I finally broke down and read this story on your website. I didn't realize that you had it posted here. I avoided reading it for the longest time, even though I had heard from so many how wonderful it was, because I just didn't want to have to imagine Nick going through all of the agony.
However, after reading it, I have to agree that not only did this story touch my heart in so many ways, it made me think about the type of person I hope to be if this were to happen to me, or even worse someone I loved.

I read in your AN's that you wrote this story when you were still in high school and that just amazes me. That someone of that age can not only write beautifully, but you write with so much passion. I am 26 years old and still can not deliver a story half as good as this.

I have already begun reading "By My Side" on your web site, but since I have discovered it on here, I will probably stick to this website.

I can't wait to see what is in store for Nick and Claire. Great job Julie!!!

Author's Response: Thanks, Brandy!! I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm thrilled that you did give it a chance and ended up liking it! This story, along with BMS, was definitely my "baby." It came after three years of writing fanfic, and it turned out to be the story I'd wished I could have written all along, as far as how it turned out and how well the response to it was. But I think I needed a few years of writing experience to get to that point. I'm so glad that it was worth the read for you, and thanks again for all your amazing comments! :)

I just finished the story and I am about to read the sequel....It was really great. One question though....What happened to Katie and Serena....you kind of just left that part out!

Author's Response: That is to be continued in the sequel... I had orginally planned on making UMS a LOT longer and revealing it near the end, but then I decided to chop out half of my ideas because it was pretty much same old and I carried the Katie/Serena mystery over to A Little Taste of Sin. It still hasn't been solved but I promise it will when the time is right. I want it to parallell certain events in the sequel. Great question though! I hope you enjoy the sequel!

this is the first time I clicked on the story and so far it is really great! I can't see this whole open relationship working out to well though. I look forward to reading more!

If I were Laureen...Claire would become my new best friend....J/J..

I love My Beautiful Woman...one of my favorite songs from Never Gone!

that is just so sweet!

First I have to say...that I so loved when AJ humped the stage back on the Backstreets Back tour...It was my favorite...even with the super gay black see through shirt he wore. Lay Down Beside Me was my favorite song for the longest time.

However, Siberia...is my all time favorite BSB song. I love how you are tieing it in perfectly with your story line!

Author's Response: LOL that is one of my favorite moments from the Homecoming concert too! Oh AJ. And Siberia is one of my all-time favorites too, which is why I wanted to use it so badly... maybe at the risk of sacrificing Claire's character... LOL. Looking back, I think I should have just saved Siberia for a songfic instead of having Claire break up with Nick the WAY she did, but eh, I'm glad you liked how it tied in!