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A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes Chapter 24 Nick had also been watching Kristy since she'd entered the room. His heart went out to her as he saw the combination of hope and apprehension in her eyes. He knew from their frequent conversations lately that she'd had reservations about joining Kevin for another weekend. Although he was still confused by Kevin's attitude recently, Nick could tell Kevin was looking forward to her visit - even though he never came out and said it like he had the time before. Nick, Brian, and Howie exchanged expectant looks as Kevin stepped towards Kristy. Dennis, Toni, A.J., and Erin also all turned their attention to the couple, their collective breath held as the two stood in front of each other � oblivious of anyone else in the room. Nick leaned back against the wall with a sigh and smiled as he watched Kevin pull Kristy into his arms. 'Thank God!' Even more than he wanted Kevin to be in a better mood, he wanted Kristy to be happy. Sure, there were times he dreamt that she would think of him as something more than a "little-brother-type", but he was realistic. She and Kevin belonged together. Seven pairs of eyes watched with relief and happiness as Kristy and Kevin continued their kiss. When they finally broke apart, bright smiles were exchanged among the onlookers. "I don't know who looks happier, Frack, you or them." Nick caught Kristy's eye over Kevin's shoulder and winked, making her smile even more. "I'll give this one to them." Brian chuckled at the look of genuine contentment on his best friend's face. He knew Nick felt a particular "responsibility" for Kristy and Kevin's relationship and had felt like HE had somehow failed when they were having problems. "Sorry to have to be the leader here, but since Kevin's a little preoccupied..." Howie teased with a wide smile, "Someone has to make sure we get to the arena soon." The girls had missed sound check, but would be going to the venue early as the guys got ready for the night's show. "So unless you plan on staying in overalls and pigtails," Howie said with a laugh as Kevin fingered Kristy's braids, "Or running pants and ponytails," he continued as A.J. and Dennis grinned at Erin and Toni, "I'd suggest you ladies get a move on!" "Yes, Sir! Sergeant, Sir!" Erin shouted with a mock salute and click of her tennis shoes. "Bone, control your woman," Howie instructed his best friend with a roll of his dark brown eyes. Erin raised an eyebrow and began to protest. Kristy saw her sister's look of indignation and intervened. "Uh, D, what's wrong with that statement?" Howie looked between the two sisters and shrugged. "I don't know... but I'm sure you're gonna tell me, right?" This time Kristy raised an eyebrow while Erin and Toni shook their heads. A.J. chuckled, knowing Howie was enjoying getting a rise from the three women. "Lemme guess... the 'your woman' statement isn't 'P.C.'" "Completely inappropriate," Kevin said in a serious voice, biting back a smile. Kristy nodded and sent Kevin a sideways glance. "Exactly." "And?" Erin asked, still not satisfied with the guys' responses. "You want more?" A.J. groaned. Erin didn't answer, but only stared evenly at him. "Um, well... Oh, I have no idea." Erin smirked as she glanced at her older sister. "No one can control me, so don't even try."Kevin got ready for the show and busied himself with minor tasks, trying to reduce the amount of time he spent with Kristy. He'd lost major ground earlier with that kiss, but the intensity of his feelings for her only confirmed his need to see that she was safe. There wasn't much he could do tonight, but the omission of "Once Upon a Time" would be sure to put a little distance back between them. 'It's for the best,' Kevin told himself again. And by leaving "Once" out of the show, he'd save himself a lot of pain. Everything about that song made him think of Kristy � her story, the night they met, the immediate connection they'd felt, their first kiss, their love. Kevin hesitated by the door as he heard Kristy laugh with Erin and Toni as Brian and Nick entertained them in the other room. He took a deep breath and prayed for the strength to do what he had to do in order to help Kristy.Kristy, Erin, and Toni sat around their suite getting ready for bed. They were going to be joining the guys on the busses early in the morning to drive to the next tour city, so everyone had gone back to the hotel right after the show. As each girl completed her nightly rituals, they took turns recounting their favorite parts of the show. They all had good insight since Toni and Erin had each seen it now for a second time, while Kristy was on her fifth show. "I'm just so impressed with the quality of it all... the music, the dancing, their voices, their stage presence," Erin gushed. "Oh my God, I still can't believe I'm a Backstreet Boys fan!" "Sorry to burst your bubble, Sweetie, but you passed 'fan' awhile ago!" Kristy teased her sister. Toni laughed as Erin stuck her tongue out at Kristy. "Mmhmmm. And how many times have you seen them perform now?" Kristy giggled, "Oh, I fully admit I'm addicted! I'm waiting for someone to develop a twelve-step program for people like me!" "Hello, I'm Erin and I'm a BSB-aholic!" Erin said, standing in front of the other two, then collapsing onto the sofa in a fit of giggles. The women recovered and continued to discuss various details of the show. "But something was different this time," Toni pondered aloud. "Kris, did you notice anything?" Kristy had definitely noticed that a key element had been left out of that evening's show, and she had a sinking sensation that it hadn't been an accident. It had confirmed her suspicions before the concert that not everything was back to normal. She understood the pre-show preparations and rituals that the guys followed, and while Kevin always tended to be double- and triple-checking last minute details, tonight she'd barely even seen him once they got to the venue. Kristy would concede that she hadn't heard every concert since Portland, but between the ones she'd attended and the ones she'd heard over Kevin's phone, she'd heard "Once Upon a Time" almost a dozen times. When Kevin didn't play it that night, Kristy had felt like he was slipping away from her again. Kristy spent a long time brushing her teeth and shrugged in reply to Toni's question, using her nighttime preparations to remove herself from the conversation. Erin and Toni brought up several special elements of the concert, and realized what had been different as they discussed Kevin's piano-playing ability. "Oh, Kris!" "Oh, Sweetie." Erin recognized the hurt in Kristy's eyes and realized her sister had caught the omission instantly. "He must have just forgot." Kristy gave her sister and friend a weak smile. "Thanks guys, but I don't think so." "Kris, I'm sure..." "Guys, please," Kristy whispered, her voice strained as she felt a lump in her throat and tears threaten to spill down her cheeks. "Obviously this afternoon was a fluke." She squeezed her eyes shut and a couple of tears fell while she drew a shakey breath. "I'm going to bed... I have a feeling I'm in for a long weekend."Next: Chapter 25 |