With his knees buckling under the weight of Dayna's luggages, Howie
fumbled with his house keys before staggering through his front door. It felt like ages
since he'd last seen the place.
"Wow" exclaimed Dayna, "I like it. Expected it to be somewhat bigger
though..."
Howie dropped her belongings, not even bothering to check whether the loud
clunk it made when hitting his freshly polished floor made a dent. He zoomed passed the
corridor, made a sharp turn to the left and threw the door to the game room open.
Shaking with nerves, he stared longingly at the corner across from where he stood. He
could see the red light blinking as it beckoned him... Slowly, he walked towards it. What
if none of them were from her? This had been the one thing that had kept hope alive for
him. Shakily, his fingers pressed down on the large, flat button.
"You have 184 new messages"
Howie let out an exasperated grunt. However, there still remained a glimmer
of hope. Maybe one of these messages contained news about Dawn...
"Where did you run off to?" came a semi-annoyed, yet sugar-coated voice.
Twitching, Howie forced himself to grin as he turned to face Dayna.
"Just checking my machine" he answered calmly. He was still kicking himself for
allowing her to weasel herself in to coming to Orlando with him. He knew that her heart
was in the right place, but she was still no Dawn.
Dayna returned his smile. "Ok" she accepted airily.
"Well" Howie said, not knowing quite where this sentence was going "How
about I- er, I'll bring your stuff to the guestroom and you-- You, uh, listen to the messages
and let me know if there's anything important"
Dayna opened her mouth to protest, but the words somehow got lost
somewhere between her brain and her throat, and all she managed to muster was a rather
feeble "Alright"
Letting out an exasperated sigh, Dayna shuffled her feet to the arm chair next to the
answering machine and placed her middle finger above the delete button. One... Two...
Five... Eight... Sixteen- She had already forwarded through twenty-one calls from
delirious fans and still Howie had not returned. Her mind kept drifting back to
his last comments... He was having her stay in the guestroom... How insulting!!
What more would she have to do in order to get his attention? The only thing that was
standing in her way was Dawn! Dayna knew that Howie still had feelings for that psycho-
bitch, and there was no way for Howie to see anyone else while Dawn was still in the
picture... Twenty-Eight messages... What could she do?.... Thirty-One messages... Thirty-
two, three, four and then....
"Mr Dourough, this is Nathan from Jive records calling in response to your
query about Dawn Miller..."
Dayna's drowsy eyes suddenly became the size of dinner plates. She sat bolt
right and stared in near disbelief at the answering machine.
"... Like yourself, we haven't received news about her whereabouts.
However, I have been informed that she came in to her office very discreetly this
morning in time for work, and simply requested to manage Angel, Reflection and
McLaughlin from headquarters instead of being on the road with the artists in question.
As far as I know, her request has been granted... If there is anything more I can do for
you, you can reach me at..."
The sound of footsteps could be heard approaching at an alarming pace, and
before Dayna realized what she was doing, she leapt to her feet and smashed her palm in
to the machine just as quizzical head popped through the door.
"Everything all right in here?" asked Howie politely.
"Message Deleted"
"Oh yes" said Dayna pleasantly "Yes, everything will be just fine."
**The Next Morning**
It was an unusually warm day for this time of year in Orlando, but A.J
had nevertheless offered to brave the scorching heat in order to accompany Alyssa to the
studio to meet up with Naila and Kristy. The three girls had some finishing touches to put
on their debut album in order to have the release coincide with the end of their break.
"So should I take you out somewhere special tonight?" A.J grinned slyly as
the car came to a slow halt in the morning rush hour.
"Huh?" went Alyssa, whose thoughts had been elsewhere.
A.J shot her a sideway glance. She was staring, transfixed, out the window
appearing deep in thought. "Hey" he said, softly placing a hand over her knee "What's
up?"
For a few moments, Alyssa continued to gaze absentmindedly at the
pavement, but then she slowly rotated so that she would be facing A.J. She fixed him
with the same penetrating stare as she had the road. "Naila and Kevin" she said plainly.
A.J lifted his brow "Oh" he replied. No further explanation was necessary for
him to understand where she was going. Truth be told, Naila and Kevin's break up had
been weighing on his consciously aswell.
Alyssa chewed her lip nervously. Her insides were squirming, yet she still
felt obligated to discuss the matter. There was no sense beating around the bush any
longer. "The thing is..." she began, almost fearfully "No one really saw it coming, did
they?"
"Evidently Kevin did" replied A.J, matter-of-factly. "According to him, this
break up was months in the making. He'd been on thin ice with her for ages, and by the
end he just couldn't trust---"
"Precisely!" snapped Alyssa "He couldn't trust. A.J, in case you've
failed to notice, our relationship isn't exactly built on a strong foundation here. What,
with me and J.C and your habit of going through woman like paper, I can't help but feel
that unless things change between us---"
"We'll be headed down the same road as Kev and Naila?" came A.J's voice,
finishing her sentence.
Not daring to look at him, Alyssa meekly shook her head and looked down at
her hands.
There was a short pause before A.J spoke again. "Well we won't" he said
plainly.
Alyssa eyes rolled to his direction, and her brow narrowed almost
menacingly. This was exactly the sort of answer she expected to hear from
him. A.J's solution to every problem was to sweep it under the rug, whereas Alyssa
preferred confronting it. But she wasn't about to let her temper get the best of her,
because that would only be letting him win. Instead, she held her breath "I see" she
said coolly "Master McLean has become clairvoyant. So, pray tell my Seer--- what
shall become of us?"
A.J looked as though he was about to reply, when the traffic started moving
again, and both stayed quiet until pulling in to vacant parking lot a quarter of an hour
later. A.J shut off the engine and pressed his back to his seat with a heavy sigh. He shot
yet another sideways glance at Alyssa, who's lips were so pursed it looked as though she
had just been sucking on a lemon.
"I want you to know" drawled Alyssa abruptly "That I trust you. Without
trust, there can be no love-- and seeing as how I'm in love with you, I must thereby trust
you." Pausing momentarily to unbuckle her safety belt, she went on. "I, for one" Alyssa
said firmly, grasping the door handle and placing one foot on the pavement "Do not
wish to end up in the same predicament as our friends. So now you know, Alexander
James, that I trust you hole-heartedly"; swinging her left leg out next, she rose to her feet
and then finished in a very distinguished tone "And you- you are now free to do as you
please with our relationship, because our fate lies in your hands. Either you trust me-- or
you don't"
And with that, she indignantly threw the Viper's door closed.
Alyssa had hardly taken 4 steps in the direction of the entrance when she
heard the unmistakable sound of a car window going down. In spite of her stubbornness,
her ears were burning in anticipation.
There was a minor hesitation as he spoke "You know I trust you".
His reply was almost inaudible, but it seemed to satisfy Alyssa's
requirements. Smiling in spite of herself, she turned on her heals and gave A.J a broad,
toothless grin. "I know" she replied in a haughty sort of way, and with that, whipped her
long chestnut mane round and strutted over to the studio with a fresh spring in her walk.
A.J watched her intently walk out of his sight, and subsequently sat in his car
for several long minutes before igniting his ignition with a rather brisk jerk of the wrist.
As he pulled out of the lot, he contemplated both sides of the road importantly, before
stepping on the peddle and swerving to the right. His eyes fixed hazily on the road, A.J
rocketed down the freeway. Checking for his exit, he made another right turn and soon
found himself pulling in to yet another (only more crowded) parking lot. He shut off his
engine and sat in his car again; Alyssa words still playing over and over in his head like a
broken record. Seemingly making up his mind, he got out of the car and started making
his way down the sloping hill-side- crossing a few trudging young people along the way.
Opening a door at random, he stepped out of the sunlight and in to the vast building.
Looking up at the ceiling, he followed the arrows that were to lead him to where he was
headed. Finally, after a few wrong turns, what he was looking for finally came in to view,
and he now advance more determined than ever towards the bright yellow sign with bold
black print which read "Florida State University Information Office".
As he got in to range, the young woman seated behind the desk flashed him a
perky smile. "May I help you, sir?" she asked cordially.
"Yes" said A.J flatly "I'm here to see Amanda Lewis."
**Late Afternoon**
(Author's Note: This first bits for you, Erin. LoL My turn
with
the BSB reading material.)
"... The wand chooses the Wizard, remember... I think we must expect
great things from you, Mr Potter... After all, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named did great
things- terrible, yes, but great"
Brian's eyes narrowed suspiciously as he continued to devour the rest
of the page. "I'm not too sure I trust this Mr Ollivander fellow" he told himself in an
undertone.
Upon suggestion, Brian had borrowed "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's
Stone" from Alyssa, who happened to be a great admired of J.K Rowling's novels. And
after only 65 pages, he could already see why. He had become so completely immersed
in the story that he hadn't even realized how long he had been reading. But for once, it
didn't matter, because for a change, he had nowhere to run off to. This was his day off,
and he was intent on taking full advantage of it.
A few pages in to the following chapter entitled "The Journey from
Platform Nine and Three Quarters", there came an unwelcome ring at the door.
Brian hesitated a moment, debating if whoever was at the door was worth
delaying finding out how on earth Harry was supposed to get on his platform, when he
reluctantly put
down the book and made his way to the front door.
With a final impromptu peek back at the book, he unlocked his door and
came face-to-face with the last person he expected to see standing on his welcome mat
asides from Harry Potter himself. "Nick?"
"Hey" said Nick, making a conscious effort to ignore the bitter look on his
band mate's face. "Can I come in?"
Quickly getting over the shock of seeing him on his doorstep, Brian's
featured turned to stone and he fixed Nick with a defiant glare "What do you want?" he
asked icily. Far from forgetting his promise to Eli about keeping their kiss under wraps,
Brian still had the disturbing hunch that Nick wasn't treating Eli the way a proper
gentleman should. And that was something he would never approve of.
Nick's semi-cocksure expression faded, and was immediately substitute for
an
diffident simper. He cleared his throat, and casually diverted his eyes to the flower pot at
his side "Well you know how it is" he began aloofly, scratching his ear "I get restless
when I'm off tour. So I decided to take a spin around the block to keep myself busy, and
then I ended up driving passed your place and so I thought..."
"Where's Eli?" Brian interrupted impatiently. He wasn't up to humoring Nick
at this point, and unless Felicity had anything to do with all this babbling, he would be
slamming the door in his face momentarily.
At the sound of her name, Nick immediately dropped his facade and looked
severely crestfallen.
Brian appeared to have noticed, because he suddenly became rather concerned
"Nick, is Felicity Ok?" he asked tensely.
"Er yeah" answered Nick, shivering slightly "Yeah- no, no, don't worry. She's
good. She's just- away. She has to finish stuff for her album. After Dawn left, things
really fell behind schedule, so she has to hurry so that she can meet her deadline."
"Right" said Brian, somewhat more at ease. Taking in the shabby state of his
garments and untidy hair, he glanced in to Nick's eyes and realized that they were glass-
like, and slightly swollen. He knew he'd live to regret asking but...
Brian stepped aside "What's up?"
A grateful grin spread across Nick's gaunt face as he stepped through the
threshold. He couldn't recall when he had last been to Brian's house, and from the looks
of it, nothing much had changed. He familiarly made his way towards the living room,
and sprawled down in one of the poufs next to the out-of-use fireplace.
Looking up, he saw Brian standing soldier-like in the archway with his arms firmly
crossed. He looked unusually impatient, so Nick wasted no further time.
"Rok, I- I know that things haven't been the same between us since- since,
well- since" his voice suddenly quivered, and his hands began to shake, and Nick
threatened to do something Brian had only seen him do less than a handful of times in all
the years that they'd know each other: Cry. He didn't know whether he should pat him on
the shoulder, or punch him in the nose!
Nick's face screwed in a furious attempt to repel the tears threatening to
overflow from his eyes, but his choked voice couldn't help letting out a dry sob "I don't
want to lose her" he muttered "I love her so much." His bloodshot eyes locked in Brian's
without a trace falsehood "I'd rather die than hurt her. I'd rather kill than lose her.
She's everything to me, Bri- everything."
Brian blinked, then slowly unfolded his arms. He'd never seen anyone look as
sincere about anything in his entire life. Nick really, truly, loved her. At that moment, his
mindset altered completely. Eli was right... Nick would never hurt her. He had
been a fool to believe that he would lay so much as a finger on her. "I know" said Brian
softly. After all, who knew more than he did about pain, heartache, and wanting to hold
someone so much the thought alone consumed your every waking moment. Brian paced
over to Nick, and for the first time in a long time felt no anger towards him. He
understood and knew that Nick could not have possibly done anything to harm Eli.
**Philadelphia**
A dull yawn escaped Laurel's lips as she sat uncomfortably in her
V.I.P director's chair with nothing better to do than to watch workers scurry about their
business in front of the massive blue screen which was to be the backdrop of Rick's Pepsi
commercial. She cringed as she checked her watch. Rick had been in wardrobe for
almost
3 hours. What on earth could possibly be taking so long? Had she not been so keen to
spend time with Rick, she would have high-tailed out of there after the first 5 minutes.
Laurel let out a great sigh, and with a great deal of difficulty, heaved her
numb bottom out of her seat and dragged herself over to the snack-bar. After pouring
herself a large cup of black coffe, she grabbed a chocolate muffin from one of the baskets
and took in the top with one huge bite. Chewing sleepily, Laurel heard someone clear
their throat beside her.
"Err"
Turning around, Laurel was now facing what was arguably the most stunning
woman she had ever seen in her life. Tall, and extremely thin, the girl had immaculately
curled auburn hair that reached her shoulder blades; a pair of great, gray eyes and the
straightest nose known to man. Still gaping at her, Laurel attempted to speak through her
mouthful of muffin, but instead started to gag.
"Sorry" drawled the girl, as she watched Laurel spit her food out in a napkin.
Blushing furiously, Laurel nodded "It's Ok" she spluttering.
"I'm Jessica" said the girl, tossing a few stray curls over her shoulder "I'm one
of the dancers"
"Oh" went Laurel, unable to come up with a cleverer reply, and still as bright
as a tomato.
A superior sort of glint appeared in Jessica's eyes as she surveyed Laurel's
poor posture, untamed mane and makeup-less face. Right then, there was no doubt about
who was the more attractive of the two. "I was just wanted to ask you" she smirked, as
though the prospect alone of what she was about to ask was as ludicrous as flying pigs
"Whether
you were Richard's girlfriend."
"Richard? Oh, Rick!" she exclaimed. "Well, uuuh".
Laurel thought a moment while Jessica's cold, gray eyes studied her supremely.
Was she his girlfriend? After all, he had invited her to the shoot. But maybe he'd
only done so as a friendly gesture? Then again, he had kissed her. But Rick was a
good looking boy. He probably went around kissing girls at random in his spare time.
"It's a yes or no question, sweetie" snickered Jessica.
Laurel frowned. This Jessica chick's attitude was really starting to rub her the
wrong way. She was about to retort with an irritated "What's it to you?", when the hanger
suddenly burst open. At least two dozen people came filing out, each more tacky looking
than the next. Craning over Jessica's 6 foot tall shoulder, Laurel watched in mounting
excitement as the crowd filtered and soon all that could be seen was 5 people swarming
around something that was undoubtedly Rick.
"Excuse me". Laurel shoved her way in his direction beaming from ear to
ear. When the handful of assistance buzzing around Rick stopped, so did she. From a few
meters away, Laurel watched as they slowly parted. Her jaw fell to the floor.
There before her stood Rick. But not to usual casual wear Rick. In a red
spandex V-neck shirt and blue jeans, he was wearing an unusually smug grin. His hair
had been bleached Britney-blond and- just when Laurel thought it couldn't get any
worse, a man standing along side him held out something. Slipping one arm in at a time,
Rick was now garbed in a shiny leather coat which hung limply at his feet. Flipping up
his crisp collar, Rick pulled out a pair of stylish sunglasses from his inside pocket with
"Gucci" clearly printed in gold italic on the side and put them on. His outfit seemingly
complete, Rick pompously strode over to wear Laurel was standing and modeled himself
infront of her by rotating in a very small circle.
"So..." he said, clearly awaiting praise and adoration from the way Laurel
was gaping at him. Laurel's features began to curl and, incapable to contain herself any
longer, burst in to a roar of laughter. She was soon doubled up on the ground, grasping her
stomach as she looked up at him with tears gleaming in her eyes. "You look like you just
took a walk through Ricky Martin's closet" she heaved.
Rick jerked off his glasses and stared at Laurel incredulously. "Excuse me?"
he scoffed "This suit was custom designed by none other than Gucci. I don't see anything
even remotely humorous about that. And-" he added, his nose high in the
air "What's wrong with the way Ricky Martin dresses?"
Wiping tears of laughter off her rosy cheeks, Laurel attempted to keep a
straight face. "Sorry" she giggled "I just never pictured you as such a pretty boy..."
Rick's nostril's flared like those of a raging bull. He opened his mouth to
protest, when a feminine voice interfered.
"Ignore her, Richard. I certainly don't think there's anything wrong
with the way you look, darling." it was Jessica "You'll soon come to find that not
everyone in this industry has taste. Or class, for that matter"
Laurel gritted her teeth as Jessica hooked her arm in Rick's. "Richard,
sweety- shall we?" She motioned to the main stage and flashed her impeccable pearly
teeth at him. Rick nodded absented mindedly, not paying the vaguest attention to Laurel
as he was lead like a dog by his master to the set where the other dancers were already
assuming their positions.
Feeling as though his legs had turned to led, Rick gulped. Although he had anticipated this sort of pop star lifestyle since before
he could walk, it was still surreal to see it unfold before his very eyes. There was just no
stopping him now.
"EVERYONE OFF SET!"
It took a few moment for the words to registered in his brain, but when they
did, Rick had to force himself to blink several times before he could cope with what was
happening. People were hurrying to and fro around him, and he was soon left standing
quite alone in front of the gigantic blue screen. Unable to utter a single syllable, he froze
their with his mouth puffing like a fish out of water.
Through hazy eyes, he somehow managed to make his way over to the
director and tapped him on the shoulder. "Uuh" he choked.
With a cell pressed to his ear, the director spun around and said quite
nonchalantly "The shoot has been canceled"
Feeling as though his heart had just been savagely torn from his chest, Rick
lost his footing. Attempting to keep himself upright, he was now rapt with attention.
"Wha-What?" he stammered.
"I was just on the phone with the Mayor's office" explained the director,
shutting off his mobile.
"The mayor..." repeated Rick, trying hard to get his brain to register what was
going on.
"Yes" nodded the director "The scene we were just about to shoot with the
blue screen..."
"The Time Square one..." mumbled Rick faintly.
"Right" said the director "Well, the taping of that scene in this hangar has
been canceled"
Rick scrunched his face; a mixture of rage and absolute disappointment
surging through him "But why?" he demanded.
An unexpected grin appeared on the corner of the director's lips "Because we
have just been granted permission by the city of New York to shut down the middle of
Time Square tomorrow afternoon in order to film live. Congratulations, Rick!"
The news was too much for him to handle. Rick's knees gave way, and with a
loud thump, he hit the floor headfirst.
