Chapter 4

“Are you done being bitchy, or are you gonna ignore me the rest of the night?” AJ asked Brianna, as he walked into the house.

“You know AJ, I love you to death…but sometimes you need a lesson in tackfulness.” Brianna said, trying to get her point across to AJ.

“But Brianna, you know I am right.  Nick needs to get off his dead ass and do something with his life.  The boy is 21, and has a whole life ahead of himself.  Why is he dwelling on something that happened 8 months ago?  I just don’t get it.  I mean, if someone in my life that I loved died…and I promised that I would move on…I would keep that promise.” AJ said matter-of-factly.

Brianna stood there…totally stunned.  AJ really was an ass.  “Damn AJ, and I thought that you were his friend…” she said as she pulled her bag out of the closet.  “You know…I just don’t want to be around you right now.  I am going to stay with Kat.”  she said as she started packing her clothes in the bag.

“Oh fine…that’s really the right thing to do.  Just walk away.  What is it with you girls?  And, you even got my best friend against me…fine…just get out!  GET OUT!” AJ yelled as Brianna walked out the front door.

*** *** ***

Nick woke up on the couch, holding Katie Lynne in his arms.  She was sleeping peacefully, and he hated to wake her.  As he got up slowly, she started to stir, but soon fell back asleep.

“Girl don’t stop…the sun from shining down on me…cuz I can’t face another day without your smile.  And if you take away your loving arms that surround me, then I might break down and cry just like a child.” he sang softly as he put Katie in her bed.

Katie turned over and curled up.  Nick very carefully placed her blanket over her and then kissed her sweetly on the cheek.  He smiled as he looked at her sleeping peacefully, and then turned off the light and left the room.

“Oh Katie…if only you could understand how much I miss your mommy.” he said to himself as he left her room.

*** *** ***

“Kevin, what color did you decide on the roses?  Did you want darker red or a light red?” Dee asked as she looked over a few more color swatches.

“Dee, I thought we decided on the burgundy colored roses…you know…all royal colors for the flowers and attire.” Kevin said as he leaned over and kissed her gently.

“I know…but, I wanted to make sure.  Kat and I were going over this stuff and well, I just feel like something is missing.” she said.

“Well, Leighanne and Brian will be back next week, so maybe you could check with Leighanne.” Kevin offered.  “It’s just that you women have far better tastes in stuff like that than us.  I mean, if it were up to us guys…we would probably get married in sweats and t-shirts.” he laughed.

Dee smacked him on the arm and then started to giggle.  “Well, then, I guess I will pick everything.  BUT…I better not hear any complaints.”

“That’s cool.  You just surprise me.  Now you decided on Kat, Leighanne and Brianna as your bridesmaids, right?” Kevin asked.

“Yeah…why?” she inquired.

“Umm, because…I heard that Brianna and AJ were fighting.” Kevin answered.

“Well, people fight…we did.  I am sure it is nothing.” she said as the phone rang.

Kevin went to answer the phone while Dee put all the color swatches away.  “Dee…it’s Kat for you.” he called into the room.

Dee answered the call, and was shocked to hear that news.

“You mean she is there with you?  What happened?  Yeah…okay…yeah, y’all can come over.  No, it’s not too late…honest.  Yeah…okay…see you soon.  Bye.” Dee said and then hung up.

“Kevin, umm, I think you were right.” she said. “Kat is bringing Brianna over right now.  She walked out on AJ.”

“Oh God.  Maybe I should call AJ.” Kevin said as he left to make the call.

*** *** ***

“Nick, I hate to bother you.  But, umm, AJ is really irate right now.  Yeah…It’s bad.  He is throwing things and yelling.  Could you come and help me out?” Howie asked.

“Yeah…but I don’t have anyone to watch Katie.  She is asleep.” he said.

“Umm, if you want…I can get my mom to come over.” Howie offered.

“No, no…that’s okay.  Let me call BJ.  I will see if she is available.  I will call you right back.”  Nick answered.

After a few minutes…Nick was putting Katie in the car and on his way out.

“Katie…why is it that everyone wants me to come and help them…but when I need my friends the most…they seem to turn their back.  And to think that AJ wants me to come and help him.  Jeez.” Nick said aloud to Katie.

“Dada…dada…mama??” Katie looked at him with curiosity.

“Katie honey…mama’s not here.  But she is watching you.” Nick answered sincerely as he drove to his parents house.

He soon arrived and dropped off Katie.  BJ was happy to take care of Katie…and always enjoyed every moment she spent with her.

*** *** ***

“Damn AJ…you see…what goes around comes around.  You dissed me…and now Brianna dissed you.” Nick said sarcastically.  “Well, at least you got a taste of your own medicine.”

“Fuck you Nick.  You have no idea.” AJ spat.

“Yeah…your right…I have no idea how you could treat someone who loves you so much, so badly.” Nick admitted.

“That’s wonderful…you go live your in your little fantasy world with your fucking little princess Heather…and leave me the hell alone.  She’s DEAD Nick...what part can’t you get through that thick skull of yours?   DEAD…that means she is six feet under and worm food!  WORM FOOD!!!” AJ snapped back.

“DAMN YOU AJ!  You are never to speak her name unless it is something NICE!  Do you understand?!  Nick said as he took a swing at AJ.   “I’M OUTTA HERE…When you all can grow up…then I will be back!  To Hell with all of you!!!” Nick yelled as he slammed Howie’s front door and walked off.

Kevin and Howie looked at AJ.  “Damn AJ…now look at what happened.  Why can’t you just back off of Nick??!!!  What is gonna happen with the group?  We have a tour in just over a month.  We can’t be falling apart right now!” Howie hollered at AJ.

“And you are just like him Howie!!” AJ yelled and then took off.

*** *** ***

AJ had gone home…regretting his actions.  He knew that what he done hurt Nick.  Yes, Nick was a strong person…but he could only be strong for so long.  His friends were all he had left…and for AJ to attack him like he did, made Nick retreat even further into his depression.

Nick had retreated to his house…locked in, and unresponsive to anyone who called, came by, or sent messages.  He had his mother bring him groceries and stuff.  He refused to talk to anyone…even his little brother.

For the thousandth time today…he heard his phone ring.  Just as before, he let the answering machine answer.  “Nick..pick up…It’s Brian. I am home…please, let me and Leighanne come over.  Let’s talk.  Please, just pick up the phone.”

Nick refused to answer it, yet Brian was no fool.  He knew that if he came over…Nick wouldn’t refuse to let him in.

Brian soon was on the front step, knocking on the door.  “Nickolas Gene!  Open this door…now!” Brian said, and then pounded his fists on the door.  Brian was normally this aggressive, but found that his friend was in need, and was bound and determined to help.

Nick came to the door…and opened it slightly.  “Brian, I appreciate what you are doing.  Thank you.  But, I just want everyone to go away.  I don’t need anyone…and I don’t want anyone to come here anymore.  The best thing for you to do is go away.  As of right now…there is no Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys.  It’s over…” he said as he closed the door on his friend.

Brian stood there stunned…not knowing what to do or what to say.   He slowly turned his back to the door, and then walked away…knowing full well that he may never see his friend again.

“God be with you Nick.  You take good care of your baby…and you know where to find me and Leighanne.  I hope that you someday find happiness.” Brian said with a whisper as he got in his car and pulled out of Nick’s driveway…for the last time.
 
 

Back to Previous Chapter             Back To Chapter Index           On To Next Chapter