“Nick, you have to keep singing, at least with Katie.” He heard, over and over again. He recognized the voice, the sweet and intoxicating voice.
“Heather?” he said, rolling over in his bed. He had been sound asleep, but heard her. “Heather, are you here?” he said, rubbing his eyes.
He sat up, looking around the dark room, but didn’t see anything. He slowly got up, and walked to his daughter’s room. “Katie?” he whispered, seeing her lying in her small bed. “Katie, are you awake?” he asked, but was quickly answered with a soft snore.
He then walked down the hallway and made his way to the living room. Everything in the house was completely silent. All that could be here were the waves lapping at the sand, just a few hundred yards from his backdoor. Nick sighed as he walked to the patio door and stared out at the black ocean.
Nighttime was always difficult for him. The bed was empty, the house was silent, and all he had to keep him company was his sleeping daughter. Things were lonely for him, and he did all that he could to keep himself from hiding himself away. Three years was a long time to mourn over someone you loved. Katie had turned three and her mother wasn’t there to witness it.
He quietly opened the backdoor and stepped out into the cool air. There was a gentle breeze that washed over him, comforting him. He somehow knew that she was there. He could have sworn he heard her voice over the sound of the waves.
“Nickolas…you have to keep singing…sing with Kathryn.” He heard, making his heart race.
“Heather, I can hear you sweetheart. But, why? Why must I do this? The guys and I want a break. Why is it so important? Give me some kind of a sign.” he said nervously, staring up at the stars that filled the sky.
There was no answer. “I know I’m going crazy now.” He mumbled to himself, suddenly feeling a chill in the air. The wind picked up and the wind chimes hanging on the porch began to clatter. The palm trees around the yard rustled, and the waves seemed to crash harder on the shore. As he stood there, he could have sworn that something cold rushed through him, chilling him to the bone.
“Fine, fine. Just don’t surprise me like that.” He said, rubbing his arms to calm the goose bumps. Over the past three years, Nick had grown accustomed to the strange feelings he had, particularly when he needed help. He didn’t really believe in “ghosts” or the supernatural, but he did believe that when he needed something, she was always watching out for him. He believed that God worked in very mysterious ways.
Nick then stepped back into the house and returned to his warm bed. He soon dreamed of better days ahead for the Boys, seeing things that made him finally smile.
***
“Guys, look. I know that you all want a break. Hell, I want a break, but a certain someone won’t let me be.” Nick said, looking around the table. “So, if you all want to take a break, then fine. But, I will use some downtime to work on some solo material. Maybe Katie and I will sing together. Maybe just make a solo tape for me and Katie to listen to.”
“But, didn’t you say that you didn’t want Katie to sing?” Brian asked, his eyebrows raising.
“Yes, but apparently her mother thinks I need to sing with her. Maybe only in private, but I need to keep singing for Katie.” Nick answered, realizing that everyone thought he was nuts.
Howie and Brian looked around. “Well, maybe it is best that we all take some down time. Take six to eight months just to relax, be with our families, work on other projects we have and then regroup.” Howie suggested.
As much as Kevin wanted to sing, he knew he had twins on the way, and could certainly use the time to be with Dee and get the house ready. Brian was expecting a little one too, and Leighanne was going to need him. AJ was quite hesitate, but knew it was for the best. Maybe he would find a nice girl and learn to settle down for a bit.
Everyone looked around the room, and soon nodded. “Then, we have a deal. In eight months, we will regroup, and see where we stand. Until then, we support each other in our endeavors, and spend some much needed time with our families.” Nick grinned.
The guys all shook hands, and exchanged hugs. It was the first time in a long time where they all felt confident that they were doing the right thing. They contacted their publicists and their management team, and had a statement sent out on the website, as well as MTV to announce their decisions. The Boys had never kept secrets from their fans, and now was not the time to start.
***
Nick had immediately gone home, and pulled out the scrapbook that Heather had prepared for him. He listened to the cd she made, and cried, laughed and cried some more.
“Heather, I want you to know, no matter where you are, no matter how dark things seem, I love you. Katie and I, we have a lot of things to do, and now we have the time to do it. I know you don’t want me to stop singing. But, I think the best thing is for me to take time away from the group, and be with our daughter. You know, she has a beautiful voice, so, we will keep singing, for each other.” He wrote in a letter to his wife. He had planned to take Katie down to visit her grave, and thought he would leave the letter for her.
“But, you know, now that we are taking time off, I am afraid that we will never want to go back. But, God will lead us on the path he wants us to take. Even if we never sing again as the Backstreet Boys, we will always have each other. I love you sweetie, and I miss you terribly. Take care up there, and try to keep the sun shining on all of us. And always know, that even though I love the group, it was you I always loved more. Pleasant dreams my love, and love you…more than words could ever say. Love, Nick.”
***
Within two days, there were statements made on MTV News, as well as tons of other news organizations.
“Today, the Backstreet Boys have made a startling announcement.
After 13 years of touring, singing and performing for millions of girls
worldwide, all five members of the group plan to take the next six months
to a year to spend with families and other endeavors. Although there
has been talk of the group breaking up or parting ways, the group denies
any rumors. However, there is no release date or plans for a future
album. The Boys would like to thank all of their fans for their never-ending
support and they hope to see everyone again very soon. The group’s
management wishes to thank everyone for they’re support and assures us
that the Boys will be back…and remember, Keep The Backstreet Pride Alive.”
THE END.