After four days on the same ship, people started getting used to seeing him on deck and started treating him like any other passenger. There were times you could actually see him alone.
Most of us, including myself, would not take pictures of Aaron with his family or family members alone. Nick was an obvious exception. We felt that his family time is private and would respect it. Aaron finally had time to just be himself on deck with his family. It is obvious to anybody that they are a very close knit and loving family.
Nick even participated in the "belly flop" contest at the pool (I believe he lost).
There is one family story that I will share since it was public and a little funny. I saw it but someone else had to tell me what was said.
Jane asked Aaron: "Why don't you join Nick in the pool?" To which Aaron replied: "I can't Mom, it's an adults-only pool." To which Jane replied: "Oh, go ahead." and gave him a little push and in he went. Whatever, Aaron was in the water and talking with Nick. Bob happened by at that point and gestured for Nick to tell Aaron to get out of the pool. A bit frustrated, Aaron got out and went to Bob to explain. Bob just smiled and reminded him that rules were for everybody.
Later that afternoon, Aaron challenged anyone to a game of ping-pong. Anyone who beat him would get a tour of his stateroom and a bunch of autographs. This started a buffalo stampede. Incidentally, no one could beat him.
At dinner that night, I met his tutor again. He told that Aaron really liked the book. I gave his tutor my business card and encouraged him to email me if he would like more material like it. Maybe he'll be inspired.
Since this was the last night of the cruise, the audience at the basketball court was twice its size. Around 10 PM, Aaron made his official "Good Bye" and disappeared down the forward stairwell.
Around 11PM one of the parents that I had been talking to on the cruise was wondering where her 12-year-old daughter was. I asked her: "Did you try the stakeout in the 7 forward stairwell?" "What is that?" she asked. I replied: "Every kid on this bucket knows that Aaron's stateroom is 7032. They wait for him in shifts at the entrance to the corridor near the stairwell to avoid the security guy." She was furious. "After all the times she met him on this cruise, the attention he gave her and even the hugs and she would have the nerve to invade his privacy! If I find her there, she is SO grounded!" And then she stormed off for 7 forward. All I could say to myself was "Dang...It's going to suck being you tonight, kid." I found out later, that was exactly where the girl was.
I saw him one final time in the hallway, shook his hand, and told him to enjoy the book I gave him. He gave me a smile and said "Thanks, man." As I walked away, it suddenly hit me...this was Aaron Carter, and I thought of all the things he had accomplished in his short life. I suddenly thought of 1000 questions I would like to ask him...but, he was gone.
That night there was a nice loud party going on down the hall in Carter Country that lasted until the wee hours of the morning.