3 AM
"Ya, the fact that she's my best friend's girlfriend." He mumbled as he threw his comforter over his head.
"I've got to stop this before we leave." He muttered as he got up to go get a glass of warm milk.
"Ya, oreos? Huh? Hello??" She mumbled into the phone. Brian smiled as he heard her voice.
"Kay?" He said softly, waiting for her to wake up.
"Bri! Hi baby. What're you doing calling me now? Oreos, I was dreaming of oreos." She said, slightly more awake.
"I was thinking about something and I had to call you. You awake?" Brian said gently.
"Ya, I'm awake." She said sitting up in her bed so as to not fall asleep.
"I want you to come on tour with me." Brian said, smiling.
"Really? Me, touring, with you guys??" Kaylie asked excitedly.
"Ya. Think about it ok? We'll talk about it later today?" Brian grinned at her response.
"Ok. You hanging up on me now?" Kaylie asked getting out of bed.
"Ya, unless you don't want me too. I'm tired. I have to dream about you now." He laughed, imagining her blushing.
"Hush. Ya, I'll see you tomorrow. I'm gonna go get some oreos." She said.
"Ok, goodnight baby doll." Brian said sweetly.
"Night smurfy." She laughed softly into the phone as she clicked the off button. She then wandered down the stairs into the kitchen, in search of oreos.
But that she was coming with Brian, not him.
Kaylie wrung her hands then quickly wiped them on her dark denim skirt. Glancing at her watch she rolled her eyes. Here she was, trying to do something nice (and freaking out in the process over guilt that shouldn't be there in the first place) and he was late. Fiddling with the sugar packets she looked over at her cell as it began to ring. The caller ID showed that it was Brian and Kaylie freaked. What if he knows?? What if he's mad?? What do I DO!? She panicked, finally picking up the phone as she saw Nick walking in the door. Great timing dumb ass. She thought to herself as she pressed the talk button and waved over to Nick.
"Kay? Where were ya? Took you long enough to answer the phone." Brian joked. Kaylie smiled and watched Nick as he signed an autograph for a little girl as he walked up to the table.
"I saw that you were calling and had to think twice about picking up." She laughed.
"Oh! I see how it is! No, really, what are you doing? Think I could get any of your time?" Brian asked.
"Actually, I'm just sitting down to lunch--" she started.
"Hey Frick!" Nick shouted into the phone. Kaylie's heart constricted and she glared at Nick.
Nick tried to contain his laughter as he looked at Kaylie's face. He'd decided early this morning that he wasn't going to let Brian get to him. Seeing Kaylie's reaction only gave him more hope. She didn't want him to know that she was here with me. He thought smiling slightly. Unless she just didn't want him to know that she was here with me because she still can't stand me. He thought frowning. But she's here with me right now. With me, not him. Remember that Nick. You've got her time right now, make use of it. He coached himself.
"Yes, that's him." Kaylie muttered as Brian asked if that was Nick.
"If you don't mind my asking, why?" Brian asked. "You're not like, planning to kill him are you?" He laughed.
"Kill him, no, torture, maybe." She stated still glaring at Nick. Nick simply smiled and waved a bit from across the table. "Actually, I'm here for, um, you. I thought about, you know, what you were talking about yesterday. I guess it wouldn't hurt for us to get along." She said softly, dropping her eye contact with Nick as she blushed slightly.
"Especially if you're coming with me on tour..." Brian pushed slightly. Kaylie grinned.
"We'll see. We'll talk about it later ok?" She prompted.
"As in you'll meet me tonight for dinner?" Brian asked, and Kaylie could hear the smile in his voice.
"Sure, tonight. It'll be just the two of us." Kaylie answered smiling back.
"I'll pick you up at, say, seven?"
"Sure, sounds fine with me. I've got no plans for these next few days since you're leaving and all."
"Does that mean I get all of your time Miss Star?" Brian laughed.
"That would be the reason I've got no plans Bri." Kaylie giggled, glancing over at Nick, seeing him roll his eyes slightly.
"I'll see you then baby doll." Brian said softly.
"Ok, bye." She said, clicking off the phone and looking up at Nick.
"Thanks for showing up." She said dryly.
"I'm sorry, to make it up?" He said shyly, pulling out a large sunflower from behind his back and handing it to her. Kaylie's eyes widened and she carefully took the flower.
"You, you really didn't have to do this. I mean, it wasn't horrible that you were late. Thank you." She said softly, smiling at him.
"Well, it's for what you're doing, talking to me. I know you and I don't really see eye to eye a lot and..." He trailed off.
"It's, it's not that we don't see eye to eye. I mean, can we just start over? We're adults now, we shouldn't act like the children we were when we met. It's just not right." She said strongly. Nick smiled and nodded his head.
"You're right. So, um, are you ready to order?" He said picking up the menu and looking at it. Kaylie smiled and picked up her menu, blushing slightly.
"Thanks again." She said softly before returning to her menu.
Kevin knocked on Katie's door and waited for her to open it. Instead it was opened by Alex, Katie soon following him.
"Hey there, you able to go out?" He said, bending over to pick up Alex. Katie smiled at the two and turned her head into the house.
"JUSTIN!" She yelled, grinning when Alex covered his ears and gave Kevin a funny look. Kevin laughed, causing Alex to laugh, which resulted in the three of them all cracking up on the porch of Katie's house. Justin appeared at the door, took one look at the three, scooped up Alex, and closed the door.
"Um, I'm guessing that's a yes." Katie laughed as she peeked back in the house. "I'll be back after lunch time!" Justin waved at her and rolled his eyes and walked away, leaving Katie in another fit of giggles. They walked to Kevin's car and got in. Half way down the street Kevin looked over at her.
"So, you're touring with us." He said. Statement. Not question. Not happy. Katie gulped.
Jax opened the door to see Howie standing there.
"Bah!! Help!! It's Howie!!" She squealed running from the door with a crazed expression on her face, yelping all the way into the living room.
"I love you too Jackie! Thanks so much!" Howie laughed as he followed her inside. Once he reached the living room he proceeded to peal away the pillow that covered Jackie's head and pelt her with it. She smiled sheepishly and plopped down next to him on the couch.
"Hola bubba!" She grinned. Howie rolled his eyes. "What brings you to my lil humble abode? You miss me that much I see?" She joked.
"Yes, you know I can't lived without you Jax." He laughed. "Actually, I have a question for you." He started off slowly. Jax leaned in, curious.
"Yes? Question. Hmm, sounds interesting." She said softly.
"Has Kaylie, been, um, acting strange lately?" He asked quietly, diverting his eyes away from Jackie's. She scrunched up her head and looked deep in thought.
"Well, besides the fact that her ex of years broke up with her, she's dating her best friend, and she's currently out on a lunch date with her arch enemy, nope! Not so much!" She finished cheekily.
"She's out where?" Howie asked, bug eyed.
"With Nick. I dunno. She called him this morning, asked me for permission first. Crazy one that child is." She said nonchalantly. "She's probably doing it for Brian. It's about time ya know? Those two, always going at it, it's not good for their health, OR my ears!" She laughed at her own joke. Howie thought about what she said and nodded. It made sense. Maybe he was reading too far into it?
"You ok Howard?" Jax asked softly, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Ya, just peachy." He joked. "I'm hungry. Food's on me. Come on." He said pulling her up. Jax cheered and did her little *peanut* dance.
"Howie-back-ride!!" She screamed as she jumped on his back. Howie rolled his eyes as he smiled and led them out to door.
The rest of the drive to the restaurant was quiet as Katie thought up her defense. Really, Kevin had no reason to be mad. She was her own person. She could do what she wanted. He wasn't in charge of her. But he IS pretty much my big brother. He's expected to act like this. She thought to herself, chuckling at the thought. Kevin quickly looked at her and glared.
"What's so funny?!" He demanded, keeping his eyes on the road. Katie thought quickly as a small smile grew on her face. She knew how to deal with him. She HAD known him for years.
"You." She said simply, staring straight ahead. Much to her amusement Kevin twisted to look at her like she had just grown another head.
"Me?! I'M funny?? You're the one going on tour with a crazed tattooed lunatic!!" Kevin belted out, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"I never realized how much you love him, you know, as a brother." Katie laughed.
"Very funny." He muttered.
"I'm only THINKING about going on tour. I DO have responsibilities here Kevin. Anyway, I really, truthfully, don't see what the problem is here. If anything you should be happy that I'm dating someone you've known for so long!" She said pointedly.
"You know you're going to end up on tour with him Katie, don't screw with me like that." He said softly.
"I'm not screwing with you, I'm screwing with HIM." She joked. Kevin glared at her and she knew that she'd crossed the line. "Alrighty, no ha ha funny funny, I get it." She said quiet for a second.
"Kev, really, why are you so AGAINST me going on tour?" She asked softly, noticing him clench his jaw. She continued. "I know it's not AJ. I mean, obviously you're a TID BIT perturbed, but really, that's not it. What is it?" She asked gently.
"Katie, really, I'm not trying to act like your protector here. If anything I'm sure that when you DO end up on tour with us that AJ'll protect you..." He trailed off. Katie placed a hand on his arm.
"And...?" She guided.
"It bothers me." Kevin said through gritted teeth.
"Aww! Kev! You're my big bro! You'll ALWAYS be my protector, as much as I hate it." She said softly.
"But Kat, you don't get it. The press, the fans, just the road, it's hell!" He exclaimed. "I'm only trying to look out for you. You've got a son. That throws a whole other thing into this."
"Alex will be fine." Katie said determinedly.
"Ya, how's AJ feel about him?" Kevin asked pointedly, knowing the answer. When Katie didn't say anything he continued. "See, it's that right there. What if you don't tell him soon enough, and a fan ends up breaking it to him that his girlfriend's got a son? It's happened before Katie. It's just...damn. I want you on tour with me. Really, I do. But, it's just hard. I know that no matter what I say right now, you're going to do what you feel is right, and that's good because you've got to be your own person, but I'm just telling you, I'm scared for you." He finished. Katie sat silently for a second and leaned over kissing Kevin quickly on the cheek.
"Kev, thanks. I love ya babe. It'll be fine, I promise you." She said smiling. Kevin looked over at her and nodded, seeing the determined look in her eyes.
"Ice cream?" He said weakly.
"Kaylie?" Nick said gently. Hurriedly she looked up from her french fries.
"You um, going to eat those, or play with them." He joked. Kaylie stuck her tongue out at him and put the fry down.
"Question." She said bluntly. Nick nodded and too rested his arms on the table as she had done.
"The hand. Explain." She said pointedly.
"Woman of few words I see." He groaned, eliciting a grin from the blonde.
"I try my hardest." She laughed.
"Do you ever get to that point in life when everything's going wrong and you KNOW it, yet there's nothing you can DO about it? Like you're watching your life live out in front of you and you know what's going to happen but, it's just, done. And you want to scream, cry, anything to make it stop and let you fix it?" He said softly, staring into his coke. Kaylie looked over at him and took his hand in hers.
"And there's so many people telling you what you've got to do, that you've got expectations to live up to, but you don't want to? That you just want to stomp up and down and tell everyone to shut up because though your life may be played out to the world, you still want to live your life in the little amount of privacy that you've managed to retain? And when you ask for that you can't even get it? Have you ever gotten to the point where you have no control on your life, or those around you, and you just want to hit something to make it all go away?" He said, tears coming to his eyes as he felt her fingers softly squeezing his hand. It felt so good. He'd just spilled everything in his heart to her, and she took it in without laughing at him. Again, she'd comforted him.
"I, I, damn. I can't sit here and say that I know everything that you're going through. But what I can do is say this. Carter, everyone, at one time or another, feels at least some of those things. And none of them are fair. You, you've got to live this out for the whole world to see, and there's no way that that's fair. But you've got to remember this, people, millions, love you. Maybe not in the way you WANT them to, but they care for you one way or another. And you LOVE what you do. I can see it in the way you guys practice, the way you sing when you're rehearsing, the way you smile..." She smiled, seeing that he too did. "And THAT'S why you do this to yourself. Because you LOVE it. As for your hand. I understand. You needed to vent, so you did. I'm just glad you didn't haul off and punch ME. Lord knows I've bitched at you enough in the past to deserve it." Kaylie joked. Nick shook his head violently.
"No, I'd never hit you, anyone!" He said seriously. Kaylie realized what she'd just said, and in light of his recent break up with Mandy, she mentally hit herself. Smiling softly she once again squeezed his hand.
"I know we've said this before, but really, can we be friends?" Kaylie whispered looking him straight in the eyes. He felt his breath catch.
"Kaylie, I'd like nothing more than to be friends with you." He said quietly, looking away from you. Kaylie lightly patted his hand and proceeded to stand up.
"Well, I think you need a hug, Nick." She said softly. Nick sat there, flabbergasted, for a good minute. Kaylie laughed.
"Well, are you going to sit there or are you going to give me a hug?!" She joked, tapping her foot for emphasis. Quickly Nick pushed his chair back and held her.
"You, Kaylie, you, you called me Nick. I mean, you didn't call me Carter. That's, that's like the first time you've ever called me by my name." He whispered and Kaylie could tell that there were tears in his eyes again. Holding him close Kaylie stood on her tip toes so she could reach his ear.
"Hey, there's a first for everything, right Nick?" She smiled, releasing herself from his grip.
Nick didn't want to let go.
Jax and Howie walked into the retract of Jax's choice (after a whining about which place served better ice cream for Jax demanded Oreos and Cream whereas Howie insisted that this place wouldn't have it). They immediately walked up to the counter and searched rapidly through the selections.
"A ha! I told you! I win, you lose, sucks to be you!" Jax laughed, again doing her peanut dance, as she pointed out the ice cream to Howie. Howie rolled his eyes and ordered a cone for her and some mint chocolate chip for himself.
"So, Howard, Howie, D, Bubba, why all the questions earlier?" Jax asked quietly as Howie stared behind her. His eyes bugged out. Quietly he put his finger to his lips and hushed her.
"Quietly, turn around." He said, nodding towards where she was to look. Jax, as though she was a spy, stealthily turned. She about choked on her ice cream.
Kaylie and Nick were hugging.
"Question." Howie murmured. Jax nodded.
"Why do I have THE worst feeling about this tour?" Howie groaned, putting his head in his hands. Jax didn't reply, but continued to stare at the two as her heart constricted.
"Hey."
"Hey? That's all I get? Hey?"
"Ok, hey you." He laughed as he could hear her smile on the other end. Katie rolled her eyes at AJ and mouthed who it was to Kevin. He in turn smiled, but rolled his eyes as well.
"That's more like it! So, what can I do for ya?" She asked, getting to the point.
"Well, I was thinking. I met this feisty woman yesterday and all day I've wanted to take her out to dinner but I didn't know if she'd have plans..." He grinned.
"When ya pickin me up?" She grinned back.
"8. Wear something nice ok?"
"Don't I always?" She smirked.
"See ya later."
"You too. Buh bye." She smiled. Kevin looked at her and smirked.
"So, big date." He stated. Katie nodded questioningly.
"You gonna tell him?"
Katie gulped.
"KAYLIE! KAYLIE MICHELLE!! KAYLIE MICHELLE STAR!!!" Jax screamed at the top of her lungs from the doorway of their apartment. Kaylie peeked her head out from the top of the stairs, covering her ears.
"Damn! What's up?" She said nonchalantly.
"What's up. What's UP?! What's UP with you and Carter?!" She fumed from the bottom of the stairs. "One second you can't stand the kid, the next you're callin him for lunch and huggin on him. Care to explain, cause I sure as hell don't know what's goin on. Especially given the fact that you're DATING HIS BEST FRIEND!" She went off again, pacing at the bottom of the stairs. "And why're you so dressed up? Some hot date with yet ANOTHER Backstreet Boy tonight?! I was out with Howie all day so it can't be him. What, you've moved onto AJ, or no, wait, maybe it's Kevin, going for the older men now I suppose..." She rambled off. Kaylie looked down at her from the top of the stairs speechless. Not to mention a LITTLE mad.
"Jax. You. Couch. Now." She muttered in a low voice. Jax gulped and hung her head, immediately realizing that she'd crossed the line. Upon falling onto the couch she sat there, Kaylie with her hands on her hips standing in front of her.
"What, so I just PLAY all the Boys now eh? I'm just some freakin white trash Indiana HOME WRECKER or something?" She said, not in the least bit amused.
"Well no, I didn't mean that..." Jax started. Then it dawned on her. "Wait! I was the mad on here! You! You explain!" She stuttered, standing off to face off with Kaylie, her hands too now on her hips.
"I'm 'all dressed up' because I have a date with MY BOYFRIEND tonight. My boyfriend BRIAN, not his best friend NICK or any of the other guys. MY BOYFRIEND is taking me out tonight so we can discuss the tour and my possibly going on it with him." She stated plainly. Jax swallowed.
"Well, Carter. Explain that! Hell! Wait! You just called him Nick! What the hell!" She started to ramble again before Kaylie put her hand up to cut her off.
"Ya, Nick, that's his name? We're two grown adults. Two of whom both care for a certain Littrell. We're starting over. We were kids when we started hating each other. Years have gone by and it's not healthy. Really, he's not a bad guy. I just saw that for the first time today. We're going to try to become friends, if not that then at least civil with one another." She murmured, rolling her eyes at Jax's slack jaw. "You don't have to look so surprised. It was bound to happen sooner or later."
"Ya well, I thought it would be more around the time that Hell froze over. I spose today's relatively close to then though." She said quietly, sitting down.
"Really, it's not that big of a deal." Kaylie mumbled, sitting next to her friend.
"Kay, what're you doing?" Jackie asked, looking at Kaylie. "You're going to leave me? For months on end? And you've only been dating him for what, a few hours?"
"We've been friends for years." Kaylie whispered.
"I know you guys were. I just, I'm worried for ya. Brian's takin my Kay away from me." Jax laughed as Kaylie hit her in the head with a nearby pillow.
"You really think it's a bad idea?" Kaylie asked, a frown on her face.
"Not so much a bad one, just a big decision. You're going to be wandering around the country for months with your boyfriend...wait, actually, that doesn't sound so bad." She joked.
"Ahh! You're no help! That's it, I've still gotta go get ready. I'll uh, I'll figure it out soon. Actually, I guess by tonight if he needs an answer. Anyway, I'll um, I'll talk to you later." Kaylie whispered as she walked off up the stairs in a daze. Jax watched her with a frown on her face.
"You better be careful hun," She mumbled as she went to get the door that she guessed Brian was standing behind, "or someone's going to get burned, and I'm not so sure that you aren't going to be to blame."
Nick shifted his weight to the opposite foot. For the fifth time. In ten seconds. God! Someone answer the frickin door! He mentally yelled to the people inside. Then suddenly it opened and he came face to face with Jackie.
"Um, can I please see Kaylie?" He asked quickly. Jax had an absurdly confused look on her face as she opened up the door and pointed up the stairs.
"Around the corner, second door on the right. Um, I thought she was going out with Brian tonight?" She asked quietly as she closed the door. Nick was already halfway up the stairs before he replied.
"She is!" He said as he turned the corner. Jax merely shook her head and once again plopped down onto the couch.
Then the door rang.
Jax proceeded to panic.
Brian shifted his weight to the opposite foot. For the fifth time. In ten seconds. He didn't know why he was so nervous. It was Kaylie. My Kaylie. He thought with a slight smile. Why isn't anyone opening the door?! He thought, again feeling the familiar butterflies in the pit of his stomach. Finally it opened and he smiled, producing a single daisy for Jax (who looked like she could use more than a daisy, maybe some hard liquor).
"Aw! Brian! How sweet, thanks." She said, smiling. Brian grinned and continued to stand on the step.
"So! Big date with Kaylie tonight." Jax said, making small talk. "Where ya taking her? She's dressed up like it's prom or something. As are you I see. Great job at stating the obvious Jackie!" She laughed, nervous. Brian frowned slightly.
"It's a surprise, anyway, I'm sure she'll tell you all about it tonight when I drop her off." He replied kindly.
"So, gorgeous night isn't it? The stars are beautiful." Jax said dreamily, still standing directly infront of the door, blocking it.
"I'm sure they are, especially one by the name of Kaylie, can I, uh, go get her please?" He offered up. Jax's eyes seemed to grow and he could have sworn that he saw her gulp but she quickly moved aside and opened the door for him to enter.
"Of course! I'm sorry! Kaylie's still getting ready. She'll be down in a few. Um, sit, make yourself at home. The living rooms right here." Jax stuttered and Brian furrowed his eyebrows.
"I uh, I helped you move in here Jax, and I'm here seeing Kaylie practically every day when I'm in town. I know where the living room is. Everything ok? You need something to drink, sit down, anything?" He asked, concerned.
"Nope! Just fine!" Jax squeaked out, praying that Kaylie would get Nick out of the house before Brian found out that he was here. She didn't know why she felt like it was such a big thing, but she knew that she had to make sure that Brian didn't find out.
Great. She thought. Now I'm an accomplice.
He stared at her momentarily. She was staring at herself in the bathroom mirror, makeup brush in hand. She was totally out of it, concentrating deeply on something. Quietly he knocked on the door, poking his head in.
"Kaylie?" He mumbled, shifting his eyes down. She dropped her brush and blushed.
"Nick? What're you doing here?" She said walking out of the bathroom and into what appeared to be her room. It was mainly pale yellow, but with a baby blue ceiling complete with silver stars stenciled on it which matched perfectly with the baby blue comforter on her bed with the exact stars. Pictures of her and her friends were scattered around her room. It was perfect, just like Kaylie, sweet in a kind of dreamy, not real way. Either that or that she's about as obtainable as one of those stars. He thought to himself.
"Nick? You never answered me? You ok?" She asked quietly, sitting down on the bed. Nick stood there for a second, reconsidering what he was about to say. Maybe it was too soon. What if something went wrong, if he regretted the words that were about to leave his mouth. Screw it. He thought running a hand carelessly through his hair. Kaylie looked on in amusement.
"I just wanted to say, that when Brian asks you tonight if you're going on tour with us, that it's ok if you come. I want you there. I mean, I think it'd be fun. We could get to know each other? Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that. That I want you there." He said sheepishly, ducking his head so he wouldn't have to look at her.
"You've thought it through haven't you?" Kaylie said softly, standing up so she was in front of him. More then you'll ever want to know about. Nick thought, staring at his toes.
"Ya. I think it'd be good. For us." He said softly, once again running his hand through his hair as he just realized that he'd called them "us". He was getting way ahead of himself.
"You do that a lot. With your hair I mean." She commented.
"Um, ya, I guess I do." He mumbled, repeating the action.
"Are you nervous? Do I make you nervous Nick?" Kaylie asked quietly, looking at him dead on.
"No, not so much, it's nothing. I'm just, I'm not used to actually TALKING to you. Today, it was, well, it was great." He said smiling. "Anyway, I've got to be going. I know you've got a date tonight with Brian and I don't want to interfere." He said as he walked out of the room and down the hall. Kaylie smiled behind him. She knew what she was going to do.
"Anytime Cater!" She yelled to him. He immediately turned around and she laughed. "It IS your last name." She joked waving him on.
Brian drummed his fingers on the couch, stopped, and then started again. What was taking her so long? Usually she was on time. And what WAS that upstairs? He distinctly heard something. Standing up he headed for the stairs. Jax immediately jumped up and ran infront of him.
"No! You can't go up there!!" She rushed out. Brian crossed his arms infront of him.
"Why? I'm just going to go surprise her, that I'm here, see how she looks..." He trailed off as he pivoted one way and then darted the other up the stairs. Jax was acting extremely strange tonight. More than usual. He joked to himself as he turned the corner. And stopped.
Jax let out a deep breath. It wasn't her fight, who cares if he just found out that his girlfriend was hiding his bestfriend and her ex-enemy in her room? Not her problem. Feeling anxious she went into the pantry and pulled out a bag of Oreos. She deserved them for the work she did. Didn't do. Did. Hell, she didn't even care anymore!
"Frick!" Nick said smiling as he walked over to his bestfriend all the while trying not to blush. He'd been caught, but frankly, he was pleased.
"Nick, hey...what're you doing here?" Brian asked, cautiously smiling.
"Um, I just was talking to Kay." He said simply as he patted Brian on the back walking down the stairs. "I've gotta go. I'll see you later guys!" He said as he walked out of the house.
"That was odd. I take it you two are civil now?" Brian said quietly, looking at Kaylie.
"Yup. We're going to um, try to become friends. We've been over this before? Anyway, aren't you going to tell me how be-u-tiful I look." She grinned. Brian smiled and reached over to her, holding her by the waist lightly.
"You're, you're, what's the word I'm looking for..." He spoke aloud thinking. Kaylie giggled as she placed her arms delicately around his neck.
"You're precious." He decided on finally. Kaylie nodded her head in agreement.
"I think you're right Mr. Littrell! I'm precious!" She laughed, kissing his cheek quickly before swatting his hands away. "Give me all of five minutes and I'll be down to see my baby so he can take me to dinner." She smiled as she walked back into the bathroom and shut the door on him. After she was behind the safety of the door, she let out a long sigh.
Katie groaned as Alex once again ran into her bathroom and started pulling on her leg. Apparently he was beginning to think this was some kind of game; she'd put him in his room to play with some toys, go tell Justin to keep an eye on him, and then walk back to the bathroom where all of ten seconds would pass and Alex would come toddling back to her.
"Sweetie. Mommy's trying to get ready to go out with AJ. Please, go play with Justin. Please." She groaned kissing his forehead slightly and then putting him down gently. He looked up at her with his head tilted to the side.
"Mommy pretty." He smiled shyly and then bolted for the door. Katie felt her eyes water as she smiled, getting back to the business at hand. She had to make sure she was ready and that Alex was away before AJ made it to her door.
1 Hour Later
"Hello?" He mumbled, tossing shirts that had fallen on him away.
"Nick! It's Taylor." She said quietly. Nick felt himself smile slightly. "I know you haven't called, so I figured I would. Um, about the tour." Nick mentally hit himself. He'd forgotten all about the fact that he'd told Taylor she could come on tour with them.
"What about the tour?" He said softly, trying to sound like he wanted her there. Well, I DO, just not the way that she wants me to want her there. He thought, listening to her.
"I can't come on tour with you-" She started, Nick trying to refrain from sighing in relief. "Because I've been hired by you guys. So, I 'spose I AM going on tour with you, but not WITH you, right?" She ended. Nick's balloon, deflated.
"You got hired by us? That's great! Um, how?" He squeaked out.
"I'm the costumes assistant, you know, I get to fit you guys, stuff like that..." She trailed off. "Nick, you ok?" She asked, concerned.
"Ya, just tired. Taylor, I've really got to go, I've got packing to do and well, you wouldn't want to see my room right now." He chuckled lightly.
"Well, I don't know about not wanting to see your room Nick, but I'll let you go." She laughed slightly. Nick grinned nontheless.
"I guess I'll see you in a few days?" He asked.
"Ya, bye Nick." She whispered and hung up. Nick groaned. Why couldn't anything go his way?
Quietly they walked on the sand hand in hand before Brian stopped and sat down, pulling Kaylie down into his lap.
"So."
"So."
"So."
"So." She giggled softly, turning to look at him.
"Kaylie, you know I want you there." He said quietly, looking her straight in the eyes.
"I, I..." She trailed off, dropping her head as she paled.
"What's wrong Kay?"
"Everything's changing so much. I don't know. It's so strange."
So many thoughts were running through her head she couldn't even remember what she'd decided on in the bathroom. Sitting here, in his lap, with the waves crashing infront of her and his beautiful blue eyes looking at her, she didn't know anything.
We were talking to each other 'til dawn
You put your arms around me and you asked me what was wrong
I tried to be so serious, you smiled and played along
You had to leave town tomorrow, yeah tomorrow you'd be gone
We must have had the stars about and heaven on our side
'Cause we fell in love before we even made it through the night
But you were leaving town to start another kinda of life
"Bri, I can't." She said softly, dropping her eyes again to the sand. She heard him take in a quick breath and felt him tense up.
"I, I think we should go. Take me home?" She said weakly. He got up without a word and held her hand all the way to the car, squeezing it gently every now and then, yet said nothing the entire way home. Upon reaching her front door he stood there for a second and kissed her lightly.
"I'll see you before I leave." He said quietly.
"Ya, listen, I'm sorry Bri..." She stared before he cut her off.
"It's ok. Goodbye Kay." He whispered, kissing her one last time before he turned to leave.
You walked me to the door and we tried to say good bye
A lone tear found it's way down Kaylie's cheek as she walked in the door.
"What's up with you?" Jax asked as Kaylie walked into the house, quickly going to her room.
"Nothing. Going to bed." Kaylie muttered. Frowning, Jax followed her into it, realizing that Kaylie was crying.
"Kay, what's wrong babe? What happened?" Jax asked softly, getting a muffled reply from where Kaylie's head was burried under her pillow.
"I told him no."
"You what?"
"I told him no, to the tour. I'm not going on tour with them. I think. That's what I said. God Jax, I don't even know! It was all so confusing! First Brian asked me and then Nick told me I should go and everythings going so fast and I don't even know where we really stand and I'd be leaving all of my friends, you, behind, I didn't know what to do. I said no." Kaylie explained all at once.
"You did what you had to do. It was the right thing for you hun." Jax said softly, getting up from Kaylie's bed.
"You really think so? That I did the right thing, cause it sure doesn't feel like that right now." Kaylie whimpered.
"Ya. I know you love him Kaylie. But you two just started, and now he's going on tour. It'd be too much to be around him so much like that on tour, you just stared a relationship, and it wouldn't work if you never see him cause he's on tour."
"I don't wanna loose him Jax. I need Brian." Kaylie said quietly as Jax walked out of her room.
It wouldn't work if you never see him cause he's on tour. Kaylie shook her head. Sure it would. Jax was wrong wasn't she. It had to work. Even if he was there and she wasn't. Frusterated Kaylie groaned into her pillow.
"Who'm I kidding. We get together three days before he leaves. Now I'm down to hours and I JUST start to think about this? Jax is right..." She mumbled as she picked up her phone and quickly dialed.
Maybe I've never found the right way
I kept my love hidden underground
Baby I wish that there was some way
That I could turn the clock around
But I couldn't sleep, I called up everybody that I knew
All my friends said that I'd be crazy if I waited 'round for you
I wanted to believe them so I called to say we're through
But when I heard your voice, it nearly broke my heart in two
Brian looked over halfheartedly to where his phone was ringing on his nightstand. It was so far away, and his pillow was so warm and comfortable. Eyeing the phone one more time he turned away from it.
"It they really want to talk to me they can leave a message..." He mumbled before falling asleep.
Kaylie nearly whimpered as she heard the familiar answering machine message.
"Hi....How're you?....That's great!...I'm not here right now, you're talking to my machine. If you want, please leave me a message, I'd love to hear from those who love me (chuckle). If you don't love me, don't leave a message (laughter in background). Talk to y'all later...BEEP"
Frowning, she looked at the clock. It didn't matter what time it was, she had to talk to him.
Maybe I've never found the right way
I kept my love hidden underground
Baby I wish that there was some way
That I could turn the clock around
Don't say you're gone, I'll find you someday...
Well I jumped into my car but as I headed down the road
I knew that when I got there, there might be nobody home
You had gone away forever, and you left me all alone
I was on my own
Maybe I've never found the right way
I kept my love hidden underground
Baby I wish that there was some way
That I could turn the clock around
Brian tossed and turned in his bed. He couldn't get comfortable, and when he did he couldn't sleep. He didn't understand it. Maybe he'd expected too much? He was rushing it? Looking over at the clock he quickly jumped out of bed and grabbed his keys. He had to talk to her.