�Aaron was talking about my boyfriend?�

�Yeah. He was saying that he�s a real asshole.�

�Oh?�

�Yeah and he was saying how he doesn�t deserve you and you�re too good for him.�

�Really?�

�Yeah. He said you need someone who will treat you the way you should be treated and that you wouldn�t realize if that guy was right in front of you.�

�So, you and Aaron talk about me?�

�Only like once or twice.�

�Oh, okay. What else did he say about me?�

�Nothing that stands out. Well, he did say that he was miserable when you two weren�t speaking.�

�Interesting. What else?�

"Um, something about him caring about you more than you could ever understand.�

�Uh, okay wow. Babe, I gotta go.�

�Okay sweetie. Talk to you.�

Oh my God! Aaron cares about me more than I�ll ever understand. I wonder what that means. I hope he doesn�t like me like that! I�d feel terrible! I only like him as a friend. I can�t believe he never said anything to me about it. Maybe he doesn�t want me to know about it. I can�t believe how easy it was to get that all out of Nick. He probably didn�t even realize he was telling me everything. When you think about it, it�s really not that big of a deal.

Finally, it was time to leave. I was super excited to see Nick again. He�s a great friend to me. Still trying to get into my pants no matter how many times I tell him that he�s not my type and point out the fact that I have a boyfriend. It�s cute. Annoying, but cute. I woke up that morning fairly happy. Usually if I get woken up, I�m a big old grouch. After I got out of the shower, I called Angel.

�Hello?�

�Hi Mr. Carter, it�s Sa�iyda. Is Angel busy?�

�Hi Sa�iyda. She�s right here, hold on.�

�Okay, thanks!�

�Hello?�

�Hey Ang. It�s Sai.�

�Hey! I was just gonna call you.�

�Really? What�s up?�

�Two things. One: What are you wearing?�

�Umm, jeans and a sweater probably. Then I�ll just have to change jackets.�

�That�s smart. I think I�ll do that. And then there�s two��

�What�s going on?�

�Aaron broke up with Alina.�

�What? When?�

�Last night.�

�You�re kidding.�

�Nope. When I asked him why he just said that he didn�t want a girlfriend anymore. But I don�t think that�s really the reason.�

I froze. �Then what do you think it is?�

�I really don�t know. But I�m determined to find out.�

�Oh, okay. So, you ready to leave?�

�Yeah. Just need to put my pjs in my suitcase.�

�Yeah, I did that when I got up. I had to pack my pillow too.�

�You and that pillow.�

�Oh shut up.�

�Well, let me go so I can finish getting ready. See you in a few hours.�

�Okay hun. See you then.�

Okay then. He doesn�t feel like having a girlfriend anymore? That is very hard to believe. He really likes Alina. And she likes him a lot. This is very weird. I wonder if I can get him to tell me what�s wrong.

My parents and me left to meet the Carter�s at the airport. Our parents had never actually met and I know us kids were pretty nervous. My mom was pretty eager to meet Mrs. Carter. My guess is that she wanted to tell her off for the way she treats me. I think my dad was looking for a golf buddy. I knew he and Mr. Carter would get along fine. We met up at the place where we check out bags and get our tickets. After we got ourselves situated, we introduced our parents.

Chapter 17

�Mom, Dad, this is Mr. and Mrs. Carter.�

�Dad, Mom, this is Mr. and Mrs. Shabazz.�

They said hello and exchanged names. Just as my mom went to begin telling off Mrs. Carter, she interrupted.

�Wait, you�re Bernadette Shabazz the interior decorator?� my mom was pretty famous

�Well, yes. But really Jane��

�That�s fantastic! I had no idea that Sa�iyda was your daughter. She�s such a delightful girl!�

Leslie and I exchanged a look. I guess we�re not the only people who found that odd because my mom tried to continue her point.

�Delightful girl? That�s hardly the reaction I�d expect given what Sa�iyda as well as your children have told me about your attitude toward her.�

�Excuse me?�

�Well, Sa�iyda has told me that she feel uncomfortable in your home if you are there.�

�How so?�

�Well she says that you are deliberately rude and disrespectful toward her.�

�Now really Bernadette, I assure you��

�I�m not finished yet. She said you verbally abuse her and take cheap shots at her personality from the minute she enters your house until the moment she exits.�

�That is simply not true!�

�Are you calling my daughter a liar?�

�Of course not! I�m just saying that maybe she�s mistaken.�

�I would hardly say she is mistaken and I would advise it stops or I will call my lawyers and slap a harassment suit on you.�

�No, there�s no need for that.�

�Good. You understand then?�

�Yes, of course. I�m sorry if I have caused your daughter any anguish.�

�As long as we�re clear. We are clear, correct?�

�Crystal.� she shot me such a look that if looks could kill, I would be six under.

I was glad though to see my dad and Mr. Carter getting along. I could tell by the way they were talking that my dad found a new golf. He needed one since my uncle; his old golf buddy was too busy to play. Usually my dad is busy but every other weekend he goes and plays golf. Mr. Carter also plays for leisure because he gets busy working and traveling like my dad.

My dad is a famous journalist for The New York Times, which is a really important newspaper. You see, with my dad being one of the top journalists in the country, if not the world, and my mom being the biggest interior designer in both New York and California with her business growing, they make a lot of money. Yep, we�re rich. That�s the only reason Mrs. Carter was so nice to my mother until of course, my mother threatened to sue her.

I just wanted to get on the plane. Get away from some of my problems for a few days. Of course, one of my biggest problems is coming too. Sure Aaron�s my best friend, but at the current time, he is really starting to plague my mind. I have a feeling that he likes me. I just don�t know how to find out for sure. It�s really gonna make me nuts. Why can�t he just say something to me about it? He must be scared to get rejected because he knows I don�t like him like that. I didn�t get him alone to talk until the next night.

Chapter 18

�Aaron? Are you still up?�

�Yeah, I can�t sleep. Why are you still up?�

�I have a lot of stuff on my mind.�

�Anything I can help with?�

�Well, there�s my Brad situation��

�I don�t know why you just don�t dump him. It�s obvious that he doesn�t care about you as much as he says he does.�

�How can you be so sure though?�

�I can just tell. If he really cared, he would make time for you no matter how busy he is.�

�Yeah, you have a point.�

�I know I do. You need someone who will treat you the way you deserve to be treated.�

I smiled �Thanks Aaron. I hope he�s out there.�

He sighed, �He�s right here.� He whispered.

�So, why did you break up with Alina?�

�I don�t want to be in a relationship with anyone right now. I just can�t focus on having a girlfriend right now.�

�Why not?�

�I don�t know.�

�Oh. Well then.�

�I know, it sounds weird coming from me.�

�No it�s not�much. But you�re entitled to your feelings. I have to ask you something though.�

�What is it?�

�Do you like someone else?�

�No, of course not.� He said it like he was expecting the question.

�Okay, if you say so.�

�What you don�t believe me?�

�Not really, but whatever.�

�Why not?�

�That answer sounded too pre-meditated. Don�t sound so surprised.�

�I am though. That�s harsh.�

�No its not. Chill.�

�Yeah, okay. Excited about tomorrow night?�

�What�s so special about it? It�s only New Year�s Eve.�

�Exactly. I�m excited because I get to hear the song you wrote with Nick.�

�We wrote two. I know that he wants to put one of them on his album.�

�That�s pretty cool.�

�Yeah it is. I was surprised at how good the song came out.�

�Weren�t expecting anything good?�

�Not even that. I was just shocked that we got it in an hour and a half. Usually when I write with someone else, it takes forever.�

�Oh really? That�s interesting.�

�Yeah, I guess so. I�m pretty pleased.�

�That�s great.� He smiled. �I�m happy for you.�

�Thanks Aaron. Okay, now I�m sleepy.�

He laughed. �Come here.�

I scooted closer. I still don�t know how we always end up in the same bed. He wrapped his arms around me. �Sweet dreams.�

�Night night.�

Chapter 19

I woke up the next morning in Aaron's arms. I feel so safe when he holds me. It's like no one can touch mee when I'm with him. I love that feeling. I moved his arms from around my waist and sat up. I looked at him. He looked so angelic when he slept. Too bad he's not like that when he's awake. I brushed a stray piece of hair off his face before getting up and walking out into the kitchen.

When I got there, everyone was up and looking at pictures from Angel's Sweet 16. It was a lot of fun.

"Hey sleepyhead." Nick said, handing me a glass of orange juice.

"Hey yourself. Looking at pictures from your party again?"

"Yeah, these are new ones." Angel said

"Here's one of you. You looked so pretty and I loved your dress." Leslie said handing me a picture.

"Thanks. It was the dress I wore for my Sweet 16."

We talked and looked at the pictures for a while longer. Just as we were close to finishing, Aaron came into the kitchen.

"There you are. I woke up and you were gone." he said sitting next to me.

"Well, I got up first."

Nick announced that he was going to take a shower.

"When I come out, let's go into the studio." he said to Aaron and I.

"I finally get to hear the songs?"

"You act like we've been hiding them for a million years. We just wrote them yesterday."

"I know, but still."

Nick got out of the shower and the three of us went into the studio.

"Which one do you want to play first?" Nick asked me

"How about 'Just For You'? That's the one that I wrote." I explained

"Sounds cool."

Nick pulled out the cd and put it on.

I still don't understand how this can be
Maybe it's something I didn't wanna see
The way you make me cry,
The way I wonder why
Cause when I smile
I'm thinking of you all the while

It's the things you do
That make my heart beat for you
Keep my world spinning round,
Pick me up when I fall to the ground
But baby, you're always in my heart
Even more when we're apart
And that's why I'm living
Just for you

Where would I be
If I didn't have you next to me
You're always on my mind
Baby, you're so kind
You're so nice and sweet
And I compare you to every guy I meet.
Oh baby you light my fire.

It's the things you do
That make my heart beat for you
Keep me spinning round,
Pick me up when I fall to the ground.
But baby, you're always in my heart
Even more when we're apart
And that's why I'm living
Just for you

I feel so safe and warm
When you hold me in your arms
The touch of your skin
Ignites my sould deep within
And I'll never let you go

It's the things you do
That make my heart beat for you
Keep my world spinning round
Pick me up when I fall to the ground
But baby, you're always in my heart
Even more when we're apart
And that's why I'm living
Just for you

© Sa'iyda Shabazz

"Wow, that was really awesome." Aaron marveled

"It was nothing really."

"Ready for the next one?" Nick asked

"This one is called 'Forever'."

Nick pressed play and our voices filled the room. This was the first time I heard it all mixed and recoreded and I was shocked. I didn't realize how well we sounded together. Though I was elated at the way the song came out, part of me wished I was singing with Aaron. The song was about two people who after all different circumstances of not being together, finally realize they're soulmates and will be forever. When it was done, I had to wipe a tear from my eye.

Aaron was in shock. "That was beautiful"

"Thanks Aaron."

"It's definitely going on the album just like this. I don't care what I have to do." Nick said. I was so honored.

"Wow Nick. That was amazing partner." I joked

"Yeah well, I couldn't do it without you and your beautiful voice. Isn't her voice amazing Aaron?"

"Yep. Just like her."

I felt myself blushing. That's a feat for me. I couldn't believe that all of this cool stuff was happening to me. I mean, I got to write a song with Nick Carter, and it actually came out amazing. It was all so overwhelming.

Chapter 20

We went back upstairs to get ready for the party. Angel and Leslie had just gotten back from Party City with all the decorations and party favors. BJ was on her way over to come get me so we could go to the supermarket and get all the snacks and stuff. Nick and Aaron had it easy, all they had to do was look good, which wasn't very hard for either of them. I figured that I would take a shower when I got back from the store because I didn't have time then.

While we were shopping, BJ and I started to play catch up. We hadn't spoken in about a week or two. It had been awhile.

"So, what's up with you and Aaron?"

"Nothing. Why do you ask?"

"You guys just act like there's something going on between you two."

"Nope. He's just my best friend, nothing more, nothing less."

"Yeah well, I think he likes you."

"Really? Why would you think that?"

"It's just the way he looks at you. Kind of wistful, lusting, I can't really tell. But there's definitely something there."

"Wow, I never noticed it in him. Nick, yes, but not Aaron."

"Nick thinks you're hot. But he told me he has a crush on you."

"That I figured. But I have a boyfriend."

"Oh right, Brad. From the way it sounds to me, he's your boyfriend in name only."

"I like that 'boyfriend in name only'. That's so true."

"Yeah. Why don't you just dump him?"

"I will...eventually. I like making him feel guilty about being such a crappy boyfriend."

"That's always rewarding."

"Oh definitely. It's great."

We talked about a bunch of other stuff while we were shopping but it was wasn't relevant. My suspicions had been confirmed for the most part. At least someone else thought Aaron liked me. I knew that Nick liked me. That was obvious to just about anyone. We all found it very funny.

When we got back to the house, I took my shower and threw on a t-shirt and sweatpants and put my hair in a messy bun. Us girls decorated and started getting all of the snacks prepared. Then we sent the guys out to get the actual food.

While they were gone, BJ brought up her idea about Aaron liking me. Leslie and Angel both agreed that it was very possible that he did like me. Angel told me that she had overheard Aaron talking about me to one of his friends on the phone and she also told me that he listened to the cd I made him a lot. It had some songs I wrote on it as well as some other songs that reminded me of him or of our friendship. It was a cool cd. Plus she told me that he was jealous of the way I flirt with and act around Nick. He said it was unfair, whatever that was supposed to mean. When we finished getting everything ready, it was almost seven o'clock. That only gave us and hour to get ourselves ready.

Chapter 21

I took another quick shower and got dressed. I had decided to wear my tight sparkly dark denim jeans, a blue one shoulder top and sandals. I would be spending most of my time indoors so I didn't see the point of wearing actual shoes. My hair was half up in a tight ponytail with the longer layers brushing my shoulders. Everyone looked nice but Aaron looked hot! My knees went weak when I saw him come down the stairs. Even though he was my best friend and I had no romantic interest in him whatsoever, the boy was beautiful. He was wearing leather pants, a white wifebeater and a longsleeve black shirt over it.

"Hey there beautiful." he said walking to me.

"Hey yourself sexy." I smiled as he kissed my cheek.

"Let's go mingle." he grabbed my arm and led me away.

I got to meet the other Backstreet Boys which was hella cool. I ended up spending most of the night talking to Kevin and his wife Kristin or AJ. Every so often I'd escape outside with Angel and Leslie to talk. Leslie said that Aaron kept shooting AJ dirty looks.

"But why?" I asked

"Because of the way he touches your arm while you're talking, or the way you laugh at his jokes..."

"Mostly because AJ is single and it looks like you guys are flirting." Angel added

"Wow you guys! He's really jealous!"

"Well duh! He really likes you." Angel exclaimed

Just then, BJ stuck her head out the door.

"Uh, it's eleven fifty eight. I think you should come inside."

"Okay, we're coming!" Leslie replied

"Oh great, time for the midnight kiss and I'm all the way in Florida. I'm depressed." I creid

"Don't be depressed. We're all alone." Angel patted my arm.

"True. We are. Sad really." I joked.

We went inside and caught Aaron's eye. I smiled but he just gave me a look. I couldn't tell if it was anger, disgust or hurt. Whatever it was, it made me feel bad.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" everyone yelled

I felt someone grab me and kiss me. I squealed and jumped back.

"NICK! What were you thinking?" I screamed

"What? It's tradition!"

"Are you on crack?"

"What's the big deal?"

"Forget it Nick. Just forget it. I need some air." I walked away and ran smack into Aaron.

On to Chapter 22-28

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