Disclaimer: This story is fiction and does not represent the real people that might be mentioned here. If you are under 18 or if it is illegal to read this in the country where you live, the city where you are, etc. then don't. Again, this is just some fantasy I concocted in my head so don't get insulted. Also, the songs I use in my story are from the Backstreet Boys.
Send Comments bad or good to barrack79@hotmail.com Later... Hope you enjoy.
P.S. I just wanted to say thanks to Alec and Faith for their comments on my story. It's nice to know that someone is actually reading my story out there. :-)
Chapter 4: Don't Wanna Lose Written by: "Bear"
Nick was now all confused. He thought that Justin would take what he did lightly but instead he got mad at him. I mean he started it after all.' After breakfast he just went back to his room and sat on his bed thinking. It disturbed him that Justin was mad at him. He tried to analyze the situation so much but it didn't get him anywhere. What disturbed him more that it was so important to him. This wasn't the first time he has met Justin but this time was different. They were touring together and I just need a friend right now.'
His thought was all of a sudden disrupted with the phone ringing. He picked up the phone and said, "Hello?"
"Are you going to join us today or what?"
"Kevin? Is that you?" Nick asked confused.
"Yeah, of course. Who do you think it is?"
"Um.."
"No, forget it. Just get yourself down here. We've been waiting."
"But, I thought.." Nick then glanced at the clock and it was indeed 11:30. He had been in his room deep in thought for almost two hours. "I'm sorry Kev. I guess I lost track of time. I'll be down in a minute, okay?"
"Well hurry up. Bye."
"Bye." Nick got up off his bed grabbed his keys from the table. He quickly stopped by the washroom to check himself and then left. He entered the hall and saw that it was clearly empty. He took a look a Justin's door right across the hall and sighed. He took the elevator down to the lobby and saw everyone waiting for him.
They were all sitting on the couches except for Kevin, JC, and Justin. On the love seat was Brian and Linda talking way too close for comfort. Then in another was Joey, A.J. and Howie. Then he tried to find Lance but couldn't spot him anywhere. "Hey!"
Nick was surprised and took a look behind him. There of course stood Lance. "Lance, don't do that. You scared the shit out of me."
"Sorry...didn't mean to."
"No, Lance. I'm sorry. I'm just not having the best day in my life right now."
Lance looked worriedly onto Nick's face. He could see the sadness in his eyes. "You want to talk about it?"
Nick glanced at Lance's face searching for an answer. He thought about it for a second and chose the easier way out. He took a look at Justin and Lance instinctively followed his gaze. "I guess this thing with Justin is kind of making me uneasy. I just want us to get along...for the tour you know."
Lance was suspicious of Nick's answer but let it go. He soon had an arm over Nick's shoulders before stating, "Hey bud, if you think Justin doesn't like you because of this morning. You're wrong. He's just like that sometimes. I bet you he's the one who's worried. He sometimes has this habit of withdrawing himself from something he really cares about so he doesn't get hurt. Don't worry, just be yourself and he'll come around."
"You think so, Lance?"
"Yeah...don't give it a second thought." Lance took a look at Nick's face who now had a smile starting to form. "Now come on we have a long day ahead of us."
Nick just laughed before walking with Lance towards the group. With Nick and Lance's arrival, Howie's head instantly shot up. Nick saw this and said, "Howie, if you say one word about me being late. You're gonna get it." Howie's smile faded before returning into his conversation with A.J. and Joey.
"So you two finally decided to show up." Brian shouting from the loveseat.
Nick turned to look at Brian but felt his stomach churn as he saw Linda by him. Lance spoke up, "Hey, I was here before. I just forgot something. Okay?"
"Sure man, whatever you say. So are we going or what?" Brian said over his shoulder to Kevin.
Kevin took a look at Brian's direction and then took a look around. "Well, it seems like everyone's here so let's go. The limos are waiting in front." Brian and Linda got off the loveseat and made their way towards the door. A.J., Joey, and Howie followed closely behind them. Kevin and J.C. then walked in deep conversation leaving Justin behind. Nick stood waiting if Justin was even going to notice him but instead took one look towards his direction and ran to catch up with Kevin and J.C. He felt lonely again but this time Lance was at least by his side.
Lance took a look at Nick and smiled at his dismay over Justin's reaction. "Come on bud, I'll be your escort for the day." Lance said trying to give Nick his hand.
Nick smiled at Lance. "Whatever man. Let's go." Nick said grabbing Lance's arm and running while pulling him towards the door.
The two limos headed to Rosemont, 30 minutes west of the city, to their venue. In one limo was the guys of N'Sync and Kevin. Then in the other was the rest of the BSB and Linda. Nick was sitting very uncomfortably in the back of the limo. He stared at the window looking at the passing houses and buildings not saying a word. He simply didn't want to be in that limo right now especially with Linda in there. He was sitting on the back seat while Brian and Linda were sitting on left. Meanwhile, A.J. and Howie sat on the right. A.J. was once again on the phone with one of his family members. He always seemed to have something to say. He could be on the phone of hours.
Howie took a look around the limo and saw the cuddling couple right across from him. A.J. was involved in his conversation while Nick sat there looking dejected. Howie got up from his seat and sat next to Nick. Nick didn't stir at Howie's movements. Howie knew there was something bothering Nick. They were never that close but they could at least always talk to each other. Howie liked teasing Nick and Nick most of the time took it well. Of course Nick would play tricks on him too but they were all in good fun. He took another look at Nick and sighed. He knew he was going to have a tough time getting this thing out of him. He tried to find a way to start. "Hey Gene, what's up with you?"
Nick cocked his head towards Howie's direction. "Huh?"
"There, I got your attention. So Nick tell me what's wrong."
"Nothing is wrong Howie and the name is Nick not Gene."
Howie smiled at Nick's reaction. "Okay, okay. If nothing's wrong then what's up? You haven't been your mischievous and competitive self lately. I'm getting kind of bored."
Nick laughed at Howie's comment. "Don't worry man it's coming soon. I guess you haven't found my prank yet huh?" Nick smiled deviously.
Howie's face suddenly turned pale. Nick just laughed at him. Howie looked at Nick. "You little sucker. You haven't done anything."
Nick tried to contain his laughter replying Howie, "How do you know? Huh? It's not like you're around me 24-7."
Howie tried to contemplate his thoughts but soon let go of it. "Sure man, whatever you say." Howie attitude change again trying to get back on his previous topic. "So, come on Nick talk to me. If there's nothing wrong with you then tell me what's `not wrong' with you?"
Nick just sighed and looked away. He started to stare outside again. He didn't want to discuss it now and ever. He just needed time to figure things out. Howie took a look at Nick and knew he wasn't gonna get a thing out of him now. "Okay, but this isn't over Nick. I want to know what's up with you. If you don't want to talk now we'll talk later."
Nick just nodded his head and kept his attention at the surroundings. "Thanks Howie."