “My parents are, what’s the word…uh…very old fashioned. I went to private school my whole life. My parents belonged to country clubs. They had formal dinner parties with all sorts of important people. I’m the youngest. My brother and sister both followed the rules. They went to college, got good jobs, married who my parents wanted them to, and have the perfect little rich children. Well, I didn’t want to do that. I dropped out of college, moved to the city, and focused on dancing. They already resent me for that. Now they’re going to resent me for getting pregnant before I’m married and not dating the “perfect” man. I can’t wait to see the looks on their faces when they meet AJ.”
Ang giggled. “So then why are you so nervous? You seem like you’re hell-bent on pissing them off. This should do just that.”
Krista sighed. “Because nothing I’ve ever done can’t be changed. I can always go back to college. The baby’s permanent. Don’t get me wrong, Ang. I want this baby more than anything. Especially with AJ. I’m just nervous that I won’t have their support.”
“Kris,” Ang began. “You have to do what makes you happy. Don’t do anything just to please your parents. They have to understand that. If happiness means being with AJ, then they have to respect that. They don’t have to like it. But they need to respect it. Believe me, my parents weren’t thrilled that I decided to stay in Florida with Brian but they understood enough to see that it was what made ME happy.”
“I guess you’re right,” Krista sighed. “I just don’t know what I’d do without their support.”
“And if you don’t have it, you’ll always have all of us,” Ang said, grabbing your hands.
Krista smiled. “Thanks, Ang.”
“No problem,” Ang grinned. “Now let’s go shopping.”
***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****
“Hey Kev,” Brian said as he opened the door. “Where’s Brooke?”
Kevin pointed back to his 4-Runner. “She’s coming. Anyone here yet?”
“Nope,” Brian answered. “You’re the first one. Ang isn’t even back from shopping yet.”
“Hey Bri!” Brooke said as she walked into the house. “Where’s Ang?”
“Still shopping,” Brian replied.
Not too long after, everyone had shown up. Howie and Christine, AJ, Krista and Ang, all of the male dancers, and Erin and Becca, Krista and Katelin’s replacements. Alyssa led the two new girls over to AJ. “Hey J!”
He turned around and smiled. “Hey Lyss! Who are these two lovely ladies?”
“These are the newbies!” She answered. “This is Erin and this is Becca.”
AJ glanced from Erin to Becca and his mouth dropped open. “Uh…nice to meet you guys.”
Becca smiled. “You too.”
Krista marched over, noticing AJ nearly drooling all over these girls. “Pick you jaw up off the ground,” she hissed before turning around. AJ tore his eyes away from the two new girls and ran over to explain that reaction to his girlfriend. “Kris! That’s not what I meant!”
“Oh yeah?” Krista asked. “Then explain the puddle of drool that was collecting at your feet.”
“The jealousy act isn’t you, Krista,” AJ rolled his eyes. “And the reason I was staring is doesn’t that Erin chick look remarkably like a certain former dancer of ours?”
Krista glanced over at her and her eyes nearly bugged out of her head. “Wow! You’re right. They’re like twins.” Ang and Brian joined the conversation. “Is it just me or does she look exactly like Kate?” Brian remarked.
Krista smiled. “That’s what we were just saying.”
Just then, the doorbell rang. “Me will get it!” Brian announced as he ran for the front door. Opening it up, he saw a somber-looking Nick standing on his front step. “Frack, buddy, what’s up?” Brian moved aside to let Nick in. “I thought you were still in Cali with the fam.”
“Just got home,” Nick replied, stepping inside the house. “My flight came into Orlando so I thought I’d drop by. Didn’t realize you were having a party.”
“No problem,” Brian smiled. “We were all having tour-withdrawal and the new dancers are here today.” Brian noticed Nick’s face cloud over. “Shit, Nick, I’m sorry.”
“Whatever,” Nick shrugged. “So what are they like?”
“Well,” Brian began. “You, uh, should just come in and see for yourself.” Nick glanced at him with an odd expression on his face and walked into Brian’s living room where everyone else was. “Oh my god…Kate?!” He exclaimed, running over to Erin and turning her around.
Erin shocked, shrugged his arm off. “Can I help you?”
“I…I’m sorry,” Nick blushed, furiously. “You looked like someone else.”
She smiled, genuinely. “It’s okay. I’m Erin Leahey.”
He shook her hand. “Nick Carter.” He turned to look at the girl standing next to her. “And you are?”
Becca smiled, flirtatiously. “Becca Gibson.”
“Nice to meet you guys,” he said before turning around and walking out to the back deck and collapsing into a lounge chair with his head in his hands.
A few hours later, Brian’s party was still in full swing. Almost everyone, with the exceptions of Becca, Krista, and AJ were getting drunk inside, while Nick sat, stone-cold sober outside on Brian’s deck. Ang slammed her cup down on the table after she successfully out-chugged her boyfriend for the fourth time in a row. “Alright! Who’s next?” She looked around the room and no one seemed willing to go up against her. “Oh come on you wimps! Hmm…who should my next victim be…How about the second half of the Kentucky cousins. Sit your ass down, Richardson, and fill your cup.”
The room erupted into laughter as Kevin groaned and sat down across from her. “Watch it, Ang,” he warned. “I seem to remember what happened to you the last time you thought you could out-drink the other half of the ‘Kentucky Cousins.’”
Ang leaned over and pinched his cheek. “You’re so cute when you’re trying to be serious, Kevvy.”
“Hands off my man, Ang,” Brooke jokingly warned.
Becca walked outside and stared out at the ocean. She didn’t notice Nick sitting in the lounge chair a few feet away from her. He sat and stared at her out of the corner of his eye. She was tall, probably around 5’7” or 5’8”. Nick guessed she was around eighteen or nineteen. Light brown hair to her shoulders. Very thin. Dark complexion. She was really cute, he thought. But he couldn’t get his mind of Katelin. It had been only two weeks since they got home from Europe. He had called her repeatedly and she never returned any of his calls. Her father hung up on him every time. The maid felt sorry for him, he could tell, every time Katelin refused to talk to him. And Katelin, herself, never even answered the phone.
A soft voice broke into his thoughts. “Are you okay?”
Nick glanced up and saw Becca looking at him with an odd expression on her face. “Huh?” he asked.
She chuckled. “I said, ‘are you okay?’”
Nick shrugged. “No but there’s pretty much nothing I, or anyone else, can do about it.”
Becca glanced at the seat next to him. “Mind if I sit?” Nick shook his had and Becca sat down. “Do you want to talk about it?” She asked softly.
“There’s really not that much to say,” Nick sighed. “I fucked up and lost the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Becca lightly touched his hand. “Do you want to tell me what happened? Maybe I can help.” Nick took a deep breath and began telling her his story.
“Well, kids,” Kevin began. “I think it’s about that time. I’m getting a little drunk and I don’t think that I could handle going head-to-head with Ang anymore.” Everyone laughed.
“Oh come on, Kevvy,” Ang slurred. “Just one more round?”
Brian grabbed the bottle of Captain Morgan’s’ before Ang had a chance to. “You’re cut off, Angela.”
She crossed her arms and pouted. “You’re no fun, Bri.”
He leaned in next to her ear and whispered. “I’m lots of fun and the sooner all of these people leave, the sooner you can find out just how much.”
She grinned. “Alright people! Party’s over!”
Brian laughed at his girlfriend and then walked out onto the deck to check up on Nick and Becca. “Hey guys,” he said, quietly. Nick and Becca looked up at him. “Everyone’s getting ready to go. Nick, you’re more than welcome to stay here. It’s kind of late for you to drive all the way back to Tampa.”
“Thanks,” Nick smiled. “We’ll be in in a minute.” Brian nodded and walked inside.
“Give her time, Nick,” Becca advised as they stood up. “She’s hurt right now. She’ll eventually realize how mcuh she loves you and what a mistake she’s making by doing this.”
“I don’t know,” He sighed. “She’s cut herself off from everyone. I wouldn’t be surprised if we never heard from her again.”
Becca put her arm around him in a comforting gesture as they walked inside. “Have faith, Nick. I’m sure everything will work out for the best. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.”