Myumi bent down to grab a big pile of costumes, which she hauled over to a box. For such a petite person, Myumi was strong. She had been with the Backstreet tour for only a couple months as a wardrobe and props mistress, and she was loving every minute. Carpe diem... her words to live by.
And indeed, the words were sharply etched in her heart. It had only been a year ago that she had nearly died from complications due to her disease... lupus. She had told no one on the tour of her condition, which was mostly controlled by medications, but she was of course aware of Howie, and how his sister had succumbed to the disease, and the foundation for research that he had set up. Research that helped develop the very drugs that kept her alive day to day. She was grateful to him in a way she felt unable to express. And now the angel of a man was writing a book about Caroline to raise awareness. Myumi had watched the beautiful red-haired writer taking notes and talking to Howie and the others. Myumi was intensely curious, but also intensely shy. Once the woman had looked up as if she could feel Myumi's gaze, and Myumi had to look away quickly.
Her wristwatch sounded a little beep. Time for her medication. Slipping her slim brown hand into the oversized pocket of her overalls Myumi pulled out her little case and swallowed down two pills. As always when she took her medicine she offered up two little prayers of thanks. One to God, and one to Howie and the foundation.
+++
Howie was sitting on the couch watching the late movie when AJ and Rachel came piling back on, giggling the whole way. "Sounds like you two had fun," he smiled up at her.
"I'm stuffed! I'm never eating again!" she groaned.
"But we brought back cheesecake remember?" AJ nudged her.
"Oh shit...we did, didn't we? Why did I let you talk me into that. That's it! No more going out to eat with you...you're a bad influence and I'm going to gain 40 pounds if this doesn't stop!" she broke into a fit of laughter.
Howie loved it when she laughed. "What did you bring me?" he asked, looking up from the TV.
"Oh yeah," she said, plopping down playfully beside him on the small couch. "I brought you some Thai Chicken, and wild rice, and some eggrolls," she taunted him, holding the bag open so the smell of the food wafted towards him. "Hope you like it," she grinned impishly. "I had no idea if you like Chinese or not, and Bone over there wasn't much help."
Howie looked over at AJ who was grinning and pulling off his shoes. "Thanks, it smells great, but I'll eat it later. I ate too much with John as it is. Oh," Howie said catching Rachel's eye, "John would love to meet you and talk about Caroline."
"That would be great." said Rachel.
There was an uncomfortable quiet in the room. "Well, I need to walk off dinner. I'll be back later." said Rachel.
"Mind if I join you?" asked Howie. Rachel’s face lit up as if she had been hoping he'd say that. "That would be nice, Howie."
"Don't let the bears get ya." said AJ.
"Yeah yeah..." grinned Howie, thrilled to get Rachel out.
+++
Myumi was putting the costumes in the right order in the hanging case when she sensed someone behind her in the dark theatre. Her spine stiffened ad she slowly turned her head, her curtain of fine black silky hair sliding down her shoulder. "He- Hello?"
"Did I scare you? I'm sorry."
Myumi turned quickly and saw Nick Carter, bending down on the stage to tie his shoelace. "I... didn't hear you come in." she said quietly.
"I'm like a cat." said Nick, laughing. "Sorry. I just forgot my notebook in the dressing room and came to get it. Do I know you? I've seen you around, but I don't think we've ever talked to each other."
Myumi swallowed quickly. "I'm a dresser. I help you into your suit for All I Have to Give."
"Of course! God, I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. The concerts are so hectic I can't remember a thing." Nick looked appealing in a pair of cargo pants and a gray sweater. "What's your name?"
"Myumi Ishii."
"Pretty name." Nick stood up after tying his shoes to his satisfaction. he came over and shook Myumi's hand. "Very glad to finally formally make your acquaintance, Myumi. Beautiful name. I won't forget it."
"It's Japanese. It means 'beautiful eyebrow'." Nick ducked down to get a closer look at her face. He was easily a foot taller than Myumi.
"And so they are." he said sweetly. "Well, gotta jet. Bye Eyebrow."
"Bye." said Myumi faintly, her arms and legs trembling a bit.
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