"...and that is how you graph linear equations," my algebra teacher Mrs. Galloway said. "Any questions?" No one raised their hand, no one ever does. Especially because our Spring Break started tomorrow. "Alright then, let's move on. 2x+9y=12, how would you solve that?"
Yawn. This class is so boring and such a waste of time. Will I ever need algebra when I'm a famous dancer? I was about to drift off to sleep using my textbook as a pillow when a piece of paper landed on my desk. I looked over to the other side of the room and saw my best friend Charisma waving at me. I opened the note and read it:
Cara,
Hey, do you understand this? I don't, but then again do I ever? Write Back!
"Who should I pick to answer number 12? Ah, Miss Littrell. Do you know the answer?"
I was about to open my mouth to answer when a voice came over the loudspeaker. "Excuse me Mrs. Galloway, is Cara Littrell there?"
"Yes she is."
"Could you spend her to the main office please, she's going home."
Yes! I'm free! I gave Charisma an apologetic look for leaving her as I gathered my books and left the classroom. I quickly threw my books in my locker and headed to the office. I didn't even know why I was going home, probably a doctor's appointment that I had forgotten about.
As I entered the office I looked for my mother but I didn't see her. The only other person there was a short young man wearing a hat and sunglasses. I didn't really recognize him, but when I saw his smile I knew right away who it was.
"Brian!" I gave my brother a big hug. "What are you doing here, you're not supposed to be home for another two weeks!"
"Cara, you look so beautiful! And you've grown!" At 5'9, I was just a little taller than my 24-year-old brother. "I guess I can't call you Shorty anymore."
I smiled. "Brian, I'll always be your lil Shorty. So why are you here?"
"I came to pick you up because we're going to New York."
"New York? Bri, what are you talking about?"
"Dad went on a business trip and took mom with him, and mom asked me to watch you during Spring Break. I'm going to be in New York so you're coming too."
"What? I don't need a baby-sitter, I'm almost 16!"
"Come on Shorty, don't you want to spend more time with me?"
"Yeah. But wait, what about Charisma? She's spending the break with us because her parents are out of town. She was to come with us."
"Alright, I'll have them call her down."
Brian went off to find the secretary while I stood there. Charisma didn't know that Brian is a Backstreet Boy. Oh my God, she's going to kill me.
Brian came running back. "Okay, she's coming. Come on, we'll meet her down the hallway."
"Brian, she doesn't know who you are. I mean, she knows that I have an older brother, but she thinks your name is Tom and that you're in the Navy."
He laughed. "Why would she think that?"
"Because when we first moved here I didn't want people to only be my friend because I was your sister, so I never told anyone the truth."
"Well it looks like you're about to." Brian pointed to a girl walking in our direction. "Is that her?"
"Yeah. Ris!" I waved her her to meet us.
"Hi!" she said brightly. "Am I going with you guys?"
My brother nodded. "Hi, I'm Cara's brother Brian."
Charisma's jaw nearly dropped to the ground. "Brian as in Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell? Oh my God, hi I'm Charisma and a huge fan!" She punched me hard in the arm. "Why didn't you ever tell me Car?"
I rubbed my sore arm. "Ow, that's why!"
"So where are we going?" Charisma asked as we got into Brian's car.
"Girls, this is Lonnie, my bodyguard," Brian said, referring to the man in the front seat. "Lonnie, this is my sister Cara and her friend Charisma. We're going to New York City."
"Are the other guys gonna be there?" Charisma asked hopefully.
Brian nodded as he pulled out of the school parking lot. "They can't wait to see you again Car, especially Kev."
"Brian has a surprise for you Cara," Lonnie said, turning around to look at us.
"Oh yeah, thanks for reminding me Lonnie. We're going to be on MTV today for a special called Backstreet Live, and they want you to be on the show too!"
"Cara, that's so cool!" Charisma gushed. "You always say how much you want to meet Carson Daily."
"You can come too Charisma, how do front row seats sound?"
Charisma nodded. "That will be so cool Brian, thanks!"
Brian smiled. "Anything for a huge fan. So what do you say Cara, are you going to do it?"
I sighed. "I guess so. I really don't want people to find out, but I can't hide it forever. Is BJ going to be there?" BJ, Nick's sister, is one of my close friends. Whenever she's in New York for a modeling shoot, her mother Jane brings her to my house so we can hang out.
Brian shook his head. "No, she's sick. Jane was going to bring Leslie or Angel out for the show but she didn't want to leave BJ alone."
"That's sucks. I haven't seen her in so long. Will that make me the only non-Backstreet Boy there?"
"Yeah, and it's two hours long. It's gonna be so cool, you'll love it, I promise."
After we got to the city and checked into a hotel near the MTV studios, Charisma and I shared a room, we went to the lobby where some of the other guys were waiting.
"Cara!" Kevin called as he ran to greet us. "Long time no see!" He gave me a big hug.
"Hi Kev. Oh, this is my best friend Charisma, she's a big fan of your music."
"Hi," Charisma said shyly. "It's nice to meet you."
Kevin smiled. "Nice to meet you too, you have a pretty name."
Charisma blushed. "Thank you."
"Where are the others?" Brian asked.
"AJ and Howie are upstairs, and I don't know where Nick is."
"I'm right here!" said a voice from behind us. "Cara!"
"Nick!" I gave him a hug. "How have you been?"
"I'm fine, but who is that pretty girl next to you?" Nick asked.
Charisma smiled. "Hi, I'm Charisma."
"Charisma? Well, it's nice to meet you," Nick said, flashing her a smile.
"Who is that lovely lady? Could it be...Cara Littrell?"
I laughed. "Hey AJ!"
"I mean it. You look so beautiful." He kissed my hand. "And who's your friend?"
"I'm Charisma."
"Pretty name for a pretty girl," AJ replied.
"Hey, it's my favorite Jersey girl!" Howie came rushing towards us. "How are you babe?"
I giggled. "I'm fine Howie. This is my best friend Charisma. Don't worry, he only looks like he'll bite."
She laughed. "It's nice to meet you. I love your music."
Howie smiled. "Really? That's cool. Are we ready to go guys?"
"Yeah!" everyone said in unison.
We climbed into a van that was sent for us and we were off to MTV studios.
