Chapter

All the repeated banging on Kevin's door was not getting to him in the least. The guys knew that Kevin would get moving when KEVIN was ready to move. This activity had become almost like a ritual for the 5 men. And, tonight was no different. After a few minutes, Kevin threw the door open and, as usual, told them to kiss off!

AJ and Nick exchanged a quick glance, and the relief was evident in their faces. Kevin almost looked like Kevin. The puffiness was gone from his eyes. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail. He had on jeans, a black v-neck tee shirt and a denim jacket. He had his typical "pre concert" look on his face. Intense didn't even begin to describe it.

"Kev, man...you feelin' better now?", asked AJ.

"Yeah, dawg...as a matter of fact, I am," Kevin said as he wrapped an arm around AJ's shoulder.

"Geez Kev...you had us worried earlier. What changed? What happened?", asked Nick, "did you find your mystery woman?"

"Ummm...Nick ..there are some of us here that don't have a damn clue what you ARE talking about. Care to explanin," asked Brian. "And, Kev...what is going on with you? We didn't see you all day. Where's Trish?"

AJ and Nick attempted to answer for Kevin, fearing that the mention of her name would get Kevin all wound up again.

"Dudes, its ok...its all good. I can handle it," Kevin said softly.

Kevin then proceeded to explain the events that occured to him over the past 24 hours.

Brian and Howie stood with their mouths open. Brian was the first to speak.

"Man..why didn't you come to me? We're family Kevin. I should've known this before," Brian said in a whisper, "is there anything we can do?"

"Yeah Kev...this is just too much for you to handle by yourself," added Howie, "you should've told us as soon as we got here."

"Well...I didn't...its over...I'll live....and hell..we got a show to do", Kevin said, putting on a very calm face, "so lets git movin'..."

That said, the five men made their decision on who would leave first and out what door.

Brian went to his room to get Leighanne and they headed out using the service elevator in the back. Howie headed out next. Nick and AJ stayed behind with Kevin, in his room, where they continued to talk.

AJ spoke first.

"Kev...are you sure you'll be alright tonight?", he asked.

"Yeah, AJ, I'll be fine. I always am, ain't I?", Kevin asked in a sad voice. "Yeah, Kevin's strong...he can handle anything. He's the level headed, mature one. So, why should this time be any different guys? Oooohh yeah...I'll be just fine....eventually. And the one thing that I really need is just for life to go on normally. At least as normal as this life can get......", Kevin said, his voice trailing off to a near whisper.

"Kev...yo man...you're strong...you're mature...hell, you're the glue that holds us together. But, ya know..if you ahhh..happen to feel like you're gonna fall apart....ummm...hell...I might only be 21...but...come to me, ok?", Nick said, shyly, looking at his feet, as if he was afraid of the response this would receive from Kevin. Kevin had become someone that meant more to him than anyone outside of his family. And, Nick would be willing to do anything to see that he didn't get hurt any further.

"Nick," sighed Kevin, "Nicky-nick...when did you become such a man?" Kevin reached over and placed his hand on the young man's shoulder. "Look at me Nick....", Kevin said. When Nick would barely raise his head, Kevin took his other hand and reached for Nick's chin, lifting his head so that Nick would meet his gaze. "If I ever feel like I can't take it anymore, I'll come straight to you, ok? Not to anyone else....understand?"

Blue eyes locked on green eyes....and, Nick nodded as his eyes filled with tears.

"Oh no Carter..don't go gittin' all soft on me now. We'll both be worth shit if you don't stop it. C'mere....." And with that said, Kevin pulled Nick into a bone crushing hug.

"Well..well..as touching as this is...we gotta get a movin guys", AJ piped in, "and Kev...I think you have a date with the service elevator, too. Now don't be gettin' all pissy with me...get Luke and take that service elevator. At least tonight, ok? Don't worry about the fans in the lobby...they'll live. And most of them will be here later, and tomorrow, too. You owe it to yourself to just get out of here as quickly and quietly as possible."

And, with that said, Luke appeared in the open doorway.

"I agree, for once, with AJ, Kev.....we take the service elevator. Don't make that face..and don't fight me or I'll toss you over my shoulder and drag your ass outta here! Nick...AJ...you guys make your exit now. We'll be right behind you...going in the other direction."

That said...the other body guards showed up at the door and agreed with Luke.

Nick grabbed his backpack and gave Kevin one more quick hug. AJ jumped in yelling, "group hug." With that done, the two men and their body guards made their way to the elevator, leaving Kevin and Luke behind.

Kevin and Luke made their way to the service elevator, and as much as Kevin hated sneaking out, he realized it was the best thing to do. He really couldn't face the fans tonight. They reached the first floor, walked out the side door, and onto Kevin's bus without incident.

They never had a chance to see the two smiling and laughing women make their way out the front doors, one of them on her way to a date with destiny.