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Author's Chapter Notes:
Heres the next chapter.
Enjoy =)
Chapter Two-Hundred-Fifty-Seven



When Dakota, Elenore, and Sarah reached Brian, Dakota flung her arms around him and hugged him tightly, and he grinned and slid his arms around her and he hugged her back while gently rubbing his hand over her back.


“I will never forgets this night Uncle Brian,” She told him softly.


“Yeah I know you wont, and we probably never will either because it’s all on video. Knowing you, you’re going to watch it over, and over, and over again…huh?” He asked, pulling back and looking at her with a goofy look and she giggled.


“Even of us onstage withs them?” she asked confused, as she doesn’t see his video camera in her hands.


“Mhm, even then.”


“But how…”


“I gave my camera to Marcus and he was out in the audience filming it. You didn’t think I was going to miss that did you?” He asked, lightly poking her in the nose and she giggled again.


“I love you Uncle Brian.”


“I love you to sweetie, but I think you should go give your daddy a hug and tell him you love him also. He’s the little birdie that dropped the hint to Justin about the song,” Brian whispered quietly in her ear. Dakota looked at Brian, her mouth dropping in shock and he chuckled.


“Really?” She whispered back. “Daddy?” Brian nodded.


“He may not like N’SYNC very much, but he loves you. He deserves a hug and a kiss as soon as possible.” Dakota looked over at Nick then, and saw him walking around with baby Bella in her baby sling, bouncing around and humming quietly to her in order to keep her from crying. She let go of Brian and ran over to Nick then and she wrapped her arms around his leg and hugged him, causing him to stop and look down at her and she smiled up at him sweetly and he grinned back.


“Hi princess,” he greeted. He reached down and gathered her up with his one arm and placed her so she was rested against his hip but she shifted so she wouldn’t bother Bella in the least and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed his cheek, and rested her head against his shoulder.


“Thank you daddy,” she whispered.


“Anything for my baby,” he told her and he kissed her forehead softly, and stood there swaying to Christina Aguilera’s music with his two girls. N’SYNC had come backstage and she took over.



~*~*~*~*~


When Brooke had found Doctor Johnson, he was sitting in the room of his patient in the coma just sitting there watching her, willing her to wake up. To make a movement…or something. Just make some sort of sign that she is going to pull through.


“Hey Steve,” she greeted, startling him a bit and making him jump.


“Hey…”


“I know you treasure your moments with her,” Brooke began, indicating toward Johanna. “And I understand, but we need you over at the Orphanage honey.”


“Why? What’s happening?”


“We’re having a party,” Brooke answered simply, as if that explains everything and Doctor Johnson raised his eyebrow.


“A party?”


“Yup. A party.”


“What for?”


“Just for the hell of it,” Brooke shrugged. “It’s almost Christmas.”


“Okay…” he replied confused and Brooke gave him an ‘I’ll tell you later’ kind of look and Doctor Johnson nodded. He said his good-byes to Johanna and told her he’d be back later to keep her company and while he did that, Brooke left Chris with Doctor Johnson and went out into the hall and called Peyton. She asked her if everything was going smoothly in the cafeteria and telling her to announce to all of the kids that no one is to tell Chris that they’re going to be watching BSB perform in the Jingle Ball. That it’s a surprise and they don’t want to spoil it. By the time Doctor Johnson and Chris walked out of the room Brooke had hung up and she smiled at them both cheerily.


“Ready to go?”


“Mhm,” Doctor Johnson answered, still eyeing her curiously as ‘I am up to something’ is at the edge of her voice.


“Great, let’s go then” she replied and she led the two of them off in the direction of the Orphanage Wing. As they passed the receptionist desk to the hospital, Doctor Johnson told Cyndi where he would be and that someone needs to keep checking up on Johanna frequently incase she shows any signs of waking up. Cyndi nodded to tell him she understands, but he can see the doubt in her eyes and it bugs him to no end. He made her swear she would tell someone, and when she did, he allowed Brooke to pull him toward the Orphanage Wing. When they arrived there, Brooke led them inside and Chris immediately ran off to find a friend to play with – someone that would be fun to play with. He knows no one could be as fun as Josh, or replace him ever, but he has to try. He has to get used to life without Josh because it’s pointless to sit around and dwell. He is getting sick of it.


“Are you going to tell me what’s going on now?” Doctor Johnson questioned, as he looked around and saw that Peyton and the rest of the Caregivers had pushed the tables to the side except for one and they were using it to put snacks on.


“We’re having a Jingle Ball-watching party,” Brooke explained, when she knew Chris was well out of hearing point.


“And that was a secret because?”


“Because Chris was with us, and the whole point of us having the party was to get him in front of the TV. Brian has something planned for him – your next question is going to be what, and my answer is I haven’t got a clue. I am just following orders here.”


“And this had to be an entire orphanage event? To get Chris in front of the TV?”


“I thought it would be easier this way, to pass it off as just a Christmas Party for the hell of it. If we singled him out, he would demand answers and there is no way we would get him to stay put long enough to see his surprise.”


“Good point…but there’s still one problem here. When he realizes what we’re watching…seeing as how he is a pretty brilliant kid, what are you gonna do then? He’s still gonna try and run.”


“That’s why I came and got you,” Brooke replied simply, and Doctor Johnson raised his eyebrow curiously.


“You’ve always been able to get through to him, even the moment he arrived here. He’s always admired you because you were there with him right after the fire. You were a comfort to him. He looks up to you.” Doctor Johnson looked away from Brooke and over at Chris suddenly, guarding his emotions. Is it just him, or is everyone trying to prove to him that he is a good doctor lately? “When he figures it out and tries to run, I want you to grab hold of him and reassure him everything is okay.”


“Okay,” Doctor Johnson agreed softly, and Brooke rubbed her hand over his shoulder gently, as she knows he is having a hard time right now. It is getting closer and closer to Christmas every single day. Each day that it gets closer, the more distant and closed off he becomes and she doesn’t like it. She is really sad for him. How much help is he going to need if Johanna doesn’t pull through and he has to let them pull the plug?


“Steve…”


“I don’t want to talk about my problems right now. Let’s just concentrate on Chris okay?” Brooke wrapped her arms around him and pulled him into a hug.


“Fine…but I just want to say one thing. I’ve seen many miracles happen before…most of them performed by you. My gut instinct tells me that we’re going to see another miraculous miracle on Christmas day.” She looked up at him, gazing into his sad eyes for a few moments, and then she walked away, but could swear she heard him whisper ‘I don’t believe in miracles anymore’. Brooke closed her eyes for a few short moments, and then continued on her way to get the party going before they miss the boys.



~*~*~*~*~*~



Meanwhile at the Jingle Ball, Christina Aguilera was on her third song and had three more to do before it would be The Backstreet Boys’ turn. The boys were up running around, and Ashley and Jerald were busy keeping the kids occupied with a game of duck, duck goose. Even Ryan was joining in on the fun, as Ashley had coaxed him into it with no troubles at all. Howie had chuckled when she succeeded, and Ryan gave him a warning look – as if he could actually do something if Howie blabbed his secret and Ashley had just stared at the two of them as if she were missing out on some joke. She has a feeling that the joke is on her, but she didn’t probe for details. What bothered Ryan the most, is that Elenore hadn’t missed a thing, and kept eyeing him the whole time they were playing. She is onto him. She doesn’t know what his secret is, but she does know he has one. When Brian finished getting ready, he looked over at the group of kids and saw his son sitting next to Dakota in their little circle.


“Joshua,” he called to him.


“What?” Josh asked curiously, looking over at him.


“Come here son, I have a project for you.” Josh eyed him curiously for a moment, and then he got up and rushed over to him and Brian took his hand and led him outside with Drew and they went on the tour bus. When they got on there Brian walked over to his bags and he got out a package of small poster board and his black permanent marker.


“Go sit at the coffee table,” Brian instructed. Josh did as told and Brian went over and sat next to him, before opening up the package of poster boards and sitting them on the table.


“I thought of a cool idea for you to be involved with the Chris project,” he told him, and he began explaining his idea. He helped Josh with the project until it was time for him to get inside and go onstage, and then he left him with Drew to finish up since Drew has his walkie-talkie and would be able to keep in touch with what is going on inside. When he got inside he found all of the boys standing there waiting on him. He joined them and when Christina Aguilera came backstage after announcing The Backstreet Boys, the boys ran out onstage, firecracker sounds and light effects going off as the music for Larger Than Life began and the fans went wild. Elenore jumped up from her spot in Ashley’s lap and she ran over and stood in the doorway to watch, her eyes wild with excitement. Jerald chuckled and got up and went over and joined her, making sure she doesn’t do something crazy like run out on the stage deciding she wants Kevin. It would be an Ellie thing to do after all. He sat down in the doorway and she stood just a little ways out on the stage, but not enough for him to have to reel her back in, but he kept a close watch on her just incase, as she stood there mimicking the dance moves.


~*~*~*~*~*~


When Brooke had turned the television on back at the Orphanage, it was just Christina Aguilera and Chris didn’t think much of it. He was too busy playing with G.I. Joe’s with Josh’s buddy Gabrielle. But when Christina Aguilera announced the Backstreet Boys, his eyes flew up from the army men in his hand to the TV almost instantly. He stared at the TV in confusion for a few moments, and then when the boys had run out onstage, he caught onto just exactly what this party is for, and he shook his head.


“I’m sorry Gabe, but I’m not feeling so well. I’m gonna go…” he announced.


“But Chris…” Gabrielle started.


“I’m sorry. I’ll play with you later,” Chris interrupted, tears flooding his eyes and he stood up and made a run for it toward the door only to be cut off by Doctor Johnson, who swung the fleeing six-year-old up into his arms.


“Hey buddy…not so fast. Where are you going?”


“To my room. I can’t stay here! Why did you bring me down here?”


“Because there is something you have to see.”


“I’ve seen enough of those people, it hurts too much! Don’t you get it?” Chris insisted, trying his hardest to wriggle his way free.


“Chris…buddy…calm down.”


“No! Let me go! I want to go to my room, NOW!” he demanded, getting louder the more Doctor Johnson wouldn’t set him free. He soon advanced to kicking and punching as hard as his little feet and hands would allow him. Doctor Johnson held him a good distance away and he carried him over to a chair before sitting down with him in his lap and he grabbed hold of his hands and locked them down so he couldn’t hit him anymore.


“Christopher, stop it!” He ordered sternly, and the little boy sat there nearly crying though he tried his hardest to stay strong. Not here…not in front of all these people. They may not be paying him any mind, but still. “Now you listen to me,” he began more calmly when he saw that Chris was no longer going to fight him. “I have never ever steered you wrong in the few years that I’ve known you, have I?” He asked, looking down at him and he gently placed his forefinger and thumb to his chin and titled his head back as it’s rested against his chest so he was looking up at him. “I’ve been very good to you, always. You and I have been buddies since day one. Free Snicker Bars…you and Josh sitting in on some of the coolest surgeries even though Brooke and Jennifer were both against it, but I managed to convince them that it was fascinating and very educating for little boys so that they would let you? I’ve taken you out for ice cream, and given you some of the greatest advice ever haven’t I?” Chris nodded quietly, tears rolling down his cheeks. “Okay…so trust me buddy, I know what I’m talking about. I’m not trying to upset you…I’m trying to help you out here. Sit here and watch this concert and I guarantee you aren’t going to regret it. Just sit tight…hang with me. Everything is okay.” He reassured, wiping his tears with a napkin. “Will you do that? If I let go of your arms, are you going to hang out with me?” Chris nodded and Doctor Johnson eyed him warily for a few moments, and then let go and Chris sat up, looking around and much to his relief, no one was paying attention to him still. They were all too absorbed in the Backstreet Boys concert – no one except Brooke, Jennifer, and Peyton. Doctor Johnson rubbed his hand over his back and he picked up a chocolate chip cookie from the table knowing that they’re Chris’s favorite.


“How about a cookie?” Chris took the cookie from him and nibbled on it slowly, as he looked at the TV begrudgingly. Very much wishing he could throw something at the people who took his best friend from him.


~*~*~*~*~*~


After performing Larger Than Life, the boys went right into I Want It That Way, Shape Of My Heart, All I Have To Give, and then right before More Than That started, Elenore could not take it anymore. She just has to be with her Kevy, she just has too! Especially for this song. But how was she going to do so with Jerry standing there ready to grab her the moment she tries to escape? She thought about it a moment, and then looked out into the audience and pointed.


“Jerry looks! Looks at that!” She exclaimed, her eyes going all wide-eyed at some invisible exciting thing. Jerald leaned out to look.


“What Ellie? I don’t see anything?” He asked, and he looked back down at her, just on time to see her darting for Kevin.


“Elenore Ellerbee!” he hissed in a whisper. Harry, who had been watching the two from the couch, laughed in amusement and Jerald looked back at him.


“Sucker…you deserved that if you’re dumb enough to fall for the ‘hey look at that!’ trick.” Jerald scowled at his cousin, and then he looked back out onstage just on time to see Kevin scoop Elenore up into his arms, kiss her on the forehead, and carry her over to the edge of the stage. He sat down with her snuggled into his lap just as they began the song. Kevin singing every word like he is singing it to Ellie and Ellie alone. Elenore sat there cradled in his arms, staring up at him completely transfixed as he swayed from side to side with her. Toward the end of the song Kevin began paying attention to the fans as they were directly in front of him, desperately trying to reach him. He reached out and grabbed hold of some of their hands, one bye one, gently squeezing them before letting go, and one fan reached out and gave him a red rose. He grinned down at Elenore and handed it to her, and she beamed and took hold of it and he leaned down and rubbed his nose lightly over hers for an Eskimo’s kiss and when she pulled away she placed the rose in front of her nose and sniffed it. When the song ended he got up and carried her toward the backstage door and Jerald met him halfway and took her from him cradling her in his own arms and he carried her backstage with him. Between songs, Brian gave Marcus a look. Marcus turned and mouthed something to Drew backstage and Drew smiled down at Josh and squeezed his shoulder gently.


“Go stand at the doorway,” he instructed, handing him his posters. Josh did as he was told and darted for the door, and he stood where Brian could see him, waiting for further instruction. He watched as Brian brought out a stool and sat it in the middle of the stage, and then he looked at Josh and motioned him to come out with his finger. Josh ran over to him and he lifted him up and sat him on the stool just as the colorful lights went back on, lighting up the stage. Upon seeing Josh, a chorus of ‘awes’ was heard among the fans. Brian chuckled, grinning proudly and he began talking to the fans.


“Okay everyone, this next song is dedicated to someone very special back home. Josh wants to apologize to his best friend and hopefully earn his forgiveness, as he never meant to break the promise that he made. We’re going to sing a little parody of ‘It’s True’ that I myself wrote just for this occasion. While we do that Josh is going to be holding up signs to do his part,” he announced. He grinned as the fans all screamed in response, and the music to It’s True began to play, as the boys all took their positions on either side of Josh.

Even a brother can make a mistake sometimes
Like any other
Get excited and lose his mind
And I'm sorry for the promise I broke
For your teardrops over words I said
Can you forgive me and open
Your heart once again? Oh yeah...


Brian sung, and Josh held his first sign up high for the audience to see while AJ who stood to his left, held the rest for him, and it read I’M SORRY CHRIS!



It's true
I mean it
From the bottom of my heart
Yeah, it's true
I don't want us to part


The group chorused, and Josh held up his next sign after AJ handed it to him, and it read I NEVER MEANT TO HURT YOU!



Whatever happened
I know that I was wrong, oh yes
Can you believe me?
Maybe your faith is gone, or is it?


AJ took over with his solo. I STILL LOVE YOU! Josh held up.


But I love you and I always will
So I wonder if you want me still
Can you forgive me and open
Your heart once again, oh yeah


Nick chimed in, and Josh continued to hold the previous sign up in order for the message to sink into Chris’s head if he is watching. He hopes he is watching.


It's true
I mean it
From the bottom of my heart
Yeah, it's true
I don't want us to part


The group chorused and then Brian went right into his next solo as Josh held up his second to the last sign.


I'd do anything to make it up to you
So Chris please understand
And open your heart once again


I STILL WANT YOU TO BE MY BROTHER!



It's true
I mean it
From the bottom of my heart
Yeah it's true
Without you I would fall apart
It's true
I mean it
From the bottom of my heart
Yeah it's true
Without you I would fall apart

“NO MATTER WHAT!


Oh
Oh, yeah
It’s true…


Brian finished. The fans all cheered, and he grinned as he ruffled Josh’s hair.


“Chris, Josh and I just want you to know that whenever you’re ready to accept it…you’ve been adopted buddy. We love you and would really like it if you were part of the family” He announced.


“We love you Chris!” Josh added, and the fans again ‘awed’ and cheered, and stuff and Brian grinned at Josh, lifted him up and kissed the top of his head, and he set him down so his feet were on the ground. AJ smirked and handed over the posters.


“Go on backstage Josh, I’ll be back there in just a few moments,” Brian told him. Josh nodded, and he hurried offstage after waving bye to the fans and Brian chuckled, before turning his attention back on the fans again just as Backstreet’s Back started – their closing song.



~*~*~*~*~



Meanwhile at the Orphanage, when Josh had gone onstage, and Brian announced that the next song was dedicated to Chris, Doctor Johnson got up with Chris and brought him over to sit in front of the TV with the rest of the kids. Brooke, Peyton, and Jennifer joined them too and they watched. Through out the whole thing, tears rolled down Chris’s face and as Doctor Johnson and Brooke watched him watch the boys and Josh on TV; they witnessed a small smile on his face. When it was over and Josh had run offstage, Doctor Johnson gently squeezed Chris’s shoulder.


“So. Aren’t you glad I made you stay?” he asked gently, and Chris nodded while leaning into him some.


“So what do you think Chris? Are you going to let Brian and Josh off the hook? I know you miss him. I know you want nothing more then to have a family…” Jennifer spoke up. “Brian is a good guy – I couldn’t think of anyone better to be your dad then him.” Chris nodded quietly and he looked at Brooke.


“I want him to adopt me.”


“It’s all ready been done buddy. He’s signed the papers and everything. You have a family,” she reassured, and Chris grinned, feeling so overcome with emotion that he hadn’t lost Josh after all, that he had to literally fight back the urge to cry.