"I'm sorry Julia, but I have to go." I gave her a hug. "I'm really going to miss you."
"I'll miss you Car. You'd better call me!"
I smiled as I turned to go through the gate. "I wouldn't dream of not calling you! So long Julia!"
As I sat down in my seat, I mentally recalled the events of the past two years. Elite had renewed my contract for two more years. In those years, I had been on thirteen magazine covers, been a Cover Girl, appeared at too many fashion shows to count, hosted MTV's House of Style, and appeared at many, many award shows.
AJ and I were still going strong. In our case, I think the phrase absence makes the heart grow fonder is incredibly true. I hardly ever saw AJ, and yet we maintained a great relationship. I never got tired of hearing about all the things that happened on tour, or all the weird things fans had thrown on stage at him.
I kept in close contact with Charisma, in fact I talked with her everyday. I still never take off the necklace her gave me right before I left, it means too much to me. She and Nick broke up a year ago, but they're still friends.
Today, I was going to New York for a press conference that I had called for. Today would be the day that I announced to the world about the change in my modeling career. I reviewed in my mind what I would say as I dozed off.
A Little While Later
"Please fasten your seat belts and prepare for landing." The annoyingly perky voice of the stewardess woke me up. I waited in anticipation for the plane to land; I would finally get to see Charisma, Brian, and AJ after three long months.
After the plane had landed, I jumped up and practically ran to get off the plane. As I came through the gate, I saw Charisma and the guys waiting for me. AJ called out my name and I immediately ran into his arms.
"God, I missed you so much," he whispered as held me close.
"I missed you too AJ. But soon, I'll be able to see you all the time."
AJ raised his eyebrows. "What are you talking about? Are you planning on moving me to Paris?"
"You'll see," I said with a smug smile.
"Car!!!" I heard Charisma scream. She pushed AJ out of the way and gave me a huge hug.
"It's great to see you Ris, but you didn't have to kill my boyfriend to do it!"
Charisma glanced down at AJ, who was still on the ground where she had knocked him over. "Sorry."
AJ shook his head as he got back up. "Damn girl, you came at me like a freakin' train."
"Shorty!" Brian and Kevin ran forward to give me a hug.
"Hey Brian, Kevin."
Kevin looked at me thoughtfully. "You look beautiful Cara."
I blushed slightly. Becoming a model had done wonders for my self-esteem. "Thanks Kevin."
"Miss Littrell!" Marie, the secretary from the Elite office, came running up to me. "Miss Littrell, it's time to start the conference!"
I nodded and followed her a small room not far from the baggage claim. As I walked in and up to the podium I noticed over a dozen people and the guys and Charisma sitting down. I took a deep breath and began.
"Thank you all for coming here. As you all know, I have something to tell you that will affect my career greatly. After much thought, I have decided to retire from modeling." As I glanced around the room for the people's reactions, I noticed Brian and AJ's mouths gaping open. "The reason for this is because I want to go back to leading a normal teenage life. I applied to many different colleges, and was accepted to Florida State University, which I will be attending in the fall. That is all, and there will be no questions. Thank you for your time." I walked blindly out of the room as camera everywhere flashed.
"Cara!" AJ caught up to me as I went to get my luggage. "You're really quitting modeling?"
"Yes AJ. I just got so tired of not being able to do things I want to do because of my job. I just want to be normal again." I sighed. "But I haven't been normal since that interview on Backstreet Live."
"Does being 'normal' mean losing me?"
"Of course not AJ. I'm staying with you for a long time."
AJ smiled and slipped his arm around my waist. "Good. Seeing as you are going to Florida State and we've been going out for two years now, how would you like to move in with me?"
I nodded happily. "I'd like that."
"All right then. Come on, I'll bring you to your parent's house."
AJ and I walked through the airport. I was so blissfully happy, I barely noticed the people around me. In a matter of two years, all of my dreams had come true. Who knew what dreams would come in the future.
