They had a little while before rehersal and sound check so Brianna, Nick, and Aaron went back to the hotel room. She sat and watched the two brothers play video games and goof off. Actually, she was content just doing that. She didn’t begrudge them their time. Aaron was only here for the day, she still had three or so days left with Nick. Besides, it was always entertaining watching those two together.

Eventually there was a knock on the door. When Brianna opened it there was a very large muscular man on the other side. He seemed vaguely familiar but she couldn’t place him. He seemed very serious when he asked, “This is Nick’s room?” She didn’t have to answer, just then Aaron yelled Nick’s name and accused him of cheating in the game. It was all part of the normal brotherly banter. What she didn’t expect was the booming reprimand from this big man at the door. “Aaron Carter! Don’t you think it would have been at the very least courteous had you told me where you were off to, instead of me searching all of this damn hotel and finally finding out where you were from Howie?”

Aaron literally jumped at his name. Then he was back into cool mode. Brianna assumed he was trying to play things off in front of his brother. “Ron man, chill dude. You know I was going to find Nick. All you had to do was find his room.”

“Well, that is a lot easier when he is actually REGISTARED in the hotel. Even under his fake names.”

Aaron gave Nick a confused look. “Sorry AC, Ron. The room is under Brianna’s name this time. We did that cause she was getting here first.”

Brianna remembered who Ron was, he was Aaron’s long-time Bodyguard. That is, outside of Mike who had also worked for Aaron at one time.

“Nick, it’s not your fault. He just needs to learn that I really do need to know where he is. If he gets hurt it’s my ass, and he knows that.”

“Aaron, Ron’s right. Next time just tell him where you’re gonna be. He’s cool.”

“Jeeze Nick, you sound like Mom or Kevin. When’d you get all stiff?”

“Aaron, I told you, I just don’t want anything to happen to you. Yeah, I used to sneak off, but things were different for us when I was your age. And even so, that doesn’t make it right.”

“Oh, so I see. It’s do as I say and not as I do. That fucking sucks man. I remember you hating when Mom and Pops would pull that with you.”

“Well, it may suck, but that’s the way it is. And don’t cuss at me.”

“Whatever, don’t you have a rehersal to get to or something?”

Nick looked at his watch and sighed. It was actually about time for him to leave. With the new show they needed every minute of rehersal time they could fit in. Besides, they were trying to work in yet another new song to add to the show in the next few days. “Yeah, I guess I should be going.” He went to the bedroom and grabbed his backpack and duffle bag. He gave Brianna a quick hug, went to give Aaron one, but noticed the rigid stance the young boy had and thought better of it. **Sigh** I’ll see you two at the show. You gonna come backstage?”

Brianna’s answer was, “Of course.” Aaron just shrugged his shoulders. Nick shook his head and walked out the door.

Ron started in on Aaron again, “You shouldn’t get all moody with him. He isn’t the one who got you in trouble you know. He was just stating the facts.”

“Whatever.”

Man those two boys are so much alike, right down to their mood swings. Brianna felt some intervention was in order. “Ron? Hey, sorry I didn’t recognize you when I opened the door, it’s just been a long time.” He told her it was okay. “Listen, you think Aaron would be okay hanging out with me for a little bit? If promise not to take him into any crowds or anything? I can even call ya when we’re ready to leave for the venue.”

Ron understood what she was doing and agreed, that is if Aaron wanted to stay. He said he had nothing better to do. Brianna wasn’t hurt by his statement. He was young, hot headed, and still upset. He was at that age that he wasn’t a little kid anymore, yet not old enough to really be treated like an adult. Unfortunately, his career demanded that he act like an adult, and handle the business end of things like an adult, with out any of the perks that a real adult would get. It was enough to be frustrating for even the most patient of people. And one thing the two Carter boys lacked was an abundance of patience.

<~ Chapter 63 or Chapter 65 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003