And yet there is more
hapter 287

It was kind of surprising that we all weren't keepin distance for the sake public relations team. Sure Kelli and I never really sat with them directly, but we walked in a group. Then JC and Ilana were rather close anywhere, and the fan base was starting to get to know Leighann as Brian's girl. Lance and Britney, no one even had a clue. They always sat next to each other and somehow she was always paired with Justin and occasionally Nick. Anyway, I think Brian was ready to finally say that yes, this is my girl, but JC and Ilana were another story. It was their choice however.Then there was Key and Ryan. The two were paired the whole day and she never even joined us with Leighann. I was just waiting for the moment when they both came to realization. The new plan was for him to stay up in Maryland for a few weeks before he headed back home. He was going to stay with Tyler, but I think Key would be his companion throughout those weeks, sych as everyday."Yo, dude, what is up with you?" Justin asked as the group was gathered."Nothing much, the rides are pretty cool," Ryan replied."Not that, with you and Key?""Nothing, she is fun and likes to scream on the rides.""And the past fews weeks you been on alot of rollercoasters?""Justin, she is almost two years younger then me, and your girl's little sister.""And the point being?""It isn't worth a shot! Besides I live in Canada and she lives in Maryland.""I live in Tennesse and Orlando, where Ames will be going from Maryland, South Carolina, to Kentucky. So what is the problem there?""I just don't see her like that.""Sure thing," Justin said shaking his head."Hey," I interupted, "I'll see you in a few hours for the show." "Yeah," he replied. "You better show up!""Like I would miss it for the world. Have fun making your stomach hurt.""I will love every minute of it," he said and stuck out his tongue. "So what are we doing?" Kelli asked."Terroizing the cute fans!""What?""I have no idea, Leighann is crazy!" "Leighann you are crazy," I said shaking my head. "You expect us to put that on?""No, but I think they are cute," she said putting the candy hat on her head."Now Brian can just eat you!" Ilana said."Not like he doesn't already," I whispered under my breath."Ami Elizabeth!""Sorry, but you know it is true.""You made it sound dirty.""Leighann, shut-up." "Okay, I think she is going to pass out," Key said poking Tyler in the side."Over the chocolate or the guy?" Ryan asked looking at Leighann."I think the mixture of both is deadly.""And you sister is so much better?""No she is worse. At least Leighann will admit she is insane.""I think you both are insane, now be quite!" Tyler hissed."I think his will is starting to break down," Ryan said."And you haven't even met the girl." "Are they not the cutest thing," Justin said after the show as we headed back to the hotel."Not if the talk behinf you through the whole concert, saying how pitiful you look," I snapped."You don't look pitiful you look dreamy.""Dreamy?""Well, that is what it looked like. Completely lost in something you were staring at," he said not hurting the growing ego on bit."Oh you mean Chris. He looked so amazing, and God help me if he were to walk by right now.""You are a little brat!" he retorted before pulling my hand till my whole body was wrapped in his."I may be a brat, but Chris was amazing. He didn't fall once. And I think that crazied fan almost died when she thought you were glaring at her, and tripped over JC.""What she was hott?""I hate you!""Well, two can play your little game."
hapter 288

"Bye bye, Nick, thanks for stopping by, we will see you bright and early tomorrow morning," I said as he laid on my bed, totally wrapped up in whatever he was reading."Kelli, what is he doing?""I don't know, he won't let me know.""So he is in our room, taking up my bed, and reading something we can't see.""Yep!""Nicholas Gene Carter, get out! I want my bed."When he still didn't move I went over and jumped onto the bed."Hold on," he said drawing something onto on of the papers."Hold on! I don't think so! Kelli get over here," I practically demanded. "You are aiming at that side.""Aww, poor Nick," she said sympathetically before moving toward him. "On the count of three?" "One, two, three!" we both said in unison."ALRIGHT! I'M LEAVING!" Nick said, jumping off the bed just as our hands brushed against his sides."Thank god, sleep!""This is so not how you treat people you love," he sulked."Don't give me that guilty stuff," I said."Nick, we need to sleep," Kelli said soothingly, looking up into his eyes pleading."You could have done that.""With Ames screaming at you?" she asked crossing her arms over her chest."I could have made her shut-up.""Yeah, not unless you put Justin and M&M's near her, and he is talking with Ryan in his room, if they are not yet asleep.""Oh, who told you!" I said."Shut-up Ames!" Nick snarled."I love you," Kelli said, as she watched Nick finally break-down and give in."Fine, but just you wait, tomorrow Ames is going down in her own house," he said glaring past her. "So sleep well! And good-night my Princess, I love you." He leaned down and kissed her softly before walking to the door. "Good-night Nick!" Kelli said closing the door behind him."Stop grinning.""Oh you mean like you did through the whole show, and even caused your boyfriend to fall.""That was so his fault. He should be looking at all his adoring fans.""So you don't like that you can make him weak?""I never said that, I just said it isn't my fault.""Whatever," she said climbing under the sheets."Yeah, I know I kind of need a life.""I could have told you that.""Thanks, so nice. Just think if it weren't for my life, you would have never even met Nick.""Well I never said I didn't like you for that, just merely agreeing with you.""Good-night, Kelli," I said shaking my head, turning off the light and getting into the bed."Night Ames." "Mom!" Kelli shouted as she ran down the stairs of the bus at her parents."Goober!" her dad called out.From the other side you could hear Tyler shout at Sam, who was supposed to come over for dinner with the Chasez family.
hapter 289

I slowly trudged off the bus after the two hour ride from Hershey to Baltimore. I thought I would give everyone else a few minutes to reunite and I would get all my junk together off the bus. Even though I wanted to be home and spend the last few weeks of the summer with my parents, I didn't want the summer to end. So much had happened. I had spent the summer traveling through the US with my best friends. I had made some of the best friends I ever could I have dreamed of. I saw places I never knew exsisted, or never thought were so pretty. It was like a story book opening, where nothing ever goes wrong and it all falls into place. Most of all, I had fallen in love with the most wonderful prince the world could have owned. Kelli might beg to differ that opinion however. Although, it was a time I would never forget, I didn't want to see it go, and slowly tears formed in eyes and rolled down my face."Ames, you coming," Brian began. "You okay?""Of course," I said pushing the tears quickly away with the back of my hand. "I just can't believe it is actually over.""What is actually over?""The tour, the summer, I dunno.""Ames, it isn't over, it is all in the beginning."I smiled. "Grease, you are such a dork. Thanks," I said hugging him and walking off the bus."Brian Thomas Littrel?" my dad address him sternly."Yes?""You seemed to do well!""Thanks," Brian replied."Come here," my dad said and looked at me before hugging me. "Have fun?""Dad, I had the worst time of my life, I hate him so much. I never want anything to do with Brian ever again.""Ames," he replied coldly."Yes, I had a really good time," I said shaking my head."Did Key pitch at all!""Oh here we go all over again," I said and walked away. "What is that around her ankle?" Mrs. O'Hara asked poking her husband in the side."I don't know," he began not even looking."Look!""Fine," he sighed. "Kelli Ann Scarlet O'Hara turn around NOW!"Kelli jumped when she heard her elongated name shouted. Everyone around her also turned to look at her father.Meekly she turned around and look up at him."What is that?" he said pointing to the black, green, and blue lines, that circled her ankle."A tatoo," she swallowed."You got a tatoo?" her mother shouted."Yes," she almost choked, becoming frightened under her mothers gaze, which was non changing.However her father's lips were turning into a smile before he looked back from her ankle to her eyes."It has nothing to do with the Beatles, what is wrong with you?!"Kelli face went from the frozen scared look to relieved."So you are okay with it?" "Your an adult!""No we are not!" her mother corrected. "What other mess have you done?""What she is saying, you didn't do something really stupid?""No," she said with clenched teeth under her breath."What's with the ring?" Mr. O'Hara asked.Kelli blushed and looked at her hand. She had almost forgotten about the ring. She had not taken off and it had become part of her hand, making her feel empty without it."Well?" he asked raising his eyebrows."Dad," she sighed, looking around with the eyes still on her. We all turned away."I gave it to her," Nick said standing behind her.Mr. O'Hara looked Nick over. "I remember him, very nice. He does like the Beatles?""Would I date him?""That's my goober."Kelli rolled her eyes and hugged her dad."Go see your dogs," her mom said, shaking her head, knowing she would never win.
hapter 290

"Scarlet?" AJ said poking me."I don't know, never heard it before either.""Scarlet, that is cute.""What is cute?" Nick asked."Scarlet," Aj replied."What is cute about that? It is a name.""Geeze, and he even read the book. I watched him!""AJ, he is Nick. Just be glad he knows his own name.""Okay, stop," Nick said aggrevaited. "I really don't get it.""Kelli Ann SCARLET O'HARA!" I tried."It is her name!""God help him," I said walking away with AJ."It is just your name," Nick said looking at Kelli."You read that book?" Kelli asked."What?"By this time Brian had figured out Nick's little problem."Nick - 'Gone With The Wind'," Brian said."Great book, good movie.""Kelli, just give up," Brian said."Might just do that!" Kelli said smiling."What?" Nick said anf followed the two repeating Scarlet and Gone With The Wind in his head over and over again."Oh, I get it. Scarlet O'Hara! The main character.""Yeah," Brian said shaking his head. "Oh shut-up! I had to be all nice to the parents.""Or you just have half a brain.""That was just harsh, ducky boy.""I like being a little duck, so there!""Guys?" Kelli asked, and the two stopped. "I'm going to go see my dogs."
hapter 291

"So?" Joey said passing in the front of the driveway."So maybe you should go inside," Tyler said shaking his head. "But," Joey began."But she is coming after dinner Joe, not now, so why not eat some of the good food that is waiting inside, especially before Sam eats it.""Why what are they having?""Crabs.""Oh you mean those weird things JC is always talking about, that taste good in soup, but look completely gross with all the crapp on them.""Whatever, dude, they are the best. So stop the damm pacing and eat, cause I'm leaving." "Ma, how much did this cost ya'll?" I asked looking around the back porch."It does not matter. You have eaten these since last summer and I know some other people who would like to be treated," she said eyeing AJ."What? They are good!" AJ said shrugging."I'm eating," Sam said with a mallet, knife, and a crab in hand."Yeah let's eat!"Across the room stood Kelli as she watched everyone sit down to eat. Well everyone but Trip and Ryan, they looked completely puzzled at what to do. "You okay?" Nick asked."Yeah, just well not hungry.""Kelli," Nick said with a look of warning and concern."Crabs just aren't my thing," she said shaking her head. "That is why we have corn and ceasar salad," my mom said handing her the big bowl of salad."Hey that looks good," Nick said watching as the food passed. "I can only eat a few of these things anyway.""Thanks!" Kelli called as my mom walked back across the room and took a seat."You enjoying this Brian?" she asked."And have I ever not enjoyed anything you have feed me?" he replied."Remember the time she made you eat brussle sprouts?" Key suggested."So once?""Or when she made those really dry cookies?""Karianne!" Brian said."I was just answering you.""Right!" he said shaking his head before turning to Leighann.I sat and watched the scene unfold. Three long tables sat on the grass in the backyard. Kelli, her parents, and Nick were at on end of the set, in the middle sat JC's whole crew, and then the other side was my whole family. It was weird how it was seperated; BSB completely divided. Nick one end, Brian, Kev, and AJ the other, and Howie was in the middle of it all. No one could hear because of all the banging of the mallets, but we were enjoying the nice dinner I would probably have with all of them in the same place. "Hello?" Justin said waving his hand in front of my face."Wha?" I asked coming out of the daze."You okay?""Yeah, just thinking.""About?""This is our last night all together.""Oh you would be surprised.""What?" I asked suspiciously."Nothing, you want to help me teach these pin heads to eat crabs since they never leave their homes.""Sure," I said and watched the two as the cautiously picked up a crab. "They are dead you know.""But," Ryan said placing it down and almost smashing it to pieces."But you ain't going to have anything to eat if you destroy it!" Justin said. "One step at a time!" After I couldn't stand the site of crabs anymore, I went inside with almost everyone. JC, his family, Ilana, and Sam were the only ones left sitting.I walked up the stairs and went into my room alone. I looked around at everything that was placed in the exact same place I had left it. Even though we had only been there for a little more than half a year now, it was my room and my stuff. Dolls, bears, blanket, posters, pictures, my unicorns, and everything else I had collected. Memories. And the few selected ones were to be packed up and moved within the next two weeks. It was scary."Hey Babygirl.""Hey Popstar, what are you doing upstairs in MY room?""Looking for you!""Oh, well I'm here.""You sure, you aren't a figment are you?""Justin," I sighed."Just checking, so what you doing?""Remembering!""What?" "Everything!"
hapter 292

"HI!" Justin and I heard from upstairs."Brooke is here," we both said and shook our head. "Joey!" Brooke said minicking him as she walked inside, and kissed him on the cheek."For heaven sake's," Key said and rolled her eyes."I got you there," Ryan said looking at the two and followed Key out of the room.I walked back down the stairs as they passed and went back outside."Does she like him?" my mom said poking my hip with her elbow. "I think so.""Can he catch?" my dad asked."Dad!""It is important.""Whatever," I said shaking my heaad and walked into the kitchen."So now what are we doing?""The dishes," I said looking at Justin while he sat down."Domestic!""Yeah, I can do alot of things you don't know!""Oh really?" he said standing up."Yeah!" I said nodding as he walked closer."Like what?""Like watching this popstar do dishes!""That was so not fair," he said glaring at me."Revenge is fun!""That is even worse.""The faster you get it done.""Oh shut-up and help!" "You are all levaing tomorrow," Kelli said sticking out her lower lip while looking up into Nick's eyes."I know," he said, "but that is tomorrow, after the show, and after the good-byes.""I love you!" Kelli replied, twisting the ring around her finger. "Princess," Nick said lifting her face to look at his his."It is just going to be so weird, not having you around, and..""Princess.""all the little things, from smiles to..."He bent down and brushed his lips against hers."And that!""I love you!""Forever," she smiled."That isn't even long enough.""God, it is everywhere!" Key said walking through that room, with Ryan following."Well, there went that moment," Nick said shaking his head.
hapter 293

"HI!" Justin and I heard from upstairs."Brooke is here," we both said and shook our head. "Joey!" Brooke said minicking him as she walked inside, and kissed him on the cheek."For heaven sake's," Key said and rolled her eyes."I got you there," Ryan said looking at the two and followed Key out of the room.I walked back down the stairs as they passed and went back outside."Does she like him?" my mom said poking my hip with her elbow. "I think so.""Can he catch?" my dad asked."Dad!""It is important.""Whatever," I said shaking my heaad and walked into the kitchen."So now what are we doing?""The dishes," I said looking at Justin while he sat down."Domestic!""Yeah, I can do alot of things you don't know!""Oh really?" he said standing up."Yeah!" I said nodding as he walked closer."Like what?""Like watching this popstar do dishes!""That was so not fair," he said glaring at me."Revenge is fun!""That is even worse.""The faster you get it done.""Oh shut-up and help!" "You are all levaing tomorrow," Kelli said sticking out her lower lip while looking up into Nick's eyes."I know," he said, "but that is tomorrow, after the show, and after the good-byes.""I love you!" Kelli replied, twisting the ring around her finger. "Princess," Nick said lifting her face to look at his his."It is just going to be so weird, not having you around, and..""Princess.""all the little things, from smiles to..."He bent down and brushed his lips against hers."And that!""I love you!""Forever," she smiled."That isn't even long enough.""God, it is everywhere!" Key said walking through that room, with Ryan following."Well, there went that moment," Nick said shaking his head."Aww!" Kelli said pouting."Hey!" Nick said tickling her."You are just as ticklish!" "Good-night" I said yawning as Justin wrapped his arms around my waist."I'll see you bright and early tomorrow!""Yeah, I have a fan of yours who has to meet you.""A fan?""Believe me she has no clue who *N Sync is.""Okay?""You'll see. Tomorrow morning, now go bother Tyler all night.""Good-night," he said and kissed me softly."Night," I said letting go of his hands.They were all gone now, the last night was over. Leighann was playing in my room, the guys were tyring to figure out who was sleeping where, Key was in the shower, and I was standing outside; just standing.I was a freak, but I didn't want the summer to be over and to finally fully grow-up.
hapter 294

"AMES!" Nick probably said for the millionth time after he walked bck from Kelli's porch."Wha?" I said comng out of the daze."It isn't like we are all going off to war and you'll never see s again.""Nick you should know by now that I always act like this. It is just very depressing for me, you guys are my best friends, and hell I love ya'll.""You are a freak!""Sorry but I always get this way, ask Brian.""She does," Brian said from the door. "And we all some sleep.""If I sleep then it means this day will end quicker and I want it to last forever.""Ames tomorrow is the last day. You need sleep so you can look pretty in the morning.""I need sleep to look pretty now!""I didn't mean it like that!""GUYS," Nick said shaking his head, "I'm going inside.""Oh really it certainly sounded like you meant it that way.""Ames, I was just saying you need some sleep.""To look nice!""Ahh you are such a ...""Such a what?" Leighann asked from the door way."Oh nothing," Brian smiled."Please," I rolled my eyes, "he said I need sleep to be pretty.""Brian Thomas, you never tell that to anyone!""See," I said like a little child. "Leighann, I just don't want it all to end.""Well how's this sound, we will go up in your room eat chocolate, cry all night, and Brian ca get his BEAUTY sleep.""Ooh!""Fine then!" Brian said folding his arms."He is such a brat," Leighann whispered."I know, but..""Exactly," Leighann said and walked into the house."Good-night Bri," I said."Night Ames, night Leighann!""Go to sleep!" she snarled."Aww, I love ya Bri," I said and started up the stairs."I love him more!""Leighann, I sure hope so.""Good-night ladies," Brian said and walked away."He is so cute!""I knew him first!""Oh shut-up, I get to kiss him.""I don't want to kiss him!" "Mea-ma!" I said wrapping my grandmother in a hug as she walked into the stadium.She looked me over from head to toe."Ami Liz, you look nice!""Thanks," I said smiling."So where is my extra grand-child?" she said refering to Brian."Probably with his girlfriend.""Leighann is here too?""Mea-ma we have the whole world with us!" "Kelli, stop looking like that, you are going to make me cry," I said as we walked backstage looking for the disappearing boyfriend known as Nick."It is the last day Ames!""Kelli I have been through all this already, I'm ready to party!""You are always ready to party.""Well, I am more ready today, I plan to enjoy this day to the complete fullest, and sleep all day tomorrow!""Okay, where is that stupid guy?""Stupid huh? I like hearing that!"She glared at me, like I was prey."Sorry, I just, nevermind. I always pick on him, Kelli, stop!""Find him!"We continued down the hall, past his dressing room, the Ninetendo room, the game room, and every place Nick would most likely be, but he wasn't anywhere."You sure you didn't eat him this morning?" I asked. "You were both pretty well, alone, for a long time.""AMES, not helpful, at all.""Sorry, I don't know where he is, or why he has been acting so weird." "So have you met all these other people?" Brian asked my grandmother."Met them, yes, talked to them, no. I still need to get to know this Justin guy, but Ames ran off.""I think she was looking for Nick.""Oh, Nickolas, he was on the phone earlier taking down notes, something about a picture, he waved to me.""Yeah, he has some plan in the making.""For Kelli?""I would assume so, everything he does now has something to do with her.
hapter 295

"Ames, am I ever going to meet this guy you told me about, or am I just going to be wondering till a fanatic points him out.""Mea-ma, I am a fanatic of him!""Do I get to meet him?""If I can find him, I will make sure you meet him.""Find him, why isn't he spending his every minute with you, on the last day.""Mea-ma, he does have to work. Besides I think he was talking to his little brother the last time I saw him. It also doesn't help that we lost Nick.""He was on the phone earlier.""He is Nick, he will show up eventually.""So which one is Justin?""Curly one!""I like the Sinatra looking one.""That would be JC.""He is a cutie!"I shook my head at her. And then a noise! A very interesting noise, a noise that sounded like Chris, Chris dropping something a running away."Oh goodness," I stood there waiting for Chris to run by. He did with something in his hand. Justin however was barely a yard behind him."Mea-ma, that would be Justin!""Well, first impressions last a life time!""Oh this is definiatly one for the record. CHRIS!" I shouted."Hi Ames, one second please, I have this thing, and Justin wants it back!""It is mine Christopher Alan!""Chris!" I called again. "What do you even have?""MY SHIRT!""Yeah your shirt, it is mine. It has my name in it too, just so you wouldn't be able to take it," Justin retorted."Can I please have it," my grandmother asked."Huh, hi, I'm Chris," he said extending his hand."Yes, and I'm Mrs. Cole, now who's shirt is this really?" she said taking the babyblue jeresy and reading the label. "It looks like it says Justin.""But really it is mine, he just likes to steal it.""And you need a shirt a few sizes to big?"Chris just stood there, unsure of what to say after he was repremanded by a grandmother."I'm sorry," he said shaking his head."Well, Mea-ma, this is Chris Kirkpatrick, the eldest of *N Sync, and that would be the Prince Charming I always talk about, Justin. By the way, Popstar, not a great first impression.""Hi, I'm Justin," he said taking her hand. "Sorry about that.""No different then those other five. So you are the great knight?" she said looking him up and down. "He wears a belt, Ames." "He wears a belt?" Justin asked after my grandmother had talked to him, which he acted like a complete gentleman, thank God!"Sorry, she has this thing about guys and belts. If a guy supposibly has a belt it shows he is secure with who he is, and makes him more mature. A guy without a belt just shows that he is sloppy and doesn't care.""So remind me to wear a belt when we see her," he said taking my hand."Promise. If you noticed Brian, Nick, and Kevin have one on now, just because they knew they might see her.""Explains Nick little search this morning at least.""Yeah, well," I began, "she may be prim and proper, but really she is alot of fun, and rarely dislikes a soul. I remember she talked my parents into letting me go to Florida for a weekend with Brian when I was 15, they were a little precautious about AJ and Nick. Now they just have five extra sons."He just smiled. "She can cook some really good apple pie, chicken salad stuff, homemade whipped cream, and the best chocolate chip cookies.""That is what makes grandmothers, the home cooking.""She also loves to sew for my millions of baby cousins, and still rides a horse at least once a week.""Damm!""She is going to wear her self down though, and it makes me nervous, but I guess it is better to have lived doing what you love right?""I do it everyday!""I know.""Yep, I get to see my little Babygirl and wouldn't trade it for anything.""Doesn't work anymore, but it was a cute line.""I try.""Sometimes a little too hard, all it would have taken was for you to bend over.""I'll have to remember that!"
hapter 296

I sat there through soundcheck with my grandmother and Kelli. We did finally find Nick. He was sitting in Lance's dressing room of all places playing with a pad of paper. I don't know what he was up to but it was strange. Kelli and my grandmother had hit it off well though. Kelli was actually talking to someone she had just met, she was talking about horses, but it was good to see. Little by little she was opening up and it was exciting. Sure, she was still very shy, but hey she was going to be living with me. I wasn't the most outgoing person, I just forced myself to be, because I had to meet so many different people. Anyway, soundcheck was running long, and I was pleading for it to be over. After the soundcheck, there would be the meet and greet, then a break, then make-up and changing, the show, and then my time. Yep, my time to just sit and be with them. It will be about 11ish to about 2ish before they had to head out, but still it was my time. The time to say good-bye, good luck, and I love you. "Ames, you have a real great group of friends here. Treasure them, and bring Justin around more often, maybe even his brother, that would cute.""Thanks Mea-ma, I love you. See you in two days!""Yes, at my house. Bring Kelli if she wants to come, she needs some time with her parents too though.""Okay, bye bye," I finally said after the concert while everyone else was piling into a bus.After I made sure she as settled and on her way home, I hurried to catch up."HEY!" AJ said almost making me colaspe to the floor."What have you been into," I said looking at him."Wine," Howie said rolling his eyes, "we had to take it away.""How much?""One cup!""Not bad, he is just hyper now.""So what are we going to do?" Chris asked with Busta in his arms."Nothing! We are going to relax.""I'm going out," Joey said with Brooke on his arm."And JC is with Ilana, Tyler, and his parents," Lance said."Well that makes sense, family is important," I replied."So?" Chris asked."How about we just sit, talk, snack, and be teenagers," Britney suggested."Snack on what?" Key asked. "Oh my God, Christina this is the best stuff in the world.""The real stuff is better," AJ whinned."Oh shut-up," I said pouring a few glasses of the sparkling cider, "what if we stop at McDonalds.""Okay," he said smiling and bouncing around."A stupid burger can change his whole attitude," Trip added."The burger and free toy," I said nodding and walking over to the little circle we had created and handing Justin and Chris a cup."Thanks," he said and practically pulled me into his lap."So what are we doing?""Talking, about this summer," Nick said."Yeah like M&M's Ames," Leighann said."I think you mean shaving cream and chocolate Leighann!""What?" Brian said looking at me. "Oh nothing, just an experiment of sorts. Right Leighann?""Ami Elizabeth, if I didn't love you I'd kill you right now.""What, we all need to know now," AJ persisted."It is a long girlie story, and it was only one night, and actually the only night I shared a room with Ames."
hapter 297

"Yeah, come on," Justin nagged."Ames, I'd keep him controlled.""Well, if you don't mind I will tell," I said in a bratty voice."Yeah!" AJ shouted."Fine," Leighann said rolling her eyes."Well, it was just us of course, you know the chocolate loving pampering girls. So we get chocolate, whipped cream, bubble baths, soaps, shaving cream, and all that good stuff to play with. We all love Leighann and now how she acts with the chocolate.""Oh my God!" AJ said leaning forward."It is not dirty!" I said, "Anyway, she was mixing all the food, and I was sitting there watching some Sinatra movie.""Sinatra, which one?""AJ, I don't remember. Anyway, all of sudden Leighann is practically choking, and it smells a little like shaving cream. Some how the girl mixed up with whipped cream with the shaving cream, it was really funny.""So she ate the shaving cream?" Howie asked."As in the perfect women who yells at me all the time isn't so perfect?" Nick asked."You know what, I think it makes her even more perfect because it shows she has faults," Brian said."I knew there was a reason why I was dating you." "You did what?" I asked."Kelli was there," Key said smiling asif she was proud."You need some help!" Ryan said lookign at her."What it was fun?" she said shrugging. "BJ enjoyed the whole thing too, scoping out guys, modeling the bathing suits, and getting numbers," she said raising her eyes at Kelli."Key!" I scolded. "Like walking around the store asking poor guys if you would look good in bathing suits or men clothing isn't bad enough, leave Kelli alone.""Yeah, leave my girl alone, and stop corrupting my little sister.""Your little sister is older than me, and you would kill her if you knew what she did to poor Kelli!""I doubt it.""Fine, ask Kelli!" Key said challenging him."How about Kelli says what Kelli did," Kelli said. "The night we all went to that club and she dressed us, well she also made me get a guys phone number. I went to the bathroom and copied one off the wall.""My sister made you do that?""Well, she bet me.""On what terms?""My pride!""And the wild girl appears," Justin said."Shut-up," I said and hit his side. "Anyway, what other psycho memories could we bring up about these past few months?"We continued through the night, AJ eating McDonalds. We talked about the horses, the hospital, the chocolate moose, the concert we did, and a million memories that would fill a novel with hundreds of chapters, but it was heading on two o'clock and the guys were going to have to head out soon. "Damm, it is has been one hell of summer, I can tell you that much," Britney said. "I'm going to miss it!""We all will miss, but we are all going to see each other, so stop sulking!" Christina demanded."We all need to go get all packed in for the night though," Kevin the responsible quiet one said."Yeah, you all do," I said standing up and streching before turning to Justin on the floor.
hapter 298

There were so many people I had to hug. I literally went around the room and wished everyone well and good final show. I was finally down to Leighann, Brian, Nick, JC and Ilana (still missing) and Justin.I went over to Nick first so he could have his time with Kelli, without me."You better be good dork! If I found out you aren't I'll come and beat you. Have fun, I'm going to miss having your abnoxious self around to annoy me.""Ames, shut-up," he said and pulled me into a hug."Love ya boy.""I know, now I'm going to go pry your boy off my girl and I can say bye.""Jerk!" I said harshly. "See ya!""Love ya too, bye bye!"He went over and interupted whatever Justin and Lance were saying to Kelli, but I made my way over to Brian and Leighann."So you going to invite us to that house I half paid for right?" Brian asked."I'll give you a key if you want," I said and walked into his hug."Aww," Leighann said next to us."You come here too!" I said and we open the little hug and invited her in."I better hear from you, alot.""Yes big brother.""And I want to hear all about Justin and them.""Leighann, I want to hear about them from you for the next few weeks.""Oh yeah, I can seduce your man.""You do, and..""I'll kill you," Brian and I said in unison."Well, I guess it's not worth it.""Anyway, thanks guys. You know what I mean.""Yeah," Brian said. "I have to call my mom.""Love how that works, I say thanks and he think mom!""Well whatever," Leighann said. "Now go say good-bye to that dude over there!" "I'm taking her now," Nick said pulling on Kelli's hand."Alright," Lance said. "Bye Kelli Ann Scarlet!""Bye James Lance," Kelli replied."You better not kill my girlfriend," Justin teased."I won't if you don't kill my boyfriend.""Deal," Justin said and hugged her quickly, since her hand was still being held by Nick's."Bye!" she said and followed Nick."I'm going to miss them all," Kelli said resting her head on Nick's arm."I'm going to miss you," Nick replied."Really?" she asked in a squeaky voice."Yeah," he said and took a step to hold her.As he moved forward her hand ran around his stomach and she tickled him.Quickly he moved her hand, and tried to tickle her."No, no, tickling.""Not fair," Nick whinned.She quickly leaned in a brushed his lips."Okay so it is fair," he said and returned the kiss with one of more depth."I love you," Nick said pulling her body against his."I love you too!"
hapter 299

"So," I said rocking back and forth from my toe to heal as I looked up at Justin."So.. that is all you have to say?""Justin," I said glaring at him. "This isn't the easiest thing, and those what if things, are going to start going off in a second.""You mean like, what if he doesn't kiss me right now, what if he doesn't hold.""Cute," I said punching his arm."Well, that is what is going through my head, sooo.""So, I'm going to kiss you before you can say another word," I said pulling him around the bus and then I reached up so my lips could meet his.I sighed as he deepened the kiss and pulled me closer. We stood there kissing for awhile."Yo," AJ called. "We all need to leave now!""I guess you should go," I said breaking away and looking at him."You really think the will notice if I don't show up?""The girls who are there to see your smiling face will, Popstar!""But, I got a girl here.""Okay, enough," I said rolling my eyes."Get on the damm bus, sleep, and continue to put on the best shows you can.""Babygirl?" he said whinning."NOW!" I said and walked back around to the other side of the bus."You didn't swallow him did you?" AJ asked."Alexander James!""What?""Alright," I said looking around at everyone, as my eyes got watery. "Leave, before I get all weird.""Bye!" they all said climbing upon the bus."Bye," Justin said and quickly kissed me before he left. "Tomorrow, I'm calling you!""You better!" I said after him smiling."Ryan don't you?" Key asked."Nope, I'm staying at the Chasez's for a little while.""Oh," Key said nodding her head, with a sort of gleam in her eye.Nick finally left Kelli, and walked into the bus. There stood six of us, Ryan, Tyler, Sam, Key, Kelli, and me. I rolled over and looked at the clock the next morning or should I say afternoon. It was now working its way to one o'clock, but it felt so good to sleep in and not have to worry about being anywhere. Than again, I missed it miserably and it was only the first few hours. I slowly got up and trudged around my room, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do first. I figured a show would be a good thing to get me awake.After the ten minute shower I walked back into my room, and looked around. I needed to decide what I was going to take and leave behind when I left in two weeks.I had no clue where to start, so what did I do, I called Kelli."Hey," she said through the other line."What are we going to do?" I asked."How about you come help me pack up all my stuff, or at least start to?""It sounds better than doing looking at my walls.""Oh yeah, did you happen to see Key leave this morning, with Ryan?" she said as I walked around the room looking for my shoes and a pair of socks."Aww, no matter wha they say they are going to end up a couple. Or at least dates to everything.""I can guarentee that.""So, Im going to get something to eat, and I'll be right over," I said hanging up the phone. I picked up my cell phone, turned it on, placed it in my pocket and headed down the stairs.
hapter 300
MG - 300, and more is still to come, I'm crazy!

After a few hours of sorting out Kelli's room, I was ready to crawl back in bed, but then my hip started to shake and ring."Hello?" I asked picking up the phone."And how is my Babygirl doing.""I'm tired," I whinned, and smiled at Kelli nodding my head."You could be sleeping.""I was till almost one, and now I'm going through Kelli's things.""Turn on some music and just relax you have two weeks.""Justin, two weeks turns into hours very fast.""Yeah, well, as relax a little too.""I promise I will.""By the way, I'm going to kill Nick, ever since you said the name Kelli and he heard it.""Aww, he can be so sweet, at times.""Ames, he is driving me crazy.""Let me say hi!""Fine!""AMES!" Nick said. "Is Kelli there?""Maybe. One thing first, stop pestering my boyfriend, or I'm going to give him the right to kill you, and have Leighann annoying you to death.""Death than annoyance, I'll keep that in mind.""Now, would you quickly like to say hi to Kelli?""That would be ever so nice of my favorite best friend.""Hold on," I said. "Kelli, Nick would like to say hi."A small smile crept across her face at that sound."Hi," she sighed into the phone."Hi," Nick said, with a pestering Justin in the background. "I have to get off soon, since we are all busy, and Justin would like his phone back. Anyway, what you doing?""I'm going through all my stuff with Ames. I'm assuming you are all going through soundcheck.""Yep, and Britney is almost done, so they are going to call me away soon.""I miss you!" Kelli said."I miss you too," Nick said."IT HAS BEEN ONE DAY! THIS IS CRAZY! GIVE ME MY PHONE!" Justin could be heard."I guess you should give him his phone," Kelli said."Love you," Nick said."You too," Kelli responded.The phone was than given back to Justin."Hi Justin," Kelli said."Afternoon Kelli," Justin replied. "How are you?""Really good now.""I'm glad to be at phone service, now may I please talk to Ames again.""I thought that had only been one day and it was crazy?""Kelli," Justin complained. "Please give Ames her phone back.""Alright," Kelli said and threw me the phone, which landed on the floor."Sorry about that," I said picking it up."Anyone else you would like to talk to?" he asked."Well, there is Brian, Leighann, AJ, Chris, Britney, Lance,""Ames, I didn't ask that to get a answer.""I know. So don't you have to get working?""Yeah, alright," he sighed."I will talk to you later.""Promise.""Oh yeah, Ryan took Key out this morning.""And they don't like each other?""I know they do, anyway, get to work. Bye.""Bye," he said.I hung up the phone and shook my head at Kelli."I know," she nodded."A phone call makes a day."
hapter 301

The first week went by rather slow. I hardly saw my sister, I didn't want to have to pack, and I missed having something exciting to do each day. True, I did get together with all my cousins on my dads side of the famliy to go to the zoo, and the todders were so adorable. However watching some of my cousins walk hand in hand with their girl/boy friend was depressing. First I knew I could never walk freely in the zoo with Justin, but I also just plain missed all the guys.I did go and watch Kelli ride horses a few times. I do have to say she was good at it. One of the instructors, Linda, had her break in a few horses so the younger children could ride.Other than that, I sat at home. I watched MTV, talked to my mom alot, and did nothing. It was so relaxing, but I just missed all the commotion. Dear Journal,Two weeks is way too long of a time to be away from somebody you spent the whole summer with. And let me just say, except for two certian parts(hospital and brake-up) the summer was fun. I finally got cought up with my riding! Linda, my instructor, says she wants to go horse shopping with me and she let me teach the beginners how to ride. Justin would have fit right in. Lol, sorry Ames. Anyway, speaking of Justin, he would have flipped if he saw me on my third day back, I belive. Linda put me on a new horse that she's having me break in, and it bucked me off. Let's just say the ground became a friend of mine. Any way, beside riding, I've been hanging out here at home, traing my puppies, who have gotten huge. Hershey, my girl, is so calm, my mom says she reminds her of me. Licorace on the other hand, is hyper beyond belife, kinda like Nick. LoL. They are so cute though. I finished packing up the stuff I am taking down to the condo, no furniture though. Ames and I are planning on going shopping down there. My room feels so empty without it's usual stuff around. Ames and I have been talking on the phone a lot and she even came to see me ride, but other than that, we've been staying with our family, catching up on the summer. Oh uyea, my mom still doesn't like the tatoo, but she'll live she says. My dad is laughing still at my reaction to the use of my full Irish name. Kelli Ann Scarlett O'Hara. Ugh, I hate having to fill out forms with that name. And It's weird hearing people say it. Only my grandmother, who lives in Flordia, has ever called me that. Well, I have a bad case of writer's cramp, so I'll write soon.Love,Kelli <3
hapter 302

Hours of sleep, phone calls, family time, and complete boredom later, I found myself with a bunch of piles in my room and one day left. Kelli's stuff was packed and loaded into her car. Now, we were listening to the soft rock station and wrapping my memories in tissue paper. Tomorrow was all we had left, and then it was off to the big scary college with a million other people, and I couldn't brag about the best boyfriend in the world."Hey, you alive over there?""Sorry, just a little spacey," I said finishing wrapping one of my unicorns."What are you thinking about?" Kelli asked."College, people, and popstars.""You say it as a bad thing?""You know it is really hard not telling a single person about who we know and who we may be dating.""Of course it will be hard, but who ever said love was easy?"Love. Love was not a word Justin or I had ever expressed openingly towards each other. I knew my feelings, a love like no other, and I could assume his were the same, but Love was a creepy word."Okay, WAKE-UP!""I'm sorry.""You know you froze when I said love?""Yeah, sortof.""Doudting?""NO," I replied quickly. "Just thinking. You remember the night when you came into the room upon cloud nine and sighed all night, just because of those three words?" Kelli nodded."I can now see why. Don't get me wrong, I love him more than anything. I know it has really only been two months and everything, but just thinking about it," I said blushing, "gives me butterflies in my stomach.""I still get butterflies! Ames, if you loose those butterflies, sudden lose of breath, and weakening of the knees, does it actually mean anything?""When did you become so damm smart on this subject? Four months ago if I mentioned you would be so madly in love you would have laughed so hard and then probably cried all day.""Greg wasn't love.""I think he made you stronger. Really, hold up," I said stopping her interuption. "Kelli, he made you realize who you are. He made you not so trusting, not so nieve. Sure you lost some innosence, but can you honestly say that you could be so assured about Nick?""That is a what if I never want to know.""That is probably for the better," I said shaking my head."Anyway, back to the butterflies, you think Key has any?""Becoming Leighann?""Ames, she has gone out with him everyday. They are inseperable. If they don't have some butterflies, they need some help.""Yeah," I shurged. "I can not believe I waited till now to pack.""You know you were going to.""I know. What do you say we forget all this and just go out?""Sounds good to me!" We actually needed up going out with Sam. It wasn't too bad. Tyler apparently could not join us, but I knew they had something planned for the next day.The three of us walked around Bowie. We ate, we shopped, did the regular teenage girlie thing. We ended up at the mall in JCPenny, trying on clothing we knew we never would buy. After that Kelli and I ended up in my living room with Key and Ryan."So what did you all do TODAY?" I asked."Nothing really," Key said.I rolled my eyes and looked at Kelli."You know what, I'm going to bed now," I said."Tomorrow, I'll come over after I go to the horse farm," Kelli said."Alright, and be ready for whatever Tyler has up his sleaves," I said walking to the front door with her."I will be," she finished before whispering, "they are going to regret not giving in.""Nah, they have already given in, they just haven't completely accepted it. I'll you later.""Bye."
hapter 303

The next morning went by rather fast. I finished packing with my mom; she cried. Kelli came over around noon, we did nothing. Well, I consider watching a movie and munching on popcorn for about four hours nothing. Nick and Justin both called at the same time on their own phones. I said hello to Bri and Leighann, and then Tyler called.We both had just finished getting ready when Tyler showed up with Sam at his side. Ryan and Key happened to join us, and we were set off to who knew where."Mea-ma!" Key and I shouted as we realized where we were."Yeah," Sam said."Our grandmother loves theatre especially when it classic musicals," I said."Actually this is a series of songs, no story line. But they progress from Sinatra to Backstreet.""Sounds good to me," Kelli said as we walked inside.I was just glad I had decided to wear nice pants instead of jean shorts. "The food, did you taste that chocolate," Sam said as we walked out."Did you see them do the Beatles? Nice try but no," Kelli commented."RICKY MARTIN? RICKY MARTIN?" Key kept saying like she was in shock."I thought it was excellent, from their voices to dancing," Ryan said."It was great. It takes alot of work to do all that, and so they weren't perfect," I replied."If they were perfect then why go and watch it? It is theater!" Tyler said standing a little taller."Thank you Tyler, this was really nice. You know you could have let us pay though," I said."I could have, but who would that be my treat to you? Besides we have coupons.""I hope you don't tell Sam that.""Sam is to wrapped in the love for her chocolate at the moment to notice.""I am, am I?" Sam asked. "I guess the only way to determine that is to see if you have any lingering chocolate flavor.""Okay, you go figure that out," I said and turned to Ryan. "So, you coming with us tomorrow?""I have to, I have a flight back home from South Carolina.""And I suspect you don't want to?""I want to go, just not now.""Anything to do with a sister of mine.""Possibly," he said as we reached the car."I'll finish this later."After that we all gathered in Kelli's house for a change.
hapter 304

We all sat there watching Robin Hood - Prince of Theives. The last night, tomorrow, 8 o'clock we were leaving. The best part was I was bringing my best friend along with me. That was always something I wanted to happen. I guess throughout my whole life though, I didn't have a best friend. Yeah, Brian, Nick, the guys were my best friends, and my family I always knew would be there. Kelli was my true first best friend, and we were going away together. She was able to make me smile, make me cry, make me think, make me do whatever, and I could tell her anything. She was no Justin, but she was like another sister, and I wold have done anything for her. That alone brought a smile to my face and I wipped away the stray tear.The melody to (Everything I Do) I Do It For You, played in the background of the movie, and I realized, hell, I would even die for Kelli."Ames, you okay?" Ryan asked."Yeah," I said smiling."Thinking about Justin?" Sam asked."No, she's thinking mousse, M&M's, the beach, and the full moon," Kelli said.I laughed, "Well, yeah, sort of," I said, knowing Kelli had to do with each of the things listed.We all continued to watch the movie and it ended late. Tyler took Sam home, Kelli went to bed, Key went to bed, Ryan used out guest room, and I was talking to my mom at about three in the morning.I rubbed my eyes again, and looked over at the clock.My mom, who had already been through crying again was now recalling her days of high school and college. I sat there and listened as she went on and on and then on. But I loved it, it was my last night."That is how I passed that class. They were some good years, but nothing compared to the past 18."My eyes began to water again."You'll understand all this the second you hold your first baby.""MOM!" I said shaking my head."Sorry," she smiled. "So this Justin guy, he is nice. A like rough on the edges but a gentleman.""Yeah, he really is."She just looked at me, like I should say something more."Oh, you should have seen him with his brothers, Mom, it was amazing. He sat on the floor and played with trains. The way he was with Angel.""You really like him.""No, I hadn't noticed that. My stomach just does little flip flops and butterflies because I loose my breath.""Aww, my baby's in love.""Exactly.""And Brian and Leighann like him, good sign.""Mom," I whinned."You know you have to leave in five hours, we need to sleep."I nodded and walked up the stairs behnd her to bed. The morning seemed to be going all to quickly. The cars were packed, Kelli's dogs were ready, and Ryan was almost ready to leave."Well, I guess I got to be going now!" Ryan said to Key."No way! I thought you were going to stay here and work at the local gas station," Key teased."Thought about it.""Jerk, get the hell out of here!""So I'm a jerk, cool!"Key rolled her eyes and walked in the opposite direction."What are you too cool to hang out with jerks now?" Ryan said following her."We aren't going to leave on time are we?" Kelli asked."Not with the annoying people constantly flirting," I said, turning back to the car and sighing."It is cute though," Kelli said."Sorry, but I lost all the helpless romantic thing a few minutes ago.""Ames," Kelli whinned and laughed."What? RYAN LET'S GO!""Oh of course scream at him," Kelli said."He is driving, and I'm ready to go back to sleep.""Alright, I guess I need to go," Ryan finally said and walked toward us."We went through this already," Key said.I just rolled my eyes."Call me when you get there," my mom said before hugging me."If you need anything let us know," my dad said. "I love you.""Alright guys, before I cry, I love you all."Kelli stood with her parents as they wished her well. After hugging Key she got into the car and waited for me to finish saying good-bye so she could follow us.After about 15 minutes I turned and looked at Ryan.
hapter 305

"What?" he asked looking at me."Nothing," I said turning to look back out the window, and made sure Kelli was still following us."Okay, I have to ask you," I finally said. "You and Key?""Key and I. What abous us?""Ryan," I sighed. "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Spending countless hours with her, constantly flirting, and a possible magnet that is pulling your bodies together.""It isn't what you really think.""Oh really?""Ames, Key and I are just connected in a way like no other, we enjoy spendig time together. It doesn't go any farther than that.""And that is exactly what I told myself, and now look.""Ames, she is like 2 years younger than I am.""So?""That would...""That would what? Kelli is a year and half younger than Nick, Britney is three years younger than Lance. What is such the big deal.""How about I just tell you that I live in Canada, and just don't have the time?""I think that is your choice. So what should we listen to?""My choice, that so wasn't helpful.""Wha?""I wasn't expecting that. You were supposed to help me realize it is worth it and that I can do it and it should mean thw world to me.""I think you have it pretty much figured out there," I said smiling."It is a bad idea though. She sees guys everywhere and isn't going to want a guy who is never there.""You know you might be surprised.""What does that mean?""That means if you really want something the only you can do is try. Even though Key is the more..""Wild.""Sort of. I also think she wants someone. Not a typical guy who will open the door and buy her flowers either. She more wants a who likes sports, who is willing to get beaten in any game, someone who will take all her jokes and twist them and than someone she can just sit and talk to.""But how can I do all that?""Oh please, this is just rediculous now. How do you think anyone does it? Bri and Leighann, Kevin and Kristin, JC and Ilana, and on and on and on. If you want it bad enough it works out.""Reassuring yourself a little there?""Maybe.""Okay, so now what?""Convince her that she likes you just as much.""Good start."
hapter 306

After a few stops for gas, snacks, and changing drivers, we found ourselves about an hour away in a Burger King, ready to get back on the road."Let's go," Ryan insisted."We are coming! Jeeze," I exagerated."You sure you are going to have him ride with me?" Kelli asked."I thought you wanted to sleep?""I do.""You can't leave him with the dogs, alone!""I know!""So let's go, we have alot to do tonight," I said and walked to my car."Hey shortcake!" Ryan said taking her keys.She looked aver at me and rolled her eyes. I shurged in return. "So was it that bad?" I asked a yawning Kelli."Not really. We talked, I slept, ate some of the food.""So Ryan isn't that annoying.""He never was.""Sure whatever. Touch me and die," I said turning around to Ryan."Me never.""Let's go inside," Kelli said, pulling the dogs up the few stairs."Hey wait for me!" I called after her."Kelli I have yor key!"Ryan and I walked up the stairs both bringing soemthing from the car. He gave Kelli her keys and she opened the door letting the dogs run inside. The three of us followed inside, and walked up the stairs to the living area."OH MY GOD!" we heard half way up the stairs.Kelli stopped cold. Ryan kept walking, and I wanted to know if my head was telling the truth. "ALEXANDER JAMES McLEAN?""What?" Kelli said looking at me."AJ, he screams like that," I said continueing to cautisiouly walk."But they are on tour?""Doesn't mean he can't be here. They also have been off for the past three days.""They went home!""I don't know," I said looking around at what used to be a white house.The kithchen was blue and yellow, and you could see into the living area, where sat AJ on the floor with the dogs. Two plush couches and a chair sat around him with a blue, yellow, and pinkish, aray of colors spread over the fabric. Across from them was a complete entertainment system. There was a CD changer, VCR, radio, TV, shevles, some blank, some filled with small pictures. Above the couch directly across from that were three pictures in black and white. Beatles were in the middle, Elvis to the left and Sinatra to the right. On tha far wall, there were various pictures placed superactically. In the middle was a picture of the tour, of course without Kelli and I in it. Stevie Wonders, Richard Marx, Bryan Adams, Journey, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Ernie and Bert, Disney characters, Joel and John, Temptations, New Kids, Rolling Stones, Brian McKnight, Gene Kelly and Fred Astere, Judy Garland, the Rat Pack, Michael and Janet Jackson, Jackson Five, BeeGees, Boysz II Men, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, and Diana Ross and the Supremes."McLean, what is this?" I asked harshly."This is your house, your home, your life, Cole!""So why aren't you with your mom?""Because I had decorating to do. You should see downstairs."Kelli and I exchanged glances. "Down stairs?" I asked. "This is going to be bad isn't it?" Kelli asked.
hapter 307

We opened the first door. It wasn't that bad. Britney and Lance sat there, though. It was a simple room; bed, dresser, night stand. The room was cloudy blue color, the comforter had little flowers over it, and overall it had a country sort of feel to it."What is this?" Kelli asked. "Why are you all here?""That is a good question," I said looking at the two."Well," Lance began."We are all moving in!" Britney said."Shut-up," Lance said poking her. "It was a nice idea, now finish looking."Kelli and I walked out and went across the hall. Kevin and Howie had the next room. Red and purple, but pretty. It was royal looking, fit for kings and things. The next room was Brian and Leighann's - pure country feel, much like Brian's room at home. Blue, spiritual, soft, and so far the best room done. Maybe because it did remind me of Kentucky.Christina and Trip, poor people, did the bathroom. The walls were splashed with paint, minty green and blue. It looked like the sea. There was a border around the ceiling and it had little sea horses and shells on it, the draps for the shower matched. On the counter were little soups in the shape of shells.We than walked to the last room. Opened the door, Chris and Joey. You couldn't see a wall, or the ceiling. Covered completely in pictures of themselves, BSB, Britney and Christina."Oh my god, oh my god, look look, ahh," the two said in unison."Oh my god is right," I said looking at Kelli."Crazy!""Yeah," I said shaking my head."GO LOOK UP STAIRS!" Chris shouted."Well there are what four people left?" I said."Ilana, JC, Justin, and Nick.""Our rooms?" We ran back up the stairs where everyone was now spread across the floor in the living room.We stopped glanced at them and went down the hall and into the bathroom.Pink, purple, and blue. Roses and hearts, my type of thing. But only Ilana stood there.When she finally noticed my awkward stare, she pointed across the hall. "Laundry room," she simply said."JC did the laundry room?" I asked."Yep," she replied pointing.Kelli and I walked across the hall. JC sat there atop the dryer. It was a white room. Shelves were added to it, and a box of Snuggle was placed on it. In the corner there were two laundry baskets. Orielo's, Maryland's baseball team, was plastered on the border."I would have got you all a piano, but you know, it didn't quite fit and all," JC said."Well, in that case we will just make you come and do our laundry.""First you have to see the rooms. I know you all are anticipating it," he said and watched Kelli smile. "Then you all can see what we did to your storage area.""What?" I asked."You'll see, it was all my idea," he whispered."Yeah, Kelli lets go see what is up with our rooms," I said shaking my head."Sounds wonderful," she smiled, and turned to walk out the door.
hapter 308

My room was beside the laundry room, and Kelli was next to the bathroom. We turned and looked at each other, took a breath, and walked to the doors. "Wait!" I said and Kelli quickly turned around."What?""You look at that one, I'll look at this one first, that way we won't be wondering when the two freaks in there make us unconsicious.""Fine," Kelli said reluctantly.We walked across the hall."One, two, three," we said in unison and opened the doors.Kelli's room was amazing to say the least. It was perfectly her. Deep green, light blue, double bed, a simple music station, simple but elegant furniture, Beatles on the wall, and of course Nick."What?" Nick asked questionly."She is coming. I'm so glad to see you too.""Hi Ames," Nick sighed. "Think she'll like it?""I have no doubt. So who'd you talk to about it?""Mostly her parents, Key.""You called and planned this with her parents?""Yes!""Aww," I said. "Now I'm leaving, if this looks this good, my room is a dream." "Well, go find out. I want to see my girl anyway!"I left. Kelli and I paced each other in the hall. We didn't say one word, looked at each other, smiled, breathed, and both lost a beat of our hearts.I turned and watched her go inside. It wasn't even more then a second before I heard a gasp, and smiled to myself. I faced my door, and went inside."What is a freaky popstar doing in my room?""Hi," Justin smiled from a chair."Very nice," I said walking around. The walls were a pale pink. The shelves and furniture where white. There was a desk, dresser, nightstand, and bed. On the nightstand there was a clock and picture of my family. On the desk sat a picture of the tour group. A cloud patterned conforter was spread across the double bed. The most interesting and amazing part was the ceiling. It matched the bedspread, and you could also see the glow-in-the-dark stars for when the lights went off. "Well?" Justin asked."You think they have anti-popstar spray?" I said smiling."I couldn't imagine why someone would want that," he said and stood up."Maybe to keep themselves breathing, but that is only a suggestion."He stepped to the side, revealing a small little corner table, where two packages to M&M's sat."Yeah, I definatly think to keep them breathing," I said smiling and shaking head.
hapter 309

Dear Journal,Well, we are finally here. I'm now a college girl, who has a house. A very nice, well decorated house. My room is awesome. Pure baby blue and forest green! Nick obviously contacted my parents about what what I like because it's all perfect. Heck, I even have an exact replica of my stereo system from home. Pioneer 25 disc CD player, a JVC reciver with AM/FM radio, and a pair of Boston speakers. My walls are this really dusty baby blue and there's 3 framed Beatles posters hanging up. One is a blow up shot of the Abby Road cover, so close that you can read the car's license plates. Another is all the AMERICAN Beatles records from 1964 to 1970, and the last one is a black and white posed concert shot type. It's absolutely perfect as I keep saying. I checked my CD player, and the CDs are in the exact order I had them at home, down to every last detail. As you know very well Journal, I am very picky about how I organize my things. For the first time since I was about 8 I have a double bed with four posts to add a canopy. The sheets and dust ruffle are all baby blue and the comforter is a forest green, with a plaid pattern on the reverse side. My mattress and pillows are all cloud like, just the way I prefer them. Nick really did a marvelous job making the room feel like home, not a strange place where I don't belong. The only thing that would make my life heaven on earth would be to find a horse-farm and a horse for myself. Linda wants to go horse shopping with me too, so I'll defiantly have it made. I am still in shock at the fact that the whole tour took the time to do all this for us. My furniture is the only thing left to mention, right? Well, unlike my stuff at home in Maryland, it's small, and light looking, so it doesn't crowd the entire place. It's made of blonde wood, which is very pale, so my room looks brighter. My desk will hold my computer on the top and on a shelf my printers in reach. In the drawers, there's pleanty to writing and working supplies including blank journals with various horse designs in the covers. How sweet. Anyway, moving on. I have a nightstand which has a lamp, and a drawer and a little cubby in the bottom. My two dressers each have small lamps and 4 drawers each, so all my clothes will fit with them and all the closet space. This place is huge. I should go, I need to unpack, and I think the guys are talking about going out somewhere. Love,Kelli "So," Kelli asked walking into my room which was now filled with boxes."So, this is crazy, we have a house, a house, oh my God!" I said before we both looked at each and jumped. I screamed."Have you began to unpack anything?" I asked."They brought all the boxes in my room for me," Kelli said in a high voice."So how much did you write?""Enough. What is this about going out tonight though?""That is something I have heard but have no idea, I think AJ was behind it all.""That is always a postive thing. We may end up who knows where.""Kelli! He can be cool sometimes too. Yeah, he likes to drink, have fun, and party, but who knows we could end up in a cinema watching Guys and Dolls.""True, so what do you think we will be doing?""He's still AJ so don't get your hopes up."
hapter 310

I laid there on the bed staring at the ceiling. Really I should have been unpacking, but it was six and it was such a long car ride, and then the surprise, and I unpacking the cars. Boxes were around me, people were in everyroom, and I was alone in my solitare. Well, until..."Hershey, no, girl get off," I said to the dog thsat had just pounced on my stomach. "NO!"I took her collar and lead her into the hallway. "Now you stay out here," I scolded while she looked up at me with such a frown. "KELLI!""WHAT!" she shouted back"Hershey!""Come here," she called, "you are usually the calm one."This was going to be crazy, I thought to myself and went back in the room. Two grown puppies in a new place, scary."So you ready to be pampered?" Leighann asked from the door frame."I don't know," I said questionly."Yeah you do!" By seven Kelli and I had been showered, had our hair done, our make-up done and were now being sent to Britney."Yes, my turn, you have two minutes to change!" she said."Into what?" Kelli asked."Boys!" Britney replied clapping her hands together."Wait and see what you are stuck wearing," Howie said walking by."Oh shut-up they will love it," Britney said. "BOYS!" she said and clapped her hands again. "Let's go!"Justin and Nick followed Britney on either side. It was scary, as if they were her bodyguards and personal assisants."I wonder how long they practiced that?" I whispered to Kelli.The three reached the end of the hall and abrutly turned around."Boys," Britney said pointing to the sides and the quickly went into the rooms."This is the best part, being in control."The two returned both with a bag in hand."Nick!""Let me just tell you this is much better then what they had picked. Short skirt, strapless top, high high heels," Nick said."WHAT?" Kelli asked."Well, not that I would't mind, nevermind," Nick stopped himself and began to unzip the bag. I might add he did this very very slowly.Inside there was a small blue top that had a tie that went around the neck. On the front Princess was written in pink glitter. There were short black shorts covered in glitter, and a silver belt hung from the hanger. At the bottom was a pair of simple white sneakers, and socks that would show off her ankles."Cute?" Britney said. "Good go change! Justin!""A little pushy there Brit Brit!""Juju, you better shut-up or I'm going to tell every detail of what you actually think shopping for a girl means.""What?" I asked."Nothing," Britney said. "Justin go!""Well first," Justin began opening the top. "A cute blouse that is cute.""We didn't rehearse this," Britney said. "Justin that is stupid, just give it to her!""Fine!" he said and opened the rest of the bag.The top was interesting to say the least. It was silver, shinny, but cute. The bottom was even weirder. A balck skirt that went down to the ankle but had slits to the top of the hip, and then shorts underneath it. It wasn't something I would have ever picked, and it really only made me even more apprehensive of where we were going."Shoes?" I asked. "The heel things you wore during our concert!" Britney said. "Now go change, and Kelli I told you that already.""Good luck," Kelli said she went into the room and I turned to go into the other. I turned to shut the door, but no, didn't work."For me to change you actually have to get out of the door frame.""You have another outfit in there," Justin said."What?""Just in case, you know this one if a little weird.""This is cute, different but cute.""Well you can wear the other one in the future.""Okay, can I at least see it?""Open the closet.""Okay," I said and walked over to it and opened the door.Inside was a short soft blue skirt with little flowers on it, and a matching top, with small pink heels."Aww." "I thought it was more you!""It is, thanks!""Now change.""I would but you have to leave!"
hapter 311

"Well I guess we can leave now," I said as Kelli walked into my room."Guess so!" she said twisting the ring on her finger, while I just stared intently at it."What?" she asked."Nothing.""Ames!""Fine, I was thinking about how happy you and Nick are, and well.. being jealous.""Jealous? Why?""Just look at you two!""Look at you and Justin.""I love Justin, but..""Oh god, here we go again, what if what if what if.""Kelli," I sighed. "You guys found a song in one night, you say I love you at any moment, and it has been a little longer than three months.""Actually, two months, three weeks, and.. um.. 4 days.""But you have known him longer.""Summer love's are usually just a fling.""Damn girl," she said with a little more attitude then usual. "You are always trying to look into other romances and are willing to make them perfect, and you can't see what you even have. So what, you haven't found the perfect song, to me your trying to hard. The ring, it is just a reminder that sits on your finger. Just a symbol! And then what happened to the whole more than words theory. Look at it, if you can't see it, you are dead blind. To even catergorize it with a summer fling makes you out of your mind. And futhermore, you love him.""I know, but what if he..""God, no! He knows, you know, if it means that much say it!""That is a big step, and perfection. You don't just go saying I love you, if you aren't ready for it!""AMES!" "I know, I ponder and worry to much. But..""But nothing, we are leaving!" She said pulling my hand and pulling the door open.Justin, hand raised to knock, was right there. I looked at her, she at me, Justin at us."Um, ready?" he asked. "Oh my god," I said walking through the doors in my rather interesting outfit. "This is only a AJ thing.""What the?" Kelli looked around."Oh man this is so the best!" Chris said walking in."Oh man is right, I'm going to kill AJ!" I said."Well," the little devil himself said."Well, this is the weirdest night of like. I look crazy, and now I'm in some bar where old drunken men like to get up and try to sing.""What you don't like.""All I have to say is I ain't singing!""Sure, uh huh, yeah, okay," he said looking around the room."AJ, there are people here!""You did that whole show a month ago.""We spent hours on that!""And this you just get up and sing the words that are on the screen.""No!" I said and he still looked at me. "NO!""I hate you!" he said and walked away."Poor little me! He is psycho!""Oh, come on you love it!" Leighann said."Oh shut-up. I didn't ask you!""Did you see Nick's face, by the way?""Why?" I asked suddenly interested."Complete shock and all he did was look at her," Leighann laughed."He'll get over the shock! And who knows surprises could be around the corner!"
hapter 312

An hour and four cokes later, I was running around in circles watching whoever got up to sing. Surprisingly enough, Kelli and I had stayed behind the scenes and pretty much everyone else had something to add to some song. No one was off the deep end with the alcohol yet either, infact I think the only people with a drink were Kevin, Joey, JC, and Ilana, and they were mixed drinks. That was when I found myself being dragged across the floor to the stage with AJ's hand in mine. "NO!" I said reluctantly."Yep, we are so going to do this!""Alexander James McLean!""Ouch the full name Ami Elizabeth Cole! Now look, that guys song is almost over, and please just humour this once. Please please please please please. I love you.""Dammit, I hare you!" I said slowly giving in to the inevitable truth that it would be fun and I had no way of getting out of it.I looked around the room, all eyes now seemed to be looking at me. Eyes of strangers, people I didn't know, watching me, my stomach rolled. I took a deep breathe and looked at Justin. He just smiled and nodded, before turning back to Lance."You know I go first.""Yeah sure," I said completely out of it.The song began, AJ sung, I glared at the blue screen the white words, nothing. Nothing happend. Missed the first line."Met a girl crazy for me," AJ sang and poked my side awaking me from my tranze."Met a boy cute as can be," I sang softly with a cough.The chorus was next, so it wasn't bad. The next thing I knew, Leighann and Brian where up there singing the back-up, and then Howie, and Chris, and Britney, and Christina. It made it much easier from there on out to continue singing the rest of the song, knowing I had more people with me. The song ended, "Summer dreams, ripped at the seams, but, ah, oh those summer night!" we all sang.I moved to go sit down before I realized that Britney, Leighann, and Christina were holding me back."Guys!" I pleaded"Now that you are up here, your going to at least sing this song. Kelli is too!""What," I said looking stunned at Britney."She agreed to it."Kelli was walking towards us. Why, and what we were going to sing were still puzzling me."Ready?" she said as he approached us."Are you?" I asked."Yep!""Let's do it then," Christina said."What are we even singing?" I asked."Our song!" Britney and Kelli said in unison.I still had no idea.
hapter 313

Our song kept running through my head. Our song, what was our song? What had we done to have a song? The concert had so many songs, what had we done?"I can't get noooo, Satisfaction," Britney began in a seductive voice."Oh my god, you are kidding me!""I CAN'T GET NO, SATISFACTION!" Kelli, Britney, and Christina belted.I shook my head, and started to softly sing. They were crazy, and Kelli got into it. Sure at first she was reluctantly and levels softer then the other two, but once the song got going so did she. I had never seen her so open, maybe it was the caffine, maybe Joey slipped her something, who knows. She was dancing, singing, and it was as if she was in her room with no one around. "NO NO NO, HEY HEY HEY HEY, THAT'S WHAT I SAY!" we sang as the song was coming to an end. Really by the end of the song, I had found that I was also getting into it. "So that is our song now? Satisfaction?" I asked."You better believe it!" Britney shouted."Well, I got my satisfaction!""So do I!" Kelli said and blushed."Oh shut-up!" Britney whinned. "Eww," I teased."What?" she asked. "It is our pump up get together girl song!"Christina, Kelli, and I looked at each other, shook our heads and left Britney."Craziness!" Christina said.I just nodded. It was now rolling onto one in the morning and we were all still partying hard.Dancing, singing, and just having a good time. So far the only other highlight was when Nick sang to Kelli. It was cute, perfect, and she cried. She did remain hyper however, I believe at one point Chris asked AJ if he spiked her drink. Nothing of the sort. I guess it was just her time.Her time indeed! No she didn't get up and do a solo dance or anything, well at least not like that.AJ, being the ever so nice hyper singer he tends to be, decided to sing Pat Benetar's 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot.' Kelli and AJ had never been two that hit it off on the best note, sure they got along, but they weren't the usual pair and were known for some arguments cause AJ liked to torment anyone. So this moment was way out the loop hole we were all used to."What is she doing?" Nick asked nudging my side."Having fun," I shurgged looking at the girl."And no one gave her anything?" Ryan asked."I swear it!" I promised."Hit me with your best shot!" AJ bolted and sang directly to Kelli."Nick lost his girl, huh?" Justin said behind me."Oh shut-up!" I said hitting him back."Wha?" he shrugged.I just rolled my eyes and turned back to Kelli. She was living it up, and enjoying every moment she could."Fire AWAY!" AJ and Kelli sang. He took her hand, at first she glared at it, but quickly accepted the unspoken offer. He spun her around a few times, while they sang together."Nicholas!" AJ manged to say as the song came to an end."Yeah, go rescue her," Ryan said."Guys!" I shook my head.Nick walked up as AJ spun Kelli to him. "It is your turn!" AJ said and left.Nick just looked a everyone and then down at Kelli."Having fun?"She looked up at him and sighed, "Yeah," and then rested into his embrace."So what are we going to sing?" he asked."I don't know," she replied."I do," he said and then whispered something to her."AMES!" they both shouted."No, guys, no," I said shaking my head."Go," Justin said and pushed my back."Justin," I squealed."Come on, enjoy it."I found myself yet again, reluctently walking up to them.
hapter 314

"I need some liquor," I said as I reached them."You do not!" Nick said."I'm Bryan.""What?" I asked looking at Kelli."Yeah, that ain't fair, I wanna be him.""HELLO!" I said as the two of them went on."Fine you can be Bryan, if I can be Sting," Nick said."That leaves Ames with Rod!""What?""ALL FOR LOVE!" the said in unison."It is our song!" Kelli said."The three of us have a song now?" I asked."Why not?" Nick asked."I don't know," I said shaking my head.Kelli began the song, perfectly! I do have to say, it was fun, alot of fun. There I was, with my two best friends, singing. We weren't just singing a song though, it was THE song. "I'll be there when you need me," Kelli and I sang together. If that line didn't say it all for us, I don't know what else could. "It's all for one, and all for love," we sang. By the end, I didn't care who the hell was watching, I was jumping, dancing, and for the first time that night totally giving in to myself. It was perfect, a new song I would cry to everytime I heard it."I'm thirsty," Kelli said as the song ended."Great ending there!" I said and looked at her."I love you," she said and hugged Nick, who also was hugging me."I love you guys too," Nick said. "Now lets get you a drink.Sorrowfully, all I could was smile. For some reason it was just uplifting, and I smiled."See I told you it'd be fun," Justin said."Thanks," I said and kissed his cheek."So not what I expected," Ryan said."What he was right and I loved it!"Justin just stuck his tongue out."So what are we going to sing?" Ryan asked."Nothing, did you call Key?""Not yet!""Call Key?" Justin asked."Shut-up!" Ryan said. "I'm leaving now!" Another hour past and no one ready to leave. It was like our last night, I don't think anyone wanted it to end. Most of the other people who we didn't know had left, only the few heavy drinkers, and the owners family."You know something?" Justin asked."Actually I know alot of somethings.""Haha, so cute! I think I'll go away now.""Oh, come back here, I'm sorry. Now what did you want to say?""All I was going to do was ask if you wanted to dance.""Then ask!"He sighed and finally gave in."Would you like to dance?" "Still the best pick up line.""Ames!" he whined."I would love to dance."That was until some psycho song came on. I had no clue what it was, didn't want to know, but you couldn't dance to it."Well, that was great timing!" Justin sighed."The poor popstar!" I teased. "There are M&M's outside in the machine.""We so need to find a better solution to problems.""What M&M's aren't good enough?""I didn't say that, they just..""They just may lead to something unexpected," I winked."Alright let's get some M&M's!" "Lucky guess," Ryan said into the phone. "Of course I miss you. - Where are we? We are at a karaoke bar. -Yep, Ames even sang. - With AJ and Nick and Kelli. - It is always more fun with you here. - Key you know how much fun last week was? - Yes, I enjoyed every moment too. - Can I ask you something? - Um, I, um, well - Yeah it is hard to ask, sorry!""That is so cute," I whispered to Justin."So how'd you get him to admit it.""A long car ride can do wonders.""I noticed. He sounds so nervous though. He should just say it.""So easy huh?""Yeah.""You didn't seem to think so a few months ago.""That was different.""How?""Can we just get the M&M's?""You know you're cute!""Hey Ames!" Ryan called."Yes?" I asked turning to him."I have a girlfriend.""Aww," Justin teased."Aww, your butt!" Ryan snarled. "Thanks!""Your welcome!" I smiled.
hapter 315

Ryan went back inside, smiling, asif the world had just been given to him on a gold platter. Don't know what he really saw in my sister, but they were happy, and that was all that mattered."Hey smilely," Christina said."Hi!" Ryan said."You okay?" Britney asked."Brit, I'm in heaven!""Talked to Key?" Lance asked."Possibly!" Now with M&M's in hand, Justin and I stood there against the wall in the summer night heat."Melts in your mouth not in your hand!" Justin said and threw one into his mouth."Really?""We eat them too fast to find out," he said and threw towards me but hit the wall."Nice shot! I thought we were actually getting good at this too.""Two weeks out of practice here!""Oh, I'm so sorry I forgot," I said rolling my eyes.I sighed, and put my head against the wall looking up at the sky. It was one beautiful night. The sky was black with different shades of blue. The moon was small, the stars were sparkling, and everything was still. The music could be heard softly through the walls and door, and it was a very peaceful moment."Beautiful isn't it?""Breathless.""Perfect?""Beyond belief.""So, may I dance with you?""But the music?""You have your own music.""In a minute you are going to have me floating," I said placing my hands into his.We danced, it was that simple. No one watching, no disturbances, and any other sound around was completely forgotten. It was the perfect moment! Now was the perfect time! Yet, nothing was said.
hapter 316

Then as I laid my head against his shoulder, as if on cue, a familar tune began to play. A tune that seemed to fit the scene perfectly. A tune that should be ours, a tune that we hadn't even thought of to be ours. Yet, a tune that we had danced to many times before."I swear by the moon and the stars in the sky and I swear like the shadow that's by your side," it began."I see the questions in your eyeI know what's weighing on your mindYou can be sure I know my heartCause I stand beside you through the yearsYou'll only cry those happy tearsAnd I'll make mistakesI'll never break you heart," Justin sang along softly."And I swear by the moon and stars in the skyI'll be thereI swear like the shadow that's by your sideI'll be therefor better or worsetill death do us partI'll love you with every beat of our heartI swear""I'll give you everything I canI'll build your dreams with these two handsWe'll hang some memories on the wallsAnd when just the two of us are thereyou won't have to ask if I still carecause as the time turns the pagemy love won't age at all""I swear by the moon and the stars in the skyI'll be thereI swear like the shadow that's by your sideI'll be therefor better or worsetill death do us partI'll love you with every beat of my heartI swear"The song ended, I looked up to meet the perfect blue eyes."So, I guess that is it?" he asked."What?" I asked a little confused."Our song. Don't you remember way back in June..""The first dance, yeah, I remember.""So was this perfect enough?""This whole summer was perfect enough, everything!""No, I mean this exact moment? You were saying it had to be perfect earlier."So I guess he did over hear what Kelli and I were talking about, but why give in so easily."For what?""For this," he said a quickly brushed my lips with his. "Ames, I love you."Tears, yes, that would be me, tears. I did mange to kiss him back."Well?" he finally asked."Damn you!" I said leaning into him. "I love you so much, and oh my god!" He slowly pushed me away, and smiled."Catch!" he said and threw an M&M straight into my mouth. "I guess all you need is love!"
hapter 317

"I think Kelli might agree with you there!" I smiled still in a flustered dazey dream."I think Kelli has her own things to agree with," he said and pulled my hand."What, wait where are we going?""To dance amoung the clouds and stars!""Cute," I said shaking my head. "Now come on?""To sit down over there, Babygirl.""You know I've grown to like that Popstar!""Well, I've grown to love you," he said and brushed his lips to mine and we sat. "Nickolas, um, what wait, hold on," Kelli protested as Nick tried to pull her somewhere. "Could you at least tell me where we are going.""To go break up the party outside.""Nickolas!" Kelli complained, "You would kill them if they did that.""I haven't yet, besides it is beautiful out there, and I want to see my shinning star amoung the stars.""No, let them have their moment! Please, we have all night to see the stars.""Princess, I love you, but sometimes," he said and picked her up."Nickolas, put me down," she said as she was carried outside. "This is not fair, put me down!""I love you!""I'm going to kill you!""I love you!""Then put me down!""Having fun?" Justin asked from the startle."Yeah!" Nick said. "It is kind of fun when you can actually sweep them off their feet.""I don't think she was swept, more like picked up withoput her consent," I said."Ames, make him put me dowm," Kelli whinned."The secret is tickling!" I said and poked his stomach, and he pratically dropped Kelli onto Justin."Hi," she smiled. "I promise I protested this whole thing.""It's okay," I smiled."See," Nick said sticking out his tongue. "So I say we join them and look at the shinning stars!""I say you step back," Kelli said folding her arms across her chest."Ouch man," Justin laughed."Princess, I love you," Nick pouted."Yeah, come on Kelli, he loves you," I said, still happily and high."Fine," she said and walked into his embrasive arms."I say we dance again!" Justin said, taking my hand and humming a tune he made up. Kelli and Nick joined in, also. "When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie that's amoreWhen the world seems to shine like you've had too much winebells will ring ting a ling a ling and you'll sing vie ta bellahearts who play tipey tipey tay tipey tipey tay like a gay taranellawhen the stars makes you swoon like a pasta fazoo that amorewhen you dance down the street with the clouds at your feet your in lovewhen walk in dream but you know your not dreaming seniorecusea me but you see back in old Napli that amore"AJ sang the familar Dean Martin song as he came through the doors."Lovely evening lovers!""You better believe it," I said."I think we are all unfortunatly ready to go since it is about 4 or so!""Sounds good to me," Kelli yawned."I can't complain, there," I agreed.
hapter 318

I stumbled into my room. Boxes lined the far wall, but the stars upon the ceiling shinned and it was beautiful.I turned the lights on and squinted at the pain. Then a pair of hands wrapped around my waist and head rested on my shoulder."Wait, who said you were sleeping in here!?" I said and turned around in his embrace. "Please Babygirl," he pouted."Fine, if you let Kelli and I talk for a least a few minutes.""I guess I can wait.""Actually why don't you go tell her to come over her and change and you and Nick can do whatever in her room.""Will it make it go any faster?""Justin!" I glarred."I'm going!" he said and left.Kelli waled in pajama's in hand."Hi," she sighed and yawned."Hi," I smiled."What's with the huuuh, sigh, ohh, thing?" she questioned.I smiled."Wait, I know it now," she smiled. "And you said I was bad about those three little words!""That change your life forever, and give you this amazing flying, flipping, spinning, perfect fulfillment inside!""So that is what you guys were doing out there!""Kelli, it was perfect. And yes, don't ask he did hear us. But we started dancing to the music only we heard. 'I Swear' began, yes, it is our song now. It was perfect timing. The night's air was perfect, the stars and moon were perfect, the M&M's were perfect. He was perfect. I cried!""Nothing new!" she said tieing the draw string around her waist."I was floating, I'm still floating, I could float forever. I could talk about it forever. I'm not even tierd, I'm just happy. I feel like a freak now.""Freak? You are, but not because your in love, just because you are.""Thanks so much!" I smiled."Will you change already!"I hadn't made much progress in that aspect, I was to high to even remember that was what we were supposed to be doing at the moment."Yeah," I said and pulled the shirt over my head to place it with another."Do you even know how lucky me are?" she asked me."We have a house, we are in college, we have a future, we have great friends and family, and the best boyfriends the world could ask for.""The best! It is hard though!""To love them?""No, to not see them everyday!""But the love pulls you through. Trust me, I have been Brian's friend forever, and Nick's really best friend other then the guys and his family since he was 13. That love, which for you is so much more than mine, will last if you truly want it too. I promise and have no doubt!""How many people would like to just touch us right now?""Millions!""And non of them no the true beauty this guys hold, without the music, dance moves, and bodies.""I bet some of them can just imagine though, and that is why there are so many die hard fans who would give anything to even sit in the worse seat at the stadium just to have a glimpse of them.""I just wonder if Paul is this perfect?""Kelli?!""What, he was my first crush, and I can easilly say I'm his biggest fan of our generation.""True, but you have a guy across the hall, who you know is perfect!"She turned the ring on her finger and smiled."Yeah, you know it!" I smiled."So shall we go and get these guys so we can dream in their embrace.""Like that idea," I said and we crossed the hall into her room.
hapter 319

Everyone else was spread around the house. Lance and Britney in their room, Leighann and Brian in theirs, Kevin and Howie had let JC and Ilana use their room leaving them on the biggest pull out couch, Chris and Joey tried to give their room up but Christina and Trip had no desire to sleep in it. They were on the small pull out sofa, and AJ had the chair with reclined. Ryan was still in his own world. I'm not even sure if he slept that night, but if he did, I assume it was with a phone to his ear somewhere on the floor.Kelli and I had made it across the hall and opened the door to where our guys were supposed to be waiting. I guess we took a little too long to get ready, cause Nick was curled on the bed asleep and Justin had a pillow on the floor which he was sleeping on."Aww," I whispered."They are so cute.""Perfection," I smiled."I don't want to wake them," Kelli whispered."I know, what if I just get a blanket and come in here?""On the floor?""I'm not going to leave him cold and alone, and I can't wake a sleeping angel.""Whatever," she smiled. "It's fine with me!""To bad, my guy didn't fall asleep on the bed!""I would have woke that little angel up then.""I'll be right back."Kelli slowly lowered the comforter on her bed to crawl next to Nick and get comfortable. I pulled the comforter and a pillow off my bed and hurried back. I laid the blanket over his body, smiled at Kelli, turned off the light and then curled by body on the floor next to Justin."Sweet dreams Kelli!""Sweet dream to you too.""100% guarentee!" I rolled over and yawned. It was eleven fifteen, and the house was silent. I kissed my little beauty on the cheek and walked into the bathroom, where I brushed my teeth, combed my hair, and went potty. I went into the kitchen and started a pot of coffee, which smelled delightful. I was the first one up. Working my way to see what we had in the way of food, I decided to make pancakes, especially since it is the only big breakfast food Kelli eats."Oh man, can I come and live here forever," JC said walking up the stairs."If you truly must. I can't say you'll enjoy it at all times. Early mornings, plain bread for breakfast, late night papers, all that college stuff. But you are certainly welcome to stay whenever and for as long as you like.""Let me just say, I love you Marx, and this coffee is amazing!""Thanks," I said shaking my head."You could go into a bed and breakfast business.""I'll think about it as I work on getting my teaching degree.""Oh that's right, you'll be better at that. The way you played with Jonathan. I've never seen him warm up so easily.""Thanks again. So is anyone else awake anywhere?""Not that I know of, we were out late, and it is our last day off.""I'm glad I have at least one other morning person with me. Usually Kev would be up, but I guess not!"
hapter 320

"Well, I'm going to go take a shower before a mob of people bombard it, and then I'm coming back here to savor every bite of that delightful smelling food!" JC said and took his cup of coffee with him.I poured another spoonful of batter into the pan, and then walked over to a cabinit to get out some plates. A pair of hands circled my waist and lips touched the back of neck."Jesus, don't do that! I could have broken the plates.""Morning beautiful!" Justin said."You know I hate you sometimes.""Yeah, I do. This looks good.""Pancakes usually are good!""Not the pancakes!""Justin, shut-up!""You know how perfeect this is? Wake-up next to my babygirl. Yes, I was awake. Then I come out and find that she is cooking, and is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.""Yeah, sure thing suuck-up!""No, I mean it. You are shinning with beauty.""Justin, I have powder on me, batter on me, in my pajama's, my hair is a mess, and I look like crap.""You look like amazing. Radiant at that.""And they said I was too high on love," I said rolling my eyes."And that is a bad thing?" he said coming closer to me."Certainly not in my world," I smiled."Good," he said placing his lips on mine, and his arms around my waist.Instinctively I wrapped my arms around his neck, twisting his curls between my fingers. There we were, in the kitchen, in pajama, looking a mess, kissing, and completely wrapped up in each other and our love."Wait, the pancakes!" I said pulling back, while he groaned. "Sorry but they will burn.""Let it burn!""Justin, please," I said and pulled away."Ames, please!" he pouted."I love you," I smiled.He sighed, "I know." Nick moved and smiled when he opened his eyes and saw Kelli lieing beside him. He kissed the top of her head, her nose, and her lips before he laid back and just looked at her. It was something he couldn't explain, but at that moment he had never been more at peace. He loved her like no other. He couldn't imagine why someone like her would have fallen for someone like him, but he wasn't about to make any changes for the world. In his mind, she was everything he had been looking for, she made him feel complete. If he wasn't so young, he was sure he would have proposed already. Proposed, he rethought, and shook his head. It wasn't something he could even ponder over. They were both young, and not ready. They still had alot of growing to do before marriage. "Stop," he said aloud, shaking his mind from the thought. Another five years, if they lasted that long, which he knew they would, then they would be married. All he wanted right now was to love her forever, and then for her to wake up. He let his lips linger on hers for a few seconds, before he pulled back this time. He pushed her hair behind her ear, and wrapped his arm around her waist.Her eyes slowly opened and she smiled when she looked into his eyes. "Good-morning Princess," he whispered."Hi," she said and moved closer to his warm body."I love you.""I love you too," she smiled and closed her eyes again."Kelli, I love you. I can't even begin to think why you would love me, I really just don't understand how someone as pretty, loving, and perfect as you are could see anything in someone like me. I have nothing to offer like you do.""Nick," Kelli whispered."Yes?" He aseked.She tilted her head, and pushed her lips against his. "I love you because you are you. I don't want, don't need anything but you and your love. I love you because you love me, and you fulfill me, you perfect me, and give me something no one else can.""Kelli, I have nothing now, if I don't have you. You, you're just you, and I need you.""I need you too.""But..""Nick, shut-up!" she said and kissed him again before putting her head onto his chest. "I love you, and that is all that matters.""I love you too!"
hapter 321

Everyone was slowly waking up and coming into the kitchen. The pancakes, which were once stacks high, quickly began to diminish. It was around tweleve thirty when everyone was up and walking around, all except the missing Ryan.The bathrooms were crazy, two just didn't cut it. While many of them were fighting over who was going first, Justin and I cleaned up the dishes. I couldn't understand it, but for some reason, three words could change a relationship like nothing I had ever seen. We were silent, and cleaning, but it felt so good to just be.Finally the kitchen was clean, and the bathroom upstairs was empty. I took a set of clothes and a towel in with me. The water was warm, not hot, but at least not freezing.I had the shampoo in my hair when there was a knock on the door."Yes?""Thought it was you," Brian said and walked into the bathroom."Hi, and yeah, I'm not exactly five anymore, this is kind of weird with you in the bathroom.""Ames, the last time we shared a bathroom was last summer, get over it. Besides, I just wanted to shave, and Britney, Christina, Leighann, and Ilana are all in the bathroom downstairs.""Poor thing, fine," I sighed."So what went down last night? You were a little spacey.""Brian, thanks. I just had the best night of life.""Meaning?""Have you ever asked Leighann what the best night of her life was?""No, not really.""Three years ago, you two had been sitting in the pool after a show, I forget where, sorry. It was silent, peaceful, and just the two of you. She sat beside you and rested her head against your shoulder, and you hummed her favorite tune. She apparently snuggled closer to you, and when you finished the song, you turned to look at her, gave her a quick kiss, and said I love you. A tear which seemed to be hotter then the water ran down her cheek. She kissed you back, and replied I love you before she splashed you with water.""That was a wonderful night. Changed my life forever. Wait, hold on, are you saying that..""Yes.""My child is growing up.""Brian, I don't need the mom, dad, big brother thing.""Fine," he said and then there was a moment of silence."Brian," I said and turned off the water, and grabbed the towel from the hook outside the curtain. "Did your stomach hurt, your head swell, your chest beat, and your mouth in a constant smile?""That is the best part about it all, it never goes away."I thought about it. "I never want it to away!""So I guess you really are in love. The poor crush on me eleven years ago finally ended.""Haha, so cute. And yes, I do like to think I am in love, you know what, I don't think it, I know it!" I said and took the clothes that were sitting on top of the toilet."Hey and Brian?" I asked."Yeah?""I love you, thanks!""Ames, I'll always love ya, you my little sister, sort of, and no matter what I'm here.""I know. Thanks!""Anytime." "Licorace, Hershey, who ever you are, get down!" AJ said as Licorace jumped up and down begging."AJ, that would be Licorace," Christina said."Make him stop!""Heavens, come here," Christina said and Licorace almost knocked her over."So, now that everyone is up, wait where is Ryan?" I asked."Last I saw he was on the phone," Howie said."He isn't going to have any money by the end of the week if he keeps that up. Anyway, what are we doing till..""Seven when we have to leave," Joey added."I know this little place about fifteen minutes away, and the dogs would really love it there too!" Nick said."Sounds good to me!" Ilana answered."Let's go to the beach!"
hapter 322

We all went to the beach, dogs included. Of course, I drove the little beasts, well at least was in the car with them as Justin drove. How we ended up with them, is still confusing to me.It was a beautiful day. The ocean was nice, steady waves, warm water, and well my guy in a bathing suit.Ryan did get off the phone. My poor mother was probably wondering what was going on, I was always the one with a attached to the end of my arm.However, my trip to the beach was short lived. While I was having the best time, I wanted to have some sort of meal done before they all left, and I had a house to unpack. Well, I was accompained back, by no other than the best man, and that isn't Brian.Actually the first thing we did, or I guess I did was quickly go through a grocery store. Justin had to stay in the car for obvisious reasons.After that we went back to the house, and started to get things together."Marshmallow fluff? What do we need that for?" Justin asked."For Kelli, and her obessive cravings.""For marshmallow fluff?""Don't ask me, I can't stand the stuff unless it is in fudge.""Alright then. So what do you plan on making?""Well, to keep it simple, pasta, my style.""Your style? I thought I set the style around here.""I think you would be better off setting the table, thank you!""Thank you," he smirked in a minicking way."Boy!""Babygirl," he smiled.For the next half hour I mixed basil, oregano, thyme, mint, tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and garlic all into a sauce pan, while meat was being cooked. As the herbs simmered, the meat turned brown, and I put them into the same pot. I then added the tomatoe sauce, cinnomen, and sugar."Smells good?""We are not going into that again!""No this time I mean the food actually smells good.""Good, why not find a pot or something, Nick had to have one, and start boiling water.""As you wish, princess," he bowed."You better believe you are going to obey my every command, I have you wrapped so tightly around my finger, you can't even think of not doing it.""Oh is that so?""Um, possibly," I said watching as he looked me over while filling the pot water."Just possibly?" he said and placed the pot onto the stove and walked closer."Okay, you win, I'm just as a wrapped.""That's better, now what is for desert?""You are going to eat desert too?""Why not?""Your too sweet as it is.""You know it, so can I actually do the cooking here? You seem to have tons of food. Sugar, flour, butter, caesar salad, cream cheese, chocolate, milk, you know the basics.""Oh so my man can cook too?""Why who ever said I couldn't?""Let's just see."There is something about a man who can cook. It is just breathtaking, maybe not as much as him playing with little kids, but I was losing it. What else do you really a need, a good daddy, a good cook, and a best friend? I'm say it is perfection.And that thought lasted about 4 minutes. I coughed and then coughed."What was that for?" I said wipping the flour from my face."For your lazy daze.""My lazy daze? I would like to tell you, I was thinking of your perfection, but that was short lasting.""My perfection, huh?""Perfection, I don't see it anymore," I said and threw some of the flour back at him.Within a second we were in a full fledged food fight. I can't say it ended to badly. By that time the kitchen was a mess, but we were laughing, then hugging, and licking the others lips."So what were you trying to make again?" I asked."Well, I figured you'd make the perfect cookie.""I just might be.""Hey, I'll finish this, and you can go change and stuff.""What you don't find this appealing?""Fine, do whatever you want. But I must say this isn't the most comfortable thing. And after I finish, I have every intention of cleaning up.""Fine!" I said and walked down the hall.
hapter 323

I emerged from the bathroom and walked back to the kitchen. It was looking alot better then before, but the fact that Justin was a mess, wasn't helping. Whatever he made was in the oven, the timer set, and he looked deadly at me."I'm going to go clean up. This is itchy.""Oh, poor baby!" I said sticking out my bottom lip."Yeah, that's me," he said and left.I sighed, "I guess I'll finish cleaning this mess, and make the salad." "I could seriously just get used to this," Joey said entering through the door."You and me both, " Chris said."Well hello," I said as the gang entered, with the abense of Kelli and Nick. "You remember that night?" Nick said as they sat in the sand."Nick it wasn't that long ago.""I know, but will you remember it fifty years from now?""I have no doubt," Kelli smiled."Look into my eyes, you will see, what you mean to me, search your heart, search your soul, when you find me there you'll search no more, don't tell me it's not worth trying for, you can't tell me its not worth dying for, you know it's true, everything I do I do it for you" Nick sang. "Dance.""Look into your heart you will find there's nothing there to hideTake me as I am, take my life and I give it up, I would sacrificeDon't tell me it's not wirth fighting forI can't help it there's nothing I want moreYou know it's true Everything i do i do it for youThere's no love like your love And no other could give more love There's no end unless your there all the time all the wayInto your heart babyOh you can't tell me it's not worth trying for I can't help it there's nothing I want moreI would fight for you I'd lie for you Walk the wild for youYeah i'd die for youYou know it's true Everything i do I do it for you""Thanks," Kelli whispered. He gently brushed his lips against hers. "Love you!""I know," she smiled. "Licorace and Hershey!" she called.The sun began to set and the two of them and the dogs where heading back.
hapter 324

"Hey Bri, did the two say how long they would be?" I asked as I started to put things on the table."Not really, but they can't be too much longer.""So very helpful!" I said shaking my head."Your man smell good," Leighann said poking my side before taking a bowl of salad to the table."What?" I asked."He does. Just showered and all!""Leighann Reena!""Ames, what are you doing?" Brian asked."Ask this girl of yours what she has been doing," I said smiling at her."I'm doing nothing, I'm perfect in his eyes.""She is!""Oh forget it," I said and Justin walked in the room."You smell good," Brian said."I so told you," Leighann smirked."Oh help!" "Back home!" Nick said and opened the door allowing Hershey and Licorace to enter first."I still can't believe I have a home," Kelli said."I still can't believe I have a you."She smiled, brightly. "Let's go eat." "Finally," Britney said rolling her eyes at Nick and Kelli, as we all spread throughout the kitchen and living room."Last good meal for a while," Chris said."We'll be home in two weeks Chris," Lance said."Yes, but that is two long weeks without a homemade meal," Chris whinned."If you really want, I'll send you some food," I said."Really,you'd do that, just for me?" he smiled."Yeah, especially since you'll be helping with psychology homework for the next few years.""I love you!" He shouted. "Good food! Psychology, I took that, did really well, never used it though, I'm still crazy!""We know!" JC said. We finished the meal, cleaned up after the meal, and now waited for whatever Justin had planned for desert.He still had something to add to it, but we only had two hours before they all had to leave again."AJ, I swear if you change the channel again I'm going to personally come over there and kill you," Howie said."And I'll have his back!" Chris added. Nothing was on TV, and AJ sat remote in hand flipping through the channels. Channel after channel, AJ kept going, slowly driving us all more insane. There were at least four complete spanish channels that we had seen at least three times."Doesn't Joey have a video camera of some of the summer events?" Christina asked."He has plenty," Trip said. "Put them on!""That sounds like a plan to me," Kevin said.
hapter 325

"Oh my gawd," Britney said, with her southern accent. She glared at the screen, "How did you get in there? Jerk!""Oh like the door wasn't wide open," Joey responded.Lance just sta there watching with his mouth wide open in astonishment."Joey that is invasion of privacy, against the law, and I'm going to kill you," she said bolting towards him, as JC's arm grabbed her around the waist. "Joshua Scott Chasez, get off, Joey is DEAD!""Brit, sweetie, calm down," JC tried to say as her arms were moving in every direction."Yeah, think you're kids can watch how their parents used to play," Chris said."Kirkpatrick, you are so next," Britney shouted.Lance just kept looking. His eyes never left the screen. His mouth hung open. His body was leaned toward the television as if he couldn't believe what was going on. Britney continued to squirm as JC held her still, and the rest of us, I think were unsure to say anything, to laugh, to defend, to help, to even move. Then it seemed out of no where; Lance began to laugh. No sooner did he begin, did Chris join right in. Soon the whole room was laughing, except Britney, and JC who was still trying to hold her back."Damm you all, this is so so so not funny at the moment! I can't believe you guys! JAMES LANCE STOP!"Lance looked at her, looked at the screen, looked at us, and then back at her, "It is out now, and I can tell you, I'll never live it down. Might as well laugh it off.""Laugh it off, this is absurd, this is wrong, this is immoral," she spat."Immoral, don't even go there," Joey said."You shut-up!" At this point Britney had calmed down in JC's arms, and wasn't trying to reach for Joey's eyeballs. But she stil didn't seem to thrilled that we were all watching what she believed to be a personal moment.