Chapter 43

“Stayed tuned…because we have a very special announcement coming up next on today’s episode of Total Request Live!” the commercial said, just minutes before TRL was to start live on MTV.

Nick, Howie, Brian, AJ and Kevin were all in the Green Room, preparing for their announcement.  It wasn’t really preparation.  Howie was chit chatting on the phone as usual, talking with his mom.  AJ was stuffing his face with donuts, nearly choking on the powdered sugar.  Kevin was sitting with Dee, talking about what they could go out and do for the evening.  Brian, well Brian was his usual self.  He sat on the couch, gently rubbing Leighanne’s tummy.  He was so excited about the baby, and had become quite protective of Leigh.

And then there was Nick.  Katie sat on his lap while he sang her favorite song.  “You’ll be in my heart….yes…you’ll be in my heart…” he sang as Katie sang along with him.

“You know kiddo, you have a pretty little voice.” Carson said as he walked in the room.

“Who, me?” Katie asked, looking up at Carson with bright blue eyes.

“Yes…” Carson said with a laugh.

“Don’t give her any ideas Carson.” Brian laughed from his seat on the couch.

Kevin and Howie looked at Nick with a grin.  “Come on Brian…it’s cute to hear Katie sing.” They said.

“Well, I for one think that we should have put her on stage with us during the show!” cheered AJ as he scooped Katie up his arms.  Katie was squealing as AJ spun her around.

Everyone in the room was laughing, except Nick.  He sat there, frowning.

“What’s the matter Nicky?” Leighanne asked.

“Nothing.”

“Come on, we know when something is wrong Nick…just tell us.” Dee prodded him.

“Fine.  It’s just that I don’t want Katie to sing.  She can sing with me.  But, I don’t want her in the public eye.  And Heather wouldn’t have wanted that either.” Nick said.

“We were kidding you, okay?” Carson said, looking at Nick with a frown.  “She is just really cute.  That’s all.  Sorry I ever mentioned anything.” He said, walking over to the tech to get his microphone set up.

Nick looked around at everyone.  “Sorry guys…it’s just that I am nervous.  And, I wish I had the happy opportunity to have Heather here.  But I guess I can’t.”  he said, taking Katie from AJ.

“We know, but remember…she is right here.” Brian said, patting Nick gently on the chest.  “She is in your heart.”

Nick smiled.   “You’re right guys.  Now, let’s get out there…and get this over with.  Today will either be a good day in the history of the Backstreet Boys…or the worst day.” He replied as he held Katie tightly in his arms.  “And now you, little lady, need to stay here with Leighanne and Dee.”

*** ***

The guys had finally come out on stage and were seated on stools placed on the stage.  “Welcome guys!  It’s good to have you back.  How long has it been?” Carson said, starting the interview.

“Well, let’s see…TOO long!” Kevin said with a smile.

“Indeed…indeed.  SO, you all are here to make an announcement?  Trust me when I say that the phone lines and the internet have been a mess today.  Rumors are, you guys are breaking up and never singing again.  Is this true?” Carson said, as the audience went hysterical.

Kevin stood up, trying to shush the crowd.  Nick spoke up first.  “Okay, okay…everyone just calm down.  No, we are not here to tell you we are breaking up.  Actually…we are going to be taking a break.  Just not the way you think.” He said with a smile.

“I think what Nicky here is trying to say, is that we need time to work on a new album, and be with our families.” Howie smiled.

“We love to sing, and that will never change.  We love being the Backstreet Boys.  What we don’t love is being on the road 11 months out of the year, and never having time with our familes.  WE love our fans…all of you, and we never want that to go away.” Brian said, calmly.

AJ finally spoke up.  “And, so we have come up with a great way to keep you all happy, while we take a much needed vacation…but only for a little bit.” He said with a laugh.

“So, we are going to release an album, next month.  It will be called The Hit: Chapter 1.  It will have all our hits singles, plus an extra new song or two.  Once it is released, we will start on the next album.  We want to take time working on it.  That way, it will be the best album we can possible make.” Kevin added.

“So, what do you all think?” Nick smiled.

The audience jumped up and started clapping and cheering.  “Way to go BSB!  Way to go BSB!” they chanted.

“And so you have it…the Boys are taking a break, releasing a hit album, and starting on a new album.  Now do you all feel better?!” Carson shouted over the roar of the audience.

Carson shook hands with the Boys and before they left, Nick spoke up.

“Thank you to all of you.  If it weren’t for you, we wouldn’t be able to do what we love.  So, look forward to the album coming out on October 30.  And…the video to our new single…it will out really soon.” Nick smiled.

“And, do we know the name of the new single?” Carson quickly added.

The Boys looked at each other and then grinned.  “Yup, it will be called Drowning.” Brian said and then they left the stage.
 

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