Chapter 22
***WARNING*** Contains adult content Rated PG-13
A couple days had passed by and everyone was now in Ottawa. Rachel had just finished her shower when she stepped out of the bathroom. With her towel wrapped tightly around her body she walked across the room and looked around for Brian. "Brian?" Rachel said as she looked around. Dumbfounded of where he could be she walked over to the dresser and picked up her brush. She began to brush out her hair when something caught her eye. A little white note with her name on it was taped to the mirror. Rachel set down her brush and pulled the note off the mirror. She opened it and read what was inside.
TAKE A LOOK INSIDE THE CLOSET. YOU'LL FIND A SURPRISE.
Rachel put down her brush and slowly walked over to the closet. She opened it up to find a beautiful pale blue dress hanging inside. Rachel took the dress out and slid her fingers down the silky fabric and opened the note that was dangling down from the hanger.
YOU ARE MY LOVE AND MY LOVE IS TRUE. BOY DO I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU. GO TO NICK AND KRISTIN'S ROOM FOR THE NEXT CLUE.
Rachel put on her robe and grabbed her dress then walked over to Nick and Kristin's room. After two knocks Kristin opened the door with a huge smile on her face.
"Good you're here! Did you bring the dress?"
"Yeah it's right here," Rachel said as she held it up.
"Okay cool beans. Come in we don't have much time," Kristin said as she yanked Rachel into the room.
"Don't have much time for what?" Rachel asked.
"I can't tell you I promised to keep this a secret," Kristin replied. "Sit," she said, motioning to the chair. "I only have thirty minutes to give you a complete makeover."
Kristin carefully did Rachel's make up then moved on to her hair. She curled up Rachel's hair into tiny ringlets and pulled them up into a pony tail and bobby pinned the dangling ringlets around her head, using small pale blue and white roses to fill up the space. When she was finished she smiled in satisfaction.
"Girl you look great," she said as she handed Rachel a mirror.
Rachel smiled at Kristin's work. "I love it. It looks awesome."
"I'm glad you like it. Put your dress and shoes on you're almost out of time."
Rachel rushed to the bathroom with a giggle. She quickly slipped on her dress and shoes then hastily came out of the bathroom. "How do I look?" she asked as she did a half spin.
Kristin smiled and hugged Rachel. "You look gorgeous. When Brian sees you he's gonna fall dead in his tracks."
Rachel smirked and crooked up her right eyebrow. "What's he up to anyway?"
"Hey now! I promised him I wouldn't tell you anything. Trust me you're gonna love what he's got planned."
"I'm sure I will," Rachel said with a smile.
"Here take this and go have fun," Kristin said as she handed Rachel a note.
Rachel smiled, took the note, and left the room. She opened the note and read it carefully.
THE BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS IS EXPECTED AT THE BALL SHE MUST NOT BE LATE. GO DOWN TO THE LOBBY WHERE YOUR CARRIAGE AWAITS.
Rachel beamed with excitement as she rushed down to the elevator and down to the lobby. Outside the lobby a beautiful black stretch limo was waiting for her. Rachel drew in a breath of surprise and got in the limo. Inside the limo was a long stemmed red rose. Rachel brought it to her nose and took in the sweet scent. She was beginning to get an adrenaline rush from all the excitement. She could hardly wait to find out what was waiting for her. A few minutes later the limo came to a stop. The chauffeur opened the door for her and she gracefully stepped out then looked around. The scenery was gorgeous. There was a stone structure built around like a ruins of a castle. The stones stacked up almost like a dome but there was no top. The place was faintly lit with candles and there was soft music playing in the background. A light pitter patter was coming from a water fountain nearby. The smell of fresh Italian bread reached Rachel's nose as she continued to scan the place. In the middle of the stone structure was a small table for two. Rachel looked around for Brian, but he was no where to be seen. Just then someone placed their hands over her eyes.
"My beautiful princess has finally arrived. And now she shall receive her gift," she said the sweet, soothing voice.
Rachel smiled as she felt Brian place something in her hands. He uncovered her eyes and stood in front of her as she carefully opened the small rectangular box. "Oh my gosh," Rachel whispered as she saw her gift. Inside the box was a four karat diamond bracelet placed upon solid gold.
"Read the inscription," Brian said softly.
Rachel turned the bracelet over and read aloud the inscription. "My love always and forever....Brian." Tears came to her eyes as she silently read it over again, sliding the tip of her fingers down the bracelet.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
"I love it," Rachel replied tearfully. "Thank you."
Brian placed the bracelet on her wrist then wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. "Ever since your surgery I have wanted to make you feel special. Now's the time," Brian said with a smile.
Rachel smiled back and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I can't believe you did all of this for me."
"Believe it," Brian said with a grin. "Wow you look absolutely stunning."
Rachel blushed. "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself," she said as she admired Brian in his black tux.
"Aww shucks," Brian joked.
Rachel laughed and linked her arm with his. Brian lead her over to the table and pulled her chair out for her. The two talked and ate dinner. Afterwards Brian stood up and lended her his hand. She took his hand and he wrapped his arms around her waist as she leaned her head on his shoulder. The two swayed slowly to the music. Brian hummed softly with the music and kissed Rachel on the top of her head. They danced for a while longer then Brian glanced at his watch.
"It's getting late we better get back to the hotel."
"Okay," Rachel said with a smile.
Brian paid for the dinner and offered his arm to Rachel. She smiled and linked her arm with his. They got into the limo and went back to the hotel. When they got to their room Brian opened the door and lead Rachel inside. He flicked on the light and Rachel was astonished by the sight. There were red rose petals everywhere.
"Oh my gosh Brian you really went all out didn't you? When did you do this?"
"While you were in Nick and Kristin's room. That whole time I was getting dressed and putting the petals everywhere."
"This is really sweet," Rachel commented as she wrapped her arms around him.
"It's gonna get sweeter," he said as he lifted her up and carried her to the bed.
Rachel squealed with delight as he laid her down on her back. She smiled as she stared him deeply in the eyes and kissed him softly on the lips. "I love you," she said.
"I love you too," he said then kissed her back.
Rachel slipped her tongue in his mouth and ran her fingers through his hair. Rachel began unbuttoning Brian's shirt then slid it off of him. She slowly reached down and undid his belt and zipper when he stopped kissing her.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"I wanna make love to you," Rachel said straight faced.
"Are....are you sure?" Brian questioned.
Rachel gave him a seductive stare. "Don't question me," she said as she sat up.
Brian grinned and unzipped her dress. They began kissing as he pulled the dress off of her and worked on her panty hose. "Oh god why panty hoes tonight?" Rachel laughed and pulled them off for him. He continued kissing her as he undid her bra. Rachel pulled off his pants and slid her hands under the elastic of his boxers.
"Have you ever done this before?" Rachel asked breathlessly.
"Once....why have you?"
Rachel shifted her eyes away from him. "No," she mumbled.
"You're positive you want to do this," Brian asked.
"Yeah I'm just a little nervous that's all," Rachel assured.
Brian smiled and brushed the hair away from her face. "I promise to be gentle."
Rachel linked her fingers with his and kissed him passionately. Brian picked up a condom off the night stand and put it on. "Are you ready?"
Rachel nodded. "I've never been more ready in my life," she replied then clicked off the light.
Chapter 23
Nikki opened her eyes to the sound of the bus engine. It was still dark outside and had no idea where they were. Everything on the bus was still. Not a sound could be heard over the purring engine. Letting out a yawn she rolled over and laid her head on Howie's chest. Howie stirred a little and wrapped his arms around her. Nikki closed her eyes and listened to the sound of Howie's heartbeat and fell back to sleep. Later she woke up to the sound of people laughing and running down the narrow aisle between the bunks. She sat up, rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and stepped out of the bunk. As soon as she was all the way out of the bunk she was nearly knocked down by Nick who had been running down the aisle.
"Oops sorry about that Nikki," Nick said with a sheepish grin.
Nikki smiled and patted Nick on the back. "It's OK I'm still standing." Nick laughed and made his way to the back of the bus. Nikki pulled her hair up in a sloppy bun and sat next to Howie in the seats. She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed.
"Good morning sleepy head," Howie said as she kissed her on the top of her head.
"Good morning."
"Did you sleep well?"
Nikki nodded. "I would've slept longer but there was too much noise."
Howie laughed. "That would be Nick and Brian. I'm not sure how that got started really. Frankly I'm not sure if I wanna know."
Nikki snickered and cuddled closer to Howie. "What time are we stopping for food? I'm starving."
Howie checked his watch. "In about an hour or so. Probably McDonalds as usual."
"Oh goody," Nikki replied with a hint of sarcasm. "The famous food of America. The stuff that goes straight to your thighs and makes my butt grow bigger. Gotta love it."
"I'm gonna pretend I didn't hear that," Howie said.
"Suit yourself."
Just then Sarah peeked her head in between the seats. "Howdy!"
Nikki laughed and looked over at Sarah. "Morning Sarah. What's up?"
"I'm gonna say the best three words you will ever hear in your life," Sarah said with a grin.
"Sex is great?" Nikki teased.
Sarah scrunched up her nose and laughed. "No! Girls night out."
"Girls' night out?"
"Yeah, us girls are gonna go do something tonight. Kristin thought of it."
"Can I come too?" Howie joked.
"No boys allowed! Sorry Howie...even though you might fit right in. You could tell us the difference between men and women's clothing....or do you know?"
"Man I'm never gonna live that one down am I?" Howie said while blushing.
"Hey be nice!" Nikki defended.
Sarah laughed. "I'm just kidding. Anyway we're leaving tonight around seven or so."
"We're not going to the concert?"
"Girl we see these guys twenty-four seven. I think you can miss one concert. Howie won't mind. Will you Howie?"
"No, go have fun with the girls. One show isn't going to kill me."
Nikki smiled and nodded. "Okay count me in."
"Great!" Sarah exclaimed. "This is gonna rock. Well, I'm gonna get back to my man. Oh he's so sexy! We'll talk more later. See ya!" she said as she disappeared to the back of the bus.
"I'm gonna change my clothes and comb out my hair before we stop for food," Nikki said as she stood up.
"All right," Howie said as he moved her arm away from her waist.
Nikki went to the bathroom to freshen up. When she was finished the bus started slowing down and came to a stop. Nikki stepped out of the bathroom and looked out the window. They had stopped at a McDonalds. Denise McLean stepped on the bus before everyone began piling out.
"Guys we only have thirty so order your food and bring with you on the bus. We're on a tight schedule," Denise said then stepped off the bus.
Nikki snuck up behind Howie, who was changing his shirt, and slid her arms around his waist. "Mmm tempting," she murmured.
Howie smiled and turned around to kiss her. "And so are you," he replied in a seductive tone.
"Ewww! No mushy gushy love stuff on the bus!" said the voice of Sarah.
Nikki turned around and stuck out her tongue. "If you don't like it don't look."
"Well, it's a little hard when you're in our way!" Sarah teased.
Nikki laughed and grabbed Howie's hand. "Come on lets go eat," she said as she drug Howie off the bus with her.
While waiting in line Sarah grabbed Nikki by the arm and twirled her around. "So what's up with you and Howie?"
"What do you mean?"
"Girl you know exactly what I mean! When did you and the Latin Lover shake your bon bons? Don't deny it cuz it's in your body language."
Nikki blushed and smiled at Sarah. "It was the night Kevin got hurt snowboarding."
"Oooh girl getting your goove thang on! Was he good?"
"Sarah!" Nikki said with a giggle.
"Okay okay wrong time to ask. But you're gonna give me the full scoop tonight at girls' night out. No if ands or buts about it."
"Hon you are really worked up this morning. What are you on?" Nikki joked.
"Nothing I'm just high on life, Sarah said with a smile.
"I think you're enjoying being with Kevin a little too much."
"And who wouldn't? Look at him! He's a sex machine!"
Nikki's mouth dropped. "Damn girl what's with you? Where's the nice, quiet Sarah that we all know and love?"
Sarah grinned. "She's on vacation."
Nikki laughed. "Looks like I'm not the only who has gossip to spill tonight."
"Oh you'll hear plenty I promise," Sarah said as she raised her eyebrows. She took her eyes off Nikki for a second and looked around. "Aww look at that cute little baby over there," she cooed.
Nikki turned around and looked over at the little baby boy. "Aww he's adorable!"
"I know! Man I want a kid so bad!" Sarah said.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah I've always had a passion for kids. I want one of my own someday. As soon as possible though. But with the right guy..." she trailed off.
"Maybe the right guy's right under your nose," Nikki remarked.
Sarah smiled and looked over at Kevin who was ordering their food. "Yeah....maybe," she replied.
"Nikki I've got our food. I'm gonna get on the bus," Howie said.
"Okay be right there," she said then drew her attention back to Sarah. "We'll talk more about this later on tonight okay?"
"Okay," Sarah said as she followed Nikki back onto the bus.
Chapter 24
Rain poured down hard as the bus rolled down the highway. Sarah sat at the table on the bus with Nikki, Rachel, and Kristin playing a game of cards. She studied her hand of cards for a moment. "I fold," she said as she put her cards down.
" Yeah I win!" Kristin said as she collected all the cards together. "Anyone wanna make it interesting and put some money down on it?"
Rachel laughed. "No way."
"All right who's up for another game?" Kristin asked as she shuffled up the cards.
"Not me," Sarah said with a sigh and cupped her hands over her face.
"You okay?" Rachel asked in concern.
"Yeah I just feel really out of it. I'm gonna go watch TV with Kev. I'll talk to you guys later," she said as she stood up. Sarah walked down to the back of the bus and curled up on the couch next to Kevin. She leaned her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes.
Kevin smiled and put his arm around her shoulders. "Hey baby," he said softly and leaned his head on top of hers.
"Hi," Sarah said meekly.
"You feeling all right?" Kevin asked, concerned.
"Yeah I'm just tired," she replied.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, I just wanna chill for a while."
Kevin smiled and entwined his fingers with hers. "Fine by me," he said in a deep tone.
"Oh god you know I go nuts when you do that."
Kevin smirked. "I know why do you think I do it."
Sarah snickered and kissed him. "Behave."
They were about to kiss again when they were interrupted by the sound of Brian's voice. "I hate to intrude on your little love moment but we just got a call on Howie's cell phone that the storm is getting really bad. We're not gonna make it into New York as we planned. We'll be arriving early tomorrow morning."
"What are we stopping or something?" Sarah asked.
"No, we're gonna keep on the roads as far as I know. But the storm will slow us down. But anyway I was told to tell ya'll that. Go back to your smooching or whatever you were doing."
Kevin laughed. "Brian get out."
"I don't have to take this! I'm leaving!" Brian said teasingly as he went back to the front of the bus.
"Well, that kinda sucks. Now we won't have our girls night out. I guess we'll have to do that tomorrow night," Sarah said.
"Yeah but you'll still have fun tomorrow."
"I'm sure I will. But for now we can cuddle," she said as she settled herself in his arms. "What are you watching?" she asked as she shifted her eyes to the TV.
"Some weird movie. There's nothing else on," Kevin replied as he flipped the channels.
"Hey Sarah," said the voice of Nikki.
"What's up?"
"You still wanna have a girls' night out tonight?"
"Yeah, but how we gonna do that?"
"Tonight 10:00 at the front of the bus. Us girls are gonna gossip all night long. Amanda's gonna join us from the band bus when we stop for gas."
"All right count me in," Sarah said as she grinned.
"Cool see ya tonight," Nikki said as she left them alone.
"Yay a girls' night out," Sarah said with a laugh. "I feel like I'm in high school again."
Kevin chuckled and continued flipping the channels. The two continued to watch TV together until the time came to be 10:00. Kevin had fallen asleep on the couch. Sarah smiled as she wiggled from out of his arms and made her way to the front of the bus where the girls had blanket and pillows sprawled around. Kristin was popping popcorn in the microwave while Rachel was getting out the soda.
"All right first things first. Who's done it with who?" Amanda said with a sly grin.
Nikki laughed. "Oh my god Amanda! You and AJ were made for each other I swear."
Amanda laughed. "Well, like he said before. I'm him with boobs."
Sarah snickered and shook her head. "I think I remember reading that."
"Okay I don't think I have to answer who I've done it with. I think this thing speaks for itself," Amanda said as she pointed her stomach. The girls laughed as Amanda looked around. "All right who's next?" No one spoke. "All right...no volunteers I'll pick someone....Sarah."
Sarah let out a nervous giggle. "Okay yeah Kevin and I have done it."
"Was he good?" Amanda asked anxiously.
Sarah laughed and nodded. "Oh yeah!" The girls laughed as they passed around the popcorn bowl. "All right Nikki your turn," Sarah said.
"Okay....yeah Howie and I have done it....once."
"Whoo hoo! Go Nik!" Amanda said as she slapped Nikki a high five.
"I did it with Nick!" Kristin blurted.
Everyone stared at her in shocked. "Whoa wait a second! You mean to tell me you got Nick to do it? Oh my god! Mad props to you girl!" Amanda exclaimed. "All right one more left....Rachel." All eyes went on Rachel as she tried to hide her flushed cheeks in the darkness. "Oh my god Rachel did it the B-Rokster! Whoo hoo!"
"It's not a big deal....it was sweet," Rachel said with an embarrassed grin.
"Okay you can tell us....why do they call him B-Rok?" Amanda said with a snicker.
"Oh my god! No way!" Rachel said as she tossed her pillow at Amanda.
"All right on to a new subject," Nikki said.
"Yes, please," Rachel replied.
"How about kissing habits?" Amanda suggested.
The girls huddled closely as they shared their thoughts and secrets on the boys. Sarah sat back and listened when she suddenly grew ill. Trying to hide it from everyone else and laid her head on her pillow and closed her eyes.
"Sarah?" Amanda said.
"Yeah?" Sarah replied.
"You okay? You got quiet on us."
"Yeah I'm fine just tired."
Nikki let out a yawn and nodded. "I hear you there. I'm tired too. I'm gonna go to sleep now," she said as she made herself comfortable on the floor.
The rest of the girls laid down as well and soon everyone was asleep. Sarah tossed and turned trying to fall asleep. Her head was spinning so she decided to get up. A wave of nausea approached her as she made her way to the table and sat down. Sarah laid her head down on the table and waited for it to pass. She felt a tap on her shoulder. Sarah looked up to find Kristin standing beside her.
"What's wrong girl?" Kristin asked as she sat across from her.
"I dunno I feel really sick all of the sudden," Sarah replied.
Kristin reached over and placed her hand on Sarah's forehead. "You're not warm at all. How's your stomach?" Sarah sat silent for a moment then dashed to the bathroom. "I think that answered my question," Kristin said as she followed Sarah. "You okay?" she asked as she helped Sarah walk back to the table.
"Yeah," Sarah said as she placed her hand on her stomach. "I feel better though."
Kristin wrinkled her brow and gave Sarah a serious look. "I'm gonna ask you something and I want you to answer me truthfully. Do you think you can do that?" Sarah nodded. "When did you last have your period?"
Sarah froze then slowly looked back up at Kristin. "Oh my god....you don't think..."
"It's possible. You're having all the symptoms. But there's only one way to find out. I'll be right back," Kristin said as she disappeared into the back room. She came back with a box in her hand. "Here," she said as she handed the box to Sarah. Sarah looked down at the box. It was a home pregnancy test. "Take the test then when we get to New York we'll take you to a doctor."
Sarah sighed and closed her eyes. "What if I am? Then what?"
"We'll worry about that when we get to it. Take the test first."
Sarah nodded and stood up. "Here goes nothing," she replied and went into the bathroom.
Chapter 25
Kristin was looking through her suitcase when Nick came into the hotel room after a long rehearsal. Kristin looked up and smiled. "Hey," she said.
"Hey," Nick replied then kissed her.
"What are you doing here? I thought you guys were going to rehearse all afternoon."
"We're done. They let us come back to the hotel for an a little while to rest up before the concert," he said as he took a seat on the bed. "What are you doing?"
"Looking for something to change into. I'm going with Sarah to her doctor's appointment. Which reminds me did you take your medicine this morning?"
Nick rolled his eyes. "Yes, mother."
"Hey I'm just looking out for you. You'll never get over this flu if I don't make sure you take the medicine like you're supposed to."
Nick laughed and shook his head. "I can take care of myself."
Kristin stopped what she was doing and raised her eyebrow at Nick. "Yeah uh huh sure. I'll believe that when I see it."
Nick looked in Kristin suitcase. "You think you have enough clothes?"
"No, I think I need more," Kristin said with a grin.
"Hey why don't you ever wear this?" Nick said as he pulled out a sexy baby blue nightie.
Kristin snatched it from his hands. "Maybe I will if you behave," she said teasingly. "I can be good..." Nick said in a sly manner. "But I'd rather be bad," he said as he grabbed Kristin by the waist and pulled her down onto his lap. "Kiss me you fool."
Kristin laughed and glanced at her watch. "I guess I have a little time to mess around," she said as she linked her arms around his neck and kissed him.
"Mmmmmm I like that idea," Nick said as he slid his hand down her thigh.
Kristin smiled and slipped her tongue into his mouth as she ran her fingers through his hair. "Think that'll hold you until later tonight?"
"One more," Nick said with a grin.
"All right," Kristin said with a laugh then kissed him again. "Better?"
"Much," Nick said as he tightened his grip on her waist.
"Nick what are you doing?"
"Nothing," he said innocently.
"Let me up I've gotta change. Sarah will be here any minute."
Nick let go of Kristin. "Fine," he said with pout.
Kristin laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "You big baby. You'll get plenty of lovin' tonight."
"Is that a promise?"
Kristin grabbed a shirt from her suitcase. "Yes, that's a promise," she then took off her shirt to change into the other one.
"Hey no fair. You're teasing!" Nick whined.
"And what are you gonna do about it?" Kristin asked as she put her arms through sleeves of her other shirt.
"This," Nick said as he jumped up and tackled Kristin from behind and picked up her.
Kristin squealed as Nick tossed her onto the bed. "Nick you're crazy."
"About you," Nick replied as he straddled over her and pinned her arms to her side.
"Nick let me up," Kristin said as she tried to wiggle away from his grasp.
"I've got you trapped now," he said as he planted his lips onto hers.
Kristin giggled as she returned the kiss. "Nick baby you know I love you but it's really important that I go with Sarah to her doctor's appointment." Nick grinned and continued kissing Kristin on the neck. Kristin slid her hand away from his grasp and shoved him off her. "Control yourself horny boy," Kristin said with a laugh.
Nick laid still on his back smiling. "You know you love it."
Kristin grabbed a pillow from off the bed and smacked him with it. "I'm going to go get Sarah. I'll see you tonight," Kristin said as she put on her shirt and left the room. She walked to Sarah's room and knocked on the door. Sarah answered the door. "Are you ready?"
"Yeah," Sarah said softly.
"All right let's go," Kristin said as she led Sarah to the elevator. When they arrived at the doctor's office Kristin patiently waited as Sarah went to see the doctor. Ten minutes later Sarah came out of the doctor's office with tears in her eyes. Kristin got up and walked over to her. "What did he say?"
Sarah looked up at Kristin and wiped her tears. "I'm pregnant," she whispered.