Chapter 44

“There is NO fucking way we are letting THAT version of the video out into public.” AJ swore loudly.

“Look, everyone knows that it was going to involve water and stuff.  Hell, the song is called Drowning.” Nick laughed.

“Yeah, and if that video plays on MTV…that is what will happen to us. We will drown and our career will sink faster than the Titanic.” Kevin mused.

“And, of course, we don’t have the budget to do the video over again…not with all the special effects and stuff.” Brian said.

“We could always do the simple thing.  Pick a great backdrop or location, and sing.  Isn’t that what we are all about anyway?”  Howie laughed.

Kevin, AJ, Brian and Nick all started to laugh.  “It’s just like Howie to point out the obvious.  Our fans have always loved us doing the simple videos.  So, why not do it again.” Brian smiled.

“Yeah…and AJ…pick something decent to wear this time.  No more freaky Spider Man costumes.” Nick laughed.

“That wasn’t MY fault dumbass!  I blame that damn costume designer!  It’s her fault!” AJ stomped around the room waving his hands in the air.

Brian and Howie were in near hysterics at AJ’s behavior.  AJ usually didn’t mind wearing outrageous outfits.  But, he had to agree with everyone.  Whoever thought up the costume for the original video must have been on drugs.

*** ***

A few weeks had gone by, and the release date for the album was rapidly approaching.  The Boys had an appearance on TRL, however, they still didn’t have the video ready for them to air.  Once again, Carson had begged them for the video.

“Look, the phone lines, emails, and letters have been pouring in by the thousands.  When can the fans expect the new video?” Carson asked.

The girls in the audience were going wild, as usual.  “We just got to view the rough copy in your office Carson.  And, it looks good.” Kevin said.

“SO, can we expect the final cut within the week?” Carson asked.

“Yes, we should have it to you this week.” Howie smiled, looking around at the fans.

“Great!  And your album comes out on Tuesday.  So, everyone…get out there and buy the album!  It’s got everything.” Carson said, as he wished the guys well.  Then, the show was interrupted by a young child’s screaming.

Suddenly, running from backstage, Katie came racing out towards Nick.  “Daddy!!!!” she cried loudly as the cameras rolled on.

Nick immediately went into father mode and scooped her up in his arms.  “Sweetheart…what’s wrong?” Nick asked nervously as everyone watched.

“I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!  BRING BACK MOMMY!!!!” she cried uncontrollably in front of the whole world.

Nick’s face paled as he hugged his daughter tightly.  “I can’t bring mommy back…no one can bring mommy back.” He whispered as he ran offstage with his daughter.

Carson and the guys all stood there, stunned.  What the hell had just happened?

*** ***

“Well, now, we just have a few more appearances, and then TIME OFF!” Nick said, as they climbed into the van that would carry them over to CBS studios.

The ladies and kids had all gone to the hotel, leaving the Boys alone to finish the interviews.  No one wanted another unexpected outburst from the girls, so, they thought it would be best to avoid the rest of the interviews.

“Hold your horses buddy.  We still got three more appearances, and then we are free.  But, enjoy the time.  Because once the holidays are over, it’s back to work in the studios.” Kevin smiled.

“I just want to spend time with Katie…so, I’ll take what I can get.  Now, can we get these interviews over with?  I want to go home with my daughter.  This is way too much for her to understand.  I mean, hell, she now wants her mommy…and how am I supposed to explain to her that mommy can never come back?!” Nick sighed, covering his face with his hands.  He didn’t want anyone to see him crying again.  He had done enough of it over the passed two years, and it was time he did something about it.

“Yeah…let’s go.” AJ said, as the driver pulled out in the New York traffic.

“I promise Nick, we will be there for you when you have to talk to Katie.” Brian offered, placing a gently hand on Nick’s shoulder.

“Yeah, and who is gonna be there when Katie grows up and decides that Daddy isn’t good enough anymore?” Nick said, holding back a sob that he so desperately needed to let out.

*** ***

The Boys had arranged flights home immediately after the interviews.  Nick and Howie were the most eager to get on their way, and took the first flights available.  Brian and Kevin had decided to go home to Kentucky for a few days.  AJ figured this was a good time to just catch up on the nightlife.  He could go out dancing and hanging out on the town for a few days, and then head back to Orlando.  Hell, he really had no reason to head straight home.

Nick and Howie boarded the plane for Orlando.  Katie, Kirstie and Kat all sat together while Nick and Howie talked over some new song ideas.

“Dude, do you really want to tour this year?” Nick whispered to Howie.

“No…but I doubt that Kevin and AJ will want to just sit on their asses all year.  So, chances are, we will be back out on the road by summer time.” Howie sighed.

“Does Kevin always have the say in what we do?  Can’t we just refuse?” Nick said.

“Sure, but will he listen?  I doubt it.  Frankly, I would be happy even if we never toured again.” Howie said softly, looking around the plane.

Nick looked at him curiously.  “What?”

“Think about it.  You and I are have kids to take care of, families to be a part of, and touring just gets in the way.  I think we just need to do a farewell concert, get it out of our systems, and then move on.  Backstreet Boys are never gonna die.  But, we do have other priorities in our lives.  I am sure our fans will understand.” Howie whispered, hoping that no one else could hear him.

Nick sat back, thinking about what Howie said.  He wasn’t sure if he was really ready to give it all up.  He just wanted to be with his little girl.  It wasn’t fair to Katie to make her grow up on the road, and it certainly wasn’t fair to ask Howie to do the same with his little girl.  So, the rest of the flight was spent seriously thinking about the future.

After ten long years in the business, a new chapter in the lives of the Backstreet Boys was about to begin.  But, where would it take them?
 

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