Two Is Better Than One: Sequel to Kay Are You Down by CarterFan28
Story Notes:

The server wasn't letting me post full chapters so now I have to type them out word for word so it's going to take me a while to post chapters. Sorry for the wait guys!

1. Chapter 1 by CarterFan28

2. Chapter 2 by CarterFan28

3. Chapter 3 by CarterFan28

4. Chapter 4 by CarterFan28

5. Chapter 5 by CarterFan28

6. Chapter 6 by CarterFan28

7. Chapter 7 by CarterFan28

8. Chapter 8 by CarterFan28

9. Chapter 9 by CarterFan28

10. Chapter 10 by CarterFan28

11. Chapter 11 by CarterFan28

12. Chapter 12 by CarterFan28

13. Chapter 13 by CarterFan28

14. Chapter 14 part 1 by CarterFan28

15. Chapter 14 part 2 by CarterFan28

16. Chapter 14 part 3 by CarterFan28

17. Chapter 14 part 4 by CarterFan28

18. Chapter 15 by CarterFan28

19. Chapter 16 by CarterFan28

20. Chapter 17 by CarterFan28

21. Chapter 18 by CarterFan28

22. Chapter 19 by CarterFan28

23. Chapter 20 by CarterFan28

24. Chapter 24 by CarterFan28

Chapter 1 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Kalie finally goes home! 

Chapter 1 Welcome Home Kalie

            I had spent two days in the hospital after I woke up. The doctors wanted to monitor me and they had to remove the bullet that was lodged in between two of my ribs on my right side. They were going to remove it when I was still in the coma but they didn’t want to chance me waking up in the middle of the surgery.

            I was itching to get out of that hospital bed and once the doctors gave me the all clear I nearly jumped out of it but I stopped moving when my side started throbbing and I became dizzy sitting upright too fast. Nick steadied me and a nurse gave me an ice pack for my side.

            My mom and Kim helped me get dressed in the bathroom while Nick and my dad packed all the flowers and cards I had around the room from my family and friends. In a few minutes I was ready to go home but I couldn’t stop thinking about the horrible memories I was going home to.

            “I don’t want to go back to the house,” I confessed when my dad finished calling for the wheel chair.

            “Well where do you want to go?” Dad asked.

            “Anywhere but that house. I can’t go back there. Not after what happened.”

            “You could move back home, your room is still there,” Mom said.

            “Or you could move in with me,” Nick offered. “I would take the best care of her Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

            “I know you would Nick. Do you want to move in with him?” Mom asked.

            I grabbed Nick’s hand, “Yes I do.”

            “Ok sweetie I’ll have your siblings pack up your things and we’ll all help you move in.”   

            “Thanks Mom.”

            “Since you’re moving in I better shoot home really quick and clean up. If I’m not back by the time you get out of here I’ll see you at home sweetheart,” he kissed my forehead.

            “I’ll be there soon baby.”       

            About an hour later my parents and I arrived at Nick’s where he and my siblings were busy brining in my things. We rolled into the drive way and I heard Kim say to her husband through my open window, “It’s a good thing she came here because there’s still blood all over the place.”

            “Yeah the only thing the cop’s clean up is the body. They don’t care about the rest of the crime scene,” he replied.

            “My girl’s home!” Nick exclaimed when he saw the car pull up. He ran to open the door for me and helped me out and into the house.

            He sat me down on the couch and I watched everyone buzz around with my belongings.

            “Can I help?” 

            “No,” Kyle said, “Just sit and relax. You need to rest.”

            “I’ve been in a coma for three weeks. I think I’ve rested plenty.”

            It didn’t take too long to complete the move and make the decision to sell the house my siblings and I once shared. None of my siblings needed the house after they settled down with their spouses and I certainly didn’t want to live there. Too many terrible memories lived under its roof.

            After feasting on hot dogs and hamburgers, my family left and Nick carried me up to his room after I told him I was starting to feel sleepy.

            “I could’ve walked you know.”

            “You had a bullet removed from you.”

            “Yeah but not from my spine. I wasn’t paralyzed.”

            “Oh well I wanted to carry you anyway. Now close your eyes.”

            I did and he carried me into the bedroom.

            He placed me gently on my feet then whispered in my ear, “You can open them now.”

            I looked around the candle lit room and marveled at the rose pedals covering the king sized bed and the many bouquets scattered around the room.

            “Welcome home Kalie.”

            “Nickolas this is beautiful! And so…romantic!”

            “I was hopping you’d say that.” He flashed a warm smile then kissed my cheek.

            He placed his hand on my hips and rested his head on my shoulder.

            “I can’t believe you moved in with me this quick.”

            “Well I had a good reason to move.”

            “I’m so sorry this happened to you.”

            “Nick it’s not your fault.”

            “If only I was there earlier he would have never done this to you.”

            “Honey things happen for a reason. I probably wouldn’t have moved in with you otherwise. I probably would’ve never told you my true feelings for you. You could have been the one who got shot.”

            “Well I’m glad you did tell me though. ‘Cause my feelings are true. I do love you and I couldn’t live without you.”

            “You’re the reason I came back baby.”

            We French kissed then climbed into the bed.

            Nick and I were sitting in bed just watching TV. He was holding me just below my ribs were the stitches were. It felt so good to be held in his arms. He would occasionally kiss my shoulder, neck or face just because. It was so sweet but it felt weird. In the fast paced relationships I had before, that was considered foreplay yet Nick hadn’t asked me for anything, even before Ryan shot me.

            “Are you ok babe?” I asked.

            “I was just about to ask you the same thing. Are you doing alright? Want me to get you anything?”

            “No thanks hun. I’m fine. I was just wondering if you were ok.”

            “Why wouldn’t I be ok? The most beautiful girl is lying right next to me in bed.”

            “Yet you haven’t asked me to do anything yet.”

            “You just came home from the hospital and have stitches in your side. I wasn’t going to ask you because I figured you wanted to rest and god forbid the stitches get pulled that would be painful. Trust me I wanted to ask you but I thought better of it. Unless… you want too.”

            “No you’re right. I should rest,” I answered quickly.

            “You still think it would be awkward between us huh?”

            “Damn Nick. Stop reading my mind.”

            We both laughed slightly.

            “I do want to try though,” I confessed.

            “I do too but… you need to rest,” he kissed my forehead, “And I can wait. Heck I’ve waited all this time to date you and have you move in with me, I can wait for you to get more comfortable.”

              “Why the hell didn’t I date you before? You’re perfect baby!”

            “Awe stop,” he joked.

            I tried to flip onto my right side to face and get closer to him but once I did I felt the stitches start to pull my skin and the wound start to throb.

            “Shit!” I screamed and my hand flew to my side.

            “What’s wrong?” Nick asked his voice full of concern.

            “My side,” I winced.

            “Do you want an ice pack?”

            “Yes please,” I answered slowly flipping back to my left side.

            He ran into the kitchen, grabbed an ice pack and hurried back to me.

            “Nick sweetie you didn’t have to run. It’s not like I’m going to die if I don’t get an ice pack right away.”

            He gently lifted my shirt and placed the ice pack over my stitches.

            “I just wanted to ease your pain quickly.”

            “Awe! You’re too cute Nickolas.”    

            He climbed into bed next to me, “I know I try.”

            After a few minutes the ice pack numbed the pain in my side and Nick put the pack back in the freezer. When he came back I was rubbing over the stitches lightly.

            “How does that feel when you message it?”

            “Really good.”

            He laid down next to me again and started a light message on my wound.

            “How does that feel?”

            “Heavenly! I think you have magic in those fingers babe.”

            He chuckled, “I’ve been told that before.”

            He continued the message for a few more minutes and I started to fall asleep. Nick left a lot of space between us and I couldn’t seem to get warm enough so I inched close to him. I wanted to face him but I knew my wound would act up again. So spooning would have to do for now. His body warmth was soothing but at first it was weird. This was the first time Nick and I were going to sleep through the night together as a couple. It didn’t take long to realize that he and I fit perfectly together.

            “You falling asleep baby?” Nick whispered.

            “Yeah so I’m going to say good night Nick. I love you.”

            “I love you too Kalie. Good night baby.”

            He kissed me and snuggled closer. That night I feel asleep with a smile on my face. I was already getting used to falling asleep in my best friend’s arms. 

Chapter End Notes:

Awe! Aren't they just so cute together? 

Chapter 2 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Maybe it's time...

Chapter 2 Are You Disappointed

            Five days later I went back to the hospital to get my stitches removed.

“This is going to sting a little so prepare yourself,” the nurse said before she cut the first stitch. Nick offered his hand to me when I started wincing and gripping the examination table I was sitting on. I quickly grabbed his hand and squeezed it tightly when the nurse slowly and painfully removed each stitch one by one.

“Damn Kayl!” Nick exclaimed, “You’ve got some grip!”

“Well it hurts!”

“I’m sorry I’m doing this so slowly,” the nurse said kindly, “It would be worse if these were ripped out. Plus that would create more damage. I’m almost finished though.”

I have to say the nurse did a really good job even though it hurt like hell. I thanked her for the job well done and left for the dance studio. I was still on medical vacation from work but I wanted to check up on my students.

“Look whose back!” I said interrupting Mark’s lesson.

“Kalie!” my students screamed and rushed toward me. Katie was the only one who stayed in the back of the pack because she saw me the day before. The rest of my students grabbed me into a group hug.

“When are you going to start teaching us again?” Shannon asked.

“Well I know it’s going to take me a while to get my dancing legs back but I’ll be here for your lesson tomorrow!”

“YAY!” they all rejoiced.

“Yes! I get my partner back!” Mark said hugging me. “How are you feeling?”

“A whole lot better thanks for asking.”

“Do you still have your stitches cousin?” asked Katie.

“No I just got them out. I just came from the hospital.”

“Did it hurt to get them taken out?” asked Roger.

“Yes! But my side doesn’t hurt now.”

“Do you have a scar?” one boy asked.

“A little one but it’s not really noticeable.”

“Are you sure you’ll be able to dance this soon?” Katie asked.

“Chill out cousin. You forgot that I danced on a twisted ankle before and my team still won.”

“Oh yeah I forgot about that competition. Just take it easy.”

“Kate I’ll be fine. And since when did you start sounding like a mother figure?” I joked.

“I just want my favorite cousin to be ok that’s all.”

I hugged her then said before Nick and I left, “Ok my students I have to go. I will see you tomorrow and be ready to show me what you guys are going to bring to the upcoming competition. I love you all!”

“We love you too Kalie!”

It felt really good to see my students again even if it was for a few minutes. They were so excited to see me and I didn’t realize how much I missed them until I saw them rush to me. That’s why I’m glad I decided to become a dance teacher. I loved my job and I don’t think any other job would’ve made me happy to go to work every day.

“Those kids missed you like crazy Kalie,” Nick said on the way home.

“I missed them.”

“They all came to visit you the day before you woke up, even the little kids and their parents. They were all so upset but they really wanted to see you.”

“Awe! I can’t wait to see my little kids. They are so much fun to teach. All of the age groups are fun to teach. And it’s awesome to see them learn and grow with each dance they learn.”

“It sounds like you really like your job honey.”

“I don’t like it I love it! I especially love when they become proud of their skills when they either nail a move they have been working forever on or win a competition they have been practicing for ages for. And I become so proud of them and I get this warm feeling inside its awesome!”

“I guess it’s like the rush I get when I’m on stage performing live. Or when I hear one of my songs on the radio or see a music video on TV.”

“Yeah I guess you could say that.”

When we got home Nick started grilling dinner and I started preparing myself for work the next morning. I did some light stretches just to see how my side would feel. So far so good so I decided to do some basic moves to see what my legs would do.

“Yes!” I exclaimed.

“Yes what?” Nick came in to take a break from grilling.

I rushed over to him and molded him into a tango hold then performed a small piece of a tango routine as he stood in the hold watching me, “I can dance!”

He laughed in amazement and replied, “Yes you can! The doctors told ya you would be on your feet in no time. But just take it easy and build yourself back up.”

“Geez. Why is everybody telling me that? I mean come on I danced on a twisted ankle and I recovered quickly from that why should a bullet wound be any different?”

“Because,” he wrapped his arms around my waist and I stopped dancing, “That almost killed you and it’s going to take more time to fully recover.”

“Ok I’ll take it easy… for now.”

He rolled his eyes and half smiled, “Same old Kalie with the hard head.”

“Got that right.”

He went back to grilling and I did a few more moves.

After dinner we decided to go for a little swim in Nick’s giant pool. The water felt really good on my side but then it became too cold.

“Nick could you take the cover off of the hot tub please? I want to get a little heat on my side.”

“Sure.” He removed the cover and started the jets for me.

I climbed out of the pool and into the hot tub.

“Is the temperature ok?”

“It’s perfect! It feels so good!”

“Mind if I join you?”

“Gee I don’t think there’s enough space for you in this six person hot tub when I’m the only one in it.”

“There’s that Smith sarcasm,” he chuckled.

“Come on in babe.”

He slid into the tub across from me and slinked down so the water covered every inch up to his chin, “You’re right this is perfect.”

“Why are you sitting so far away from me?”

“I don’t know… this is my usual spot anyway.”

I slowly crept over to him and sat on his lap.

“That’s better,” I said.

“Did the temperature rise or is it just you Hottie?”

“You sweet talker. I’m not that good looking.”

“Not that good looking? You’re hot! Kalie, you’re making me start to sweat,” he kissed my shoulder then up to my face.

“Again you’re a sweet talker Nick.”

“So I am.” He stared at me for a few moments. The left side of his lips curved into a half smile.

“What are you smiling at?” I asked raising my eyebrow.

“I was just thinking… you’re hotter than hot, you’re smokin’! Look there’s steam coming off of you.”

“That’s because I was in a cold pool.”

“No it’s because you’re smokin’! And the more that I look at you you’re smokier than smokin’ you’re drop dead sexy!”

“Oh stop I can’t be that pretty.”

He raised his hand to my face and pushed it gently so I was looking into his eyes, “I mean every word I say. No one could be prettier than you in my eyes.”

“Just kiss me Sweet Talker. I know you want to.”

“I love it when you read my mind.”

Our lips met and I could feel a spark of passion. As the kiss became deeper and fiercer I felt his hands rub up and down my back. I ran my hands over his well developed abs up to his pecks where they rested and stayed. He wasn’t always this muscular but then again I wasn’t always looking but now that I was, I really, really liked the look of his new bulked up body and I loved the feel of it.  His fingers splayed out wide on my back and they gently pushed my body closer to his.

We pulled away from each other to catch our breath. Nick was an expert at taking my breath away. Sometimes I found that  I forgot how to breathe around him.

“How about we continue this inside?” he whispered into my ear.

My heart beat quickened when I saw the devilish yet sexy look on his face.

“Ok.”

I got up from his lap and he helped me out of the tub after he stepped out. We walked hand in hand into the house and up to the bed room.

“Let me just dry off first,” I said heading for the bathroom.

“You don’t have to.”

“I don’t want the bed to get damp though.”

“Yeah you’re right. Wait a minute stay in the bathroom for one second.”

“Why?”

“I want to set the mood in here,” he winked at me.

I smiled at him then walked into the master bathroom that was connected to the master bedroom.

I dried myself off and debated on keeping my bikini on or going back into the room with just a towel wrapped around me. “Nah I’ll let him have a little fun,” I thought to myself. Then I ran a brush through my wet hair and tied it into a pony tail. I was going to leave it down but I figured it could get in the way.

“The room’s ready Kalie. Are you?”

I was starting to feel nervous as I replied, “Yeah. Do you still have your bathing suit on?”

“Yeah. Do you?”

I opened the door and walked into the room, “Yeah.”

Nick had lit the room with candles and the soft glow in the room added a nice touch to the smirk on his face.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” He stepped closer to me and placed his hands on my hips. “Because it’s ok if you’re not ready. I can w…”

“No I’m ready. Just…a little nervous.”

“Me too. But maybe we’ll both become more comfortable if we just go ahead and try.”

“Then what are we doing talking? Why don’t you just kiss me and throw me on the bed like I know you want to.”

“You know me too well Kalie.”

Our chests began to rise and fall heavily as our breathing became synchronized. My stomach became a knot of nerves as he leaned in closer to kiss me. “You’ve done this before,” I kept telling myself, “Why are you so nervous?” It felt like my heart was going to pound a whole in my chest. “It’s just Nick. Oh wait that’s why you’re so nervous Kalie, you’re about to take the next big step with Nick.”

I could feel that he was nervous when he kissed me. It was like his lips were trembling. His hands were trembling too as he started to push me closer to the bed. We feel onto it with a plop but our lips never stopped kissing. Nick fell onto his side and I too moved to mine. He glared into my eyes. I knew he could see the fear I held in my own. He had the same look in his eyes. But yet we were both excited. We both wanted this but why were we so nervous?

His hands crept up to my neck and untied the bikini strings. This strange feeling made my stomach flip. I don’t know why but I flipped onto my back. Nick hovered over me. I licked my lips and became more aware of my heavy breathing.

“You ready?” he whispered.

“Just do it,” I whispered back.

He kissed the top of my breast that wasn’t covered by my bikini. He started traveling up to my neck. Then the feeling in my stomach became sickening.

“Nick stop!” My nerves got the best of me as I pushed him away and ran into the bathroom and upchucked into the toilet.

It felt like the first time Dylan and I tried to have sex. I had done the same thing because of my nerves. But then two days later he finally did take my virginity.

Nick came and crouched next to me. My pony tail had fallen onto my shoulders and Nick held it back so I wouldn’t have to wash vomit out of my hair. Dylan didn’t do that for me when I got sick in front of him. He actually closed the door behind me. I guess because he had a very weak stomach and didn’t deal well with people puking.

But Nick was actually being really supportive yet he looked disappointed in away.

After I was finished getting rid of my nerves Nick went into the bedroom and changed into the basketball shorts he normally wore to bed. I stayed in the bathroom to brush my teeth and change into my pjs. Once the horrid taste was cleaned from my mouth I walked slowly back into the bed room. Nick watched me walk in and flashed a little smile at me. I didn’t respond to him just laid down under the covers.

I don’t know why but I couldn’t face him. I did the same with Dylan because he was very disappointed. I guess I thought Nick was disappointed too. I never really dealt well when I disappointed someone. I flipped onto my side so my back was to my boyfriend.

“Are you ok baby?” he asked.

He went to touch my shoulder but I moved away from his hand.

“What’s the matter?”

“Are you disappointed in me?”

“No. Why would I be disappointed in you?”

“Because I’m too nervous to have sex with you.”

“It’s not your fault your nerves got the best of you. And if it wasn’t you who got sick it probably would have been me.”

“What do you mean?”

“I was nervous as hell too. I don’t know why but… I just was. No offence but I’m kind of relieved you stopped me. I don’t think I’m ready yet and you’re obviously not.”

“But I do want to Nick. I do love you.”

“I want to also and I love you too but there are more ways to show each other our love then just sex. I don’t want our relationship to be based on just that.”

“I don’t want another relationship like that. I don’t want you to turn into Jasper.”

“And I won’t turn into Jasper or any of the other jerks that hurt you. And I can wait until we’re both ready. I’m not that much of a sex hound.”

He made me laugh at the sex hound comment.

“So come here and cuddle with me.” He looked at me with a cute puppy dog face and I smiled. I flipped over to face him and rested my head against his chest.

“That’s better,” he said before kissing my forehead.

“Thanks for being so understanding Nick.”

“What are best friends for?”

“You definitely are the best boyfriend I’ve ever had.”

“And I wish you were my girlfriend sooner because I would have been as happy as I am now with you. I’ve never been this in love with someone Kayl.”

“Oh Kaos you sweet talker. I love you too.”  

Chapter End Notes:

Isn't Nick just perfect? 

Chapter 3 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Nick gets introduced to a Smith family tradition. A serious question is thrown around. 

Chapter 3 That’s What You Say Now

            The next day Nick and I woke up to our new routine. He had to go to practice for the upcoming tour and I was going back to work for the first time.

            I was the first to wake up and take my shower. I took a major step that morning though when I actually got dressed in front of Nick. I only did it because I thought he was still asleep. At least I had my back turned to him.

            “Nice ass Kay.”

            “Shit Nick I thought you were still asleep,” I said pulling up my panties then snapping on my bra.

            “I heard the shower start.”

            “You scared me.”

            “I’m sorry. But you do have a nice ass.”

            I chuckled, “Thanks.”

            “This is a big step for you babe. I’ve never seen your bare bottom before.”

            “I know you haven’t,” I answered continuing to get dressed.

            “I guess we have to take these steps before we take the giant leap.”

            He got up to hug me from behind.

            “I guess so,” I answered when he rested his chin on my shoulder.

            “But I’m fine with taking little steps. They always say good things happen to those who wait.”

            I smiled at him and he kissed my bare shoulder.

            He stripped out of his basketball shorts and his boxers before he went into the bathroom. I blushed a little as I glanced at his bare ass.

            I shook myself out of the little trance I was in and asked, “What do you want for breakfast?”

            He answered walking into the bathroom, “Surprise me.”

            “French toast it is then.”

            I threw on my shirt and headed for the kitchen.

            Before we went our separate ways we wished each other luck for the day and kissed each other bye.

            Oh did it feel so good to be back at work. I walked into the studio and a huge banner reading, “Welcome back Kalie! We all missed you! But we love you more!” hung right in my face when I walked in the door. My co-workers all screamed, “Welcome back!” when they saw me walk in the door. None of my students were there yet so they treated me to some doughnuts before my class arrived.

            Mark and I had a good half hour before our class of little kids arrived so we stretched and Mark went over the routines he was teaching. Then the six to eight year olds arrived. Boy, were they excited to see me! They all hugged me excitedly and couldn’t wait for their lesson.

            After my little kids my nine to eleven year olds arrived, then my twelve to fourteen year olds, and finally my teenagers 15-19. Mark had done a really good job teaching all of our students by himself but he needed the most help with the teenagers. Mark was relieved to have me back and so were my students.

            When the lesson was finished we sat in a circle like we did after every lesson and just talked. I did that with all of my classes. We would talk about the lesson we just completed or problems that the kids were having. Our little talks made the groups closer to each other. We became like little family groups. It felt good to be the person my students would come to if they had any problem. But this little talk was just about what went on when I was gone and how much everyone missed me.

“I am so happy you’re back Kalie!” Katie said.

            “I’m happy to be back!”

            “Don’t get me wrong Mark but we all agree that you should stick to teaching the guys and Kalie should stick to teaching the girls,” the oldest of the girls said.

            “Oh I totally agree,” Mark chuckled.

            “Although it was funny when you pretended to be a girl that one day,” my oldest female student laughed.

            “That was creepy!” the oldest boy exclaimed. “Especially because I had to dance with him! Kalie he even made the ‘girlie faces’ that you would usually make! It was just wrong!”

            “Oh please tell me someone got it on video!” I said looking around the circle.

            “Oh wait I forgot I have it on my phone!” Shannon whipped out her cell phone and passed it to me.

            I pressed the play button and I couldn’t help laughing as I watched Mark dance with Sampson.

            “This is hysterical!” I laughed so hard I started to tear.

            “Ok, ok. I get it I’m funny,” Mark started to blush.

            “Look at you Mr. Rosy Cheeks!” I said looking at my partner.

            He hid his face in his shirt then I hugged him when he came out of hiding.

            “I think you deserve the best instructor of the month award for that performance.”

            He just laughed, “If you say so Kayl. Well it’s time for you guys to go home. Our adult group is coming in a few minutes.”

            The teens each hugged me before they left and their parents who picked them up each welcomed me back.

            Katie was the last to leave, “I’ll see you for dinner tonight cousin.”

            “Oh that’s right I forgot its Smith Night. Nick and I will be there.”

            “Alright Kay we’ll see you tonight.”

            My family had an ongoing tradition of going to each other’s house once a month to have a game night and dinner. Each month we would go to a different house and each of my aunts or uncles or cousins or my own parents and siblings would have a chance to host Smith Night. My grandfather and his siblings started this tradition when they all settled in Florida, living close to each other. My dad and his brothers and sisters became a part of the tradition when they got houses of their own. Now a few of my cousins and my siblings were starting to open their houses for Smith Night. Soon it would be my turn to host Smith Night but I had to run it by Nick first.

            I got home before Nick did and I started making dessert for Smith Night.

            “What smells so good?!” Nick called when he walked through the front door.  

            “Cupcakes,” I replied.

            “Hello baby,” he said coming into the kitchen and kissing my forehead.

            “How was practice?”

            “It was ok. I don’t like dancing.”

            “I don’t believe that. You always loved to go to the dance club and should I remind you of my sweet 16?”

            “Yeah you’re right. But I don’t like learning the new moves. How was work today?”

            “It felt so good to be back in the studio. My co-workers all surprised me with doughnuts and that banner rolled up on the living room table. Then my classes started coming in and my god were my students happy to see me, especially the little kids.”

            “Awe! You look a lot happier too.”

            “I am. I really needed to get out of this house. Don’t get me wrong I loved spending all day with you but I didn’t know how many more days it would have taken me to snap. You know I don’t like being cooped up in a house all day.”

            “I know. So what special occasion are the cupcakes for?”

            “Smith Night.”

            “What’s that?”

            “It’s the Smith’s monthly game and dinner night. Every month we go to a different family member’s house and play games and have dinner and just have a good time. It lets the Smiths that live in Florida to have family time together. My grandfather and his siblings started the tradition when they all settled in this state. Tonight will be at Aunt Jewel’s and Uncle Kev’s house.”

            “Oh ok. Have fun babe.”

            “Nick you’re invited too.”

            “I am?”

            “Yeah boyfriends are welcome. Oh and I’m not sure but I think my name might be placed in the hat this year.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “Well every month a different family member gets the chance to host Smith Night. Once they get a house of their own their name gets placed into a hat and before everyone leaves to go home we draw a name to see where the next Smith Night is going to be held. We do the same thing to see who will be hosting holidays. Would it be ok if I open your house to Smith Night? If I do that would make this place the 12th house and someone else won’t have to double up on months. Is that ok with you?”

            “Honey this is your home now too. If you want to start hosting Smith Night here that’s perfectly fine.”

            “Thanks babe.”

            He went upstairs to take a shower and change into more presentable clothes and I waited for the cupcakes to bake. When he came back downstairs he helped me frost them and afterward we hit the road in his Cadillac.

            This was going to be Nick’s first time meeting all of my closest family members in one night and I was actually kind of scared of what they would think of him. I hadn’t introduced any of my pervious boyfriends to my family after that one incident at the Smith Family Reunion where Ryan made my grandfather angry.

            My entire family was very, very important to me and I wanted them to be truly happy for me and I wanted to make them proud. All of us cousins made a pact that if we were in love with someone we all had to meet this person and get each other’s approval. I had already broken that pact when Ryan and I were engaged and some of my cousins were a little angry but I was forgiven after what Ryan did to me. I was crossing my fingers that Nick would make the right first impression but what was I worrying about? He is Nick after all. He always made the right first impression and he never changed afterward. Why was I feeling like this?

            Well when it came down to the final test my family loved Nick. He was being treated like royalty by my aunts who kept his dinner and dessert plates constantly full and my uncles were having varied conversations with him throughout dinner. Also all my cousins loved him too and there were 20 of us there including Kim’s four year old Macy and Kyle’s two year old Karen and Kasey and Trish’s new born twins. We were playing different board and card games and Nick was being really good with my younger cousins and loved talking with the older ones. In total my aunt hosted a packed house of 45 people. It was a good thing my Aunt Jewel and Uncle Kevin moved into my grandparents’ house and out of their rundown apartment because there would have been no way they could have fit all of us. The Smith Family grew drastically over the years with most of us cousins getting married and most of them having kids, it seemed like it was the new trend in the Smith Family, getting married and starting a new family that is.

            Of course I was the only “of age” cousin that hadn’t gotten married yet and the one question all of my aunts were dying to ask me was, “When are you going to get married Kalie? You’re the only Smith child that is of age and still has a bare finger! Where’s the lucky guy that will be called your future husband?”

            “I don’t know where he is,” I answered after Aunt Jewel asked when all of my aunts and the older girl cousins moved into the kitchen to help clean up. “I don’t think he’s out there.”

            “What do you mean you don’t think he’s out there?!”

            “I don’t think I’m the marrying type. Not after Ryan.”

            “But Ryan is long gone honey there are plenty of fish in the sea.”

            “Well I’m not throwing out my hook Aunt Jewel.”

            “What about Nick? He seems to treat you very well and is great with kids. He’s also very, very polite. Is he a family man?”

            “Yeah he is but he doesn’t believe in marriage after his parents went through a nasty divorce and… I don’t like to talk about the future. I like living in the present with him right now,” I looked into the living room where Nick was playing guitar hero with Katie and a few of my other cousins closer to her age. They asked him to sing and at the end of the song he was making crazy noises with his voice making whoever was listening start to crack up. I smiled when he was giving my cousins high fives and telling them that they rocked when they received a new high score.  

            “Baby are you in love with him?” my mom asked. “I see the way you look at him and this is the happiest I have seen you in a long time.”

            “I am in love with him.”

            “Have you talked about your future together?” Aunt Jewel asked.

            “No we haven’t. But neither of us want to talk about our future. Like I said before I like living in the present with him and he is more than content with doing the same.”

            “Does he love you back? I mean really love you back?” my sister questioned.

            I looked at him again and he caught me. I smiled at him and he winked back then went back to the game of Uno he and my younger cousins started.

            I turned back to the Smith Ladies and said, “He does love me back. I could see it in eyes.”

            “Then why hasn’t he proposed yet?!” Aunt Jewel nearly screamed.

            “Aunt Jewel I already told you he doesn’t believe in marriage, not anymore anyway.”

            “Does he want kids? And do you want kids?” she asked.

            “I think he does and I know I do.”

            “But he doesn’t want to get married.”

            “He doesn’t believe in marriage.”

            “Well you better tell him to get a ring on your finger before he asks you for a kid.”

            “Aunt Jewel!” I started to laugh, “Nick and I are not going to get married.”

            “That’s what you say now. How many of you in the room want to make a bet that Nick will change his mind and our Kalie is going to be the one to change it?”

            Everyone except me raised their hands.

            “Sweetie if he doesn’t propose you better because you have a great guy in your reach. Don’t let him slip away.”

            “Thanks Aunt Jewel. And trust me I’m not going to let him get away but… I doubt I’m going to marry him.”           

            “What is it going to be a ‘life partnership’? What’s the fun in that? Besides you wouldn’t be able to show off a fancy engagement ring. God knows he’s got enough money to afford one.”

            “Aunt J, I don’t care about his money. I just care about him. And right now I’m happy that I’m his girlfriend and I’m content with being just his girlfriend.”

            “Alright Kay. If you say so but that’s what you say now.”

            Aunt Jewel and the rest of the Smith Ladies dropped the subject when we set up the dessert table. I made a plate for Nick and I to share and sat next to him on the floor as we watched a mini marathon of Laurel and Hardy, we always ended Smith Night that way.

            In the car home I couldn’t help but ask my boyfriend, “Do you want kids?”

            He was taken aback at first, “Where’d that question come from?”

            “I just saw how much fun you were having with my cousins and I couldn’t help but think about what a good father you would be.”

            “Well thanks for thinking that. I do want kids but not right now. Do you want kids?”

            “Yes but I’d rather be married first.”

            “Well I guess you won’t have my kids then,” he sounded somewhat disappointed.

            “Alright let’s stop talking about the future. Because I don’t know about you but I like living in the present.”

            “No I love living in the present with you.”

            That night I fell asleep thinking about what Aunt Jewel said about Nick and I getting married. Then I had a messed up dream.

            I dreamed of that horrible night when Ryan shot me. But in this dream I had actually slipped my dress on and Nick helped me zip it up. After he did he got down on one knee and proposed. I had just excitedly answered “Yes!” when Ryan flung open the door. He was in his full police uniform.

            Nick shot up to his feet and stood beside me.

            “Come on Kalie you have to get ready for our wedding.”

            “I’m not marrying you! You fucking cheated on me!”

            “I did no such thing. You were the one who cheated on me with him! But I have forgiven you and we are going to be married this afternoon.”

            Ryan walked defiantly toward me and grabbed my wrist, “Come on baby I’m taking you out of here.”

            “Over my dead body!” Nick ripped Ryan’s hand off of my wrist.

            Ryan simply smiled and replied, “That works for me.”

            He whipped out his gun and I screamed, “NO!”

            Ryan shot Nick right in the heart and my best friend fell to the ground.

            I ran to him and crouched over his lifeless body.

            “Nick! No! Nick! Nick! Wake up! Wake up! NICK!” I shouted and when there was no response I started pounding my fists onto his chest.

            “It’s no use he’s dead!” Ryan yelled. “That’s what you get for getting engaged to him, a dead best friend!” He came over to me and tried to pull me away from Nick.

            “NO!” I started to cry uncontrollably as I continued to beat his lifeless body trying to make him wake up.

            Then I felt someone lightly shake my shoulders and I heard a voice say, “Kalie, wake up. Kalie… baby wake up.”

            I stopped screaming and throwing my fists to open my eyes. I started breathing heavy and when my eyes focused in the dim light I found myself staring at my pillow. I looked to my shoulder and found Nick’s hand.

            “You must’ve had some nightmare baby. I heard you screaming from the guest room down stairs.”

            “Why were you in the guest room?”

            “I couldn’t sleep. You were tossing and turning all night. You even kicked me a few times.”

            “I’m sorry Nick.”

            “It’s alright. Now what made you scream so loud and beat the shit out of your pillow?”

            “Ryan came and shot you. You wouldn’t wake up.”

            He sat on the bed and wrapped his arms around me as tears started to escape my eyes.

            “Baby it was just a nightmare. I’m still here and Ryan is the one who is gone.”

            “But I still feel like he’s around. It’s like he’s haunting me!”

            Nick started to rock me gently back and forth. I buried my face into the crook of his neck and his arms tightened around my waist.

            He started singly softly in my ear,

“I could see in your eyes

Broken windows fallen skies

Kalie baby what you hiding from?

The light that followed you around

Lately nowhere to be found

Don’t you know that I’m your place to run?

You’ve been holding on so long

Tryin’ to make believe that nothing’s wrong

Not letting it show

And there ain’t nothing you could do

To make me turn away from you

I need you to know

That you can let go

Sifting through the shattered dreams

Living in the in-between

Kalie, babe it’s gunna be alright

When you’re lost, let down, disappointed

And jerked around in this cold, cold world

I will always be by your side

You’ve been holding on so long

Trying to make believe there’s nothing wrong

Not letting it show

There ain’t nothing you can do

To make me turn away from you

I need you to know

That you can let go

Don’t be afraid when you’re falling apart

Don’t hesitate I’ll be right where you

Open your eyes there’s a crack in the dark

You never let me see you cry

You locked it somewhere deep inside

Kalie baby let me hold you tight

I’ll make it alright

Kalie, baby gunna be alright

Cause I’m by your side

When the whole world turns against you

I won’t turn against you

Kalie, babe gunna be alright

Cause I’m by your side

When the whole world turns against you

You can let go.”

            His voice seemed to end my tears instantly. He kissed the side of my face and looked into my eyes when I lifted my head.

            “Don’t sleep down stairs. I really want you to hold me,” I whispered.

            “Don’t worry I’m right here. I’m not leaving. Just lie down and go back to sleep. Everything is going to be alright. I’m here now.”

Chapter 4 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Kalie gets a call she has been waiting for. 

Chapter 4 Just Because

            It took me a good week after my stitches were removed to really get back into the swing of things and get used to living with Nick but it was a very easy transition. At first I thought it would be awkward between us but after a few days it seemed more natural.

            The wound in my side was fully healed and it no longer hurt to dance or stretch in anyway but I still didn’t feel completely healed until I got an excited call from Kyle when I got home from work one day.

            “Kalie I have exciting news!”

            “What is it bro?”

            “The house was sold today!”

            I was shocked, “What?”

            “The house was sold today. You don’t have to worry about it anymore. It’s no one’s problem anymore! You’re free of that house Kayl!”

            “I really can let go,” I breathed.        

            “What was that Kay?”

            “Nothing, I was just thinking out loud. I’m so relieved Kyle you have no idea! That house won’t haunt me anymore! I think I’m finally healed!”

            “I say we go out and celebrate! Just you, me, Kim and Kase.”

            “No how about you, Kim and Kase come over here for dinner. Nick will be late tonight.”

            “He’s practicing for tour isn’t he?”    

            “Yup and I would be alone for dinner anyway.”

            “Ok what time do you want us over? And do you want to call them or should I?”

            “No I’ll call them. How does 5:30 sound?”

            “Sounds perfect. I’ll see you then sis.”

            “Alright bro.”

            I dialed my twin and sister to tell them the good news and invite them over. They both agreed to come over at 5:30 like Kyle.

            “Here’s to signing the sale papers and saying good riddance to the ‘House of Horrors’!” Kyle raised his glass of iced tea before we started to eat.

            Kasey raised his, “To Kalie’s full and speedy recovery!”

            I raised my own glass, “To finally being able to let go of that house and all the horrible memories contained in its walls.”

            Kim smiled then mimicked the rest of us, “To Kalie starting a new life with Nick. To your happiness sis.”

            “To Kalie’s happiness,” my brothers echoed.

            We clinked our glasses together then brought them to our lips.

            Just as we sat around the TV to watch Whose Line Is It Anyway and have dessert, Nick stepped through the door.

            “Hey guys. What are you all doing here?”

            “We’re here to celebrate! The ‘House of Horrors’ was finally sold today,” Kasey answered.

            “Really?! Thank god!” Nick rushed to me and squeezed me tightly.

            “I can finally let go of everything that went on in that house.”

            He smiled widely and replied, “I’m so relieved to hear you say that.”

            After my siblings left to return to their families Nick and I plopped on the couch to watch more episodes of Whose Line Is It Anyway. He and I started to laugh uncontrollably at the actor’s antics. I loved Nick’s laugh. It was so cute and happy sounding. After a while I just started laughing because Nick’s laugh was so contagious. We got through about two hours of episodes before Nick nearly had to carry me up to bed.

            We crawled under the covers and before I turned off the light I smiled brightly at my boyfriend.

            “Gee you’re not at all happy about selling that house,” he said sarcastically.

            “No not happy at all.” I winked and smirked. Nick chuckled then wrapped his arms around my waist.

            “Good night Nick. I love you way too much.”

            “Love you too baby. Good night Kalie.”

            We kissed good night and I quickly fell asleep.

            Sometime closer to the morning I dreamed of that dreaded house. But this was a good dream.

My siblings and I were standing out on the street changing the ‘for sale’ sign to ‘sold’. Then we started hearing crumbling noises. We looked up and huge chunks were loosening from the walls and roof of the house. As giant chunks crashed to the ground we heard screaming coming from inside. I looked at the living room window and noticed Dylan, Jasper and Ryan pounding their fists against the glass, pleading for someone to rescue them. The doors were apparently locked because Kyle was holding the keys and they had no other way of escaping. Then a huge crack ran from the base of the crumbling foundation right up to the roof. In slow motion the house fell to the ground piece by piece crushing Dylan, Jasper and Ryan. I woke from the dream after hearing something crash outside. It was the neighbors across the street starting construction on their own house.

            Luckily I was able to fall back asleep after that loud disturbance and Nick slept through every noise. But before I did finally fall asleep before being woken again by the alarm clock, I smiled at my dream. It was true. If you ask me it did crumble and fall before my eyes and Dylan, Jasper and Ryan were left to plead me to rescue them. And frankly I was glad I didn’t save them. I was sleeping in Nick’s arms and the house and the memories lying under its ruins were in my past now and that’s where they were going to stay. I found out later that day that the people who did by the house actually did knock it down to start new.    

            After my alarm went off Nick and I went through our routine and set off for the busy day ahead of us. My teenage students were entered in a dance competition and Mark and I were starting to train them harder and get them excited for the big day. This was the biggest competition they had ever been entered in. Everyone involved with this competition was starting to get hyped for it and the students were sharpening their skills. Nick dove heavily into practicing for tour which was coming closer and closer. There would be nights when I would come home late because Mark and I extended the lesson because we had to tweak something or teach an extra move. Other nights Nick would come home late because of practice. We were starting to see less and less of each other because of our jobs. I was starting to worry that this would become our way of living together.

            One night Nick and I both got home at a reasonable time. So after dinner he and I melted down chocolate to make chocolate covered strawberries and while they hardened in the fridge we swam for a little bit. I got out to bring out the strawberries and when I went back outside with the plate Nick climbed into the hot tub. I handed him the plate and climbed in next to him.   

            “These look delicious baby.”

            “I know,” I replied. “These four were the only ones left and I found a chocolate bar in the fridge that was almost frozen. I haven’t had chocolate covered strawberries in a while so I figured why not.”

            He balanced the plate on the edge of the tub after he and I took one.  He bit into the strawberry and his eyes rolled, “These are really good! Nice job honey.”

            I bit into mine and said, “Yum these are good.” Then I happened to glance up at the sky and noticed dark clouds forming in the distance.

            “Those clouds look menacing,” I commented.

            Nick looked up, “Yeah they do.” Then a bolt of lightning escaped from the clouds. “That looked so cool! Did you see that?”

            “Yeah that did look really cool.”

            “Wanna stay out here and watch the show?”

            “Sure. It’s not thundering and lightning here yet so why not.”

             Lighting continued to light up the sky and Nick placed his arm around my shoulders. It was pretty romantic I’d have to say.

            “Can you hand me another strawberry please?” I asked.

            He held it by the stem and his eyes darted from the strawberry to me and back again.

            “It’s pretty romantic out here isn’t?” he asked looking at the strawberry.

            “It is Nick. What are you thinking about? And why aren’t you giving me the strawberry?”

“How about we be romantic and feed each other?”  

            I chuckled slightly, “You’re too cute Nickolas but ok.”

            He grabbed the other strawberry and handed me one. We looked into each other’s eyes as we brought the strawberries up to each other’s lips. We bit into the strawberries at the same time. Nick’s eyes were looking really sexy and butterflies started to flutter around in my stomach. When we finished our strawberries we went back into the house to get ready for bed.

            Nick plopped face down onto the bed and asked, “Baby could you do me a favor and massage my back?”            

            “Sure.” I sat down next to him and started a deep muscle massage.

            “Oh shit Kalie you’re good at this!”

            I gave out a slight laugh, “I was going to be a physical therapist ya know. Massage is a big part of that.”

            “Well now that I know how good you are I’ll start asking more often.” He looked over his shoulder and winked at me. “Thanks baby that felt really good.”

            “You’re welcome.”

            Nick flipped onto his back and I laid down next to him. He put his arm around my shoulders and I rested my head on his peck.

            “Will you go on tour with me?”         

            “What?”

            “I’ve been thinking about how much I’m going to miss you when I go and how much I really want to show you the world. Please come on tour with me.”

            “Nick I can’t go.”

            “Why not?”

            “Work. My teenagers are in a competition that’s coming up soon and I don’t want to leave all the work of getting them ready in Mark’s hands. It’s easier for me to teach the girls then for Mark to do it. Plus I don’t think I could stay away from home that long.”

“Oh I see.”

I frowned at his disappointment, “I’m sorry baby. I’m going to miss you like crazy though.”

“Now you know how I feel. But there’ll be next tour. Hopefully you’ll go on that one.”

“We’ll see.”

            The next day I came home from work and found Nick left me a note on the dining room table.    

            “Hey babe, I just wanted to let you know that I’ll probably be late again tonight. Don’t stay up and wait but why am I telling you that because I know you will. Also just letting you know that the huge piles of clothes on the bed is what I’m going to pack and everything is clean. I’ll see you tonight if you’re not sleeping by the time I get there.”

            “Oh shit that’s right he has 6 days before he leaves,” I said to myself. I couldn’t believe it came up this fast. I hadn’t really thought about it because I was busy preparing my students for their competition but now it was starting to hit me that he was leaving and he wasn’t going to be back for a while.

            After I ate dinner alone I slowly walked upstairs into the bedroom. I shook my head at the huge piles of cloths on the bed. He had brought his suitcase and duffle bag up from the basement and they were standing in front of his dresser waiting to be packed. I hated that suitcase and duffle bag. They taunted me. They spoke mockingly to me over and over again, “Nick’s leaving. Nick’s leaving.” God knows how badly I wanted Nick to stay. But he had a job to do.

            I started moving his clothes onto the floor next to his bags. I had just moved the piles of jeans when the front door opened.

            “Baby I’m home!”

            I went to the banister, “I thought you were going to be late.”

            “Na we got lucky tonight and got out early.”

            “Oh ok. Your dinner is in the microwave ready to be heated up.”   

            “Thanks babe. So what are you doing?”

            “Moving your clothes off the bed so I can lie down.”

            “You feeling ok?”      

            “Not really.”

            “What’s wrong?” he stepped up on the stair to look up at me.

            “I think I’m just tired from work. I had to do a lot today.”

            “Let me help you clear the bed.” He took the stairs two by two.

            We didn’t say anything to each other while we were moving the clothes. I don’t know why but a head ache formed and my temple was starting to throb.

            “Are you ok baby?” Nick came over to me and hugged me from behind when the clothes were cleared from the bed.

            “I have a head ache.”

            “I’m sorry,” he kissed my temple.

            “It’s not your fault. I just need to take a nap and I’ll be fine.”

            “Alright then I’m going to eat. I hope you’re head ache goes away.”

            “Me too honey.”

            I took a ten minute nap in complete darkness and when I woke up I took a quick shower. Luckily my head ache was gone. I was blow drying my hair when Nick came up to change. I finished drying my hair and flipped on the TV. We crawled into bed and laid in each other’s arms while we watched some movie.

            He started stroking his fingers through my hair, “What’s gotten into you lately?”

            “What?”

            “You’re leaving your hair down more around me. You used to never leave your hair down.”

            “It gets in the way that’s why I never leave it down.”

            “You look really hot with it down.”  

            “Yeah ok.”     

            “No I mean it. I love your hair; it’s so long and soft. It’s sexy.”

            “So you think my hair is sexy?”

            “Not just your hair. I think your legs are sexy and your ass and these abs,” he lifted my shirt and ran his finger over my stomach. “I never knew you had such defined abs.”

            I ran my hand over Nick’s six pack, “Same for you bud. I like them a lot!”

            He chuckled, “Thanks.”

            For no real reason I kissed his shoulder then he kissed my forehead.

            As we watched the movie I really didn’t focus on it at all. My mind was clouded with thoughts about how much I was going to miss Nick and how long he was going to be away. He kept running his fingers through my hair and I kept peaking glances at him. He was so into the movie he didn’t notice me staring up at him. My eyes took in his handsome face and the stare he was holding on the TV screen. “Damn he’s hot!” I kept thinking to myself.

I placed my hand over his heart. I became tuned into his heart beating and his breathing. They were constant and strong, never changing their patterns, and even though they were both strong, at the same time gentle and soothing. Everything about Nick was strong but gentle, tuff but sensitive. He was the perfect guy and I still couldn’t believe that I didn’t realize that sooner.

            He stopped stroking my hair and ran his hand down my side and stopped at my hip. He placed his other behind my ear then leaned in and kissed me pretty passionately.

            After we kissed he looked into my eyes and smiled.

            I asked in a whisper, “What was that for?”   

            “Just because.”

            “Because why?”

            “Because I wanted to and because I love you,” he rubbed the side of his face against mine then turned the TV off and we said our good nights.

            Before I fell asleep Nick caressed up and down my back. His touch was gentle but very, very sexual. It was starting to drive me crazy. He inched closer and closer to me and that too was starting to drive me over the edge. Maybe it was time to take that giant step with Nick. Was I finally ready?   

Chapter 5 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Things get a little heated up

Chapter 5… Racy

            The next day at work I couldn’t stop thinking about Nick. Mark and I were teaching our teenagers a new routine for the competition and it was pretty racy but nothing that was inappropriate for our students. Mark and I were demonstrating it to our class. I usually take on the character of the dance but this one I really got into. Mark picked up on it and got into the routine also.

            After our teenagers left Mark pulled me aside and asked, “Kay are you alright?”

            “Yeah I’m fine why’d you ask?”

            “You seemed different today.”

            “How?”

            “You were really getting into that routine. I mean really getting into that routine.”

            “Yeah I was getting pretty…”

            “Racy,” he cut me off.

            “I was really that into it?”      

            He half laughed, “Yeah. Did you and Nick…”

            “Not yet.”

            “Really?”

            “Really.”

            “Damn Kay you are taking this one slow.”   

            “Hell yeah. Nick’s different from all the rest. In more ways than one.”       

            “You really love him don’t you?”

            I looked at my dance partner and smiled, “Yes I do. And he really loves me. That’s just one of the reasons why he’s different from all the rest.”

            “Well Kayl all I have to say to that is I hope you two stay in love for a long time and that you both stay the same and never change.”       

            “Me too Mark.”

            On the way home I thought about what might happen if Nick got home the time he said he would.

            Just as I finished cooking mac and cheese the way my Grandma taught me, Nick called my cell phone.

            “Hey honey!” I answered happily.

            “Hey Kayl,” he sounded somewhat annoyed.

            “Let me guess you’re going to be late again?”          

            “How’d you know?” his voice was half serious half sarcastic.

            “You sounded annoyed. You always sound like that when this happens to you.”   

            “Well you’re right I’ll be late tonight… again. But I shouldn’t be too late. Things might change.”

            “Alright baby. I’ll see you when you get here. Let me go eat before it gets cold.”

            “Alright Kay. I’ll see you when I do. Love ya.”

            “Love you too babe.”

            I ate then went up starts to take a shower and change. Then I plopped on the foot of the bed to wait up for Nick.

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            Luckily practice ended earlier than expected and I made sure that I got home at a reasonable time that is I pressed a little harder on the gas pedal than I usually do.

            I didn’t even bother grabbing my bag of sweaty practice clothes from the trunk. I just wanted to get to Kalie’s side as soon as possible. I couldn’t get her out of my mind all day when we were learning the moves for PDA. That dance got very… racy and the dancer I was partnered with looked like Kalie, except see was taller and had bigger boobs. Not that I was looking but they were kind of hard to miss because we were dancing so close. I needed to get to Kalie quick.

            I threw the rest of my dinner into the fridge and bounded up the stairs to my room. I slowly opened the door to find Kalie lying on her stomach across the foot of my bed. She was wearing a pair of sexy pink panties and a white tank top. She had her hair pulled up in a long flowing pony tail. She looked over her shoulder when she noticed I opened the door, “Hey babe! You’re home earlier than expected.”

            “I know. You should have seen me driving home.”

            “What were you Speed Racer?” she laughed.

            “Pretty much,” I chuckled.

            “Did you eat already?”

            “Yeah I got a chicken parm sandwich before I left practice. Jenn actually ordered dinner for us. I didn’t finish it. The other half is in the fridge if you want it for lunch or something.”

            “Ok. Are you feeling alright? It’s not like you to leave half a sandwich uneaten.”

            “I’m alright. My stomach just isn’t the greatest since we really picked up on practice. I think it’s all the dancing.”

            “Yeah could be. As long as you’re ok baby.”

            “I’m better now that I’m finally home.”

            “Could you hand me my brush please?”

            “Sure,” I handed her the brush and she sat up to let her hair down. Her long beautiful, brown locks fell over her shoulders and some of them in front of her face when she shook her head. I stared at her when she pushed her hair to one side and started untangling the knots in her hair. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her as she ran the brush through those locks of chocolate brown. Her head was turned toward the TV and her hair made the perfect wave as it fell to the opposite side from me. She was sitting with her legs bent behind her. The light from the TV was accenting her facial features in a way that made my heart flutter.

            As I stared at her I thought, “My god she’s perfect!” I inconspicuously pulled my phone from my pocket and took a picture of her without her even turning her head to ask what I was doing. Of course she turned her attention to me when I took off my shirt and jeans.

            “Gray’s your color honey,” she startled me because I thought she was still looking at the TV. I didn’t know what she was talking about until I looked down at my gray boxers.

            “Ya think so?” I asked looking at her over my shoulder.

            “Turn around let me see.”

            I turned around and did a few funny poses.

            She started laughing at the faces I was making, “Ooh sexy honey!”

            “I know I am.”

            She continued to laugh and I joined in. Her laugh was so contagious I loved it!  Kalie’s laughing fit continued as I flopped on the bed next to her. She was laughing so hard that she held her sides and fell over onto my stomach. She let out a few more giggles and caught her breath.

            “You’re too funny Kaos.”

            “I know I am.”

            “But seriously you do look really good in gray,” she rolled off my stomach and back on her own so she was laying the way she was when I got home. “It accents your eyes babe.”

            “I’ll take your word for it.” I started stroking her hair, “I was thinking about you all day today.”

            “Oh really? Because… I was thinking about you all day too.”

            “Really?”

            “Yup.”

            “I wonder if we were thinking about the same thing.”

            “Explain.”

            “Well we were practicing PDA today and the dance gets pretty…”

            “Racy?”

            “How’d you know?”

            “Because Mark and I were teaching a pretty racy dance routine for the competition.”

            My face became a question mark.

            “I wasn’t dancing with one of my students I was dancing with Mark but still it got pretty racy and I have to admit that I got into it. But... even though I was dancing with Mark I imagined I was really dancing with you. That’s the only reason why I was really getting into “character”. But go on with what you were saying.”

            “So we were practicing PDA… with our partners…”

            “Describe your partner,” she asked without missing a beat.

            “Well… she’s a little taller than you… has the same hair color but hers is shorter…”

            “Bigger boobs?”

            “That too.” She raised her eyebrow at me, “It was kind of hard not to look because we were dancing so close. But she did look like you.”

            “So you’re saying she looked like me but was prettier and you were dancing closely, just great.”

            “I never said she was prettier than you. She just looked like you.” I pushed a strand of hair from her face to behind her ear, “No one can compare to you. You’re the only one who really catches my eye.”

            “Oh stop Sweet Talker.”

            “It’s the truth baby.”

            “Then prove it.” She smirked slightly at me.

            I flipped over on my side and placed my hand behind her ear. I gazed into her eyes as I leaned in closer to her lips. We kissed passionately and she started tangling her fingers in my hair. We were kissing deeply and something in me snapped. I was just about to make my move but Kalie beat me to it.

***Kalie’s Point Of View***

            There was something in that kiss that started to drive me crazy.

            “That’s it!” I thought to myself, “If he doesn’t make a move tonight, no right now, I will!

            I ran my hand down his chest to his lower abs. I was going to make my hand go lower but I stopped before my fingers touched the elastic on his boxers. I don’t know what made me do so but I pushed on his shoulder and made him flip on his back while we were still kissing. I pulled away from his lips to take my tank top off. I threw it to the floor and Nick propped himself up on his elbows behind him.

            I started kissing his neck and up to the side of his face then sat over his crouch. I could feel he was getting excited and so was I.

            “Are you sure you want to do this?” Nick asked eyeing my white lace push up bra that unsnapped from the front.

            “Yes I do.” I unsnapped my bra and Nick’s breathing became quicker yet one side of his mouth slowly rose into a naughty smirk.

            He rose up to me, our lips connected and he pushed me onto my back with our lips still connected. As we made out I felt his hands caress every inch of my torso and down to my hips. He slid his fingers gently over my panties then started to slowly pull them down.

            I was scared yet I wanted it. Nick pulled away from me just to remove his boxers.

            As the gray boxers hit the floor Nick asked, “You ready?”

            My eyes hit every inch of his naked body and a naughty smile formed on my lips, “Oh yeah I’m ready!” Nick hovered over me and from then on I wasn’t scared.

            I don’t even know how long it took, I didn’t really care to be honest, but afterward we lay under the covers and held each other.

            “So how did that feel?” Nick whispered into my ear.

            My head was rested on his shoulder so I raised myself so that my lips were next to his ear, “That felt amazing! Did you like it?”

            “I loved it. Were you scared?”

            “A little bit.”

            “Did I move to fast?”

            “No. Not at all baby. That was perfect.” I kissed his check sweetly.

            “If I did move too fast I’m sorry. You’re just soo sexy and beautiful; I… I had to act before either of us changed our minds.”

            “Baby look at me,” I placed both hands on his face to turn it toward mine, “You didn’t move too fast and I wouldn’t have changed my mind. I had been thinking about, no imagining about that for a long time now.”       

            “Was it what you imagined?”

            “More than I imagined. Just face it honey you’re perfect.”

            “No you’re perfect.”

            “Sweet Talker.”

            “It’s the truth though. And I really want to have my perfect girl on tour with me.”

            “Nick, let’s not talk about this now. I’m tired and I really want to go to sleep.”

            “Ok.”

            “Good night baby. I love you Nick.”

            “I love you too Kalie. Good night babe.”

            We kissed and both fell asleep with little smiles on our faces.

Chapter 6 by CarterFan28

Chapter 6 Promise Me One Thing

            Six days passed after that night and it was the day before Nick had to leave for tour. He had the day off and Mark and I gave our students a much needed brake from practice for the day.

Nick and I spent the day together. We didn’t want to leave each other’s sides. We woke up kind of late and had breakfast in bed. Afterward we watched a few movies then decided to get dressed and drive around town until we figured out what we wanted to do for the rest of the day. I popped in the Unbreakable album and started singing. Nick joined in too subconsciously.

Nick stopped his Cadillac at a red light and I turned my head for some reason and got an idea of what Nick and I could do.

“How about we go bowling?” I suggested.

            “Where do you see a bowling alley babe?”

            “Right there,” I pointed to the building I was looking at.

            “Oh ok. I forgot that was there. Let’s go see if there is parking in the back.”

            Nick bought a few games and the shoes and from there he and I had a blast. We were trying to mess up each other’s games and when either of us would swing back our arm the other would grab the ball from the out stretched arm. We had so much fun and were acting like we were in high school. We were also taking pictures with my little digital camera. Afterward we went to a pizzeria and munched on a few slices of pizza and the best bread sticks in town. Then we walked to the park and strolled through the gardens. We held hands and just talked about anything and everything. It was calm and relaxed like our first date. I kind of missed going out on simple dates with Nick even though I lived with him. We sat and talked on the swings for a while soaking in the sun and the lovely cool breeze.

            Nick unzipped my purse and started searching for something.

            “What are you looking for?”

            “Your camera but I think this monster you call a purse ate it.”         

            “Baby let me get it.”

            I picked up the purse from the ground and unzipped an inside pocket and pulled out the camera.

            “I didn’t even know that had inside pockets!” Nick exclaimed.

            “What do you need the camera for anyway Kaos?”

            “I just realized something,” he said taking the camera from me.

            “What’s that?”           

He looked at me and smiled, “We’ve been an official couple for a while now and we don’t have a kiss picture yet.”

“Awe Nick you’re right. Is the camera ready?”

“Yup.”

We leaned into each other and kissed as Nick snapped the picture.

“That’s really cute baby,” I commented as I looked at the picture.

“You’re the really cute one,” Nick said.

“Stop being a Sweet Talker.”

“Is that you’re new nick name for me?”

“I guess so.”

He chuckled and kissed my cheek. Then my cell phone rang.

            “Hey Chris!”

            “Hey Kayl. Do you and Nick have anything planned for tonight?”

            “No we don’t.”

            “How would you like to go out clubbing with Mark, Lacey, Mich, Tally, Dan and me?”

            “Hold on let me ask Nick… How does clubbing with our besties sound for tonight?”

            “Sounds fun. What time?”

            “What time are you guys thinking Chris?”

            “How about dinner around 8:30?”

            “That sounds good.”

            “Alright Kay we’ll see you at Club Party Lights.”

            “Ok Chris we’ll see you tonight.”

            “So what’s the deal for tonight?” Nick asked when I hung up my phone.

            “We are meeting at 8:30 for dinner at club Party Lights.”

            “Alright. How about we go back home and chill by the pool for a little bit?”

            “Sounds like a plan. Let’s go.”

            After swimming for a good while Nick and I took turns taking showers and got ready to go clubbing.

            I pulled on a short denim shirt with fringe on the bottom and a purple and white halter top. I pulled my hair back in a playful looking half pony tail with my bangs and other shorter pieces of my hair falling in front of and to the sides of my face. I shaded my eyelids with a light purple and lined my eyes with black. I threw on some mascara and lip stick and I was ready to go when I slipped on my black flats.

            Nick wore dark jeans, his favorite sneakers which he kept spotless, and a black short sleeved shirt that was semi dressy. He spiked up his hair and splashed on a little cologne. He stepped out of the bathroom and I could smell the slight hint of the sensual cologne.

            “What are you wearing cologne for baby?”

            “I don’t know. I just wanted to wear it. You don’t like it?”

            “No I love that smell. It’s just that you don’t wear cologne often. I really like that stuff honey. Come here,” he walked over to me and I buried my nose into the crook of his neck and Nick laughed.

            “I guess I’ll have to wear it more often then.”

            “I guess you should.”

            We smiled at each other and he looked me up and down, “Look at you wearing a denim skirt. I really like it on you.”

            “I guess I should wear it more often then.”

            “I guess you should,” he smiled a devilish smile then kissed my forehead.

            The party really started pumping around 9 when more and more people started arriving. It was a good thing we got to the club when we did because the bouncers were starting to turn people away because the club was at full capacity.

            People crowded the dance floor and made it hard to actually dance but the eight of us hit the dance floor anyway and had a really good time. Nick and I left at midnight because he had to get up early to be on time for the taxi. Our besties stayed behind to party longer but they all wished Nick safe travels before we left and the girls and I set up a Girlies Night for the night Nick left for tour. On the way home he and I talked about all the stops on the upcoming tour. It was only then that it really started to hit me that I was going to be left alone for a long while.

            That night we shared a bowl of our favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream before we changed to get ready for bed. Then we settled down under the covers and started to stare into each other’s eyes.

            I whispered to him, “I don’t want you to leave honey.”

            “I don’t want to leave either,” he started running his fingers through my hair.

            I tightened my grip around his waist, “I’m going to miss you like crazy! I don’t know what I’m going to do without you.”

“I was hoping you’d say that because that’s exactly how I feel. Although we wouldn’t miss each other if you came on tour with me.”

“Nick you know I can’t go.”

“Yes you can come. It’s not too late to change your mind.”

“No Nick I have to stay here.”

“But I want my girl on tour with me.”

“I know you do and I’m gunna miss you so much… I’m scared though.”

“Why?”

“I’m afraid you’re going to forget about me.”

“How could I forget about the girl I love?” His fingers pushed my chin up and our lips met in a sweet kiss. Our lips locked for a few minutes then we looked back into each other’s eyes when our lips parted.

“I’m going to miss that kiss,” I said with my eyes skimming every inch of his face, “And what am I supposed to do when I hear that angelic voice of yours and I start to feel… passionate?”      

A piece of my hair fell into my face and he pushed it back behind my ear. His other hand ran down my body.

“How about we have one more night of passion to remember each other by?” he whispered with a slight smile forming on his lips and a little shimmer in his eye.

Seductively I replied, “I like the sound of that. But promise me one thing before we do… promise me you’ll stay true to me.”

He tightened his grip around my waist to bring me closer as he stared into my eyes, “I promise with all my heart Kalie. I love you.”

I raised myself up to lay my chest on his. I lowered my head to nibble on his lower lip.

“Prove it,” I spoke softly with my lips hovering over his.

He flashed his dirty little smile and I let out a knowing giggle. 

Chapter 7 by CarterFan28

Chapter 7 Trust Him

            The next morning I had woken up about 15 minutes before Nick did. I didn’t sleep that much that night. I kept dreaming of Nick cheating on me while he was on tour. I kept waking up and glancing at him sleeping next to me and shaking the thought from my head. But now I found myself fully awake because I really had to pee. I delicately picked up Nick’s arm from around my waist and slowly got out of bed. I was trying to be quiet but I couldn’t see where I was going in the dark and I banged my hip on the bedside table and let out a loud, “Ouch!” Nick kept sleeping like the log he was. I quietly giggled and headed for the bathroom.

            I returned to find him still sleeping. I lay down next to him and placed his arm around my waist again. I just laid there and stared at his face. I rested my left hand over his heart and with the other caressed his golden hair.

            Then the moment I was dreading came; the alarm he had set went off. Nick groaned and opened his eyes.

            “Morning babe,” I whispered.

“Morning Kay,” he yawned back.

            I rolled over and shut off the alarm. When I rolled back Nick had flipped onto his opposite side and hid under the covers.

I giggled and flipped back the covers, “What’s the matter honey?”

“I don’t want to go!” his words were muffled into the pillow.

“I know you don’t. But,” my voice dropped, “you have too.”

“Alright I better get up,” he rolled over, wrapped his arms around my waist and laid his head on the top of my chest.

I laughed and ran my hand through his hair, “Sweetie this isn’t exactly getting up.”

“Shh. I’m not awake yet.” He smiled and squeezed my waist. “You’re so comfy Kayl!”

“Comfy? Nickolas there’s nothing there!” I said jokingly.

“Kalie you’re what a B cup? You’ve got plenty there which means you’re comfy.” He nuzzled his head deeper into my skin.

I just shook my head, “Get up and take a shower. That’ll wake up you up.”

“Will you join me?”

“No I’m not the one who has to go on tour.”

He raised his head and pouted at me.

“Come on babe just go take a shower… alone. If I take a shower with you, you’ll be late or never leave.”

“Can I have a kiss first?”

“Of course.” I pecked his lips and he looked at me funny. “What?”

“What type of kiss was that?” he joked, “I’m leaving for tour and you give me only a little kiss.”

“You’re not leaving this second. You’ll get more kisses before you leave.”

He smiled at me, kissed my cheek then headed into the bathroom. As soon as he shut the door behind him I started to think of ways to distract him so I could keep him from leaving.

I walked through the dining room into the kitchen and passed Nick’s mask sitting on the dining room table. It was a silver and black half mask which was a part of his costume for when he performed Larger Than Life. He couldn’t leave without that mask. “Perfect!” I thought to myself.

I grabbed the mask and went back into the bedroom. I stuffed the mask under the pillow and made myself look busy while I made the bed.

Nick started singing I Want It That Way in the shower, badly. The harsh discords floated into the master bedroom and I couldn’t help but laugh. My guess is that Nick heard me so he kept singing louder and louder. This continued until he finished the song doing his best parodies of his band mates. I don’t know how I was able to make the bed because I was laughing so hard. Just as I finished folding up the big green blanket we kept at the foot of the bed, Nick walked in with a towel around his waist.

He took one look at me and asked, “Why are you crying babe?”

“You made me laugh too hard!” I replied as I plopped on the bed.

He chuckled and turned to grab his clothes from the dresser. As he did the towel fell and I couldn’t look away from his bare butt. My eyes stared at it until he looked over his shoulder and asked, “You staring at my ass?”

“No I’m staring up at the wall,” I said sarcastically.

He pulled up his boxers and walked over to me, “I could feel your eyes burning on me… it felt good.”

“Ok then… if it felt good I’ll look more often.”

He crashed his lips onto mine. Then I felt his body push mine onto the bed. He hovered over me as we kissed.

Nick pulled away and exclaimed, “Damn Kay! Stop turning me on! I’m never gunna get out of here if you keep turning me on like this.”

I giggled and caressed the side of his face with my thumb. “What do you want for breakfast? I’ll make it while you get ready.”

“How about pancakes?”

“Strawberry and banana?”

“Yes please.”

“Ok babe.”

I fixed the pancakes and just as I was about to call for Nick he walked into the kitchen.

“I was just about to call you. Good timing.”

“No, I read your mind.”

“Oh really?”

“Yeah I’m just good like that.” He chuckled and I shook my head.

After breakfast Nick started to collect his things and put them on the front steps. The taxi would be arriving shortly. He started to become frantic when he couldn’t find his mask.

I, playing dumb, asked, “What are you looking for?”

“My mask for Larger Than Life. You know the silver and black half mask? I’ve looked everywhere for it. I could’ve sworn I left it on the dining room table last night. Maybe it’s in my duffle bag.”

He went outside to search in the duffle bag and I sneaked into the bedroom. I waited to hear his footsteps and him think out loud, “Where the hell is it?”

I put on the mask and walked into the dining room.

“Babe take a breath,” I said.

“I will when I find my m…” he turned around and a relieved look came across his face when he saw I was wearing the mask. “My mask. Where did you find it?”

“I hid it under my pillow while you were in the shower.”

“Why? I’m going to be late. The taxi is already here and my things are already in the trunk.”

“I wanted to keep you here longer because I’m gunna miss you like crazy honey.”

He removed the mask from my face and said, “You won’t miss me if you come with me. It’s still not too late.”

“Baby you know I can’t go.”

“Oh yes you can.”

“No I can’t. I have to go to that dance competition. My class would be crushed if I wasn’t there. Besides my cousin Kate is one of my students and I have known most of those kids for 10 or 11 years now. They’re like my extended family. It’s not just a competition anymore it’s turned into a family obligation.”

“Well Mark will be there maybe he could record it for you.”

“I know they’re going to do well and Mark and I have worked so hard with them. It won’t be the same if I watched them win on a video. I really want to be there for them.”

“Oh alright. Then you know what? I’ll bring you back something from every stop on the tour.”

“Don’t do that Nick. All I want is for you to bring back all your lovin’ to me when you get home and promise me you’ll be faithful.”

“Oh Kalie I would never cheat on the one I love. I love you too much to cheat on you.”

“Awe Nickolas,” I wrapped my arms around his neck and he grabbed my waist.

The taxi driver honked the horn.

“I gotta go sweetie.”

“Alright then here’s your kiss.” He smiled before our lips met. While we kissed his grip became tighter.

The horn sounded again and Nick pulled away from me to glance at his watch, “Shit I’m going to be late if I don’t leave now. I promised to meet everyone at the half way point in 45 minutes.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

We walked through the hall hand in hand. He grabbed the mask and stuffed it into his backpack. He slung the backpack onto his shoulder then turned to me for the last time before getting into the taxi, “I’ll be home before you know it I promise.”

“Alright babe. Be safe travelling and call me when you can.”

“I will Kay. I love you sweetie.”

“I love you too Nick.”

We kissed one last time then he climbed into the taxi.

I watched the taxi drive away until it was out of sight. Then I went back inside and flopped on the couch. I grabbed my camera and lap top that were sitting on the coffee table and stared downloading the pictures Nick and I took the day before. I flipped through the album and smiled at the funny faces Nick was making in most of the pictures we had taken in the park. After the park pictures came some from the club. There were a few of the girls and I dancing together and a few really good ones of us laughing at some sarcastic remark Michelle made.

I was bored so I started uploading the pictures onto Facebook. As soon as I was finished tagging and editing the pictures Chris popped up on the chat.

“Hey Kgirl! Go check out my Friends album. I have new pics of you and Nick up.”

“From when?” I replied.

“Last night.”

“Ok let me check them out now.”

I found the album Chris tagged me in and flipped through the pictures that I didn’t know he took. There were a lot of candid shots of Nick and I dancing. The one that I loved was of Nick standing behind me holding both of my hands while we were dancing closely together. Nick was looking at my face with so much love and affection in his eyes, mine were closed but my lips were curled up in a smile. That picture made me smile and sent a warm, tingling sensation through my entire body. That picture was one of the first things that made me truly realize that Nick really did love me. I copied the picture then went to my pictures from that day and stared at the one of us kissing. I was starting to miss Nick already.

It was about an hour after Nick left when Rochelle called me from the airport.

“Girl why aren’t you on tour? You’re a part of the BSB Family now. Nick needs you with. He’s already pinning for ya.”

“I’m starting to pine for him too but I have a big obligation I need to be home for. And how am I a part of the BSB Family?”

“You’re dating; no scratch that living with Nick now. You’re a part of his life so you’re also a part of his BSB Family duh!” Rochelle laughed and so did I.

“Well thanks for clearing up the whole BSB Family thing.”

“You needed to now. And you need to be on tour.”

“I need to be there for my students at their big dance competition. Especially since my cousin is one of my students.”

“Oh it’s a family obligation.”

“Yup.”

“Then I understand why you’re not on tour. Do you think you’ll be with us for the American leg?”

“I don’t know yet. I’m thinking about it though.”

“Well I’m pretty sure you’ll make up your mind pretty soon when you really start missing your boyfriend. And speaking of the devil he wants to talk to you so here he is.”

“I miss you already baby,” he said into the phone. He sounded kind of depressed.

“I’m starting to miss you too honey.”

“I really, really wish you were here Kalie.”

“I know you do but…”

“You have to be there for your students I know. Well listen sweetie we are starting to board the plane so I have to go. I’ll call you whenever I get the chance I promise.”

“Alright baby. Be save travelling.”

“I will Kalie. I love you.”

“I love you too Nick.”

The line disconnected and I started getting ready for work.

Practice went smoothly for my students and we even ended the work day early. As soon as I got home I showered and changed to go to Michelle’s house for Girlie’s night.

“What took you so long Kay?” Michelle said answering the door.

“Am I late?”

“Yeah by about an hour!”

“Oh damn I’m sorry did you guys eat already?”

“No I’m just busting your chops. Come on in. We’re going to order Chinese food. The menu’s on the table. Just take a seat. And now that Kay is here you better tell us what happened with Mark,” Michelle wagged her finger at Lacey.

I took my seat next to my sister in law and Crystal then Michelle took a seat and Lacey looked at each of us.

“Ok spill Lace! You said as soon as Kayl got here you would spill the news,” Trish prodded.

“Yeah,” Crystal added in, “What happened with you and Mark?”

She flashed her hand to us and exclaimed, “He proposed!

            We all screamed and hugged Lacey. From there we started talking about how Mark popped the question and what their plans were for the future. Then somehow we ended up talking about my future with Nick.

            “So Kayl,” Michelle started, “Do you think you’ll become the future Mrs. Nickolas Gene Carter?”

            “I doubt it.”

            “Why?!” Crystal exclaimed.

            “We’re both not the marrying type.”

            “What do you mean?” Trish asked.

            “He says that it’s not worth getting married if it only ends in divorce and I don’t think I can trust a marriage proposal.”

            “So you’re saying that you wouldn’t trust Nick if he did propose?” Michelle questioned.

            “No… but… I don’t know. I really don’t like talking about the future because I really enjoy living in the present with him.”

            “But don’t you want him in your future?” Lacey asked. “And don’t you love each other?”

            “I do want him in my future and we do love each other but… maybe marriage isn’t in either of our futures.”

            “Ok then if you don’t want to talk about the future what about the near future. How much are you going to miss Nick when he’s gone?” Trish questioned.

            “I’m going to miss him like crazy! I’m already starting to miss him.”

            “Are we going to have to take turns watching you and having you sleep over while he’s gone? Will you be too lonely in that big house of yours?” Michelle joked.

            “Mich stop. Kalie’s a big girl now. She doesn’t need her boyfriend to take care of her,” Crystal stood up for me.

            “Yeah Kalie can tough it out,” Lacey said as she lightly punched my arm.

            “But can you really tough it out? What are you going to do when you get really lonely at night?” Michelle added.

            “Kalie!” Trish exclaimed.

            “What?” I asked surprised.

            “You won’t cheat on Nick will you? Like you did with Jasper?” she answered.

            “I wouldn’t do that to Nick. He’s too much of a good boyfriend.”

            “And you really love him,” Crystal added.

            “Exactly. I’m just scared that…”

            Michelle cut me off, “You’re scared that he’ll cheat on you.”

            I nodded my head.

            “Kalie! Nick would never cheat on you! He is so in love with you there is no doubt about it,” Crystal said.

            “Nick is the best boyfriend you have ever had Kalie,” Trish added. “And you know that I’ve been there to witness the worst of them in the House of Horrors.”

            “I know what it is,” Lacey grabbed my hand, “You’re afraid he’ll end up like all the rest of those dickheads you’ve dated. Trust me I have been down that road before.”

            It was true, Lacey was in the same amount of bad relationships as I was and pretty much the same situations. She and I were pretty close because of that and because she was one of my dance team mates.

            “To tell you the truth,” she continued, “I was at first hesitant to accept Mark’s ring because of my past. But I thought about how different Mark is from all the rest and how much he actually loves me. I’m the happiest I have ever been because I accepted Mark’s ring. Kalie, Nick is your Mark. Trust me when I say trust him. He really loves you Kayl and I highly, highly doubt he’ll be unfaithful to you.”

            I took those words to heart and kept thinking about them even though the girls and I were talking about anything and everything for a few hours. I even thought about what Lacey said when I was driving home the next day and even when I fell asleep that night.

            Nick had called me just before I got ready to go to bed that night so at least I was able to hear his voice and say good night to him before I fell asleep. But still I woke up a few times from strange dreams to roll over to an empty bed on my right side. I was really starting to miss Nick. And I couldn’t help but wonder if he really was different from all the rest. I guess this was his testing period.

Chapter 8 by CarterFan28

Chapter 8 I Think You Just Lost The Best Thing

            The only thing that brought me comfort while Nick was gone was a sweat jacket he left behind by accident. It was just a simple gray sweat jacket but it reminded me so much of him. It kept me warm at night and engulfed me in a hug when I was feeling lonely. It acted like a pillow some nights and the scent of the cologne that rubbed off of his skin helped me fall asleep. It sounds weird but that sweat jacket did keep me company, expect it couldn’t kiss me or tell me the night mares I would wake up from were only dreams. It also didn’t have a heartbeat. I never realized that Nick’s heartbeat acted like a lullaby until he was gone.

            But I had one thing that kept me occupied for the first week Nick was gone, the dance competition.

            “Ok guys go out there and dance your asses off but have fun doing it!” Mark gave our students a pep talk before they hit the dance floor.

            “And don’t over dance!” I warned them, “I don’t want to see any of you get hurt and if you do get hurt pull yourself out of the competition. You don’t want to give yourself an injury for life.”

            “Up next for the cha cha are the competitors representing the Diangela Studio,” the announcer called over the loud speaker.

            “Alright guys this is your time to shine,” I said.

            “Break a leg out there kids,” Mark wished our students luck. “Hands in and on three let’s dance.”

            Mark stuck his hand out and the students and I piled ours on top of his.

            “One, two, three… Let’s dance!” we all screamed. Then our students broke away from us and hit the dance floor.

            They were amazing! Mark and I have never seen them dance like that in the past ten or eleven years we had taught them. They looked like professionals and performed perfectly! Mark and I watched them nervously but they kept getting better and better with each of the six dances they performed. And with each move our students made Mark and I became less nervous and more assured that they had that competition in the bag. Also we were paying close attention to the other teams and there was no comparison.

            At the end of the night it boiled down to one long, agonizing moment; the moment when all six dance teams were called onto the stage so they could announce the winners.

            Third place was announced, then second, and the judges took their time when deciding who would take home the first place trophy and our students were still waiting for their names to be called.

            “And first place goes to,” the head judge paused looking at the remaining dance teams.

            I grabbed Mark’s hand and we both silently prayed for our students.

            “First place goes to… the Diangela Dancers!”

            The team jumped high into the air and screamed with pure joy. They were all so happy and they all did amazingly! Mark and I have never been so proud of them before.

            I watched as the trophy was handed to our students and they each got a chance to hold the trophy and take a picture with it. Then they handed it to Mark and I and we all took a group picture with the trophy.

My students huddled around the trophy then turned to Mark and I. The team captain held out the trophy to us and said, “We couldn’t have won this competition without you and we unanimously dedicate this trophy to you two. Mark, Kalie, you are the best dance instructors and all of us consider ourselves lucky and blessed that you have taught us. Thank you so much for everything you have done for all of us. We all love you both very much and this trophy is yours.”

            I smiled and tears started to form in my eyes. I had never been so proud of my students in my life.

            Mark was getting emotional too and answered, “You were the ones who worked the hardest for this trophy. It’s all yours. You all deserve it. And I’m speaking for both Kalie and I when I say that we are blessed and lucky to have all of you as students. We love you guys too.”

            That night I watched the videos of my student’s performances before I went to bed. Kasey had videotaped every moment of their victory. Happy tears came to my eyes again as I watched the team rejoice when they were announced the winners.  Just as I was about to turn off my light and slink under the covers the house phone rang.

            “Hello?”

            “Hey baby.”

            “Hey babe! What’s up?”

            “Nothing really.”

            “You sound really tired and hoarse. Are you feeling ok?”

            “I’m fine. I just woke up and we had a show last night. What time is it back home?”

            “It’s bed time here.”

            “I didn’t wake you up did I?”

            “No you didn’t. I was just about to turn off the lights. But I would have picked up the phone anyway. I really wanted to hear your voice. You didn’t call me yesterday.”

            “I’m sorry about that. My phone died. I really miss you.”

            “I miss you too Nick.”

            “How’d the competition go?”

            “They won!”

            “Excellent! You must be proud.”

            “I really am.” I yawned loudly into the phone.

            “I better not keep you up. So I’ll say good night Kalie. I miss you so much but I love you more.”

            “I miss and love you too baby. Good morning Nick.”

            He chuckled, “I’ll call you again when I can. Or I’ll send you an email.”    

            “Sounds good sweetie. I love you.”

            “I love you too.”

            The greater the time distance the shorter our conversations got. We used to talk for hours but now our conversations were reduced to mere minutes. Also it was tough to figure out the time difference because he kept moving from place to place. I was starting to wish that I did actually go with him.

            But things were continuing on like normal. Well not exactly normal but a new normal because the house was very empty without Nick. So I hosted a Smith Family night once and my siblings and their families stopped by on many occasions to go swimming with me. But still Nick wasn’t there and every inch of me was missing him.

            Time dragged on and it was already two months without Nick. We talked whenever we could and he sent me pictures from behind stage and I even got to talk to the rest of the Boys and the Backstreet Family. They kept repeating over and over again how much they wanted me on tour while Nick on the other hand dropped the subject after I almost lost him one night.

            “How about I buy you a ticket and fly you out here?” my boyfriend suggested.

            “Nick…” I started.

            He cut me off, “You’ll fly first class.”

            “Don’t do that.”

            “Why not? I want you here with me Kayl.”

            “I know you do but I can’t Nick.”

            “Yes you can. The competition’s over. You don’t have any big obligation now do ya?”

            “No…”

            “So why not take up the offer? I’ll pay for everything.”

            “Don’t spend your money on me.”

            “You’re my girl why shouldn’t I spend my money on you?”

            “Because I don’t want to be the spoiled girlfriend. I’m not like that Nick. I’ve never been like that and I’m not gunna start now.”

            “How much do you miss me?”

            “I miss you a lot. It’s pretty lonely in this huge house of yours with only one person.”

            “Then why don’t you want to come on tour with me?”

            I didn’t reply. I truly didn’t know why I didn’t take Nick up on the offer. He was right; I didn’t have any other big obligations except getting my brides maid dress for Lacey and Mark’s wedding.  But I could always buy the dress and get it altered right before the wedding. Now that the competition was over I had no excuse for not going on tour. I just didn’t know why I didn’t reply.

            “You don’t want to be on tour with me do you?”

            I tried to answer but no words came to my mouth so Nick continued, “There’s somebody else keeping you home isn’t there? You don’t miss me at all do ya?”

            Again I didn’t know what to say so I didn’t say anything. I was starting to get upset and Nick was starting to get angry.

            He nearly screamed at me, “Are ya gunna answer me?”

            “Nick! I don’t know what to say. I don’t want to leave home but I do want to be with you.”

            “What’s holding you back? Why don’t you want to come with me?”

            “I said I don’t know!”

            “Kalie, be honest with me, do you really miss me?”

            “Yes very much so.”

            “Do you love me?”

            “Yes I do.”

            “Then there should be no problem making up your mind about coming with me. You should be here now. You should’ve been here in the first place.”

            “Nick you know why I couldn’t come in the first place.”

            “I know that but what’s holding you back now?!”

            By now I was mad so I stayed silent.

            “Ok now you’re not going to answer so I’ll say bye Kalie.”

            “Nick… wait,” he hung up cutting me off.

            I screamed and threw my cell phone onto the table I was sitting at and left it there for the rest of the day not answering it. It rang a few times about 15 minutes later but I ignored it. I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I wanted to be left alone. I wanted to figure out what was wrong with me.

            “You’re missing Nick but yet when he offers to fly you out there, you won’t go,” I said to myself in the mirror. “What is wrong with you? Don’t you love Nick?”

            I grabbed the picture of him and I kissing and started at it. My eyes started tearing and I said to my reflection, “You really should be there with him. Why are you being a fucking coward by staying here? I think you just lost the best thing that ever happened to you.”

            Three days pasted when Rochelle called me when I had gotten home from work one day.

            “Kalie you really need to talk to Nick. He hasn’t been himself these past three days. He’s really sorry. But why am I telling you this? Here’s your boyfriend.”

            I heard her hand over the phone then Nick’s voice, “Hi Kalie.”

            “Hi Nick.”

            There was a pause and then I heard AJ say in the background to Nick, “Just tell her man! You know you want to.”

            He took in a deep breath then said, “Baby I’m sorry. I’m sorry I hung up on you and I’m very, very sorry that I lost my temper. I never meant to. I just miss you too much. Are you mad at me?”

            “I’m not mad at you. I’m just mad at myself.”

            “Why are you mad at yourself? You did nothing wrong.”

            “I should have gone with you in the first place.”

            “Kalie I understand that you had a family obligation to be home for and I can only imagine how proud you are of your students. I just don’t get why you won’t come now.”

            “To be honest I don’t know why either.”

            “Is it a money issue?”

            “In a way yes,” I thought about the words as I was answering.

            “You don’t have to worry about the money it would take to get you out here. I’ve got it covered.”

            “Nick it’s not that. I don’t want you to spoil me like that. I’ve never had issues with my earnings from my job and I have never been dependent on boyfriends to help me out financially. I’m happy that I have the job that I do and I don’t want to lose it. I mean I miss you like crazy but I don’t think I could stay away from work for that long.”

            “Don’t you want to see the world though?”

            “I do but… I don’t think I could take the stress of moving from place to place as quickly as a tour does.”

            “You’re right it is stressful. I don’t want to stress you out.”

            “Are you mad at me?”

            “No of course not. I just really miss you that’s all. Do you forgive me?”

            “Of course I do.”

            He breathed out a sigh of relieve, “I’m really glad you do forgive me. I’m sorry I can’t talk to you for much longer because we have to hit the stage in half an hour and we have to go do our warm ups.”

            “Ok baby. I love you.”

            “I love you too. I really do.”

            “I can’t wait until you get home.”

            “Me neither. I’ll talk to you later baby.”

            “I’ll be waiting.”

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            “See aren’t you glad you talked to her?” Rochelle asked.

            “Very glad.”

            “So things are good again with you two?”

            “Yes. Thanks for convincing me to wait to talk to her.”

            “You’re welcome. Now go catch up to the guys before you’re late for the show.”

            “And thanks for talking to Kalie before I did.”

            “It was no problem. I really want to see you guys last.”

            “Me too.”

            I jogged to the room were the other guys were waiting for me. That was a close call between the two of us and I had felt really guilty that I raised my voice to her. I really didn’t want to lose her. That almost happened once and I wasn’t willing to let it happen again.

Chapter 9 by CarterFan28

Chapter 9 Make Him Cheat?

***Rochelle’s Point of View***

            Things were going good between Nick and Kalie after I helped them fix that little tiff of theirs.  I was really glad they didn’t break up over that tiny fight because there was no way of knowing how Nick was going to act if they did. Who knows? He could have done something drastic.

            It was about three months into tour when the rest of the Backstreet Girls and I noticed Nick’s dance partner Marcy become a little more than professional.

            “Have you noticed how Marcy has been dancing with Nick lately?” I asked AJ one night as we were settling down for bed.

            “No I haven’t. Why? What’s going on?”

            “She’s all over him!”

            “The choreography does get pretty racy.”

            “I know that but she’s putting her hands very close to places that shouldn’t be touched by other girls besides Kalie.”

            His eyes went wide with surprise, “Really?”

            “Yes! She’s not being professional Alex.”

            “Has Nick noticed this? Have you even confronted him yet?”

            “No I haven’t but the rest of the girls and I agreed that if she continues to touch him like she has been we’re confronting him tomorrow. And if he won’t say anything to her I’m telling her.”

            “Could you please leave her in one piece?”

            “It depends on if she’ll continue to hit on Nick or not. I have to protect Kalie’s man for her because she’s not here. Somebody has to do it. They almost lost each other two times before. I want to see them last a good long time.”

            “I do too. Nick’s never been happier.”

            “And I know Kalie won’t cheat on Nick but…”

            “You think he’ll be the one to cheat?”

            “I’m not sure. I don’t think so because I really think he is truly in love with her but Marcy is a very big temptation.”

            “You’re right. I hope Nick doesn’t fall for her.”

            “That makes two of us.”

            The next night the Backstreet Girls and I watched Marcy dance with Nick intensely. She was the best dancer out of the four of them but she added in her own choreography to the routines. The three of us watching were appalled by where she was placing her hands during PDA and our eyes went wide when she smacked his ass! It surprised Nick but he kept singing and ignored it.

            “Ok I’m gunna call Kalie right now!” I ripped out my cell phone but Leigh stopped me.

            “You won’t be able to hear with all this noise and she is probably working. Confront Marcy and Nick first before you get Kalie worried. Let’s see if Nick notices what might be going on. Wait and see what happens before you bring Kalie into this.”

            I did as Leigh suggested and put my cell phone back in my pocket. After the concert we met up with the Boys back at the hotel lobby and I couldn’t help but over hear Nick’s little conversation with Marcy.

            “Was that just my imagination or did you smack my ass during PDA tonight?”

            Marcy answered innocently, “I’m sorry about that. My hand accidently hit you when I was skipping away.”

            “That’s ok. It was just an accident.”

            “Phew! I thought you were going to be mad at me.”

            “No I’m not mad.”

            “Good. I have a question to ask you.”

            “Ask away.”

            “Do you think I’m a good dancer?”

            “Yeah I think you’re an awesome dancer. I’ll let you in on a little secret; you’re the best dancer we have.”

            Her eyes went wide and her lips curled into a huge smile when she exclaimed, “Really?! That’s too sweet Nick! You’re such a nice guy.”

            “I’ve heard that before.”

            “And I’ll let you in on a little secret of my own. I am a big fan of you guys and I was so star struck when I first met you guys especially when I met you Nick. You’re my favorite.”

            Nick was taken aback, “You seemed so professional when we first met you. I would have never thought you were a fan. I thought you were just a professional dancer looking for a job.”

            “No I was so star struck you have no idea!”

            Her voice was annoying me to no end, it was too sickening sweet.

            “I never knew that. So how long have you been a fan?”

            “Since the beginning.”

            “Cool.”

            “Yeah and I have to admit, I have a pretty decent size crush on you and it’s very exciting that I get to dance with you every night.”

            I watched as Nick gulped, “Well that is very flattering but I have a girlfriend. And I really need to go up to my room and call her now. Night.”

            “Oh good night.”

            Nick walked away from her and headed for the elevators. Marcy watched him walk away and she thought out loud to herself not knowing I was listening, “So he does have a girl back home. That doesn’t mean I can’t be his girl on tour. He’ll be mine in one kiss.”

            I had to cover my mouth with my hand before the words, “I knew it!” blurted out of it.

            “What’s the matter?” my boyfriend asked.

            The rest of the Backstreet Family were in a separate room from Nick and Marcy when they were talking and we had a conversation of our own started but I wasn’t paying attention. No one knew I was listening to Marcy.

            I watched Marcy walk to her room before answering in a near whisper, “Marcy wants to hook up with Nick!”

            “No way!” Leigh exclaimed.

            “I’ve been listening to her talk to Nick this whole time! And I just heard her say ‘He’ll be mine after one kiss’!”

            “Did she say that to Nick?” Brian asked.

            “No she said it out loud to herself. I’m calling Kalie right now.”

            “Don’t call her,” Leighanne said. “She doesn’t need to know unless he is actually cheating on her.”

            “Leighanne is right. Nick isn’t cheating… yet,” Leigh said cautiously.

            “He wouldn’t cheat on Kalie,” AJ commented. “At least I don’t think he would. B-Rok you know Nick better than I do, do you think he would cheat on her?”

            “I don’t think he would but I’m not sure I could say the same about Marcy,” Brian answered.

            “None of us know that much about Marcy. So it’s not so much Nick we need to be asking about it’s her we have to worry about,” Howie said.

            “I don’t think she’s going to make it easy for Nick to resist her,” Leighanne commented.

            “You’re right. She is good looking,” I winced.

            But AJ brought up a good point, “It’s not that she’s good looking it’s that she looks a lot like Kalie. When I first saw her I thought she was Kalie.”

            “That’s it I’m keeping both my eyes on her whenever she is around Nick,” I said. “Who’s with me?”

            The entire Backstreet Family raised their hands and from there we devised a plan in case anything happened between Marcy and Nick.

            Close to a month after Kalie and Nick’s close call, Marcy became a little more bold and started hanging out with Nick more and more. Nick was oblivious to what Marcy was trying to do so I stepped in. AJ didn’t want me too but I ignored my boyfriend’s warnings and pulled Nick aside one day after he went shopping with Marcy by themselves when we had free time.

            “So what’s going on with you and Marcy?” I asked bluntly.

            “Nothing. She and I just went shopping.”

            “I would put some distance between her and you if I were you.”

            “What do you mean?”

            “She has a huge crush on you! She wants you badly Nick! And if you cheat on my girl Kalie god help me Nick I will…”

            “Are you crazy?! I wouldn’t cheat on her in a million years! She’s too special to me.”

            “Well you better tell Marcy that. And you better tell her that if she tries anything with you while Kalie is back home where she can’t defend her property, i.e you, I’ll defend you for her.”

            “Ro calm down. I’ll take care of it if anything happens which I doubt anything would because Marcy knows I have Kalie waiting for me back home and that I’m not interested in my dance partner. Besides she’s just being friendly.”

            “Ok Nick. If you say so. But remember I’ll be watching her like a hawk.”

            “Ro chill. I have it covered. I have to go get ready for the after party.”

            “That’s what you say now,” I whispered to myself when Nick walked away. “Wait until Marcy starts to get under your skin and you mistake her for Kalie. I pray you’ll be smarter than that.”

            I watched Nick walk to his hotel room then Marcy caught up to him and said, “Mind if I hang with you tonight at the after party?”

            “Don’t mind at all,” Nick replied.

            “Here we go,” I thought to myself. I shook my head then wondered what Kalie was doing at that exact moment.

***Kalie’s Point of View***

            I had just gotten back from Girlie’s Night at Crystal’s house and I threw my jacket on the hook then looked at the message machine. There was one new message so I pressed the play button.

            “Kalie baby!” Nick’s voice came in mixed with static. “I just wanted to let you know that I am missing you like crazy but I love you more. I don’t know where you are or what time it is but I just got finished with a show and I’ll be going to an after party in about a half hour and then afterward I’ll be sleeping and my phone will most likely be off because it needs to be charged. I love you way too much for words Kalie. And I miss you just as much.”

            I smirked but I was kind of mad that I wasn’t home to talk to him.

            I was going to call him back but instead I texted him.

            “I knw u r going to get this txt whn u wake up so good morning =) just letting u knw I got your message and I miss u like crazy but I love u more.”

            The message sent successfully then I grabbed the picture I kept of him and I on the bedside table. I kissed his picture like I did every night then slipped under the blankets. I fell asleep peacefully but, I didn’t dream peacefully.

            My dream started off with me standing in an airport looking for someone. Then I caught site of Nick’s bodyguard Bruce.

            “Bruce! I’m over here!” I raised my hand and caught his attention.

            He came over to me and hugged me, “How was your flight?”

“Long, very, very long. Does Nick still have no idea that I flew out here to surprise him?”

            “He has no clue.”

            “Good! How long is the drive to the hotel?”

            “It’s not far. We’ll be there in no time.”

            “Thanks again for picking me up Bruce.”

            “Eh don’t mention it. I’ll do anything for a Backstreet Family member.”

            Bruce escorted me to the rental car and drove me to the hotel. He then guided me to Nick’s room.

            I was about to knock on the door when I heard Nick say, “Where’s my surprise?”

            “It’s right here. You can open your eyes now,” I heard a female voice reply seductively.

            “This is the best surprise I have ever received,” Nick said in his sexy voice.

            “I’m glad you think so,” said the female voice. Then the voices were replaced with muffled moans.

            I pushed open the door of Nick’s suite and followed the female’s giggles to the bedroom. My worst nightmare was playing out right in front of my eyes. Nick was naked in a hotel suite with a girl who looked a little bit like me but was hotter, she too was naked.

            Tears escaped my eyes and I screamed, “How fucking dare you! You promised you’d be faithful! You lied to me! You said you’d be different! You’re just like all the rest of them!”

            He didn’t even stop kissing her. I stormed out of the room with tears streaming down my face.

            Rochelle was standing outside and she stopped me and brought me into her arms.

            I whimpered, “I should’ve listened to you! You warned me about him and her! I should’ve broke up with him when I had the chance!”

            I woke up when I felt something wet hit my face. My eyes opened and I became aware of my surroundings and an actual tear running down my cheek. I wiped it away then looked at the picture of Nick and I.

            “It’s was only a dream. That’s what you would be saying to me if you were here. Then you would whisper in my ear, “Everything’s going to be ok. I’m here now.” Then you would engulf me in those strong arms of yours and kiss my temple. You would start rocking me back and forth until I would fall asleep in your arms,” I talked to that picture as if I was talking to Nick on the phone. I stared into his sky blue eyes and felt a cold shiver of loneliness shoot down my spine, “I miss you so much baby. Maybe it’s not the greatest idea to have a long distance relationship.”

            I returned the picture to its proper place then fell back to sleep with a heavy question on my mind.

            The next morning just before I left for work Nick called me. I was going to tell him about my nightmare but I decided against it. I just let him talk for the most part. It was heavenly hearing his voice without static. He was telling me about some of the after parties and sound check parties and he even told me about Marcy, his dance partner.

            “Wait, she smacked your ass?”

            “It was an accident.”

            “Really Nick? It sounds like she’s crushing on you.”

            “No she’s not. She’s very professional actually. You have nothing to worry about.”

            “I have a lot to worry about.”

            “What you don’t trust me?”

            “No I don’t trust her.”

            “Well don’t worry because she has absolutely nothing on you.”

            “If you say so baby.”

            “I mean so. Well baby I’m pretty tired and I know you’re getting ready to go to work so I’ll say good morning and have a good day at work. I love you.”

            “Good night baby. I love you too. Sweet dreams.”

            “Thanks babe. And don’t hang up because Rochelle wants to talk to you. It’s her phone anyway.”

            “OK.”

            “Hey Kalie girl!”

            “Hey Ro!  What’s up?”

            “I have to tell you something very juicy.”

            “Spill.”

            “Well it’s about Nick and Marcy.”

            I became very nervous, “What about them?”

            “I might have to beat her up if she won’t stop hitting on Nick.”

            “What?!”

            “Yeah. Didn’t Nick just tell you?”

            “He only told me about the time she accidently smacked his ass. And he also said that she has been very friendly and professional about her job.”

            “Well I guess he and I have a different definition of friendly and professional.”

            I gulped, “How so?”

            “She has got the biggest crush on him and wants to be the other girl on tour. She knows about you but doesn’t care. She wasn’t to hook up with Nick badly and thinks that if she does he’ll dump you and stay with her.”

            “What?”

            “She’s crazy and Nick just thinks she’s being friendly. But don’t worry I’ll defend your territory for you while you’re not around.”

            “This is just very scary,” I said in a near whisper.

            “Why? I highly doubt that Nick will do anything. He really does love ya girl.”

            “No, it’s just that I had a nightmare last night.”

            “Tell me about it.”

            I explained every detail of the nightmare to her and her reply was, “Holy shit! You can predict the future!”

            “That’s what scares me.”

            “I didn’t mean it that way. Like I said before I highly doubt he would do anything, it’s just Marcy I would worry about.”

            “But I can’t confront her when I’m here and she’s there.”

            “Leave that to me. If I see the slightest hint of her wearing down Nick I’ll knock some sense into that daring little dancer.”

            I chuckled at the way Rochelle was talking. She reminded me of Michelle. They had the same personality pretty much and kind of the same style. That’s why I got along so well with her and my Girlies did too.

            “Thanks Ro. I’m glad I’ve got a friend watching over my boyfriend for me.”

            “Oh you have more than one. Bruce is watching him, the rest of the Boys, even Leigh and Leighanne. Don’t worry we got ya covered.”

            “Well thanks again. I gotta go to work so I’ll talk to you later.”

            “Have a good day!”

            “Have a good night!”   

            Rochelle hung up and I made my way to work but I couldn’t help thinking about Nick and Marcy. Could she really wear him down and make him cheat?   

Chapter 10 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

The stress of the great divide is starting to work on Kalie and Nick... 

Chapter 10 The Great Divide

            There was a period of a about a week and a half after I told Rochelle about my nightmare when Nick didn’t call me or text me or even email me. At first I didn’t let it get to me but then I started thinking the worst.

            Maybe she did wear him down. Maybe she is convincing him to dump me right now. Maybe he just forgot all about me. Maybe I should just end it with him the next time I talk to him over the phone.

            It got to the point where I made myself over worry about it. Little things around the house reminded me about him and every inch of me was missing him more and more with each day that went by without talking to him. It got to the point where it became painful just thinking about Nick. I was starting to regret becoming Nick’s girlfriend in the first place. I should have known this would happen.

            My mind was taken off the subject for a few fleeting minutes when Katie called me up one night asking if I could drive her and three of her friends to a double date. I replied quickly and left right after I hung up the phone so I could take my time getting to her house.

            I picked up Katie and Roger and their best friends Shannon and Chase in Nick’s convertible. We drove with the top down and the radio blasting. We sang along to all the songs we knew and in about half an hour I dropped them off at the Backstreet Market. Before I left they invited me to have dinner with them in the Market Café. It was the same café where Nick set up his first date with Paris Hilton only it had a name change since Nick and I were there last. My mind went back to Nick and I felt my heart and mood drop.

            I peaked at Katie and Roger. They were acting like Nick and I would and even though they were both young, I could tell they were in love. I became jealous, of my own younger cousin and her boyfriend.

            I looked down at my cell phone to check the time and I made it seem like I had to go somewhere important when I said, “Ok you four have a good time and Katie call me when you want me to pick you guys up. I’ll meet you outside of the movie theater.”

            “Ok thanks for driving us cousin!”

            “No problem. I’ll see you later.”

            “Later!”

            As I drove back home I couldn’t help but think about Katie and Roger. They were so lucky being in love and not having to worry about either of them leaving for a long period of time with one of them being left behind, alone. I got home and stared at my favorite picture of Nick and I. Maybe our relationship was too good to be true.     

            My mind kept buzzing with a million questions as I waited for Katie to call me. The questions continued to buzz when I came back home and waited by the phone. I had a weird feeling that Nick was going to call me that night. I started spinning the ring he had given me for my sweet 16 around my finger and stared at my cell phone.

            I had to be spinning that ring for five minutes when the phone finally rang.

            I picked it up after the first ring and Nick’s voice came from the opposite end of the line, “Hey Kalie.”

            “Hey Nick.”   

            “I’m so sorry I haven’t…”

            “It’s ok,” I interpreted. “You don’t have to explain yourself.”

            “What’s the matter? You sound upset?”

            “I’ve just been having these awful nightmares that you’re not here to wake me up from.”

            “I’m sorry about that. I really am. What was the nightmare?”

            “I’d rather not talk about it.”

            “Ok then. Are you sure there’s nothing else wrong?”

            “I just really have to tell you something. Do you have time to talk?”

            “Yeah. I have plenty of time… I have a feeling that I’m not going to like this talk though.”

            “I don’t think you’re going to either.”

            “There’s someone else isn’t there this time?”

            “No it’s not that at all.”

            “Then what is it?”

            I took in a deep breath then said, “It’s gotten to the point where missing you hurts. I don’t know how many more nights I can take sleeping in your bed alone. I don’t think a love like ours can survive when we are on different halves of the world. I should’ve gone with you in the first place and I still don’t know what is holding me back now so please don’t ask. I really do love you but… now it hurts to love you. I mean I’m waking up when you’re going to sleep and I wonder if you really are thinking of me. I get ready for another long day without and you’re just starting to dream. It’s hard to let it go, and make it through the day. It’s hard to hold on when we’re both so far way.”

            “Kalie… don’t do this to me. Not now. Not now when I’m at the most stressful part of the tour.”

            “Maybe we should just move on and get on with our lives.”

            “But how can we survive? Kalie our hearts are so connected that we’ll die when you take them apart. And one half of me is missing if I can’t hold you in my arms. Can’t we just overcome the distance? Make it through the time? Can’t we just overcome the great divide?”

            “Nick… I don’t think I can. You live your life and I’m living mine…”

            He cut me off, “Somehow we’ve got to find a way to get through. Kalie I keep waiting for the day when we find a place to stay and we’ll always wake up together. And I keep waiting for the time when every single night belongs to me and you. We’ll never have to move again.”

            “I don’t think that day will ever come.”

            “But it will! We could spread our roots and grow.”

            “But how can we when you’re traveling the world and I’m stuck at home? I can’t believe I’m saying this Nickolas… I don’t think I can be your girlfriend anymore.”

            “No. Don’t say that,” I heard his voice quiver and I was fighting back tears. “Just don’t tell me that. Take it back. Anything but that. You said you’d wait for me.”

            “I know I did… but… it hurts too much.”

            “The main reason I called you was to tell you that we are coming home in exactly a week. Will I still have a girlfriend to come home too?”

            “Nick,” I couldn’t hold back my tears any longer, “I don’t know if I could take any more pain.”

            “I guess I got my answer then.” His cracking voice was mixed with sadness, fear and a hint of anger.

            “No! Nick! Wait!” I whimpered but I was too late. He hung up.

            “God damn it!” I screamed throwing my phone against the wall smashing it. “What did you do Kalie?! This is not like you! You love Nick, why did you just break up with him?!”

            I looked into my mirror and asked my reflection, “Who have you become? This is not the same girl I’m used to seeing. What did I do?”

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            I slipped my phone into my pocket and buried my face into my hands.

            “What’s the matter?” I looked up to find Marcy sitting down next to me.

            “Nothing,” I murmured.

            “Oh come on something is wrong.” She inched closer to me.

            “I don’t want to talk about it Marcy.”

            “Ok come on. Talking helps and I’m here to listen.”

            “It’s my girlfriend.”

            “What about her?”

            “She doesn’t think our relationship can survive over distance.”

            “Then why didn’t she come…”

            “Don’t go there. I’ve already tried to ask her that she still doesn’t know what’s holding her back. Besides it’s not worth making her come now with only one week left.”

            “It sounds like she’s not the traveling type. And if she didn’t want to come with you in the first place I would say that she’s not worth getting upset over.”

            “Not worth getting upset over?! How dare you say that about my girlfriend! I absolutely love her! She’s everything to me!  Don’t tell me she’s not worth it. She’s worth everything!”

            “Oh,” was her only answer. Then she continued, “I can make it better. And I can change your mind about her.” Her fingers ran from my knee to just before my package.  

            I pushed her hand away angrily and got to my feet, “Rochelle was right about you. You just want me for yourself and can’t see that I’m taken. My heart belongs to Kalie and no one is going to ever change that.”

            I stormed up to my hotel room and locked myself inside it for the rest of the day until I was needed to go to the show. I plopped on the bed and took out my favorite picture of Kalie from my wallet. It was the one I had secretly taken of her sitting with her legs bent behind her, watching tv while she brushed out her hair. She was only wearing pink panties and a white tank top but she looked perfect, natural.    

            “I don’t know what happened Kalie,” I said to her picture. “I do know that I want you back. And I do know that I won’t ever stop loving you, even if Marcy wants to get between the two of us. I don’t wanna lose you now.”

An idea popped into my head. I grabbed my cell phone and wrote Kalie an email. I figured she didn’t want to hear my voice so I hoped she would read my words.

            “Dear Kalie,” I typed out, “If only I knew what I’ve done to make you feel the way you’ve been feeling lately. You know, so why don’t you tell me? I would bring down the moon and sun to show how much I care. I’ve got this feeling you’re not gunna stay. It’s just burning within me. This fear of losing, of slipping away, just keeps getting closer. Kalie, whatever reason to leave that I’ve had, my place is always beside you and I wish that I didn’t need you so bad. You’re face just won’t go away. I don’t want to lose you now. I know we can win this. I really don’t want to lose you now. Or ever again.”

            I read over the lyrics I had typed out then added, “I know it might be corny to email you lyrics to see if we could fix this but I really do feel this way. I really don’t want to lose you. I’ll do anything to make things right.”

            The email sent and I flopped back on the bed and covered my eyes with my hands. I looked at my favorite picture of Kalie again and fought back tears. She was the only girl who made me this emotional. She was too special to me. I don’t know if I was going to do if we didn’t fix this mess. I started asking myself questions. Does she have someone else? Did she just fall out of love with me? What is she doing right now? Is she thinking about me? Does she still love me?

***Kalie’s Point of View***

            That night I couldn’t stop crying. I curled up in bed with Nick’s sweat jacket balled up underneath my head. I cried myself to sleep that night as the tears soaked the gray sweat jacket.

Chapter 11 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Nick gets pissed.

Chapter 11 I’m Tired Of Your Shit!

            A week went by without talking to Nick and I have to say that it was pure torture. I had dove into this deep state of depression that was masked by work for only a few hours of the 7 days that seemed to drag on endlessly. I turned my working hours into a masquerade ball. I put on a smiling mask that hid the unending pain I kept in my heart.

I got a new cell phone after smashing the old one against the wall when I stupidly ruined my relationship with Nick. Once I got home from the Verizon store I sat down and called him.

            His phone rang and rang until the answering machine picked up.

            “Hey it’s Nick. Can’t talk right now so you know what to do after the beep,” I heard his voice and almost burst into tears.

            I didn’t leave a message. I figured I shouldn’t because I was mad. I was mad that he didn’t answer me but I was angrier at myself for breaking up with him in the first place. So I tried again and again in ten minute intervals but I still kept getting his answering machine. My constant calls continued for two hours until finally I gave in and left a message.

            “Nick, it’s me. You probably don’t want to talk to me and that’s understandable. I just called to tell you that you won’t have to call a cab to take you home from the airport when you get back into the states because I’ll be there to pick you up. I was hoping too that we could have possibly talked things out. I really wish I knew the words to say to make this better. I pray that you’ll forgive me. It’s very difficult not hearing your voice every day. I can’t believe I did this to us. I’m sorry.”

            I hung up the phone then started thinking about what he might say in the airport, if he would talk to me at all. I feared the worst. I feared that he would scream at me, “Why should I waste my time with someone who doesn’t really want to be with me?!” I feared that he was going to kick me out on the streets with nowhere to go. So that night, before I went to bed, I started packing my clothes. I also thought about where I could go if Nick didn’t want to see me ever again. Everyone who knew about the mistake I made, my best friends and immediate family that is, told me that Nick and I would fix this mess but assured me that their doors were always open just in case.

            That night I talked to Rochelle one last time before she had to get ready for the airport the next day.       

            “I’m so stupid Rochelle! I ruined everything Nick and I had! Everything!”          

            “Kalie, sweetie, you two will fix this.”

            “How do you know? What if that was my last strike with him? What if he won’t take me back?”

            “He will.”

            “I doubt it. Besides he’s got Marcy.”

            “No he doesn’t. Marcy is just an annoyance to him. She keeps pestering him to forget about you and hook up with her but he keeps shooting her down, kind of viciously I might add. She just won’t take a hint. She must be blind because she can’t see that he still loves you. Your hand must hurt because you’ve got a tight grip on his heart girl.”

            I chuckled slightly, “You really think so? You really think he still loves me?”

            “I don’t think so… I know so.”

            “Then why isn’t he calling me? I tried calling him the other day but I kept getting his answering machine. I left him a message but he never called me back. Is he really mad at me?”

            “He just wanted to leave you alone for a little bit at first. Then he called you a few days ago but your phone must have been off because it went straight to voice mail. I asked him earlier today if he heard anything from you but he said no. He’s very depressed Kalie.”

            “Can you please tell him that I wasn’t ignoring him? I threw my phone against a wall after that night because I was mad at myself. I can’t tell you what got into me but my mind wasn’t right. I want to take back everything I said to him that night. I would do anything in the world to be his girlfriend again.”

            “Be there at the airport then.”

            “I’m already a step ahead of you. I’m going to be there.”

            “Good.”

            “But I don’t know what to say to him.”

            “Well you have a night to think about it. And don’t worry too much. I’m pretty sure Nick will take you back in a heartbeat if you ask him to.”

            “That’s what I’m praying will happen. I better let you go get ready for your day of traveling tomorrow.”

            “Ok Kalie. Have a good night and a good day at work tomorrow. I’ll see you at the airport.”

            “See ya there. Have a good day.”

            “Good night Kalie.”

            I plopped onto Nick’s bed and put on his gray sweat jacket.

            “I might as well be comfortable the last night I sleep in this bed. I wish it wasn’t empty though,” I said aloud to myself. I traced my finger over Nick’s face in the picture frame sitting on the bedside table. I let out a sigh then kissed the picture, “I love you Nick. I just wish I could say that to you instead of your picture.”

            The words I had said to Nick that horrible day played on a constant loop over and over again in my sleep. I kept waking up and sobbing over them. If only I could turn back time and go with Nick in the first place, none of this would have happened.

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            “Who is it?” I asked when I heard a knock on the door of my suite.

            “It’s Bruce. You all packed Nick?”

            “Yeah you can come on in. You have the extra key right?”

            The door opened, “Yes I do.” My bodyguard took one look at me lying on the couch and questioned, “Did I just wake you up?”

            “Yeah. I was trying to see if I could get any sleep before the plane ride so I won’t have a bad case of jet lag.”

            “Oh I’m sorry Nick.”

            “That’s ok man.”

            “We have to get your bags to the bus then turn in our room keys.”

            “Alright the bags are in the closet. I only have four. We can each take two.”

            Bruce and I dragged my bags out to the bus. We threw them into the cargo hold then turned in our room keys.

            The drive to the airport took about half an hour and we all got some sleep on the way there. I dreamed of me taking a cab home from the airport and walking into an empty home. In my dream Kalie just up and left without trying to fix our relationship or even saying good bye.

            “Nick go get your bags. We’re at the airport,” Bruce shook my shoulder waking me up.

            We filed out of the bus and into the airport. Security surrounded us as we checked in our bags and stayed with us until we boarded our privet jet. I took my seat in the middle row of the plane. I was the first to enter that row so I took the window seat. I sat alone for some time while everyone was boarding the plane until Marcy sat next to me.

            “Oh great,” I thought to myself. “Just the person I wanted to sit next to.”

            “Hey Nick,” she said innocently. “I heard about you and your girlfriend. Sorry about that.”

            I didn’t answer her. I didn’t want to talk to her. I didn’t want to talk to any girl except Kalie. I was cranky from not getting a full night’s sleep and very depressed thinking about possibly going home to a big empty house. Marcy wasn’t taking the hint that I wanted to be left alone. She just continued talking.

            “I kind of figured this would happen after your first little tiff and her not wanting to go on tour with you in the first place. I just wanted to tell you that I’m here for you. I’ll do anything for you. And I mean anything.

            “What did you just say?” I asked shocked.

            “I said I’ll do anything for you. I mean it. I want you so badly Nick. I’ll do anything to have you even if it’s for one night. Or we can set up a date and I’ll show you a sneak peak of how a real relationship could be.”

            “No thanks. I’m not interested. Besides I’ve told you this before, I love Kalie and I’m going to fix this mess we’re in and nobody is going to get between us.”     

            “Then how about one quick entry into the Mile High Club?”

            “No! I’ve had enough of your shit Marcy! I don’t want to be partnered with a horny slut that wants to get between me and the love of my life! I’m not going to take any more of your annoying shit and you’re fired!”

            She was appalled, “You can’t fire me!”

            “Bad news is,” Jenn, the tour manager got up from her seat and stood next to Marcy, “you’re right; Nick can’t fire you. Good news is he does have a very big say in who does and doesn’t get fired. Better news is that I can fire you and that’s what I’m going to do. I suggest that after you pick up your bags in the airport you go home and start looking for another job because you are no longer a BSB Dancer. Also switch seats with me.”

            “What if I don’t want to?” she hissed in Jen’s face.

            “I’ll move you then,” Bruce came over and picked her up out of the seat then into Jenn’s with one swift move.

            “Mind if I and Bruce sit here Nick?” Jen asked.

            “Be my guests.”

            Jen and Bruce filled up the row and I stared out the window.

            Just after the plane climbed into the air Marcy started weeping when she came to realize what just happened to her. She was sitting right behind Rochelle and AJ. I looked over and watched as Rochelle unbuckled her seat belt and looked down at the seat behind her. AJ watched too and he winced when he realized what was on his girlfriend’s mind and what she was going to do next.

            “Oh suck it up!” she told Marcy. “That’s what you get for having feelings for a man who is already in love. If it had been AJ you had been hardcore hitting on you would be dead by now. And be thankful that Kalie told me to control myself and that she wasn’t here to fight you for Nick herself. You wouldn’t have come out of that fight looking like the wanna-be pageant queen you are. One of those fake boob implants could have possibly been popped too.”

“Rochelle!” AJ exclaimed. Everyone else on the plane who was listening started to giggle and whisper.

“Oh you know it’s true,” Rochelle replied.

            Marcy huffed and crossed her arms.

I silently chuckled and put on my head phones drowning out the rest of the people around me. I went into a world of my own. One where Kalie welcomed me home with open arms and nothing ever happened between us. I tried to sleep but I couldn’t clear my mind of thoughts of Kalie. This was going to be a long plane ride.

***Kalie’s Point Of View***

            I got home from work after counting the hours until I could go to the airport to pick up Nick. I showered quickly and threw on some clothes. I pulled back my hair into a pony tail not exactly caring about how I looked because I don’t really think Nick would care even if he did want me back or not.

            It took a half hour to drive to the airport but I got there with a lot of time to spare. I took a little cat nap in my car before heading to the gate to find Nick. I woke up and watched a private jet land on the run away and figured it was the Backstreet Jet. I hurried into the airport and waited with the rest of the people waiting for Backstreet and their crew.

I caught Nick’s eye as he was coming out of the terminal. I flashed a little smirk at him and dropped my eyes to the floor when he didn’t acknowledge me. He walked over to the baggage claim and I followed him.

            I grabbed his arm. He didn’t even turn around when he asked, “What are you doing here?”

            “I came to pick you up so you wouldn’t have to pay for a taxi.”

            “Oh… thanks.”

            “You’re welcome.”

            Silence fell between us. I spoke up after he grabbed his four bags, “Nick can you please face me? I really need to tell you something.”                 

            He turned around and looked down at me, emotionlessly.

            My eyes started to swell with tears and a shiver of cold ran down my spine, “Nickolas I don’t know who that was talking to you on the phone last week. I don’t know what got into me but I really want you to know that I truly do love you and I still want you in my life. No… I still need you in my life. I’m truly, truly sorry. I guess I didn’t expect my emotions to run as high as they did while you were gone. Every part of my body missed you. It was painful with you gone. I really did miss you Nick and I’m not lying when I say I love you.” Tears escaped my eyes and I wept, “Please forgive me!”

            He dropped his bags then engulfed me with his arms. He gripped my waist tightly and slowly rocked me back and forth. I wrapped my arms around his neck and buried my face into his shoulder.

            “I forgive you,” he whispered in my ear. “I forgive you 100 percent. I love you. And we’ll figure something out for the American and Canadian legs of the tour. I don’t want to cause you anymore pain ever again. I love you Kalie.”

            “I’m so glad you’re home,” I sniffled. “You have no idea how happy I am that you forgive me.”

            Nick looked into my eyes and wiped away my tears, “Come on baby, let’s go home.”

            We smiled at each other and kissed. He piled his bags onto his suitcase then grabbed the handle. With the other hand he grabbed mine and we walked out to the car together. Nick was back, but the best part was he still loved me.       

Chapter 12 by CarterFan28

Chapter 12 Heaven

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            Before Kalie turned on her car I took out a ring from my pocket and started admiring it. It was a simple silver ring with two hands holding a heart wearing a crown.

            “What’s that Nick?”

            “It’s an Irish Claddagh ring straight from Ireland. I picked it up when we had some free time in Dublin.”

            “That’s really pretty.”

            “Yeah. The different parts of it mean something too.”

            “Tell me.”

            “The two hands mean friendship. The crown is for fidelity and loyalty. And the heart, of course, stands for love.”

            “That looks very small for you.”

            “It’s not for me.”

            “Whose it for?”    

            “You.”

“Really?”

            “Yeah. Let me have you hand.”

            She extended her right hand to me. The heart ring I had given to her as a sweet 16 present was on her ring finger. I smirked when I saw the purple stone.

            “And there’s a certain way of wearing it too.”

            “How so?”

            I explained as I slipped the ring on her middle finger, “If you wear it with the heart pointing away from you it means that you are single. If the heart is pointing towards you it means someone has stolen your heart away.”

            She looked down at the ring on her finger. I had purposely placed it so the heart was pointing away from her. This was my way of seeing if she really wanted to stay with me.

            She looked at me, “Nick, it fits perfectly but, I think it’s on wrong.”

            I looked into her eyes, “Then let me steal your heart away. And baby if a reason’s what you’re looking for, I’ll be yours.”

            She smiled at me and said, “How can you steal something that you already own? My heart already belongs to you and nothing will ever change that.”

            I removed the ring from her finger then replaced it so that the heart was now pointing toward her. I kissed her hand and stared into her eyes. She smiled at me and I couldn’t help but return the gesture. I missed seeing that smile. I missed looking into those gorgeous brown eyes of hers. I raised my hand up to the side of her face, rubbing my thumb over her soft cheek. I forgot how soft her skin was.

            She placed her hand over mine and asked, “Ready to go home baby?”

            “Hell yeah. But you have to keep me awake until at least 11 o’clock tonight.”

            “Why?”

“I want to get my body used to this time zone and our normal routine.”

“I figured that you would be tired. You’ve been touring for the past few months and you spent a day of travelling. How much sleep did you get on the plane?”

            “None. I’ve been up late for the past 22 hours and the plane ride was 14.”

            “Why couldn’t you sleep on the plane?”

            “Well Ma…” I was going to tell her about Marcy but I decided against it, “I was thinking about you.”

            “If it means anything I’ve been dreaming about you every night since you left.”

            “Now we can dream together.”

            She smiled, “Yes we can. And I can’t wait to dream with you tonight.”

            I kissed her hand again, “Me neither.”

            Kalie stared the car and we headed toward home. I wanted to see if I could sneak a little cat nap while Kalie was concentrating on driving. But I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I rested my head against my seat and my hand was up behind her head. I ran my fingers through her long pony tail. My fingers were tingling with the sensation of the chocolate brown locks falling over each finger. I didn’t know if I was going to be able to fall asleep later that night.

            Half an hour later we pulled into the drive way and I exclaimed, “Ah home sweet home!”

            Kalie giggled and got out. She popped open the trunk and started taking out my bags.     

            “Kalie leave those I’ll get them.”

            “It’s alright Nick. I got it. You’re tired.”

            “I know that but I can still bring my bags into the house.”

            “Since you have four bags we’ll just divide the work.”

            “Alright. You win. And it’s just because I’m too tired to try and convince you that I can do it by myself.”

            “If you say so Nick,” she laughed then kissed my cheek.

            We hauled the bags into the living room and I plopped on the couch.

            “What do you want for dinner honey?” Kalie sat down next to me and traced the side of my face with her fingertips.

            “I’m craving mac and cheese.”

            “Grandma Smith’s recipe?”

            “Oh yes please!”

            “Ok Grandma Smith’s mac and cheese coming right up. And I baked a loaf of her banana bread to go with it.”    

            “Yes! I’ll go to sleep with a full belly tonight.”

            Kalie laughed as she walked into the kitchen. I watched her sway with every step. Oh I was happy to be home.

            I finished my second helping of mac and cheese and a good chunk of banana bread then said, “That was delicious Kalie thank you.”

            “You’re welcome baby. Are you full?”

            “Yes I am. I couldn’t eat another bite. I’m going to go take a shower then crash.”

            “Can you just use the guest bathroom please?”

            “Why can’t I use the master bath?”

            “Because I have to set up a surprise for you in the bedroom.”

            My eyebrows rose with surprise, “Really?”

            “Yup.”

            “Can I just grab a pair of clean boxers and sweat pants first?”

            “No you can’t. I’ll throw them down to you.”

            She placed our dishes in the sink and headed upstairs. I was still sitting down as I watched her walk toward me. She leaned over and kissed my forehead sweetly as she walked pasted me. My eyes followed her every move and she looked over her shoulder and winked at me.

            After I caught the pair of boxers and sweat pants she threw down to me I took a relaxing hot shower. Finally a shower with actual water pressure. I let the hot water hit my skin and I just stood there for I don’t know how long. Before my fingertips started pruning I turned off the water and dried myself off. I pulled up my pants and stepped out of the bathroom.

            I went to the stairs and stopped before stepping on to them.

            “Hey Kalie,” I yelled up to her, “Can I come up there now?”

            “Yeah come on up.”

            I slowly climbed the stairs not knowing what to expect. Kalie was waiting for me at the top of the stairs. She was wearing a gray tank top and black booty shorts. She must have brushed her hair too because it looked neater then when she had picked me up from the airport.

            “You look cute sweetie.”

            “Have I told you that gray is your color baby?”

            We both chuckled, “Yeah I think you have. So what’s this surprise?”

            “Take my hand and close your eyes.”

            I did as she told me and I followed her into the bedroom. She guided me into the room with her hands.

            “You can open your eyes now,” she whispered into my ear.

            I opened my eyes and looked around the room lighted with scented candles and rose pedals spread on the floor and on the bed.

            Her lips went to my ear again, “Welcome home Nick.”

            “This is… very romantic.”

            “I was hoping you’d say that.”

            I turned to my girlfriend and eyed up and down her perfect body, “You know, you look really sexy in the candle light.”

            “Oh yeah?” She took her hair out of the scrunchie then stripped down to her sexy purple lace bra and matching panties, “What about now?”

            “Shit Kayl! You’re turning me on.” I eyed her up and down again. I marveled at how perfectly her hair fell onto her shoulders.

            She giggled cutely stepping toward me. She looked up at me and said seductively, “I know, so what are you going to do about it?”

            I gave her a devilish smile, “This.”

            I pushed her onto the bed and started to make out with her. But I stopped before I got carried away. Plus I wanted to get out of my sweat pants. I didn’t know if it was really warm in my room or it was just Kalie. I stripped down to my boxers and threw my sweats on the floor. I laid back down next to Kalie and wrapped my arm around her hourglass waist.

            “Why’d you stop?” she sounded disappointed.

            “I’m tired baby. I really just want to relax. And hold you in my arms.”

            “But you wanted me to keep you up until 11. It’s only 8. Besides you promised to save all your love for me. Why not show me that you kept your promise?” She kissed my forehead, down my nose and ended with a kiss on my lips. She then rubbed the side of her face against mine.

            “Baby I just want to hold you and watch a little tv until I fall asleep.”

            We looked into each other’s eyes then Kalie rolled hers and said, “Ok you win. What do you want to watch?” She reached for the remote.

            “You pick.”

            She turned on the TV that was already on VH1. They were counting down the 100 greatest love songs of all time.

            “Maybe this would put you in the mood,” Kalie joked.

            I tightened my grip around her waist and rested my head on her shoulder. She kissed my forehead then turned her head to watch the countdown.

            “And now at number 28,” the show’s host said.

“My lucky number,” Kalie commented.

The show host continued, “The song that made millions of girls swoon over this successful boy band even more, I’ll Never Break Your Heart by the Backstreet Boys.”

            “I wonder who they are?” Kalie joked.

            “I have no clue,” I kidded. “They sound pretty good though.”

            “I’d say they sound amazing.”

            She flipped over so she was facing me and cuddled closer. I started running my fingers through her hair and singing to her.  The song was interrupted by the comments that were said about the song. Whenever the song was interrupted we would steal kisses from each other.

            I’ll Never Break Your Heart ended and Kalie asked, “Are you changing your mind yet now that we have romantic music playing in the background?”

            “A little… but I still want to just hold you.”

              “But my whole body has been aching for you.”

            “Mine has too but I’ve got my mind set on just holding you. I kind of missed the old days before we took our relationship to the level we’re at.”

            “Yeah you’re right I do kind of miss those days. But I think I know what will turn you on.”

***Kalie’s Point of View***

            I leaned in closer to him. I closed my eyes and pressed my lips against his. I didn’t realize until then how much I longed for the taste of his kiss, his skin. I made a trail of kisses from his lips traveling down his neck, onto his chest, and ending on his lower stomach.

            I felt the excitement in his touch as he pushed a strand of hair behind my ear and said, “Kalie come back up here. It’s not going to work. I mean it when I say I just want to hold you.”

            “I’m so excited. This is like the perfect moment.” I kissed his lower stomach again.

            “It is the perfect moment… to cuddle.”

            I retraced the trail of kisses back up to his lips.

            He pushed the loose strands of hair away from my face and his sky blue eyes looked into mine, “I would rather just hold you for the rest of the night. I want to take you in, hold you, run my fingers through your hair…”

            “What’s the fun in that?”

            “You didn’t let me finish. I want to kiss you over and over again.”

            He leaned in slowly and our lips met delicately at first then our kiss became deeper and more passionate.  I pulled away from him just to reposition myself over him. My body was aching for him, I wanted him badly!

            I pulled away from him, sat over his crouch, and was about to unsnap my bra but he raised himself up to me and we crashed our lips together. I tangled my fingers in his hair and his hands gripped my waist.

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            I pulled away from her and spoke over her lips, “You’re making it hard for me to stick to my plan baby.”

            “Good,” she nibbled my bottom lip. “You can hold me afterward.”

            “Kalie, you know my mind is set baby.”

            “I can change your mind,” she started sucking on my neck. I could feel a hickey starting and her hand run over my package. I started to sweat.

She knew how to turn me on. Oh god did she know! But all I wanted to do was hold her. I had been missing her so much that’s all I wanted to do was to have her in my arms and just cuddle. What can I say? I’m not a sex hound all the time. I could be cute and sensitive.

I tried my hardest not to fall under Kalie’s charm but by god she was making my heart beat faster and faster. I had no choice but to give in, “Oh Kalie you’re too good at this!”

She let out a naughty little giggle as I pushed her onto her back.

            About three hours later we ended up just holding each other like I had pictured. She rested her head over my heart and I had my arms wrapped around her. We were watching the end of the greatest love song countdown.

            “Did you really miss me baby?” Kalie whispered.

            I looked down at her, “Of course I did.”

            “How much did you miss me?”

            “I missed you enough to dream about you every single night.”

            “Awe!” she sweetly kissed my chest.

            She paused then sighed.

            “It was stupid of me to think you were cheating on me with that dancer,” she confessed.

            “It wasn’t stupid. I’m not surprised you thought that to be honest.”

            “Why were you not surprised?”

            “Because of your past. You’re not used to being in a serious relationship with a faithful guy like me yet.”

            She smiled up at me, “I think I can get used to it pretty quick.”

            I kissed her lips and when her eyes didn’t open I kissed each eye lid. She looked up at me and smiled cutely. She was so beautiful in the candle light. Who was I kidding? She was always beautiful.

            “And finally to end the count down,” the show host announced, “number one Heaven by Bryan Adams.”

            “Remember I sang this song at Aaron’s Valentine’s Day concert that one year?”

            “Oh yeah. You did a really good job with it too. How about you give me a mini, private concert?”

            I smiled at her, “It will be my pleasure.”

            I sang gently to her,

“Oh - thinkin' about all our younger years
There was only you and me
We were young and wild and free

Now nothin' can take you away from me
We’ve been down that road before
But that's over now
You keep me comin' back for more

Baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

Oh - once in your life you find someone
Who will turn your world around
Bring you up when you're feelin' down

Yeah - nothin' could change what you mean to me
Oh there's lots that I could say
But just hold me now
Cause our love will light the way

N' baby you're all that I want
When you're lyin' here in my arms
I'm findin' it hard to believe
We're in heaven
And love is all that I need
And I found it there in your heart
It isn't too hard to see
We're in heaven

I've been waitin' for so long
For something to arrive
For love to come along

Now our dreams are comin' true
Through the good times and the bad
Yeah - I'll be standin' there by you”

            I looked down to find her sleeping. I turned off the TV then pulled the blanket up over her bare back and kissed her forehead. I rested my cheek on the top of her head and closed my eyes. In her sleep she tightened her grip around my ribs. I fell asleep feeling totally comfortable. Man it was good to be home.  

Chapter 13 by CarterFan28

Chapter 13 My Safest Place To Hide

            The next morning I woke up to the sunlight hitting my face. I turned my head to Kalie who was still sleeping on her side facing me.

            She had the red, fuzzy blanket she normal hogged, wrapped around her waist. Her hair was down and I never noticed how long it grew until now. The long, chocolate brown locks fell over her breasts and hid them. The sunlight was hitting her curves just right and she had a slight smirk on her face. I couldn’t help but think to myself, “I’ve come home to an angel in my bed.”

            I snuggled closer to her and kissed her eye lids. Her deep brown eyes opened to gaze into mine.

            “Good morning honey,” she murmured.

            “Good morning angel” I replied. “How’d you sleep?”

            “That was the first night since you left that I didn’t have a nightmare.” She rested her hand over my heart, “It felt so good to sleep in your arms.”

            “I’m so happy to be home.” I kissed her forehead then sat up, “What do you want for breakfast?”

            “I don’t know. But I’ll make breakfast.”

“No I’ll make it. You’ve cooked for yourself every day. Let me cook. What do you want?”

            “Scrambled eggs please? Light and fluffy?”

            “Scrambled eggs light and fluffy coming up,” I got up and pulled on boxers and the sweats that were lying on the floor. Kalie got up to take a quick shower. She came into the kitchen just in time for breakfast. She was wearing a black belly shirt and light blue booty shorts.

            We sat across from each other at the kitchen table. We didn’t talk while we ate but we did play footsie.

            I laughed as her foot glided up my leg, “You’re feeling playful huh Kay?”

            “What do you think?” She got up and put her plate in the sink. She headed toward me and it looked like she was leaning in to kiss my neck but instead she gave me a raspberry.

            I dropped my fork and got up from my chair, “Oh you’re gunna get it now Kayl!”

            She giggled and ran into the living room. I chased after her and caught up to her quickly. I grabbed her waist and she grabbed a pillow from the couch. She started beating me with it but I pinned her down on the couch. She continued to hit the back of my head with the pillow until I tickled her ribs. She laughed so hard that she began squeaking and snorting which made me laugh uncontrollably.

            “Mercy! Mercy!” she called between her squeaks and snorts.

            We caught our breath and I hovered over her.

            She smiled up at me, “I’m so happy you’re home.”

            “I am too baby.” We smooched each other’s lips and I helped her up from the couch. 

            “So what do you want to do today Kaos?”

            “Don’t you have to go to work?”

            “I took the day off.”

            “I say we spend the day together, doing whatever we want.”

            “That sounds fun. How about we take a walk through the park then go bowling or catch a movie? Well after I do some laundry that is.”

            “Perfect. Then come home and swim?”

            “Sure. And how about a bbq for dinner then we can build a bon fire and have smores for dessert?”

            “I like the sound of that.”

            “Alright then I’ll go start my laundry.”

            “Ok I’ll be upstairs unpacking my bag.” She walked over to the front door and grabbed her duffle bag. It looked like it was fully packed.

            “What are you all packed up for?”

            “You’re gunna yell at me.”

            “Why would I yell at you?”

            “I packed all my clothes in case you didn’t want me back after all and you kicked me out.”

            I grabbed her hand with the Claddagh ring on it, “Which way is the heart pointing?”

            “Toward me.”

            “And that’s how it’s going to stay. Your heart is mine baby.”

            She smiled, “I’m glad you’re the one who stole it.”

            I winked at her then I followed her up the stairs. I helped her unpack her clothes and put them away then she helped me with the laundry.

            It felt like we were first dating again as we walked through the park. We walked hand in hand and talked about what happened on tour. I even told her about Marcy. She laughed at my stories as we sat on the swings.  

            “What are you laughing about? A pro dancer just tried to steal your boyfriend.”

            “I’m laughing because I know that so called pro dancer.”

            “What?”

            “I talked to Jenn about her and your tour manager gave me Marcy’s last name. She used to be on my dance team. She wanted to be captain really badly but she was terrible! Diangela picked me over her and ever since then she’s been very jealous of me. She thought Mark and I were dating once and she decided that she wanted Mark because she thought that I had him. Mark and I never dated but because we were such good friends and that we were always partnered together it looked like we were a couple. Somehow she found out you are dating me and that’s the whole reason why she wanted to hook up with you.” She chuckled, “She’s so pathetic.”

            I started laughing too.

            “I can’t believe that was the only reason why she wanted to hook up with me.”

            “But she’ll never steal you away from me.”

            “So I guess that means I’m your man?”

            “There’s no doubt about that.”

            I leaned over and started kissing my girlfriend then I felt raindrops on my head. In typical Florida weather it started raining with no warning.

            “Let’s get out of the rain,” Kalie suggested. She grabbed my hand and pulled me off the swing. I stumbled after her as she was running for cover under a tree. We stood under the tree for a while. I wrapped my arms around her waist and rocked her back and forth for a little bit. I was breathing in the scent of her perfume. It felt like I was getting high off of it. I started kissing her neck and then started sucking on it.

            “Nick, honey, let’s head to the car. It stopped raining for now.”

            “Alright. Wanna go see a movie?”

            “Only if you want to.”

            We walked hand in hand to my car and just as I started the engine the rain started pouring down again. It took us a little longer to get to the movie theater then it would have normally taken because people were driving slowly. Once there I paid for the tickets and Kalie insisted on paying for the popcorn and drinks with her own money. We found seats all the way in the top row of the theater and we didn’t watch much of the movie. Kalie invented a game of picking certain words that when one of the characters in the film would say that word we would make out. I have to say it’s a fun game.

            After the movie we went bowling. Our first game just finished when the power went out. Kalie and I used our cell phones as flashlights as we made our way to the car.

            “Only this could happen to us,” I commented as I started the car.

            “Well it was fun while the lights were still on,” Kalie chuckled.

            “What do you want to do when we get home?”

            “It depends on if the power is on or not. What should we do for dinner?”

            “The grill is gas powered. Hot dogs and hamburgers sound ok?”

            “Do you really want to stand out in the rain and grill?”

            “Eh why not? It’ll be fun. “   

            “Ok. You’ve got a weird idea of fun sweet heart.”

            Kalie ended up standing out in the rain with me as I grilled. We even ate out in the rain.

            “We’re crazy Kaos.”

            “Eh I know. But wouldn’t we be boring if we weren’t crazy?”

            “You have a point there… you know what this reminds me of?”

            “No what?”

            “The Quit Playing Games music video.”

            “Oh man you’re right!”

            “Come on let’s sing and dance in the rain!”

            She started singing the beginning of the song and acted like she was performing in the video shoot. I joined in when it became my verse of the song. I had so much fun with Kalie in the rain and she was really getting into the song and imitating the way the Boys and I acted in the video. That is until a lightning bolt lit up the sky and a loud clap of thunder made Kalie jump. I grabbed her hand and said, “Let’s go inside Kayl and dry off. Maybe the power came back on.”

            The power was still off so we grabbed flashlights and lit candles. Kalie grabbed towels and dry clothes for us as I placed candles all over the living room. We stripped down to our underwear and dried each other off. Before she put her shirt on I started rubbing my fingers over her ribs and felt the slightly raised scar on her right side. A flashback of that horrible day I thought I was going to lose the girl I loved the most came to me. I remembered how angry at Ryan I was and how scared I was about living without Kalie.

            “Nick what’s the matter?” her angelic voice brought me to realize she was still breathing and standing in front of me.

            “I was thinking about your incident,” I traced my fingers over her scar. “I was thinking about how much I was going to miss you and running my fingers through your hair, looking into your eyes, watching you dance, hearing you sing, your daily kisses.”

            “You don’t have to miss me because ta-da here I am!” she smiled sweetly.

            “You know what I would have missed the most?”

            “No what?”

            “Your laugh… especially when I do this!” I tickled her sides and she immediately squealed and giggled. She pleaded with me to stop until she started chocking. I stopped automatically, “Shit I’m sorry Kalie! Are you ok?”

            “I just…need…to…catch…my breath,” she took deep breaths and stopped coughing.

            “I didn’t know you were gunna hack up a lung on me. You sure you’re alright?”

            “I’m fine baby,” she smiled at me. “Just stop when I tell you too next time please.”

            “Trust me I will. I don’t know about you but all I want to do is crawl into bed and get cozy, warm up. Just lay down and relax, talk if you want to.”

            “That sounds perfect.” She slipped the shirt over her head and started blowing out candles. I grabbed a flashlight and she grabbed my hand as I led her up the stairs.

            The thunder and lightning had stopped when we got in the house but when we crawled into bed and flipped off the flashlight, the noise and light storm started again.

            Kalie got scared and practically jumped on top of me. Her grip tightened around my neck and I chuckled, “Sweetie, its ok. You’re gunna strangle me if you squeeze any tighter.”

            “But I hate thunderstorms! And power outages.”

            “Why? You’re not scared are you?”

            “You know I’m afraid of the dark.”

            “I knew that but I didn’t know you’re afraid of a little thunder and lightning.”

            “Well now you know. So just be my handsome, strong boyfriend and protect me from the scary storm.”

            We both laughed but Kalie inched closer so it seemed like our bodies could morph into one at any second. She grabbed my wrist and wrapped my arm around her waist. My other arm I wrapped around her shoulders when she rested her head on my mine.

            I kissed her forehead then asked, “Is that better now that your strong, protective boyfriend is holding you?”

            “I’m a lot better now. But you left out the handsome part.”

I laughed, “Thanks for the complement.”

            “It’s the truth. You’re very handsome.” She kissed my cheek, and then I kissed her forehead, down her nose, and ended my trail of kisses on her sweet tasting lips. Silence fell between us for a few moments and the only thing I could hear were our breaths synchronizing.

            “I have to admit Kalie,” I whispered, “you scared me with that phone call. My world was gunna fall apart without you in it.”

            “I still feel really bad about that. I don’t know what I was thinking.”

            “All I kept thinking about was all the colors you can see when no one else can, and every one of your breaths I hear a symphony. I kept thinking about how you understand me like nobody can and whenever I’m around you I feel my soul unfolding like a flower blooming.”

            “Nickolas, I know you promised me forever and there really is no stronger word you can use to reassure me when the storm is raging outside like right now. You really are my safest place to hide Nick. I’m sorry I forgot about how happy you make me and how fiercely you protect me and how passionately you love me. My mind was clouded with thoughts of you cheating on me and forgetting all about me.”

             I rubbed my hand up and down her back, “I would never forget about you or how much I love you. I’ll love you no matter what happens down the road. Kalie you’re my heart and you’re my best friend. I promise ‘til the end that I will love you the best that I can.”

            She placed her hand over my heart, “I love when you recite lyrics to me.”

            “And I’m not just saying them for the hell of it. I mean every word.”

            She nuzzled her head deeper into my shoulder, “That’s why I love when you do that. That’s why I love you. You’re so different from the others and I’m keeping you around for as long as I can.”

            “You don’t have to worry about losing me because I’m kind of hard to get rid of.”

            “Good,” she giggled.

            “Remember I said we would figure something out for the American and Canadian legs of the tour?”

            “Yes I do.”

            “Well I have an idea. Marcy was fired because of what she was trying to do with me and we’re looking for her replacement.  Auditions are being held all next week for possible dancers. I was thinking that you’re a professional dancer and my girlfriend so if you want the job you have it in the bag already. Plus you’ll get the best benefits.”

            “Like what?”

            “You’ll get paid, get to see different parts of America and Canada, get to dance on stage and show off your skills every night.”

            “You forgot that I get to be with you night and day.”

            “Yeah that too.”

            “It sounds like an awesome idea.”

            “You’ll do it then?”

            “I’ll have to think about it and talk to Diangela about my job.”

            “I don’t want to have another tiff over distance.”

            “There won’t be this time. I promise. You’re too special to me Kaos.”

            “I’ll remember that you promised. You have to keep that promise because you love me right?”

            “Of course I love you. I always will.”

            “Good… because the feeling is mutual baby.” I rested my cheek on her head and we drifted to sleep together. 

Chapter 14 part 1 by CarterFan28

Chapter 14 We're Still Celebrating Aren't We?

 

***Kalie's Point Of View***

 

The next morning I delicately moved Nick's arm and got out of bed without waking him up. I got ready for work then wrote Nick a little not telling him I might be out of work early. As I sat down to a quick breakfast by myself I thought about going on tour with Nick this time. I really did want to be with him on tour but yet I loved my job at the dance studio. Plus  didn't want to let my students down or lose my job forever

My classes for the day went quickly and smoothly. After Mark and I were finished with our work I sat down and talked with him about the choice I had to make as we waited for our boss Diangela to finish her last class.

"What do you think I should do Mark?"

"Follow your heart Kayl."

"But my heart says go with Nick but's also telling me to stay here where I have a stable job with good money."

"Well going on tour would give you good money too plus you'll be with Nick and you won't have another little tiff again. If you stay here knowing you you'll get lonely again but then again you'll have your friends and family and your job."

"This is so difficult! What do you think Diangela would say?"

"It depends on what we're talking about," Diangela walked into the staff lounge.

"Kalie has a big decision to make Miss Boss," Mark spoke up.

"Spill Kay," Diangela took her seat across from me and I looked at her.

"You remember what happened a few weeks ago while Nick was on tour right?"

"Clearly! You were an emotional wreck! You were walking around like you were some zombie and you danced like one too. Don't tell me he's going back on tour soon," Diangela raised her eyebrows at me.

"He is. And remember I told you that I found out Marcy was his dance partner?"

"Yes and you said that she was trying to make Nick cheat and that's why you were so emotional."

"Well Marcy was fired and they are looking for her replacement. Nick..."

"Nick offered you the job because you're a professional and his girlfriend," Diangela finsihed what I was going to say.

"Yes and I'm torn..."

"Between going with him and staying here where you've got a job that you love and pays you well."

"Damn Dia! Can you please stop reading my mind," I chuckled out astonished.

"Let me ask you something sweetie, do you really want to stay home by yourseld like the last time and miss him as much as you did before?"

"No that was torture."

"And I know that you don't want to have another fight with him and you don't want another dancer dancing with your man and not knowning what goes on after or before the show. But let me ask you something else, do you think you would be tired of the same dance routines night after night?"

"I know I would get tired of it. That's why I like working here and coming up with new dance routines constantly."

"And I can tell that you're afraid of coming home jobless when the tour is over."

"You know me too well Dia."

"I would hope I know you by now. You've been my student ever since you were ten when I took over from my mother in law."

"Plus you're like another mother to me."

"I get that a lot from my dancers."

"It's true Mama Dia," Mark said.

"Oh stop flattering me Markie."

"So what do you think I should do Dia?" I asked.

Diangela looked into my eyes and replied, "I think you should go be with Nick on tour so you can keep on eye on him even though I highly doubt he'll ever cheat on you."

"But I don't want to get the spot as his back up dancer just because I'm his girlfriend. And I'm really going to miss it here."

"I'll tell you what, I'll be your replacement while you are gone that way I won't hire anyone new and you'll still have a job to come back to."

"Really? You would do that for me?"

"Of course I would honey! You're my favorite student and you and Mark are the best teachers I have. I wouldn't think about replacing you in a million years! Correction there is no replacement for you Kalie."

"I'm touched and flattered Dia. I really am. But I would feel bad taking the job over other worthy dancers trying to catch a break."

"When are the try outs?"

"Today at 5:30."

"Do you have any resumes to fill out or any dance routines you need to learn?"

"I have both." I took out the papers from my bag and Diangela grabbed the resume and Mark grabbed the routine.

"And I have an idea," Mark spoke up.

"Spill," Diangela and I said at the same time.

"Since you want to get this job fair and square we can disguise you, nothing too drastic but something to fool Nick and the rest of BSB and the people who know you. And we can fudge your resume too. We can even give you a fake name."

"You think this will work?"

"Oh have faith Kalie, have faith!" Diangela exclaimed as she shook my shoulders. She stopped and stared at me for a little while.

"What is that look on your face?"

"I think Mark's idea will work. And I think his fiance can help up disguise you. I'll be right back." Diangela dashed out of the room.

Mark and I looked at each other and my parenter said, "Uh oh, here we go. She'ss bringing Lacey into our evil plan."

Chapter 14 part 2 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

Part 2 of chapter 14 still have no clue why this site wouldn't let me post the entire chapter if one copy paste job from word... Hope you enjoy!

            Diangela returned dragging Lacey behind her.

            “What did you drag me in for? Did I do something wrong?” Lacey asked with a worried look on her face.

            “Calm down sweetie you did nothing wrong,” Diangela comforted her. “You’re going to help us disguise Kalie.”

            Lacey looked at me with a question mark on her face.  I gave her a short explanation and a smile came across her lips, “You came to the right girl! My friends used to call me Miss Disguise and I would always win the award for best Halloween costume in school! And you’re lucky that I left a few wigs in my car.” She studied my face for a second, “I think you would look good with a different hair color.”

            She dashed out to her car and grabbed a whole make up kit and a few different wigs and another little case that I couldn’t figure out what was inside.

            Diangela and Lacey started with my hair at first placing a lot of Bobbie pins in it so my long locks would be hidden under the wig. First Lacey placed the red wig on my head. None of us liked it. It was kind of obvious it was a wig. The second wig I tried on was a dirty blonde one. Lacey and I both turned up our noses but we agreed with Diangela that it was better than the red one. 

            “This is the last wig I have with me. I have more at home but hopefully number three will be the charm,” Lacey placed a long black wig on my head. She stood in front of the mirror for a second so I couldn’t see. “I like it Kalie but I’m not finished yet. How do you feel about colored contacts?”

            “I’ve worn them before. They’re ok. But it’s kind of hard to find ones that cover up my dark eyes.”

            “I have blue ones that I haven’t even opened so they’re brand new. They are also the best brand of colored contacts and they can mask any eye color. Want to try them?”

            “Ok.”

            “Do you want to put them in or should I?” Lacey asked as she opened the box that I didn’t know what was inside.

            “No I trust you,” I pushed back my head and held open my eye lids as Lacey put in the contacts.

            After I opened my eyes after letting the contacts adjust Lacey looked at me and exclaimed, “If I didn’t just transform you into a new person I would have never guessed that it was actually you sitting in front of me.”

            “Really?”

            I looked at Diangela and Mark and both of their jaws dropped.

            “Lacey you’re a genius!” Dianagela exclaimed.

            “Wow,” was the only thing Mark could say.

            “Let me see,” I stood up in front of the mirror and was amazed at the girl who was staring back at me. “Oh man nobody is going to recognize me now! Not even Nick.”

            “He didn’t see you leave this morning did he?” Lacey asked.

            “No he didn’t. And this is a new outfit anyway.”

            “Ok because I would have offered you my clothes if he knew those were yours.”

            “Well part one of our brilliant plan is complete now we have to fill out a fake resume,” Diangela sat back down at the table and looked at the resume. “What should your name be? Any suggestions?”

            Diangela continued reading out the resume and Mark and Lacey helped come up with fake answers. After the resume was filled out my boss and best friends helped me with the choreography I needed to learn. I got the routine down pat in a matter of minutes and was ready to go to the audition. Mark drove me because I had no idea where I was going and we decided it would be a good idea if Nick didn’t see my car in the parking lot.

            “Break a leg Kayl… I mean Alana,” Mark said as I got out of the car. “Oh and take my hat for good luck and a little extra disguise.”

            “Thanks Mark. I’ll call you after the audition. Or do you think I should spill the beans when everyone else leaves?”

            “At least tell Nick when all the other girls leave. And I was thinking while we were driving here that now you have a disguise from paparazzi.”

            “Good point. I’ll call you afterward. Thanks for the ride again.”

            “No problem Kalie. Go show those girls what a real dancer is.”

            I followed the signs into the dance hall where the auditions were being held. I handed my resume to BSB’s choreographer who I had never met before. He handed me a name tag and a pen. He showed me into a room where the other dancers were waiting for their names to be called. BSB was sitting behind a long table with their tour manager and when their choreographer joined them, the auditions began. 

Chapter 14 part 3 by CarterFan28
Author's Notes:

The site won't let me post a full chapter... something about an error so I have to retype it myself and post in sections... It might take a while

Chapter 14 part 3

            I counted 27 girls that went before me. I watched Nick intently while he watched the other dancers. He looked bored and unimpressed. I didn’t even care about looking at the girls competing for the open spot on stage; I was getting a kick watching Nick become so bored with watching the same routine over and over again. Then he must have gotten the feeling that someone was watching him. He looked toward me and I became a deer in the head lights.

            Crap he can see right through the disguise. I thought to myself. I was going to look away but I didn’t when Nick flashed a half hearted smile toward me and I grinned back. He went back to watching the last girl before me perform. Ok maybe I’m still safe. If he hasn’t figured it out by now that it’s me he probably won’t until I dance.

            “Thank you Mandy,” the choreographer said, “Please wait in the waiting room as we make our decision. Last up Miss Alana Kash.”

            I stood up and walked to the middle of the dance floor. The music started and I performed the choreography perfectly. I glanced at Nick a few times and his eyes were wide with surprise. Everyone who was watching me was surprised. Nick wasn’t bored anymore. He was watching me intently. Maybe he figured it out now.

            I finished the routine by throwing my hat at Nick. He caught it but it still surprised him a little.

“Thank you Alana please wait in the waiting room while we make our decision,” the choreographer said before I went back to the waiting room. 

All the girls were very fidgety and anxious as they waited for their names to be called back into the room where the Boys were sitting. One by one our names were called and we were told what the Boys had decided. 

I was the last one to be called into the dance room. I breathed out and put on my serious, professional face as I went to hear is Alana got the job or not.

"First off let me introduce myself," the choreographer said after the door was closed behind me, "My name is Greg and I am the head choreographer here and this is Jenn BSB's tour manager. And of course this is Brian, Howie, AJ, and Nick. On behalf of the Backstreet Boys and the rest of the Backstreet crew, we would like to welcome you as our new back up dancer Alana. Congradulations."

"Oh thank you so much!" I shook Jenn and Greg's hands then the Boys extended their hands to me.

Nick was the last to shake my hand, "Welcome to the Tour group Alana."

"Thanks Nick," I disguised my voice a little bit as I answered him. He looked into my eyes like he just saw someone he hadn't seen in ages.

I walked out to the waiting room and called Mark. 

"So did he figure out Alana is actually you?"

"No not yet. I'm going to tell him tonight when he gets home."

"Ok I'll be there in five minutes."

"Thanks Mark."

"Hey what are best friends for?"

As I waited for Mark I heard BSB talk in the other room.

"So do you really like Alana or were you just playing along to get this day over with?" I heard Brain ask someone.

Nick replied, "No I do like her. She was the most professional and the best one who tried out. I'm just disappointed that Kalie didn't show up at all."

"Well she already does have a high paying job that she loves to do," Jenn said.

"I guess she lover her job more than she loves me," Nick sounded depressed.

"Alana left her hat here," AJ said changing the subject.

"I'm going home so I'll check if she's still in the waiting room," Nick answered.

The door opened and out came Nick with Mark's hat in his hand.

"You are still here." Nick came over to me and handed me the hat, "You left this inside."

"Thanks for returning it. I forgot all about it. I would've been in deep shit if I left it here."

"Why?"

"It's my borther's lucky hat. He let me borrow it today for good luck."

"It worked."

"Yes it did. I'm guessing Kalie's your girlfriend?"

"You were listening huh?"

"I didn't mean to but thos doors and walls aren't as thick as you think they are. I'm sorry I took your girlfriend's spot on tour."

"No you deserve it. You were a lot better than all the girls and more professional. But I think I've met you before. You look very familiar."

"I don't think we have. But I get that a lot."

"You sure?"

"Yes I'm sure." We heard a car honk three times. "We'll that's my ride. I'll see you tomorrow for practice. It was nice meeting you Nick."

"Nice meeting you Alana."

I jumped in the car and called Diangela as Mark started to drive away.

"I got the job Dia!"

"I knew you would! Does Nick know that Alana Kash is actually Kalie Marie Smith?"

"No not yet. He'll findd out when Mark drops me off home though. Alana will be waiting on the front steps for him."

"Sounds like you might scare the crap out of him."

"Oh come on Dia can't I have a little fun with this?"

"Knowing you Kalie if I told you not to scare the crap out of Nick you would do it anyway so go have fun with it. Oh what time are you picking up your car tomorrow?"

"We'll I'll actually pick it up tonight. I'm going to convince Nick to take me out for dinner tonight because I don't feel like cooking."

"I do that to Mr. Dawson all the time. But have fan Kalie and congradulations!"

"Thanks Dia. I'll see you tomorrow at work."

Mark dropped me off and I waited on the front steps for Nick.

He called me just when I starting to think about how he was going to react to the Alana news.

"Hey babe what's up?"

"Nothing much. You home yet?"

"Yeah I just walked onto the steps. Will you be home soon? I seemed to have left my keys at the studio."

"I'll be home in like two minutes. I just called to ask why you weren't at the auditions today. Don't you want to come on tour with me?"

"I do baby but don't get mad at me when I say I'll tell you the reason when you get home."

"Alright. I'll see you in a few minutes."

"I love you Nick."

"I love you too."

It was about two minutes after I hung up the phone when Nick pulled in the drive way. He was less than happy to see Alana sitting on the front steps.

"What the hell are you doing here?! If you don't get off my property in the next minute I'm calling  the cops and you are going to be fired from the job you just got! And how the hell did you get the security code for the gate?!" he screamed as he stormed closer to me.

"I know the security code by heart Sweet Talker," I answered calmly.

"How do you know it by heart?! Wait a second... what did you just call me?"

"I called you Sweet Talker."

"The only person who calls me that is..."

I took off my wig and took out all the Bobbie pins from my hair and once it fell around my shoulders Nick looked at me in awe.

"Is you girlfriend Kalie Marie Smith. Yes Nick it's me," I finished for him.

"And your eyes..."

"They're colored contacts."

"WHy did you disguise yourself?"

"I wanted to get the spot on tour fair and square not just because I'm your girlfriend."

"Kalie I offered you the job in the first place because you are the best dancer out there."

"Oh stop Sweet Talker. So Mark, Lacey, Diangela and I came up with Alana Kash. Lacy made the disguise and Diangela faked the resume and Mark pretty much came up with the fake name."

"Clever idea."

"We thought so. This way too I have a diguise for when we're out around paparazzi."

"You still want to be hidden from them huh?"

"Them and your crazy fans."

"Really good idea. How about we go get cleaned up and go out to dinner to celebrate Alana Kash getting the job?"

"I was just about to ask if you wanted to go out to eat. Should I dress up Alana or Kalie?"

"There won't be any paparazzi or fans where I want to take you tonight."

"Kalie it is then."

We headed inside and got ready for dinner. A half hour later Nick escorted me out to his Cadillac and we headed to the restaurant where Nick and I had our first group date with our best friends. Nick reserved the VIP room and by sheer coincidence we met AJ and Rochelle there.

"What are you guys doing here?" AJ asked.

"We just decided to go out for dinner tonight. What about you guys?" Nick replied.

"We just got finished celebrating Alex's 8th year of sobriety," Rochelle looked proudly at AJ as she spoke. 

"Congratulations!" I exclaimed.

"Thanks," AJ smiled at me.

"So you guys are pretty dressed up and picked a pretty fancy restaurant to just have dinner," Rochelle commented.

"We came to celebrate Alana Kash," I said grinning.

"What?" AJ questioned.

"Kalie is our new back up dancer just in disguise. Alana is actually Kalie," Nick explained. 

"Seriously?" AJ asked.

"Seriously," I said. "I just threw on a wig and colored contacts and you have Alana Kash. I wanted to get the spot on tour fair and square and not just because I'm dating Nick and now I have a disguise from the paparazzi and the fans."

"Good idea!" Rochelle said. "Yay! We're going to have so much fun on tour Kalie!"

"Welcome to the Backstreet crew Kalie, I mean Alana," AJ hugged me. "Have a good dinner and I'll see you tomorrow at practice. Are you going to tell everyone else the secret?"

"We're going to tell them tomorrow," I nodded my head.

Chapter 14 part 4 by CarterFan28

Nick and I sat down at our table when AJ and Rochelle left. We ate silently until Nick said, “Have I told you that I really love that dress on you?”

            I was wearing my favorite purple dress that I had for ages. I loved the dress so much that I didn’t care that I kept wearing it over and over again and that everyone saw me in it millions of times. Besides I loved the way it looked on me.

            I smiled at my boyfriend, “I think you’ve said it every time you’ve seen me in this.”

            “It’s true though, you look beautiful in this dress. Who am I kidding? You’re beautiful no matter what you wear.”

            “You’re pretty handsome yourself Sweet Talker.”

            “Thanks babe.”

We ordered dessert to go because the both of us wanted to go home and just relax.

            “So are we going upstairs to eat this cheesecake or are we eating down here?” Nick asked when we stepped into the kitchen.

            “Well,” I started as I made room in the fridge for our leftovers. “I really don’t want to get cheesecake on my dress and I want to get out of it.”

            “I thought you loved wearing it.”

            “I do but I want to get comfy.” I turned around and winked at him.

            “Upstairs it is then.” He grinned back at me. Then his cell phone rang. “It’s Aaron. I’ll be up in a minute.”

“Ok but I’m starting on the cheesecake without you.”

            “Save me at least half please.”

            “Yeah ok,” I joked.

            I climbed the stairs with the cheese cake and two forks in hand. Once I set our dessert down on the bed I took off my high heels and then my dress. I was going to put on my pjs but it was kind of warm in the room and I didn’t want to turn on the AC. So my bra and panties would have to do.

            I flipped on the TV and lay down on the bed. I had just grabbed a forkful of cheesecake when Nick walked in the room.

            “Hello Kalie,” he said surprised.

            I chuckled, “You came up just in time for dessert. I didn’t even start eating yet.”

            “Forget the cake,” he said as he slid next to me. He started kissing my ribs. “Can I just have you for dessert?”

“You’ll change your mind once you taste this cake.”

            “I don’t think I will.”

            “Try it.”

            I fed him a forkful of the cake and his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

            “Shit this is good!” He grabbed the other fork and helped me finish the huge slice we got.

            It took us a few minutes to finish the cake then we watched some TV together. Nick was running his fingers through my hair that I straightened earlier on. I rested my head on his chest and I breathed in his cologne. His other hand rubbed up and down my back.

            “I’m so glad you’re coming on tour with me,” he whispered in my ear.

“I am too baby.” I started kissing his neck and his fingers made small, gentle circles on my bare back. His touch, the smell of his cologne, and the taste of his skin was turning me on.

            I unbuttoned his dress shirt and ran my hands over every inch of his torso. He groaned slightly then chuckled, “It seems to me like you’re hungry for a second helping of dessert.”

            I raised myself over him and lowered my lips over his, “We’re still celebrating aren’t we?”

Chapter 15 by CarterFan28

Chapter 15 Maybe It Is True…

            The next morning I woke to Nick singing, “Once there was a time love was just a myth/It just wasn’t for real it didn’t exist/Until the day you came into my life/it forced me to think twice/ I didn’t have too much/No I wasn’t rich/ You made me believe someday I’d be more than this/ That’s why until this day I’m still your man/ Cause you made me understand that love is/ Kisses in the bean bag chair/ The two of us with no one there/ Love is the moment that I climb the stairs/ To hold you in my arms after we made love/ Love is waking up to see your face/ Or kissing in the morning rain/ The only thing that keeps me sane at the end of the day is that I’ve got you.”

            “Good morning Nick,” I said groggily.

            “Good morning baby.”

            “So what were you singing for?” I asked as I stretched and yawned.

            “I don’t know. I had this song stuck in my head for a while now.”

            “It’s an unreleased from Never Gone right?”

            “Yup. I wish we did release it though. It’s a good song.”

            “I like it a lot too. But I know you; you always have a reason to sing. You never sing out of the blue. What’s your reason this morning?”

            “Well I wanted to wake you up gently and also I wanted to tell you that…” he pushed my hair behind my ear then he put his lips to my ear and sang lightly, “You’re my secret place where I can be myself/ You connect with me like nobody else/ Even though our circumstances changed our love still remains/ You keep me on the ground still you help me fly/ You taught me to be patient I got you to rely/ So no matter what tomorrow brings/ We got the simple things cause/ Love is a Sunday morning with the blanket wrapped around your waist.”

            I chuckled, “Like today baby?”

            “Just like today. It’s even Sunday.” He smiled then continued singing, “Love is the way your lips seem to curve when you say my name.”

            “Awe Nick,” I smiled.

            “See like that,” he smiled back then sang, “And when I’m stressing like the world’s turning upside down/ It all makes sense when you’re around/ Because love is the only thing that keeps me sane at the end of the day is that I’ve got you.”

            I pushed a stand of his hair out of his face, “I think you’re going to have to wake me up like that every morning. That was really nice.”

            He laughed, “I guess I know how I’m waking you up while on tour. Do you have to go to work today?”

            “Yes I do but I only have to teach three classes so I won’t be late for practice.”

            “Ok babe.”

            A few hours later I left work and headed for tour practice. When I showed up I was a little late and Greg was a little pissed.

            “Greg I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend Kalie,” Nick said to the head choreographer when I arrived.

            “It’s nice to meet you Kalie. But god damn where is Alana! She was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago!”

            “She’s standing right in front of you,” I said calmly. Greg looked at me and I explained why I disguised myself.

            “Welcome to the tour crew Kalie!” Brian came up and hugged me after I explained myself.

            “Thanks Brian.”

            “Now we won’t have to put up with a pouty Nick without his girl,” Howie joked.

            That first day the other dancers and Greg showed me all of the routines first then they broke down the choreography for Larger Than Life, She’s A Dream and PDA. It was all pretty easy but at the same time tiring because of work just hours before. At least the other dancers and I got along really well together and Greg really liked me because I was quick to learn the dance moves and remembered quickly too.

            “Ok guys thanks for a great practice today. We are done for the night. And before we leave let’s give a round of applause to our new dancer Kalie, you had an awesome first day today. Welcome to the Backstreet crew Kayl.”

            “Awe thanks everyone. I’m excited.”

            “I am too,” Nick grabbed my waist from behind and pulled me closer to him. He started sucking on my neck. “I get to dance with my girl every single night.”

            “Gross Nick! Can you go do that at home?” AJ joked.

            “That’s what I was planning on doing,” Nick replied. “And maybe a little more.”

            “Honey, chill out,” I laughed out.

            “I thought you liked PDA.”

            “Yeah the song. Let’s go home.”

            He grabbed my hand and we walked out to the parking lot.

            “Oh crap! I forgot my bag at the studio. I’ll meet you at home baby.” I said before getting in my car.

            “Ok Kayl. Can I have a kiss before you drive off?”

            “Sure,” I kissed my boyfriend before we got in our cars and headed in different directions.    

            After dinner that night Nick and I relaxed in the hot tub. The hot water and messaging jets felt so good on my aching muscles. I had never hurt that much after dancing. I guess my body wasn’t used to dancing all day straight. Thank god for the hot tub though. Nick and I soaked in the hot tub together every night after practice. Then a week before tour Greg gave all of us the week off. Luckily it was the week of Lacey and Mark’s wedding and I was one of Lacey’s bridesmaids. I had to help Lacey and the rest of her bridesmaids with wedding preparations and I had to get my dress altered.

            That week seemed to last forever until finally the big day arrived.

            “My ride is hear baby,” I said to Nick when the limo that was taking the bride and her wedding party to the hotel pulled up in front of the gate. “I’ll see you at the wedding sweetie.”

            “Have fun getting Lacey ready.”

            Lacey, the rest of her wedding party and I had so much fun together. We were laughing so hard that we were having trouble zipping and hooking each other’s dresses. Lacey’s was the hardest to get on because all of us bridesmaids were having the biggest giggle fit.

            “Oh. My. God! Stop laughing and zip up my dress!” Lacey started laughing herself. “We’re going to be late for hair and makeup.”

            “You won’t be late,” I said after catching my breath and stopping my laughter. “You’re all zipped up. I just have to get this damn hook. Somehow I was elected to hook the toughest part of the dress.”

            “Because you’re the one who does it the quickest!” Lacey’s sister, her maid of honor, exclaimed.

            “Oh lucky me!” I said sarcastically.

            After hair and makeup was finished us bridesmaids looked at Lacey and exclaimed, “You look so beautiful!”

            She blushed, “Thanks you guys. I’m starting to get nervous.”

            “Lace,” I sat down next to her, “You look beautiful, your man will be waiting at the altar for you and all you’ll have to do is walk down that aisle with your dad, say your vows and then kiss your man. That’s it. Then you party your ass off after you dance with your new husband.”

            “Thanks for making it sound easy.”   

            “Eh I’ve been a bridesmaid for enough weddings to prove my point.”

            “Yeah but never the bride. Are you starting to wear Nick down about that?” Lacey asked.

            “Maybe. We haven’t talked about it at all.”

            “I won’t be surprised if he does propose soon.”

            “Who knows? Oh speaking of Nick he’s going to sing Heart Without A Home for you and Mark.”

            “OH MY GOD! That’s awesome! Thanks for pushing him to sing it for us.”

            “He said he was honored to do it for you guys. And I have to ask you something and don’t get mad at me.”

            “What is it girl?”

            “Will Jasper be there tonight?”

            “Kalie,” Lacey looked into my eyes and continued, “Mark ended all ties with that bastard the second he found out about what he did to you. You’re Mark’s best friend Kalie and you’re more important to him. I’m glad you’re Mark’s best friend because you and I have gotten closer and you are such a good friend. That’s why you’re here today girl! Don’t worry, Mark has your back. You’re like a sister to him.”

            I smiled, “Thanks Lace. I knew I could trust you two.”

            “Always Kayl.”

            “Time to get Lacey married girls! Let’s head to the limo.” Lacey’s mom announced.   

            We all filed out of the hotel room and into the limo. Once we arrived at the venue each bridesmaid got out of the limo one by one and was handed our bouquets and linked arms with the groomsmen that were escorting us.

            As I walked with my escort Toby down the aisle I smiled at my parents, older siblings and their spouses, and my twin and his wife. Yes the rest of the Smiths were invited. Mark wouldn’t have a wedding without them there because we kind of adopted Mark as yet another family member when his parents were going through a nasty divorce and he practically moved in with us to get away from that chaotic household. Also Michelle, Chris, Crystal, Dan and Nick were sitting with my family and I smiled at them as well. Nick looked really handsome in is gray suit and white dress shirt. He smiled back at me but he looked at Toby weirdly.

            Before I took my place with the other bridesmaids, Mark and I did our signature point and goofy smile routine. We got a giggle from everyone and I could tell Mark was nervous because he mouthed the words, “Thanks, I needed that”, to me and took a deep breath before his bride started her journey down the aisle.

            I watched as everyone stood up and Mark straightened his posture. Lacey walked down the aisle and I was amazed at how beautiful she looked. It seemed like she was floating instead of walking. I turned my head to Mark again and I smiled at the amazed look on his face as he watched Lacey. Tears started to swell in his eyes and Lacey was trying to hold back her own tears.

            During the vows Mark started to cry. I had never seen Mark cry before, not even when he was going through all that crap with his parents. So being the best friend that I am, I spoke up, “Awe Mark! I never knew you were a crier! That’s so cute!”

            Everyone laughed, it was a good thing Mark and Lacey invited people with a sense of humor. Even Lacey and Mark laughed.     

            “Thanks Kalie. I figured you would be the comic relief of this wedding.”

            “Hey somebody had to be. What are best friends for?”

            He chuckled, “You have a point there. Now where was I?”

            “I love you with all my heart Lace,” I reminded him.

            “Thanks Kayl.”

            “No problem.”

            “I love you with all my heart Lacey and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you,” Mark continued his vows. Lacey then said hers and they were announced husband and wife. Everyone cheered as they kissed then practically ran down the aisle hand in hand.

            After Mark and Lacey walked into the reception hall and were announced as a new married couple Nick stepped up to the microphone and Michelle, Dan, Chris and Crystal took their places as his band to perform the couple’s first dance together. Nick sang Heart Without A Home beautifully and Mark and Lacey looked so happy together and absolutely loved that Nick sang their song for them. The party was so much fun and the DJ knew how to keep everyone on the dance floor. Then came the slow dance.

            The DJ started playing Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls featuring Taylor Swift and Nick was nowhere in sight. I got up from my seat at the bridesmaid table and started toward the table where my family and Nick were sitting but he wasn’t there. It was like he disappeared.

            I headed back to my seat as everyone else partnered up and started dancing. Someone grabbed my hand and I spun around quickly expecting Nick to be behind me.

            “Oh you scared me Toby.”    

            “I was wondering if I could have this dance. You don’t look like you should be a wall flower tonight.”

            “Awe thank you. Sure I’ll dance with you.”

            He led me to an unoccupied spot on the dance floor next to the newlyweds. We started dancing and talking but he started asking personal questions and also I felt his hand slowly inch further and further down my back. I was starting to get a creepy feeling from him.

            “Excuse me but that’s my girlfriend you’re dancing with and your hand is a little too low there bro.”

            Toby turned around and the color drained from his face when he saw Nick standing behind him.

            “Sorry man I didn’t know she was taken.”

            Toby left hurriedly as if he was escaping a fight with Nick. I grinned at my boyfriend and he placed my hands on his shoulders then he places his on my waist.

            “You must’ve read my mind or something because I was starting to get this creepy feeling from him. I was looking for you before he asked me to dance. Where were you? I went to your table and you were gone.”

            “I was in the bathroom. I came out and watched as his hand got lower and lower and you became more nervous. I had to step in.”

            His grip became tighter and his face became serious when a drunken man accidently bumped into me.

            “Baby chill out. It looked like you were going to rip Toby’s head off.”       

“He was hitting on my girlfriend! And I swear if I didn’t step in when I did he would’ve grabbed your ass. That’s not his ass to grab… it’s mine.”

            I laughed, “Why are you so territorial all of a sudden?”

            “I’m just… jealous.”

            I chuckled, “Of what? Of who?”      

            “Of that guy that walked you down the aisle.”

            I laughed again, “Nickolas I wasn’t the one getting married. You know what I said about that.”

            “I know. I just don’t want to chance anything with you.”

            I smiled then shook my head, “You’re too funny baby.”

***Nick’s Point Of View***

            That night we stayed in a hotel room. I practically had to carry Kalie into the room because she was so tired.

            “Do you need help with that dress baby?”

            Kalie looked at me in the mirror she was sitting in front of, “I have to get all these Bobbie pins out of my hair but I really want to get out of this dress so can you un zip it for me please?”

            “With pleasure,” I slowly unzipped the dress and watched as she removed Bobbie pin after Bobbie pin from her pulled back hair. She didn’t even bother brushing it out or pulling it into a low pony tail like she would usually do. She just threw on her pjs and we crawled into bed together.

            It didn’t take long for either of us to fall asleep. It was easy falling asleep but it wasn’t as easy staying asleep.

            That night I dreamed the strangest, and to be honest scariest, nightmare in my entire life.

            It started off with me getting dressed in front of a tall mirror. I was putting on a black tux and over my white collared shirt I was wearing a purple vest. A purple boutonniere sat in my jacket pocket and I was wearing cologne. I only wore cologne on special occasions.

            I was walking down a series of long straight hallways leading into this ceremony hall.

            “Are you ready?” some guy dressed like me asked.

            “I’m ready,” I replied then walked into the ceremony hall. The hall was beautifully decorated with purple and white flowers and four women were dressed in matching purple dresses. There was no doubt about it, I was at a wedding and I was standing at the altar waiting for the bride to walk down the aisle with her father. The question was, was it my wedding I was dreaming of?

            A piano started playing Here Comes the Bride and everyone stood up. The bride seemed to float down the aisle and I watched every move she made. My breathing started to quicken when I recognized the father of the bride as Mr. Smith. I thought my heart was going to stop beating when I realized Kalie was the one he was leading down the aisle.

            This has got to be my wedding, I thought to myself as Kalie walked closer and closer to me. Once they reached the altar Mr. Smith kissed his daughter then turned to someone standing on my left and said, “Take good care of her son.”

            “I will Dad,” the guy replied. I looked at the man who just called Mr. Smith “Dad” and recognized him from Mark and Lacey’s wedding. It was the groomsman that was hitting on Kalie.

            He extended his hand and Kalie took it gracefully and smiled so brightly it almost blinded me. She stepped up in front of the priest and the priest started the ceremony. I stood there in shock just watching the girl I love get married. I didn’t know what to do. My heart was racing and I was starting to sweat but I couldn’t move a muscle.

            The groom just finished his vows and Kalie was starting to say hers. Each and every one of her words were burning me. I felt my heart starting to break and finally I screamed out, “Kalie! Don’t do this to me! No please! I love you! Kalie! Kay!”

            Someone grabbed my arms and started to drag me out of the wedding hall. Then I heard some voice repeat, “Nick. Wake up. Nick honey wake up.”       

            The voice got louder and clearer and the feeling of being pulled away turned into shaking. I woke up soaking wet with sweat and my breathing short and quick.

            “Nick you’re sweating bullets and you were screaming for me. What were you dreaming about?”

            I sat up and she flicked on a lamp. I wiped my forehead off with my shirt then looked at Kalie.

            “What was your dream baby?”

            “You were getting married.” 

            “You mean we were getting married?”          

            “No just you. You were going to marry that creep that was hitting on you. I guess I was one of his groomsmen or even his best man because I was standing next to him at the altar. You were saying the vows and I tried to stop you but I felt someone’s hands on my arms trying to pull me away.”

            “That was me waking you up. You were full out screaming for me and you were starting to thrash around like you were fighting against something or someone. It was only a dream,” she said reassuringly. “I’m not getting married and if I ever do I would want it to be to you. Let’s go back to sleep baby.” She kissed me and I lowered myself under the covers.

            “Don’t think about that dream and get some sleep. I love you Nick.”

            “I love you too Kalie.” We kissed then she wrapped her arms around my neck and drifted back to sleep.

            It took me a little longer to fall back to sleep because I did think about that dream and what Kalie said about if she was ever going to get married.

            I started running my fingers through her hair and whispered gently, “Maybe it is true…”

 

Chapter 16 by CarterFan28

Chapter 16 But Kalie Things Can Change

            Two days before tour started Greg called us in for a last minute run through of the entire show. I went with Kalie to her last day on the job before tour and it was a good thing I did go with her; she was so emotional that she couldn’t drive, even before she said farewell to her students and coworkers.

            “Once again you guys all did a fantastic job today! As you know I am the new back up dancer for the Backstreet Boys while they tour North America. I’ll be leaving in two days so this is my last day here. I love all of you guys and I’m going to miss you all dearly! But I have good news! Dia will be taking over for me and that’s why she was watching the class today and Mark will still be here. Also I’ll be coming back sometime in August so I won’t be gone for too long and I’ll be back for the recital. If any of you need to ask me about the routine or just need to talk like we normally do after each lesson just give me a call. You won’t be bothering me trust me I’m pretty sure I’ll be yearning to hear all of your voices. Good luck with the rest of your practices and have fun. Don’t miss me too much.”

            “Don’t miss us too much Kayl,” Katie said as her cousin started giving each of her students a hug.

            “Oh I’ll try not to Kate. But I don’t think it’s going to work,” she hugged Katie then Mark and Diangela.

            “Come on sweetie we have to go to now. The sooner we get there the sooner we can be finished with dress rehearsal.”

            “Bye guys I love you all!” Kalie waved to her students as she walked out the door.

            “We love you too,” they said together.

            As I drove off Kalie kept looking at the dance studio until it was out of sight. Then she started crying.

            “Don’t worry baby, you’ll get your job back after tour and your students will still be there.”

            “I know they will be but I’m going to miss them.”

            “I know you will but you’re going to see most of the country and Canada. And you’ll be my dance partner on stage.”

            “Just in disguise.”

            “But still you’ll be with me. I have to admit that it’s always been my dream to become your dance partner one day.”

            “And I always have wanted to tour the country with some dance crew. I’m really excited about this, but I’m nervous.”

            “Why are you nervous?”

            “You know me. I’m not good on planes.”

            “I know you and the whole heights thing. But we’ll be in the bus most of the time. You’ll be ok baby I promise. And when we do have to go on a plane I’ll be sitting right next to you.”

            “I’ll hold you to your word.”

            I laughed and pulled into the parking lot of the practice hall.

            Dress rehearsal went smoothly and it was the first time Kalie wore her different costumes in front of me and I was impressed. She looked so cute in all of them. It was just very strange being around her in her Alana disguise. I knew it was Kalie but yet she was a totally different person with black hair and blue eyes.

            After dress rehearsal Greg let us all go home after saying, “Awesome job today! You are going to perform perfectly out there! Kalie you fit in perfectly and it seems like you have mastered the quick change already! Good luck out there on tour everyone and be safe on stage. You all deserve a day of rest and relaxation tomorrow so you’ll be all rested for your trip to California. Have fun on tour you guys.”

            Kalie was wiped out and fell asleep in the car. She was still zonked out when I pulled into the drive way. I parked then opened the front door. I carefully picked her up and headed for the house. Just as I stepped onto the stairs she woke up.

            “Nick you could’ve woken me up.”

            “No I really couldn’t. You were too cute.”

            “But now I’ll probably never be able to go to sleep tonight.”

            “That’s going to help you get over jet lag quicker.”

            “Oh crap my family is coming over tonight for dinner aren’t they?”

            “Oh yeah I forgot its Smith Family night.”

            “And the last one we’ll be attending before tour. You can put me down now sweetie I can walk from here.”

            I placed her gently on her feet and we walked hand in hand into the house. There was just enough time to soak in the hot tub for a few minutes then take showers and get dressed. Kalie threw together some macaroni and cheese just in time as her family started arriving.

            Dinner was filled with questions about the tour and the dance routines and how much Kalie was going to miss everyone. I answered questions about the places we were performing in and how we were going to get from place to place. The Smiths were impressed and ecstatic that Kalie was finally going to live out her dream of dancing around the country. Kalie even introduced her family to Alana and everyone had the same reaction. They all couldn’t believe it was actually Kalie standing in front of them. 

            “Maybe next tour you’ll go around the world,” Mrs. Smith commented.

            “I don’t think I can be away from the Diangela Dancers for that long.”

            “Then we can make a deal, you can go on the European and Asian legs of the tour and I can be Nick’s partner for the American legs. Sound like a plan?” Katie said after finishing her second helping of macaroni and cheese.

            “You are not going on tour with the Backstreet Boys alone no matter how much you love them Kate,” her mom, Aunt Jewel, said.

            “Fine then I’ll take Shannon with me. She and I can take turns.”

            “Nice try but no.”

            “Oh Kalie I forgot to tell you today that Shannon, Chase, Roger and I are going to the concert in Orlando,” Katie exclaimed.

            “Awesome! You should come backstage before the show and I can give you a quick tour and possibly a meet and greet?” Kalie looked at me as she said it.

            “Sure. You can even get into the sound check party,” I answered.

            “Awesome! Thanks Nick.”

            “No problem Kate. And I’ll see if we can work something out with possibly having one show in the future where you and Shannon dance with us.”

            “That would be the coolest thing in the world!”

            I laughed at how excited she got and Kalie smiled at me.

            Everyone left around 10 so Kalie and I could start packing. Kalie got most of her bags packed before she crashed on the bed. She didn’t even change into her pjs. I stayed up a little later and finished packing my things. Once I finished packing I flopped on the bed next to my girlfriend and slept soundly until the sunlight woke us up in the late morning.

            The day was spent doing completely nothing. Our best friends came over and swam for a little bit so we could spend some time together. After they left Kalie finished packing then we finished the left over macaroni and cheese. I tried keeping Kalie up a little later to try and get her ready for the jet lag but it didn’t work. She fell asleep in my arms while we tried watching a movie. I finished the movie then fell asleep. 

            The next morning I woke up Kalie by singing in her ear again. She woke up and smiled but that smile turned into a scowl when I told her how early it was.

            “3 am? Seriously?”

            “Seriously. Did you sleep well last night?”

            “Yeah did you?”

            “I stayed up.”

            “Why? Are you crazy?”

            “I always do this before traveling. It helps my body get used to the different time zones. Besides I’ll sleep on the plane.”

            “But don’t you have to drive to the airport?”

            “No, the van is making the rounds and picking up all of us. Then we’ll hop on the BSB jet and head to California.”

            She looked at me with raised eyebrows.

            “Just watch when I don’t get jet lag and you do.”

            “If you say so Kaos.”

            The van arrived about an hour later. An hour and a half after that we were at the airport and our bags were being loaded onto the jet. We filed on the jet and found our seats.

            Kalie was awed at the luxurious BSB jet and her mind was taken off of the flight for a few minutes until the plane started getting faster and faster preparing for takeoff.

            Brian and Leighanne bowed their heads in a quick prayer like they always did on flights. Kalie heard their prayer and her eyes went wide as she slowly turned her head toward me.

            “Don’t worry Kalie they always do that before every plane ride. It’s normal. Just relax and don’t think about anything going wrong because everything is going to be ok,” I offered my hand to her and she grabbed it quickly. The plane increased its speed and Kalie started shaking. I kissed her hand, “Everything’s going to be perfectly fine.”  I smiled at her then kissed her temple.

            The plane’s nose pointed toward the sky and Kalie viciously squeezed my hand. She was holding my hand so tightly that I was losing circulation in it. She almost had a panic attack but then the plane leveled out and so did she. Her grip loosened slightly and she took deep breaths.

            “The plane’s all level and the hard part is over. You ok now?”

            She nodded her head, “I’m better but I won’t be totally ok until we get back on the ground.”

              “Well you’ll be perfectly fine up here too,” I smiled at her then I looked down at our hands, “Guess what?”

            “What?”

            “I can’t feel my hand.”          

            “Oh sorry about that.”

            “It’s alright I know you were nervous. Even though I’ve been on millions of flights I still get nervous.”

            “You didn’t seem nervous.”

            “One of us needed to be strong.”

            She laughed and I kissed her temple again. The rest of the flight we found a range of things to occupy ourselves. And finally we caught a little cat nap before decent. Again I lost the feeling in my hand when Kalie gripped it as the plane landed. It took a few minutes to unload the plane and once Kalie stepped onto solid ground her nervous escaped her and she became excited that she was in California for the first time in her life.

            To get her used to the time zone I took her out sightseeing for a few hours. The time change wasn’t that bad, only three hours behind Florida, but still I needed to keep her up so she wouldn’t over sleep and adjust to the new time zone. After sightseeing we headed to our hotel and checked in then had dinner with the entire crew. After dinner we didn’t hang out too long because everyone was wiped out, especially Kalie. She changed into her pjs then flopped on the bed.

            “Oh man am I tired.”

            “Welcome to touring with the Backstreet Boys. You think you’re tired now, just think about tomorrow after you dance all night.”

            “Oh shit. I’m going to be dead by the end of tour.” 

            That night I dreamed the same nightmare of Kalie marrying some random guy as I stood there and watched without being able to stop her. In this dream I screamed out for Kalie but no words were coming from my mouth. I kept trying to scream her name but she couldn’t hear me and she said her vows and married the other guy right in front of me. Again Kalie woke me up by shaking my shoulders.

            “Baby wake up and stop screaming.” She turned on the light and looked at me, “You had that nightmare where I got married to some guy again didn’t you?”

            I nodded my head, “I never want to lose you Kalie.”

            “You’re not going to.”

            “But Kalie things can change. You could change your mind about marriage, about me, about us…”

            She interrupted me by crashing her lips onto mine. “Things aren’t going to change between us. It was only a dream sweetheart. You love me and I love you and nothing can change that. And nothing can change the fact that we’re best friends. Nothing can change my feelings for you, not even a dream.”

            “I have to keep telling myself it was just a dream.”

            “That’s it baby. Now go back to sleep.”

            “Can I have a hug first?”

            She smiled, “Of course.”

            She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her soft skinned body against me. I breathed in the scent of her warm skin and locked my arms around her hourglass waist. She gently kissed my temple and I whispered in her ear, “I love you Kalie.”

            “I love you too Nick. Come on let’s go back to sleep.”

            “Can I have a kiss first?”

            “Only if you’ll promise me that you won’t believe that ridiculous nightmare of yours,” she took my face in her hands and stared into my eyes, “Believe me, I’m not getting married anytime soon, especially to some random guy I don’t even know.”

            I let out a slight laugh.

            “So you promise you’re not going to believe that nightmare?”

            “I promise.”

            “Good. Now you can have your kiss.” She locked her lips with mine. “You sealed that promise with a kiss so I have to hold it too you baby.”

            I chuckled, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

            “Good night Sweet Talker.”

            “Good night Kayl.”

Chapter 17 by CarterFan28

Chapter 17 Whole Hearted Smile and A Gentle Kiss

***Kalie’s Point of View***

            The next day Nick and I started preparing ourselves for the concert that night. We went to the gym together and worked out for a good while then caught a quick breakfast. After that we went back up to the room and went over some dance routines. Our small lunch was followed by a long nap so neither of us would be tired for the show. Nick was the one to roll over and turn off the alarm he had set and the first to take a shower. I rubbed my eyes and sat up in bed.

            My cell phone rang and I frantically looked for it.

            “Hey Rochelle! What’s up?”

            “I just woke up from a nap. How about you?”

            “Same.”          

            “Does Alana need help getting ready for tonight?”

            “Actually yes she does. The wig is a pain in the ass to put on so it stays on.”

            “Ok when do you want me to come over to your room? I’ll help.”

            “Nick is in the shower now so I’ll call you when I’m finished with my shower.”

            “That works for me. See you in a little bit.”

            “Later.”

            “Who was that?” Nick asked when he stepped out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.

            “It was Rochelle. She’s going to help Alana get ready for the show.”         

            “I’ll get dressed quickly then.”

            “No take your time because I have to take a shower and get dressed.”

            About half an hour later I called Rochelle back and she brought over her makeup kit and a ton of Bobbie pins. It took us about 15 minutes and about 20 Bobbie pins to transform me into Alana. The worst part was putting my blue contacts in. I don’t know why but my eyes kept watering making the contacts fall out. Finally they stayed in and the three of us met the rest of BSB and their dancers for a light dinner.

            The bus ride to the venue was silent. Everyone was catching as much sleep as possible even though it was only a twenty minute bus ride. Once we arrived at the venue we followed security to the dressing rooms and the dancers and I hit the stage to get our correct places.

            I looked out at the empty seats and my knees started to shake.

            “Are you ok Kalie?” one of the other dancers, Sue, asked.

            “I’m fine I’m just starting to get a little nervous.”

            “I thought you were used to performing in front of a crowd,” another dancer named Tiffany said.

            “I am but not this big of a crowd.”

            “If you’re nervous now with no one in the seats then I hope you won’t get stage fright on us when there are fans in those seats,” the third dancer Hanna commented.

            “No I’ll be fine. Let’s just continue with the run through and I’ll be good.”

            The girls and I continued our run through and my nervous subsided a little. That is until show time got closer and closer.

            “You are going to do perfectly fine out there tonight Kalie and you look so cute!” Rochelle said as she touched up my makeup.

            “Thanks Ro. I’m pretty nervous though.”

            “Don’t be. You’re going to knock ‘em dead tonight and you’ll be the envy of a lot of Nick fans when they see you dance with him.”

            “I doubt that.”

            “Don’t doubt it because it’s the truth.”

            “Five minutes ladies!” the tour manager called.

            “Your makeup is all finished and we better get to the group prayer before they start it without us.”

            We jogged to the prayer circle. I stood next to Nick and everyone linked hands then bowed their heads as AJ said a prayer for everyone going on stage.

            Backstreet headed for the stage and Nick was the last to follow. Before he left he turned to me and said, “Break a leg Kalie, I mean Alana.”

            “Thanks Nick. Go show your ass off tonight.”

            “Thanks babe.”

            We kissed then he jogged after his band mates.

            The other dancers and I gathered around and waited for our cue. My hands started shaking but once I hit the stage and Nick flashed a smile at me all my nerves escaped and I had a blast performing in front of all those fans. The feeling I got from that first performance made me yearn for more. Hearing the entire crowd scream and yell was fantastic and even though I knew it was for BSB I pretended a little portion of those yells and applause were for me.

Nick was incredible! He was truly working it for the crowd and the energy he received from all those screams and camera flashes transferred into his own performance and mine. He was so happy and it was obvious that he loved what he was doing. He was such a ham soaking up all the love the fans were giving him. Also I didn’t notice until that night how hot he was under all those flashing lights. His stage presence and the power he was putting behind his voice was really turning me on.

            During the encore BSB introduced their dancers. Nick grabbed my hand and kissed it for I was the last one to be introduced.

            “And let’s hear it for our newest dancer, my girl Alana!” Nick announced.

            I did a quick move like the other dancers before me and the fans applauded me then we finished off Straight Through My Heart to end the show. Once we got backstage Nick grabbed me and planted a great big kiss on my lips.

            I giggled and asked, “What was that for honey?”

            He smiled widely at me, “That was for the amazing job you did out there! That was hot! You were so sexy! Oh damn I can’t wait to get back to the hotel room.”

            I laughed, “I wasn’t that good.”

            “Oh yes you were! You don’t know how turned on I am right now.”

            “Chill baby chill!” I laughed out as he started to suck on my neck. “Wait until we get back to the hotel.”

            “Guys gather around real quick before we get on the bus,” we all gathered around the tour manager Jenn and she continued, “Awesome first American show tonight folks! Let’s have repeat performances of tonight and North America will be begging for more! Kalie great job! Welcome to the Backstreet Family.”

            “Thanks Jen.”

            “Go ahead and get on the bus and sleep well tonight,” Jenn lead the way to the bus and Nick grabbed my hand.

            On the bus I rested my head on Nick’s shoulder and yawned loudly.

            Nick looked down at me and smirked, “I guess someone is tired.”

            “Just a little baby. I think the only thing I want to do when we get back to the hotel is sleep.”

            He pouted at me.

            “Nickolas,” I looked harshly at him.

            “I’m just kidding babe, I’m pretty wiped out myself.”

            Back at the hotel room after we changed into our pjs I laid down as Nick messaged my legs. His warm hands gave the best message ever and it was putting me to sleep.

            “Hey Kalie…”

            “Yeah baby?”

            “Before you go to sleep I just wanted to ask you,” he lay down next to me and whispered in my ear, “Are you glad you came on tour with me?”

            I looked over my shoulder and smiled at him, “It’s only the first day of tour.”

            “Well what do you think of it so far?”

            “So far so good. I didn’t think I would like being on stage but I loved it.”

            “It looked like you were having a blast.”

            “That was so much fun out there tonight. I can’t wait for the next show.”

            “So you think you’ll do this next tour?”

            “Maybe.”

            “I think you’ll like seeing the different parts of the country.”

            “And I get to share it all with you.”

            He grinned, “Yeah that too.”

            As tour continued I got even more comfortable on stage and with each night I had more fun than the one prior. My connection with the other BSB dancers and Backstreet Boys themselves grew stronger and I became more comfortable with becoming Alana. At first I didn’t like donning the wig and contacts but now it was fun and it gave me this air of confidence that I didn’t really have before. I was always confident in myself but Alana had a little more confidence than I did. I scared myself a few times though because it felt like Alana took over. Nick was the one who brought me back down to Earth again when that did happen.

            I don’t know why but I started thinking about how my life would be different without Nick. I often caught myself staring at him and smiling for no reason what so ever. He would often look at me and simply smile and my heart would go into over drive. I felt like I was falling in love with him all over again although I never fell out of love with him. I was in complete bliss being on tour with him but I started missing my family, friends, and my dance studio but yet I was more than content with touring the beautiful country with the man I love. It felt natural to be with him day and night. Again it made me think about the future with him but those thoughts were shaken from my head whenever he glanced or stared at me. He reassured me about our future together without words, just a single bright, whole hearted smile and a gentle kiss.     

            Things on tour were going great for the first few weeks; all of the shows were sold out and the crowds were ecstatic plus the Boys kept getting better and better with each show they performed. The only thing that made me uneasy was when Nick started acting strange. 

Chapter 18 by CarterFan28

Chapter 18 Perfect Just the Way You Are

            Tour was getting better and better with each city we visited and every show we performed. I enjoyed seeing the continental United States but I was starting to feel homesick as we traveled closer and closer to Florida. The bus rides got longer and longer but at least we stopped flying from place to place, now we drove long miles between states.  My parents called me a few times and my siblings did too. Of course they called me whenever they were having a Smith Family Night so that made me miss my family even more. The Thursday before we reached Florida, Diangela and Mark called me and put my students on speaker.

            “We miss you so much Kalie!” all my students said.

            “I miss all of you too! But I have good news for you!”

            “What is it Kayl?” Diangela asked.

            “We are one day away from arriving in Florida!”

            “How long are you staying in Florida for?” Mark asked.

            “12 days!” I almost jumped out of my seat at the table on the bus when I exclaimed my answer.

            “How are you pulling that off?” Diangela questioned.

            “Well we have three shows in Florida: one on Sunday, another on Thursday and the last one in Orlando on Saturday. We should be crossing state lines this Thursday around noon and then we’ll have our first show in the North then work our way down to Orlando. Then we’re going to have some down time before we leave for Georgia. The other dancers are from Florida too so they’re going to be visiting their families like me.”

            “So will you be visiting us?” I heard one of my student’s voices.

            “There is no doubt about that! I have to check on how Dia has been teaching you guys.”

            Everyone laughed and Diangela said, “Don’t you trust me Kayl?”

            “I do. I just want to see how they’re doing without me. And to be honest I’m not all that worried about the students, I’m more worried about Mark.”

            Again they laughed then Mark’s voice came on the line, “Well Kalie it was really nice talking to you and I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying your summer job but it’s time for everyone to go home now and I have to get home quickly for a dinner with the in laws.”

            “Yeah Kay I have dinner with the in laws tonight too,” Diangela said.

            “Ok guys I love you all and I miss you so much!”

            “Oh before you go Kalie I just wanted to tell you that Mark, Lacey and I will be at the Orlando show!” Diangela exclaimed.

            “Ahh! That’s awesome! You’re going to love the show! BSB really knows how to entertain.”

            “Kalie, we don’t care about BSB we’re just going to see you perform with pop stars!” Mark joked.

            I giggled, “You’re too funny. I’ll see you when I get home. It was great talking to you guys. See you soon!”

            “See ya Kalie!” they all answered.

            I hung up the phone and looked out the window, there was a sign pointing toward Florida and I smiled. I knew we were only staying for a short amount of time but I didn’t care, I was going to be home and I was going to see all my loved ones and friends who I was missing dearly.

            That Thursday we crossed the state lines into beautiful Florida around 11:30 am. We checked into the hotel and everyone decided to hang by the pool except for Nick.

            “Why don’t you want to go to the pool with us?” I asked grabbing my beach bag and sunglasses after I put on my A wig and contacts.

            “Bruce and I are going to go check out the town or a little while. I’ll probably join you guys later.”

            “Ok baby. Have fun.”

            “I have to ask you a question before you head down there though.”

            “What is it babe?”

            “Why are you disguising yourself today when we don’t have any shows tonight?”

            “There could be paparazzi down by the pool.”

            “I highly doubt that. BSB is not as popular as we used to be Kayl.”

            “You never know.”

            “And what’s going to happen if someone does take a picture of you without your disguise? Nobody knows your real name. So what’s the point of you disguising yourself?”

            “Well I like dressing up like Alana.”

            “That answers my question.”

            “See you later Nick.”

            “Later Alana.”

            With that I walked out the door and met up with the other BSB dancers.

            Nick never joined us at the pool that day. He and Bruce, his body guard, were gone until dinner that night.

            Those first few days in Florida Nick seemed to distance himself from the rest of us. I was starting to wonder why he never wanted to hang out with us. I asked him where he was going while the rest of us hung out but he never had a straight answer and it sounded like he was covering for something or someone.

            A few days before we headed toward Orlando I pulled Nick aside and asked, “Why are acting so shady all of a sudden? Do you have another girl living close by?”

            “Hell no. Why would you ask that? You know you’re my only one.” He started getting defensive.

            “Then where have you been going these past days? The only time I got to spend with you this week was during the concert.”

            “I have spent every night with you before and after the concert.”

            “But the only thing we do at night is sleep. The both of us are too tired to do anything else, even just talk.”

            “Then how about this, the next two days I’ll devote to you. We can go shopping or whatever you want to do. Is that ok and we can forget about me not spending time with you?”

            “Deal. The rest of us were talking about going bowling tomorrow. I’d like for the two of us to go with them if you’d like to. We want to play girls against guys and the guys need you to make the teams even.”

            “No that sounds like fun. Then afterward we can go to dinner just the two of us.”

            “I’d like that.”

            The next day BSB, their spouses, dancers, and some of their other crew members went bowling together and we all had a blast! I have to say that we were pretty evenly matched when it came to our bowling skills. It was a close game but in the end us girls won by 5. I had a lot of fun but I couldn’t help but notice that Nick kept staring at me. I guess he liked it a lot when I dressed as Alana. I know I liked the change so maybe Nick liked it too.

            Then at dinner I became very confused. Nick was giving me mixed signals and signs. He seemed to be happy and he kept staring at me but yet he looked like something was wrong and he wasn’t saying much which was pretty awkward.

            “Are you ok honey?” I asked.

            “Yeah I’m fine,” he answered snapping himself out of the little trance he put himself in. “I’m just really tired. I’m ready to go back to the hotel.”

            “I am too actually. Let’s forget about dessert and head back to the hotel and just relax.”

            “Sounds good to me.”

            We paid at the front counter then walked out the doors. I grabbed Nick’s hand as we walked toward the hotel. I looked up at my boyfriend and gave him a little smile. He looked down at me and grinned back but something was wrong. There was something missing from his smile and his eyes were dull and seemed empty and even though he was holding my hand, he wasn’t gripping it like he always did. I was starting to get upset and I didn’t know what I was doing wrong to make him act like that toward me. I wasn’t going to lose Nick again but what did I do this time?

***Nick’s Point of View***

            Once we got into the hotel room I sat on the edge of the bed and buried my tired face into my hands. My hands slowly exposed my face again and I looked at Alana who was sitting in front of the mirror taking her wig off. She ran her brush through the sexy chocolate brown hair that was hidden under the boring wig.

            She saw my reflection looking at her in the mirror and said, “I’m thinking about dying my hair black, what do you think about it?”

            “Don’t do that,” I protested. “Why would you want to do that?”

            “It would be easier to turn into Alana. All I’d have to do is put in the contacts. Besides I think I look better with black hair and blue eyes anyway. If only there was a way to permanently change the color of my eyes… I’m tired of my dull brown ones. Blue eyes are so much brighter and sexier in my opinion. Don’t you think so babe?”

            “Kalie,” I sounded somewhat exasperated.

            “What?” her voice was raising a little.

            “I don’t want you to change into Alana.”

            “Why not? I thought you really like Alana.”

            “But I’m not in love with Alana. I’m in love with you, Kalie Marie Smith.”

            “Babe,” she turned to me and looked into my eyes, “Alana and I are the same person.”

            “No you’re not.”

            “How? Alana is just me in disguise.”

            “She has become more than just a disguise. She has become a different person.”

            She looked at me with a question on her face so I continued, “You two are definitely not the same person babe. Alana Kash is this over confident girlfriend of a celebrity who is always looking at herself in a mirror.”

            “But I thought you liked confidence in girls.”

            “I do but,” I grinned slightly at her, “I like your touch of shyness mixed in with your confidence. I think it’s cute.” She gave me a little grin, “Kalie Smith is my best friend who loves me for who I am and not the name my singing career has given me. You’re fun loving, caring, an amazing dancer and just… just… you’re too good for words Kayl. I don’t want you to be taken over by Alana. Besides,” I walked over to her and grabbed her hand which she wore the Clauggdah ring, “I adore this long, soft, gorgeous brown hair of yours and your eyes… when you’re dancing on stage and you give me those enchanting looks you always give me they’re not the same when you’re disguised. There is nothing in the world I love to do more than stare into those captivatingly beautiful brown eyes. I want to stare into them now but they’re still hidden.”

            She turned back to the mirror and took out her contacts one at a time. Afterward she looked guiltily back up at me.

            “Now there’s my love,” I smiled at her, “I’ve been waiting to see her all day. It’s good to see you out of disguise.”

            “You really don’t like Alana do you?”

            “Not really, I just love my girl Kalie.”

            “Then you know what?” she smirked at me and I knew she had an idea. “I’m not going to let Alana take over. Thursday’s concert was Alana’s last performance with BSB and Kalie is taking her place from now on.”    

            I smiled widely, “I get the Kalie I love back.”

            “She never really left… just got masked a little but it won’t happen again. Besides Alana was a pain in the ass to get ready.”

            We both chuckled then smiled at each other. I wrapped my arms around her and we held each other in a warm embrace for some time. Kalie didn’t have to say a word because I could tell from the way she was holding me that she was going to keep her promise and that Kalie was here to stay.       

            I whispered in her ear, “Kalie I just want to remind you that you’re perfect just the way you are.”

            I could hear the smile in her voice when she answered, “And I’m reminding you that you’re a sweat talker.”  

Chapter 19 by CarterFan28

Chapter 19 How Am I Going To Do This?

            The next day the same people who went bowling went to a county fair together. There were fair rides and food and games and even a farm stock show. It was a beautiful day and it was an easy choice to make about going out and doing something besides staying in the boring hotel.

            Everyone was having a blast at the fair. Everyone was acting like they were kids in a candy store. I tried to get Kalie on some of the roller coasters but she was too scared.

            “Oh come on Kalie! The Wildcat is a mild ride. The only thing it does is go fast and has a few drops, nothing too bad.”

            “Nick did you forget that I’m afraid of heights?”

            “It’s not that high up.”

            She looked toward the roller coaster I was pointing to and her jaw dropped, “Nickolas that’s the tallest ride here! There is no way I am going on that thing!”

            “Baby, what are you going to do just sit here and be bored waiting for the rest of us to come off the ride?”

            “I’m fine with that as long as I’m not on that roller coaster.”

            “What’s the fun in that?”       

            “Nick, just go get on the ride. Everyone else is waiting for you.”

            “But I need a ride partner,” I pouted at her hoping that would do the trick.

            “I’ll be your ride partner Nick,” Rochelle tapped me on the shoulder.

            “And I’ll stay with Kalie,” AJ offered.

            “You’re not going on the big rides either AJ?” I asked. “Come on man they’re fun.”

            “I’m with Kalie. Roller coasters just aren’t my thing.” AJ looked at Kalie and suggested, “How about you and I go play some games maybe get some food, see some shows while we wait for the rest of those daredevils.”

            “That sounds better than me having a panic attack on a roller coaster,” she answered.

            By this time the rest of “the daredevils” as AJ called them gathered around us waiting for a plan.

            “Actually Brian, Baylee and I are going to go with AJ and Kalie. Baylee’s not tall enough to go on the rides you want to go on,” Leighanne commented.

            Howie’s Leigh chipped in, “I don’t want to sit around and wait for you guys either. I have to keep James busy.”

            “How about the people who don’t want to go on the major rides can come with us,” Kalie suggested. “That way the two groups will stay together. Then we can meet up somewhere when you daredevils are finished with all the rides you want to go on.”

            “That sounds good to me,” Howie said. “Let’s meet at the bumper cars in an hour and a half, that should give us enough time to go on the rides we want to go on and also we can all verse each other in bumper cars.”

            “Deal we’ll see you in an hour and a half,” AJ said.

            “I’ll see you in a little bit babe,” Kalie looked up at me and smiled.

            “Alright baby,” I gave her a quick kiss then said jokingly to AJ, “Behave yourself with my girl AJ.”

            “Me? Try anything with my best friend’s girl never,” he answered sarcastically. Then he put his arm around Kalie’s shoulder smoothly and kidded, “Come on baby, let’s go have some fun alone.”

            Kalie burst out laughing and I chuckled.

            “You better listen to Nick or your girl won’t behave with your best friend,” Rochelle grabbed my hand and retaliated against AJ.

            He took his arm off of Kalie’s shoulder then Rochelle let go of my hand. Rochelle stuck her tongue out at AJ and he returned the gesture. Kalie looked at me and winked and I smiled back. I knew it was all in good fun but still it was weird watching Kalie walk away with another guy. At least I actually knew and trusted AJ.

***Kalie’s Point of View***

            Leighanne, Baylee, Leigh and James went on some of the kid’s rides while AJ and I went on the rock and roll Himalaya ride then went through the Haunted Mansion. I really didn’t want to go in that Mansion because I hate anything to do with horror but AJ said it was more fun with a friend so he suckered me in. We got the shit scared out of us a few times and I grabbed AJ’s arm nearly cutting off his circulation. I was expecting things to jump out at us but that little attraction was scarier than I expected. Afterward we got our lunch of huge hot dogs and deep fried Oreos with fresh squeezed lemonade. We met back up with the other part of our group and started playing some games. Baylee was dead set on winning this one Scooby Doo toy and every game we tried someone else won it. Baylee was such a good sport though because he moved right along to the next show we wanted to go to or the next game not showing how upset he was that he didn’t win the Scooby Doo toy. Finally we came across this Dance Dance Revolution game.

            “AJ let’s try this one. I think we have a better chance of winning that toy for Baylee with this game,” I pulled him closer to the mini stage.

            “Why are you dragging me along? You can win that all by yourself.”

            “You have to play as a team. See,” I pointed to four people who were already playing. They were obviously playing two on two and the couple that won got a prize for each person.

            “Ok let’s do this.”

            We paid the man running the game and waited for our opponents. At first the game was simple, hitting the different colored tiles with one foot at a time. Then it got faster and faster turning into a mini work out. The team who were against AJ and I were pretty good but in the end we were the victors by ten points. Each of us got a Scooby Doo toy but mine went to Baylee and AJ gave his to James.

            “Thank you so much Aunt Kalie!”

            “Awe your welcome Baylee.”

            “That was really sweet of you Kalie,” Leigh smiled at me.

            “Don’t mention it.”

            “It’s almost time to meet up with the daredevils. We should make our way to the bumper cars,” Leigh said.

            We started walking toward our meeting spot and stopped when Baylee asked, “Can we go in the petting zoo real quick?”

            “Yeah let’s go in we have enough time,” I said taking Baylee’s hand and leading the others into the petting zoo.

            Baylee was so excited petting the goats, sheep, lamps and the two miniature horses that were there. AJ was in his picture taking glory when little James became so interested in the animals and starting smiling widely. He also got great shots of Baylee holding a tiny baby goat and the miniature horse licking his face. It was so cute seeing Baylee and baby James react to the animals.

            We washed our hands then continued to the bumper cars. We waited a few minutes for the daredevils to show up and they did just in time as people were starting to finish their round of bumper cars. We were also in luck because our group got to have our own private game. We went crazy! Everyone was ramming full speed into everyone else and everybody was acting like mad men. I think the craziest one was our bus driver Billy. He was zigg zagging and swerving like he was drunk! He made the funniest faces too when he hit you then he would speed away laughing like he was an evil scientist. Billy became insane! It was a good thing Leigh decided to sit that game out with James. Instead she took pictures and got a lot of funny ones.

            The buzzer sounded and the power to our cars shut off. Billy was just about to ram into my car when the power was cut. I’ll never forget the evil look on his face as he was coming toward me change to a look of utter disappointment because I was the only one he didn’t hit throughout the entire game.

            “I’ll get you next time Kalie.”

            “Good luck trying!” I laughed, “It’s a good thing you don’t drive the bus like you do a bumper car or everyone would be sick!”

            He chuckled and helped me out of my car.

            Nick met up with me and grabbed my hand as we walked around the rest of the fair. We caught a few quick shows and played more games before heading to the buses. Everyone was starting to get tired and it was time to start our journey to Orlando.  

            On the bus Nick and I sat down on the coach in the back room. He looked at me and asked, “Did you have fun today?”

            “I had a blast! What about you?”

            “I had a blast too. We all needed a day like that to get some fresh air and have some fun. What was your favorite part?”

            “I’d have to say the bumper cars. I never knew Billy could be such a crazy driver!”

            Nick laughed, “Thank god he doesn’t drive this big ole bus like that. We’d be puking our brains out.”

            I chuckled, “I said that to him when he helped me out of the car. What was your favorite part of the day?”

            He placed his hand on the side of my face and rubbed his thumb gingerly over my cheek. He grinned and looked me in the eye and answered sweetly, “I don’t really have a favorite part. I just really enjoyed spending the day with my girlfriend. I was really starting to miss Kalie when Lauren was around.”

            I smiled at him, “Just kiss me Sweet Talker.”

            We slowly started to lean into each other and once our lips met we started making out.

            Just as Nick and I were starting to get really passionate AJ burst through the door and exclaimed, “I downloaded all my pictures from today onto my computer and I… want… to… show… you… two. Sorry I interrupted, I’ll come back later.”

            “No AJ it’s ok. I want to see how your pictures came out,” I said.

            AJ sat down next to me and Nick wrapped his arm around my shoulders.

***Nick’s Point of View***

            AJ’s pictures came out really well but I wasn’t focusing on them too much. I just kept thinking of every smile and laugh that came from Kalie’s lips that day and how happy she was as herself not Lauren. I rested my chin on her shoulder as I looked at the slide show AJ was playing. Like I said I wasn’t that focused on the pictures but I was focused on the scent of Kalie’s sweet perfume and the happy presence she had about her. She was herself again and I was delighted to have her back.

            I was starting to put myself in a trance as I thought about how happy she made me today by simply being herself. AJ snapped me out of it when he said, “And this one came out really nice of the two of you under that sign for the Tunnel of Love.”

            This time I actually looked at the picture AJ was showing us and I felt a warm sensation in my chest when I saw it. We were standing under a heart shaped arch holding each other’s hands. My cheek was rested against her forehead and we both had loving smiles on our faces. But Kalie’s made my heart skip a beat.

            “I love it AJ!” she exclaimed.

            “I thought you would. Like it Nick?”

            “Yes I do. I think that’s the best picture of the two of us. Nice job man.”

            “Thanks. I’ll make sure to make both of you a copy of it when I print these. I just need to get more ink and photo paper. I gotta go check on my girlfriend; she’s not feeling too well.”

            “Awe I hope she doesn’t get sick,” Kalie said.

            “Me too. See ya guys later.”

            “Later,” I said. After AJ closed the door behind him I looked back at Kalie who turned on the TV. She flipped on VH1 and we watched the music videos that were playing.

            Two Is Better Than One by Boys Like Girls featuring Taylor Swift came on and Kalie smiled, “I like this song a lot.”

            “I do too. Their harmony is great.”    

            “This song kind of reminds me of us.”

            “Really?”

            She nodded her head. She started singing along with the song lightly and I joined in. Our harmony was perfect! Her amazing voice was throwing my heart into over drive. It felt like I was falling in love with her all over again.  

            I watched her sing as she watched the music video and asked myself Are you really ready to do this?

            She rested her head on my shoulder and I left a tingling sensation run up my spine.

            Yes I am ready. I answered myself. But how am I going to do this?

 

Chapter 20 by CarterFan28

Chapter 20 Can I Ask You Both A Question?

            That night we found ourselves in Orlando. Most of our tour crew got hotel rooms while the Boys and their spouses stayed over at my house. It was only for one night because the next morning Kalie and I visited her students at the dance studio. She even taught them a quick little lesson. I could tell that she loved the break from the concert routine. I didn’t blame her because I was getting tired of performing the same moves two or three times a week.  

            After visiting her students we meet up with our best friends for lunch. Kalie and I never realized how much she missed Chris, Michelle, Dan and Crystal until they ambushed her with a huge group hug with their first glimpse of her. Lunch was filled with stories of what happened on tour so far and Kalie even debriefed our friends about Alana. It was good to see our friends again and hear that they were going to be at the show on Saturday.

            “This is awesome! I’m going to have all my good luck charms at the concert!” Kalie exclaimed.

            “And we can’t wait to see you dance on stage with BSB!” Michelle squealed.

            “How many people that we know are going to be there?” Chris asked.

            Kalie was smiling widely as I replied, “Enough to fill up one of the VIP sections!”

            “Seriously?” Michelle questioned.

            “Well my parents are going to be there, along with all of my siblings and their spouses. Lacey, Mark and Diangela will be there too. Oh and my Aunt Jewel, Uncle Kev and cousin Katie are coming with Katie’s three friends,” Kalie listed her guests.

              “Plus you guys and with the other dancer’s families the one section of VIP seats will be filled,” I added in.

            “That’s awesome,” Chris said.

            “Kalie I am so happy for you!” Crystal hugged her best friend. “You finally get to live out your dream of touring the country as a professional dancer!”

            Dan smiled at Kalie, “We’re all very proud of you Kayl. And it’s really good to hear that you’ve decided to perform without the disguise.”

            “Knowing Nick he’s happy to have you back to normal,” Chris commented.

            I placed my arm around her waist and pulled her closer to me, “You know me too well Chris. I’m very proud of her too.” I kissed her forehead and she blushed.

            “Well you guys Nick and I better head over to my parents’ house because they are expecting us for dinner and I think the other Smiths are coming over too.” Kalie got up from her chair and started hugging our best friends, “I will see you guys on Saturday!”

            “I can’t wait for this show Kayl!” Michelle exclaimed.

            “Me neither! This is too exciting!” Crystal piped in.

            About ten minutes later we pulled into Kalie’s parents’ drive way. Before I even turned the car off I heard Mrs. Smith scream, “Kalie’s home!”

            Her dad stepped out onto the porch and exclaimed, “My baby girl is here!”

            Kalie flung open the car door and ran into her dad’s arms then embraced her mom. Kalie really missed her parents and it was obvious that they missed her. I stepped up on the porch and Mrs. Smith engulfed me in a big hug. She kind of caught me off guard.

            “I wasn’t going to leave you out Nick,” Mrs. Smith smiled at me.

            “It’s good to see you again son,” Mr. Smith shook my hand.

            “It’s good to see you too Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”

            “Why so formal Nick? What happened to you calling us Mama and Papa Smith?” Mrs. Smith asked.

            “I don’t know,” I shrugged my shoulders. “To be honest it feels strange to call you that. I feel like I’m disrespecting you. I guess I grew out of calling you that.”

            “You’re not disrespecting us,” Mr. Smith protested, “Mama Smith and I like being called that.”

            “Besides Mark, Chris, Michelle, Dan and Crystal still call us that. We’re perfectly fine with it,” Mrs. Smith added. “But enough about that the rest of the Smiths are inside and are chomping at the bit to see you Kalie so we better get inside quickly.”

            Once Kalie stepped through the front door her aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, nieces and nephews rushed at her to greet her.  I smiled at how close the Smith family was and how well everyone got along. I wished my family was more like the Smiths. It was only on rare occasions that my family would get along. We always ended up fighting or yelling at each other. We were good at yelling and fighting.  

            It was pretty late when everyone went home and Kalie said that she wanted to stay in her old bedroom which her parents turned into a guest room. She went upstairs to take a quick shower as her parents and I sat out in the backyard by the fire pit. I stared at the fire and thought about Kalie.

            “Nick, honey, are you ok?” Mrs. Smith asked. “You seemed awfully quiet tonight.”

            “I just have something on my mind that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately.”

            “What is it son?” Mr. Smith questioned. “You know you can always talk to us if you want to.”

            I took in a deep breath and looked up at them both. I gulped then said, “Can I ask you both a question?”

            A few minutes later we went back inside.

            “This is too exciting Nickolas!” Mrs. Smith said in an excited whisper.

            I grinned but said quickly, “It is very exciting but please keep it a secret. I want to keep it a surprise for as long as I can.”

            “Our lips are sealed,” Mr. Smith reassured me placing a strong hand on my shoulder.

            Kalie walked into the kitchen where the three of us were.

            “What are you guys talking about?” she asked as she reached for a bottle of water in the fridge.

            “Your mother and I were asking where this tour was going to take you two,” her father smoothly covered.

            “It sounds like you’re going to see a lot baby,” her mother commented.

            “I already have seen much more than I could ever imagine. It’s exciting to think that I’m going to see even more.”

            “Very exciting,” Mrs. Smith nodded with a huge smile on her face.

            “We better get up to bed hon,” Mr. Smith said putting an arm around his wife’s shoulder. “Good night you two.”

            “Good night Daddy. Good night Mom,” Kalie hugged her parents then I shook Mr. Smith’s hand and hugged Mrs. Smith.

            “Nick and I will probably still be comatose by the time you two get up to go to work so we’ll see you at the concert tomorrow night.”

            “Ok baby. Sleep well.” Kalie’s mom followed her husband into the master bed room.

            “You ready to go to bed sweetie?” Kalie wrapped her arms around my waist.

            “Where you do you want me to sleep? On the couch or should I take one of your brothers’ old rooms?”

            “I have a queen sized bed in my old room baby.”

            “But what about your parents?”

            “What about them? They’ll be down stairs and we’ll be up stairs. They won’t bother us.”

            “What if they walk in on us?”

            “Are you embarrassed to sleep with me in my parents’ house?” she asked with a laugh in her voice.

            “I will be if they walk in on us.”

            She laughed, “Are you in the mood tonight?”

            “Not at this moment but I could be. Do you know how awkward that would be if they did walk in on us? I think I’d be embarrassed if they just came in and we were just cuddling.”

            She rolled her eyes at me, “Nickolas. Cuddling… really? They won’t walk in on us. They trust you baby and they’re not stupid.”

            “But I have more common curtsy then to do that in your parents’ house.”

            “I know you do. You respect them and that’s why they respect you. Come on let’s just go to bed.”

            She grabbed my hand and we quietly climbed the stairs.

She flopped on the bed and I chuckled after she said into her pillow, “Oh man did I miss my old bed!”

            “I don’t think I’ve ever been in your room before Kayl.”

            She sat up and looked at me, “That’s right. This is the first time you’ve been in here. My parents pretty much kept it the same except all the pictures I had on the walls are now on hallway walls back home.” She looked up at my face and laughed, “Nick relax. You’re standing here like you’re in some museum or expensive store afraid to touch anything. Come sit down next to me.”

            I looked at the bed and hesitated.

            “I’ll give you a kiss if you sit down.”

            “You don’t have to say that again,” I sat down next to her and she planted a gentle kiss on my lips.

            “If you lay down I’ll give you an even longer kiss.”

            I grinned as I let myself fall onto my back, “Your bribes are working Kay.”

            She giggled, “I can see that.” She slowly slid down next to me and kissed me again.

            We looked into each other’s eyes for a few seconds after the kiss.

            “Are you excited for tomorrow night?” I asked.

            “I can’t wait! I finally get to perform on stage as a professional dancer with my good luck charms in the audience. My dream is finally coming true and it’s because of you. I never really got to thank you. So thanks for everything you have done for me baby. You don’t know how grateful I am to have you…”

            I interrupted her by placing my finger on her lips, “You don’t have to say another word. I owe a lot to you too.”

            “No you don’t. All I ask is that you love me unconditionally.”

            I pushed a stand of her hair behind her ear and whispered lovingly to her, “You don’t have to ask me to do that… because I already do.”

            The next day Kalie and I slept in really late so we wouldn’t be tired for the show that night. By late afternoon we went back to my house to meet the rest of our touring family because it was the closest meeting place to the concert hall. Kalie and I made dinner for everyone and then we just hung out until it was time to load up the bus.

            Backstage at the concert hall, Kalie was buzzing around as she was getting ready.

            “Do I look ok?” she asked me after Rochelle finished doing her makeup.

            “You look gorgeous sweetheart. And I really mean that.”    

            Furiously she ran her brush through her hair one last time before dousing it with a holding cream.           

            “Kalie, calm down, why are you running around like a mad woman all of a sudden?”

            “I’m kind of nervous tonight. And I want to look my best and I want to have the best show of the tour tonight so I can impress all of my good luck charms who are showing up. I want to make them proud.”

            “Baby,” I grabbed her shoulders and looked into her eyes, “They are already proud of you. You don’t have to be nervous. All of your good luck charms will be even more proud and happy for you when you dance tonight. Right now you need to calm down and try to relax.”

            “But I don’t think I can relax. I feel like something really big is going to happen tonight but I don’t know what’s going to happen.”

            She knows. I thought to myself but said quickly, “Everything is going to be fine tonight so try and collect yourself while the opening act is playing and I go get myself ready.”

            “I’ll try my best.”

            I smiled at her before I went to the dressing room.

            Once I joined the other guys in the dressing room Brian asked, “So are you going to do it on stage tonight?”

            “I’m not sure man,” I answered honestly.

            “You’re not chickening out are you?” AJ asked.

            “I’m not chickening out. I just don’t think the stage is the right place to do it.”

            “And are you sure that’s all you want to give her? It’s pretty simple don’t you think?” Howie questioned.

            “That’s why I choose it,” I replied. “She never wanted to be spoiled and she would never want something over the top. That’s why I think I need to pick a simpler place to do this.”

            “But if you were to do it tonight on stage which song would you pick?” AJ asked.

            “I was thinking She’s A Dream or All I Have to Give.”

            “Well whatever you choose to do I wish you good luck bro,” Brian placed a supportive hand on my shoulder.

            “Thanks man.”

            “We better get to the group prayer before we’re late,” Brian said heading out the door.

            I was the last one out the door and before I followed the Boys I looked into the mirror one last time and spoke to my reflection, “You better make up your mind quickly Nick. You better do it before it’s too late. It’s now or never.”

Chapter 24 by CarterFan28

Chapter 21 I Can’t Live Without You

            “Did you calm down honey? Even a little bit?”  I asked my girlfriend after the group prayer.

            “Yeah I’m good now,” she smiled at me.

            At least one of us calmed down. Now I was feeling a little nervous.

            “Break a leg out there babe,” she wished me luck before I made my way to the stage.

            “Thanks, you too.”

            Once Backstreet hit the stage my nerves died down a little bit. Everybody Backstreet’s Back and We’ve Got It Goin’ On went on without a hitch. But then PDA started and my heart started to race as Kalie danced with me. She was making it hard to concentrate on the song and choreography. I still don’t know how I got through that song without stopping to stare at my girlfriend dance.

            As the show continued I kept thinking about Kalie more and more. As I sang This Is Us I thought back to the night I convinced her to take a chance on dating me. Looking back on that day I couldn’t believe how far she and I came together and how much closer we got and how quickly we both fell in love. That night I performed that song like I never did before. I put so much passion into it that I surprised myself. But that wasn’t the only song that I put a lot of passion into. All the songs that reminded me of Kalie or the connection I had with her effected how passionately I sang. And whenever she danced with me my heart went into over drive.

            The ninth song in the set list was She’s A Dream. Before the song started I checked my pocket and said mentally, “Do it right after the song before The Call starts. It’ll be perfect. No wait, it won’t work. No it will. Maybe it’s not the right place to do this. Eh screw it. I’ll figure it out when I hit the stage.

            As we performed the song everything seemed to move in slow motion. I couldn’t keep my eyes off of Kalie as she performed her routine. The lights were hitting her perfectly and every move she made was starting to make me sweat. I tried my hardest to contain my nerves as I performed. As the song ended I looked out at the crowd then back at Kalie who was making her way backstage. I was about to grab her hand but I decided against it.

            Brian watched as my eyes followed Kalie backstage. He was about to stop her for me but I looked at him and shook my head so he let her walk away.

            Once she was out of ear shot Brian asked quickly before the next song, “Are you having second thoughts?”

            “Yeah but… I don’t know when I should do this.”

            “Well I’ll Never Break Your Heart is up next.”

            “I think that’s too cliché.”

            “Whatever you think is best Nick. You’re the only person who gets to decided what is going to be best bud.”

            “Yeah I know and it’s nerve-racking to think that I’m not sure what is best.”

            The rest of the show finished smoothly. It was definitely one of the best shows we ever performed on that tour. It was definitely Kalie’s best show and her good luck charms were so proud of her. We met up with all of them after the show.

            “That was awesome!” Katie exclaimed. “I still can’t believe you are a BSB dancer! I want to be even more like you now cousin!”

            Kalie laughed, “You’re too sweet Kate. But you don’t want to do everything I’ve done. I’m not as perfect as you think I am.”

            I grabbed her waist and pulled her closer to me, “Who are you kidding? You are perfect baby.”

            I kissed her forehead and her good luck charms all looked at each other and smiled. They looked at me expectantly and I gulped.

            They stayed for close to an hour. That was one of the most awkward hours in my entire life. Everyone was staring at me and waiting to see what my next move was going to be. Once I reached for my pocket and Mrs. Smith’s eyes went wide.

            “I can’t do it now. My nerves would get to me and I would screw up. I can sing in front of millions but I can’t do this in front of a hand full of my closest friends and her family,” I thought to myself as I started to sweat again.

            “I hate to break up this little reunion you are having but it’s time for us start loading up the bus for our journey to our next stop,” Jen, our tour manager, said coming into the room we were all sitting in.

            “Thank you all for coming tonight! I loved performing for you guys and I hope I made you all proud,” Kalie spoke up.

            “Kalie we’re always proud of you,” her father gave her a big hug and kiss on the forehead. She smiled widely as her eyes started to water.

            “I really wish Grandma and Grandpa were here to see this,” she commented holding back tears.

            “We all do sis,” Kasey replied as he hugged her.

            “But they’re looking down right now and smiling at you,” her mother reassured.

            “Yeah Kalie,” Kim said, “They’ll always be proud of you.”

            “Like all of us,” Kyle smiled.

            Kalie got emotional as she hugged the rest of her good luck charms and I understood why. I knew that she missed her grandparents greatly; I did too but not as much as she did. I also knew she was going to miss everyone and that she wished she had more time to spend with them all but we had the rest of tour to finish.

            I said my good nights as Kalie headed to her dressing room to quickly change into her pjs. Before they left Mr. Smith pulled me aside, “What happened to your plan tonight?”

            “It wasn’t the right place. I really want it to be spontaneous and completely unexpected.”

            “Just give us a call when you decide on what’s best. Good luck son.”

            “Thank you Mr. Smith.”

            After Kalie changed she grabbed her duffle bag and we walked hand in hand out to the bus together. After throwing the duffle bag in its proper storage place I quickly changed out of my sweaty show outfit and into my sweat pants in the bathroom.

            I headed toward the back room where Kalie and I usually slept on the couch. She stopped me before I could open the door.

            “AJ and Rochelle already claimed the couch. Ro still isn’t feeling well and they both crashed on the couch.”

            “Ok then we’ll take their bunks.”

            “There is only one bunk left but I can sleep on the table bench.”

            “I’ve done that before and it’s unbelievably uncomfortable. We can sleep in the bunk together.”       

***Kalie’s Point Of View***

            “Nick, how the hell are we going to sleep in the same bunk together?”

            “We’ll just get really close.” He half smiled at me. I loved his half smile; it made me giggle quietly.

            “You want me to sleep on the top bunk of a moving bus. You know I’m not that good with heights. And knowing my luck I’ll fall out and get hurt then your gunna have to find another dancer.”

            “Then you get in first and I’ll be your anchor. I won’t let you fall.”

            I chuckled, shook my head then Nick helped me crawl into the bunk. He jumped in after me and we cuddled closely. I flipped onto my right side and I used Nick as my mattress when he flattened out on his back. He turned off the overhead light and we stayed in a moment of silence.

            “You comfy babe?” he whispered.

            “Very.”

            “I know I’ve asked you this before but maybe your answer has changed. What’s your favorite part about being on tour?”

            “To be honest I still don’t have a favorite part. I’m feeling very homesick. It was hard watching my good luck charms leave tonight.”

            “I know baby. I miss them too.”

            “Are you homesick at all?”

            “Not at all.”

            “Why not?”

            “You’re here.”

            I looked up at him and smiled. He kissed my forehead and tightened his arms around my waist.

            “I need to tell you something Kalie.”

            “What is it honey?”

            “I really wanted to do this on stage tonight but I chickened out.”

            “What did you wanna do?”

            “I wanted to tell you that I clearly remember what you wore on the first day you came into my life and I thought “This could be something”.”

            “When was that and what was I wearing?” I asked with a smile.

            “It was our first real date with our best friends and you were wearing the dress you wore at Katie’s sweet sixteen.”

            “Awe.”

            “And I also wanted to tell you that everything you do and words you say, it all takes my breath away. And I’m finally believing that it’s true; I can’t live without you and maybe two is better than one. I know there’s so much time to figure out the rest of my life but I figured out with all that’s said and done that two is definitely better than one.”

            “Nick?”

            “Kalie, baby… will you marry me?”

            I flicked the overhead light back on and stared into my boyfriend’s eyes.

            “What did you just say?” I asked in complete shock.

            He reached into his pocket and pulled out a purple felt box and slowly opened it. A beautiful diamond ring sparkled in the dim light.

            “I asked if you would marry me.”

            I was so shocked that I said rapidly, “But I thought you said you would never marry because of what happened to your parents.”

            “You’ve changed my mind honey. My mind is set on you and I want you to be mine forever. You made me believe that two is better than one and you have made me the happiest I have ever been in a long time and I never want to lose you, ever. So will you marry me?”

            My heart beat raced and I started to tear as I answered excitedly, “Yes! I’ll marry you!”

            He excitedly kissed me then slipped the ring on my finger. I marveled at the ring then crashed my lips onto his again.

            “Nick,” I said with tears starting to run down my face, “you have made me the happiest I have ever been since we started dating. You have been the only one to show me real love and the only one I could truly trust. There is no doubt in my mind when I say I love you Nick and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

            He gently wiped tears from my cheeks and smiled at me. His eyes started to swell as he said, “I can’t imagine my life without you Kalie. I love you way too much.”

            “I love you too baby.”

            I couldn’t help but smile that night as I fell asleep. I laid my head on his chest and his heart beat became my lullaby. I couldn’t believe that I was going to marry my best friend, the man of my dreams. I could have never imagined that he was going to be the one to convince me that two really is better than one but I wouldn’t have wished for anyone else. Now I had to figure out who was going to be my maid of honor.        

 

Alternate Ending!

            Nick and I stared into each other’s eyes as we started to get sleepy. We didn’t say anything to each other; we really didn’t have to say anything. Nick was smiling at me and I had a huge grin on my face. Nick’s beautiful, loving smile was saying everything I needed to hear at that moment. He ran his fingers through my hair and occasionally we would kiss sweetly. I placed my head over his heart and glanced again at the shining engagement ring.

            “Remember you asked me what my favorite part of tour was?” I whispered to my fiancé

            “Yes I did,” he whispered back, “You didn’t really have an answer.”

            “Well I do now.”

            One side of his lips curved into a knowing smirk, “I think I already know but I’ll ask any way. What’s your answer?”

            “This was the perfect moment and the most unforgettable from this tour. I couldn’t have imagined this happening in any other way with any other guy in the world. I truly do love you baby.”

            “I truly love you too Kalie. I just wish the setting was more romantic. I was going to propose on stage tonight with your family and our friends there but I chickened out.”

            “I’m glad you did chicken out. How many girls can say they got engaged in a bunk bed on a tour bus?”

            He chuckled, “You have a point there. So how early are you going to start wedding plans?”

            “Probably when we get home or after I call everyone in the morning. But I think I already have something in mind.”

            “What’s that?”

            He flipped onto his side and lowered himself so we lay eye to eye. His arms wrapped around my waist bringing me closer to his body.

            Nick looked into my eyes and I noticed the shine of pure joy in them as I answered, “I think I know what song we’re going to dance to.”

            “Let me guess a Backstreet song? One from Now or Never?”

            “No,” I placed my hand on his face and rubbed my thumb over his cheek, “I was thinking about dancing to Two Is Better Than One because that song is true and it explains my feelings for you perfectly.”

            “Those were my reasons for using the lyrics to propose to you. That and I didn’t know what else to say.”

            I giggled lightly, “Well you said it perfectly and I know you really mean it. Thanks for making me realize that two is better than one.”

            “No Kalie, thank you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

            “Neither can I baby. Neither can I.”     



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