Five minutes later the doorbell rang. Michelle froze to her chair in the living room. Marie jumped up and ran to get the door, knowing Michelle would never get it.
"Hi Zack, come on in," she said politely, opening the door.
"If I remember the name right, your Marie, correct?" He said, scratching his head, as if he had to think hard to remember her name.
"Yes," she smiled, then turned towards the living room. "Michelle, its Zack." Michelle was glued to her chair, she was really nervous, which was unusual for her. Nick and Aj came down the stairs into the hall before Michelle could get there. Zack tensed up when he saw them. The evil look nick was giving him didn't help either.
"Nice to see you again Zack," Aj said, shaking his hand. Nick stood there and glared at him, Aj elbowed him in the ribs. Nick finally reached his hand out to Zack.
"Hey," Nick mumbled shaking his hand. Michelle finally walked in from the living room. Zack's whole face seemed to light up and he smiled at her. His dark blue shirt made his eyes seem even bluer.
"Michelle, wow, you look great. You're even more beautiful than I remembered." Zack said, taking her hand and kissing it. Michelle beamed from ear to ear, but Nick just scowled. Zack focused all of his attention on Michelle, not wanting to look at the other guys in the room, that he knew so well.
"Okay people, let's go!" Mrs. McLean exclaimed walking up to them. "I'll drive Aj's car, Aj, Nick, Marie, come with me. Howie and Kevin, you go with Brian. Zack, you can just follow us. Everyone got that?" There was a chorus of, yes's, OK's and uh-huh's. They all filed out the door, Michelle last. When she saw Zack's car she stopped dead. A blue-green Z28 Camaro sat in the driveway behind Aj's car. Michelle closed her eyes; she could her the crunch of metal shatter through her head. A hand gently on her arm shook her from her thoughts.
"Michelle, are you alright?" Zack asked, his eyes filled with concern. Michelle looked around to see everyone staring at her. She nodded, wiping a tear off her check. Zack led her to the car; she cringed as she stepped in. As they pulled out of the driveway she looked sadly up at her room, where a sitter was watching over Olivia. Poor Olivia, she thought, if only she was old enough to know.
"What happened?" Zack asked, as they followed Aj's mustang closely.
"My Dad had a car like this. I guess it just reminded me of him," she sighed. Zack slid one hand from the steering wheel and took her hand in his.
"You must miss your parents terribly."
"Yes, I don't believe I have ever gone through a day without thinking about them. It has gotten easier and now I have a new family, but it's not the same."
"I kinda know how you feel," he said, squeezing her hand gently, "I lost my mother to cancer last year. I still have my father though, I don't think I could have handled losing them both. You must be very strong."
"I'm not as strong as you think. It's other people's strength that got me through. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm always free to listen."
"Same here."
Soon they pulled up to a huge white mansion. Michelle and Zack got out of the car in awe.
"What is this place?" Marie said, walking up next to Michelle.
"It's Jive Mansion," Howie answered, enjoying the looks on the three's faces.
"I can't believe this!" Michelle exclaimed as the group walked to the door.
"I can," Zack mumbled bitterly. What I can't believe is that Michelle doesn't realize whom she is with, Zack thought. He couldn't help but to be jealous and to be scared that he would lose Michelle to a Backstreet Boy. What was he compared to one of them?
"Nick, Aj, Brian, Kevin, Howie, Denise!" A tall, pretty, blond haired, brown eye girl exclaimed as she opened the door. "It's great to see you guys again!"
"Mandy," Aj smiled, hugging her. The rest followed with hugs and kisses. Then Aj turned to Michelle and pulled her forward.
"Mandy, I would like you to meet my new sister, Michelle," he said. Michelle reached to shake hands with her. "This is her friend Marie and her date, Zack." After being introduced they were led to the backyard of the house. The yard was massive, with a swimming pool, hot tub, a gazebo, swings, tables of food, and tons of people. After being led around and introduced to everyone, Michelle and Zack were free to do whatever they wanted. They made they're way to the food and fixed themselves sandwiches. They sat and chatted when they where approached by two people they had met before.
"Zack, Michelle, mind if we join you?" Joey Fatone asked.
"Go right ahead," Michelle said, scooting over to make room. Joey and his girlfriend Karley sat down.
"Are you two enjoying the party? I've never seen you at one before, so I'm guessing it's your first time," Karley said, leaning over Joey to talk to them.
"It's great and yes it is my first time here. I'm pretty sure it's Zack's first time here too, but I wouldn't know, he has been here a lot longer than I have. I actually only arrived in town yesterday," Michelle said. Zack put an arm around her.
"No, I've never been here before. It's a shame I haven't, this place is phat," he said, looking around again and how huge the house was.
"Well, since it's your first time here, I'll give you the real low down on the people," Karley said, leaning in closer so no one else would hear.
"Why don't you just trade seats with me Kar, then you won't have to lean so far across me," Joey laughed, standing up. Karley scooted over next to Michelle and began her gossiping.
"Ok, first, Britney Spears. Everyone thinks she is going with Justin…"
"Who's Justin?" Michelle interrupted. Karley pointed him out.
"He is in Nsync with Joey."
"Your one of the guys from Nsync? I've heard of you before," Michelle said in awe, she had never met famous singers before.
"Most people here are singers, you did know that right?" Joey asked.
"No, I didn't. I haven't really been into the music seen for a long time. I've had other things on my mind."
"Wow, you have a lot to learn then. Like I said, people think that Britney is dating Justin, but what really is going on is…" Karley talked for an hour, pointing out different people, saying who they where and what they had done wrong. If Michelle had been a tabloid reporter most of the people at the party would have had a big surprise in store for them. Michelle ended up knowing, in many cases, more than she wanted to know.
"Do you really wanna know the lowdown on…the Backstreet Boys. I'm sure you will probably want to know the most about them, considering your relationship to them."
"The Backstreet Boys? What relationship?"
"You mean you don't know?" Karely said, surprised.
"Know what?" Michelle asked, confused.
