Everyone woke up early that morning because they all had something important to do for the award show that night. Mary, Vickie, Michelle and Katya decided to go shopping for their dresses as the Boys went to a meeting with management and got their hair, clothes and everything else ready for the show. The dancers had a sort of day off since they didn't have to care much about what they were gonna wear beside their stage outfits.
"Are you going to the after-party?" Gaby asked Lylian as they were getting dressed.
"I dunno... dancers are invited but...I'm not sure.."
"Why??"
"I don't think I'll feel really comfortable being surrounded by all those singers and artists..." she shrugged.
"What?? You are living with artists Lily! You've work with them more than once! ... You are an artist yourself! You can't miss that! What if someone ask you for a routine or someting? Come on!" Gaby exclaimed.
"I don't know..." Lylian hesitated.
"Lily, what is happening to you? You've lost all kind of self-confidence! What's wrong?" Gaby asked, her big eyes full of questions.
"I dunno... I dunno what's happening..." she sighed, sitting on the bed. "I just never feel like my work is good enough for them..."
"Aw! Come on Lily! You know you're the best of all! You choreographies are amazing! The Boys love them!! What makes you think that way?" she asked, sitting next to her friend.
"I have no idea!!! It's just a feeling I have all the time.."
"Well you shouldn't feel that way! Britney Spears will look like a loser on the stage after the Boys routine!!! ... not that it will change from what she usually looks like.." she said with a grin. "But...you need a serious confidence boost my girl... I'll have to do something about that.."
"I'll be alright... thanks.." Lylian smiled.
"So...what are you gonna do today?"
"Wanna do something with me? I sort of have a day off... but we have to be at the stadium ealier than the boys... at the end of the afternoon I think.."
"What about a swim to relax before that big night???" Gaby suggested.
"Yeah! Sounds good to me!" Lylian exclaimed.
"Hey I just thought about something...what if Ashton is there tonight????" Gaby asked excitely.
"Oh my God!!!" Lylian shrieked. "Meet Ashton...Aaaaaahhhh!!!!"
"You're so funny!!" Gaby said as Lylian laughed. "So I guess you'll go to that after-party?"
"If he's there... of course!!!!" she smiled as she took her swimsuit and followed her friend out of the room.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Meanwhile ***
"So what kind of dress do you want?" Vickie asked the other girls. She wasn't really happy to have Katya with them but she knew she had to deal with her once in a while.
"I want something simple... the guys will be dressed kinda casual so..." Mary shrugged.
"I want something classy and sexy..." Katya grinned. "Don't you wanna everyone to think the Backstreet Boys are going out with the most beautiful girls on the planet?"
"Well yeah but... I don't think we really need to be half naked to show them that..." Michelle shrugged.
"Yeah, we're already sexy and beautiful naturally so..." Vickie giggled.
"You're right on that!" Mary smiled as they high-fived.
"We didn't even see how the Boys will be dressed... I hate when it happens!" Vickie groaned. "It'd be funny to have something that totally doesn't match with their outfits..."
"Yeah it'd be funny but... I think we should just go with something casual so we won't look like clowns!" Mary giggled.
"Yeah 'cause anyways my picture will be in every kind of magazines and they'll analyze how I'm dressed and stuff..." Michelle sighed. "And I'm also presenting an award so.."
"Must be hard for you girl... " Vickie said.
"Yeah sometimes it is.." Michelle replied. "But I love Howie and I'm happy with my life right now.."
"When is your next movie??" Katya asked.
"Um.. I'm reading scenarios right now... I don't really have a contract. I'm taking it slowly I don't wanna rush into everything... I read some that were great so..I'm thinking about it!"
"That's great! Oh girls... look at that... I think we'll find what we're looking for in this store!!!" Mary exclaimed as she almost ran into a store where tons of beautiful dresses were hanging in the window.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Later ***
Brian walked in his room, tired from that meeting and all technical arrangements they had had this day. He knew he wouldn't have time to rest but at least, he knew he'd have fun that night. It was going to be a great show...he hoped.
"Hey baby! how did it go??" Mary asked coming out of the bathroom, a simple towel covering her body.
"Not bad! And you??"
"Great!!" she smiled before to plant a kiss on his lips.
"You found something interesting to wear??" he asked with a grin.
"Yep!" she smiled happily.
"Great...can I see it??"
"You'll see it in like an hour...can't you wait??"
"It'll be hard... but I guess I can.." he sighed, jumping on the bed.
"You're good..." she said with a laugh.
"Well I know I'll have beautiful surprise, whatever it is!" he smiled.
"And what are you gonna wear?" she asked.
"We're all wearing different toxedos... casual stuff..." he shrugged. "Come here.." he grinned, looking at her up and down.
"What??" she chuckled, walking up to him. He wrapped his arms around her and layed his forehead on her stomach. "You tired baby?"
"Yeah... was a long boring meeting..." he replied.
"Well, tonight we'll have fun!" she said, stroking his hair.
"Yep!" he lift up his head and smiled.
"When are we leaving?" she asked with a sly grin.
"In about... two hours..."
She stared at him during a moment and finally leaned over and kissed him passionately as the towel went on the floor. His hands roamed her body with passion as they layed on the bed, her on top of him, not stoping to kiss him.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Meanwhile ***
"AAAaahhh Gaby help me!!!" Lylian shrieked as she was pulled under water again.
"I.. I .. I can"t..." Gaby replied, unable to stop laughing.
"Look at your friends Lily..not even able to save you!" Amanda giggled from her side of the pool.
"You girls are so lame..." Deryck shook his head as Lylian came over water.
"And you are mean to me!!!" she told him, jumping on his back.
The four had been playing in the pool all afternoon as the other dancers had went shopping or just rest in their room.
"Hey what time is it??" Lylian suddently asked.
"It's 4pm..." Gaby answered.
"Holy shit guys!!! We have to be at the stadium in half an hour!!!!" she screamed. "We gotta go!!!" she jumped off Deryck's back and went out of the pool, grabbing her towel.
"Oh God! That's right!" Amanda shouted, following her.
"How come you gotta be there so early?" Gaby asked with a pout.
"We don't even know! I think it's for all the make up and stuff...they want us to be ready earlier... " Deryck said as he jumped out of the pool.
"Too bad..."
"Will you watch us?" Amanda grinned.
"Of course! I'm going to the club and watch it with Keri and Lexy..." she replied. She wasn't that happy about it because she knew there was something going on with Nick and Lexy...but she knew she shouldn't think about that...And at least she wasn't going to be alone.
"That's cool!" Amanda smiled.
"Well, good luck guys!!" Gaby exclaimed and hugged them all.
"You're not coming up with us?" Lylian asked.
"Nah...I'll just stay in the water for a while I think... so...good luck! You're the best!!!" she hugged her friend again.
"Thanks! I love ya girl!" Lylian smiled, hugging her friend tight.
"And say Hi to Ashton for me..." Gaby teased.
"Yeah yeah! I will!"
"And you, keep an eye on her!" she told Deryck with a wink.
"Don't worry, I will!" he giggled.
"Bye guys!" she waved as they left the pool.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Later ***
"Ready???" Mary asked from the bathroom. She had been there for a whole hour, getting ready for this special event.
"Of course!!" Brian said, excited like a little child.
"It's something really simple you know... "
"I don't care! I'm sure it looks beautiful on you anyways... come out!!" he replied with a little laugh.
"Alright alright...I'm coming!" she giggled, glancing at her reflection in the mirror a last time. She walked out and chuckled at Brian's jaw falling to the grown. Her shinning eyes scanned him up and down and she grinned. He was wearing dark blue pants with a lighter blue shirt and a blue tie wich was making his eyes really bright through his face. He just looked like an angel.
He got out of his trance and smile widely. She was wearing a short white and blue dress with really thin laces attached at the back of her neck. Her short blond hair was up with a few hair slides and she had a bit of blue eyeliner what was making her soft eyes shinning like two little stars.
"You look..absolutely gorgeous!" Brian finally said, unable to take his eyes off of her.
"Thanks... you are really handsome too.." she smiled happily.
"How did you know I was gonna wear blue??"
"There's always a bit of blue in what you are wearing sweetheart.." she chuckled.
"Yeah..well...you're beautiful!"
"Thanks!" she slightly blushed.
They went downstairs where they were going to meet the others before to hop in the long white limousine waiting outside. A few fans knew now where the guys were staying so they were patiently waiting, hoping to get a smile or a wave from their idol. When Brian and Mary arrived in the lobby, Howie, Michelle and Nick were already there.
"Hey man!" Nick shouted. "Nervous?"
"Not really...what about you?!"
"Nah..." he chuckled. He had almost the same outfit than Brian except that he didn't have a tie and his shirt was yellow. He also had a dark blue jacket and his sandy hair were spiky on his head.
"Wow girl... I told you you would look amazing in that dress!" Mary said, approaching Michelle.
"Thanks!!" this one smiled, her long dark purple dress matching with Howie's black outfit.
A few minutes later, Aj and Katya walked in. Katya had a long white dress fitting her body perfectly, with holes on the side, showing off her thin waist and hips. Aj had a white tank top with a leather coat over it and black pants, a black hat and his usual sunglasses. And finally, Vickie and Kevin joined them, Vickie with her long hot colored skirt and waist lentght jacket matching perfectly with her bright red hair, and Kevin with a black coat and black pants and a red shirt under the jacket.
"Bye guys! Good luck!!" Gaby shouted, running into the place.
"Hey! Thank you girl!" Brian smiled.
"God.. I feel like crap in here... " she giggled, looking at their classy outfits. She only had 3/4 lenght jeans and a red baby-t. "But you know...I know you now.. and I'll watch ya tonight so... you know..in your thank you's... if you don't want anything to be known from the media..." she added, looking at the ceiling innocently.
"Yeah yeah..." Kevin laughed. "We'll thank you for the psychologic black mail..."
"It's better than nothing.." she shrugged and laughed. "But really...I'm sure you'll win everything!! I can feel it!"
"Great!! Finally kick N Sync's asses!" Mary shouted as they all giggled.
"Well, thanks a lot Gaby! If you're right... I swear that I'll thank you..." Howie grinned, hugging her.
"Cool!" she chuckled. They all hugged her and finally left for the Music Hall Building. They arrived there and walked on the long red carpet, trying to talk to the most medias they could but there were so much that it was kinda hard. They finally got inside and waited for the show to start.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Meanwhile ***
"I hope it won't be too crowded tonight...I don't wanna miss the show!" Marilyne said as the two friends walked out of the back store and took their places behind the counter of the bar.
"Yeah me too... well, it's Thursday so... it's usually kinda calm ..." Keri replied.
"I hope so! Anyways! Is that girl...um..Gaby coming?"
"She said so!" Keri sais as she pulled her hair up in a messy ponytail. "Got any news from Ginny or Sarah?"
"Do you really think they will call me and say 'hey..we're in France right now and we're having such a good time...but you know...sorry we only left a little note before we ran away!'" Marilyne groaned. "Bitches..."
"What the hell are they doing in Europe anyways!?! And with what fucking money did they leave?" Keri shouted.
"I have no idea... anyways, I don't think they'll ever get back here...and if they do ...they'll get killed!"
"By you?" Keri giggled.
"Oh hell yeah!" she laughed. A few people entered in the bar at that moment so they got serious to work. An hour later, Gaby arrived and sat on a stool at the counter.
"Hey there!" she smiled.
"Hey girl!" Keri replied. "How are ya doing?"
"Great! I'm excited to see how the show will be like!" Gaby said, bouncing on her seat.
"Yeah! We're pretty excited too...espcially Lexy..." Keri told her, looking at her friend who was handing drinks to some guys. "But ssh...don't tell her that 'cause she'll get mad!"
"Okay!" Gaby whispered with a giggle.
"At what time does it start??? I'm dying here!!!" Marilyne exclaimed, joining them. "Hey there!" she smiled at Gaby.
"Hey! ...Um...I heard Brian say that it was beginning at 8!! So...still 10 minutes to wait!"
"Argg!" Lexy groaned.
Ten minutes later, they gathered around and watched the beginning of the show. Since there were only a few customers in the club, they could watch without too much troubles.
"Do you know when they are singing?" Marilyne asked Gaby.
"I think it's like...in the middle of the show..."
"What?? Damn it's in a long time.." she whined as the others laughed.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** An hour and a half later ***
"You ready guys????" Lylian asked everyone, trying to sound encouraging.
"Yeah!!!!" everybody replied.
"Now... Show them what you've got!!!" she shouted as they all hugged before their prestation. They were going on stage in a few minutes and were waiting impatiently, boucing on their feet. They had not won anything yet but the categories they were nominated in had not passed yet. They were up for people's choice award year and best video from a group for 'The Call'.
Their time finally came and they all took their place on stage as the lights were down and the host of the show introduced them. The music started, blasting through the large and many speakers. They all felt a suddent high of energy when the lights went on and performed like they never did before.
"God they are amazing!" Mary exclaimed, like everytime she was seeing them performed. She looked around and saw the other artists and people's face who were all looking as impressed as herself.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Meanwhile ***
"Oh my God.." Marilyne whispered, her blue eyes glued to the tv screen... and mostly to Nick. She had never seen any guy looking as great as him in her life. His hair was all spiky and up on his head. He was all dressed in black, with leather pants and a long coat. They were all dressed in black with leather, similar to what they were wearing in the video. The dancers were too dressed in different black outifits and the makeup was really dark, giving the whole presentation a tough and 'warrior' look.. but what was the most outstanding was of course the dance that everyone seemed to enjoy really much in the audience.
The three girls were staring at the screen, all trying to get as much details they could in their mind. Gaby couldn't help but feel really proud of Lylian's work. For a moment they saw other artists in the room and she remarked the look of appreciation in their eyes. Not only were they dancing on a amazing routine but they were also singing for real...wich was not happening all the time 'cause a lot of group or artists were lip singing. She watched Nick as he sang his part and felt butterflies in her stomach. She saw how Marilyne was looking at him too... so Nick was like every other guys... just playing around... but she didn't want to live that again... she knew she'd get hurt and she had enough things in her mind... "Just forget about him.." she told herself.
"Damn...that was... wow!!!" Keri smiled when the song ended with explosions of lights and fire.
"Yeah!! Look at that... everyone liked it!" Marilyne added, bouncing as she saw everyone cheering.
"Yeah they were so great! Plus... well the prestations before weren't really good so...they defenitely are the best tonight!" Gaby said, sure of herself.
"For how long are you staying in town???" Marilyne asked.
"Um.. for another week or something.."
"Okay..thanks.." she grinned and walked to a customer who was waiting to make an order.
Gaby sighed and turned her eyes to the tv screen where the show was going on with other awards to give away.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** At the awards ***
"Congrats guys! We did it!!" Kevin shouted as he high-fived everybody.
"I can't believe it's already over..." Lylian giggled.
"You happy?? Everyone really seemed to enjoy it..." Brian told her with a smile.
"I don't know I didn't see anything I was too concentrated..." she chuckled.
"Well... I'm sure we'll get tons of questions like...who did your choreography?!" Brian mocked. "And we'll answer...she'd like to stay anonymus!" he winked.
"Hey!!" she laughed, smacking his arm.
"I'm kidding! We'll be please to say your name!" he smiled.
"Thanks! Thanks a lot!!" she replied, all smile.
The boys changed back into what they were wearing before and walked back at their seats where their girlfriends greeted them happily.
"Wow guys! Congratulation!" Vickie smiled. "You were amazing...as always!" she added, her eyes sparkling as she stared at Kevin.
"Thanks!" he replied and plant a kiss on her lips.
"What did we miss?" Nick asked as he sat next to Mary.
"Nothing really... Nelly won for best rap vid... a few bad jokes...and Britney just looks horrible..." she answered with a laugh.
"Alright!" he said. "So when is our nomination?"
"After the break!!!" Michelle said, excited like a child.
"Aren't you suppose to present an award?" Howie asked her.
"Yeah...but it's later. They'll come and get me when it'll be time..."
"Cool! What are award are you giving away?" Brian asked.
"Best dance video! I hope Fat Boy Slim wins!!"
"Yeah that'd be cool!"
"Ssshhh it' time!" Aj told them as the host introduced Jennifer Lopez and Ja-Rule. The two talked for a little bit and finally present the nomination for the best video from a group.
"I am so nervous!" Mary said, gripping Brian's hands. He laughed lightly and kissed her on the cheek. She was always so excited when it came to awards.
"And the winners are... The Backstreet Boys!!" J.L.O screamed in the microphone.
Everyone jumped with surprise since they didn't think they were gonna win this one because of the big competition. They ran up to the stage happily and made their speech. After everybody else has spoken, Howie took the mic.
"And thanks to everyone on tour who support and help us to make this good work! So thanks to the dancers, managers, security guards, technicians... and to our girlfriends... Love ya babe!" he blew Michelle a kiss. "Oh yeah!! Thanks Gaby!" he added with a grin. The others laughed and they walked backstage with the award in hand.
"Yeeeeaaaaahhh!!" Nick yelled.
"Congrats guys!" people applaused when they walked in a little room for some pictures.
"Yeah!!! Backstreet Rules!!!!!" the guys heard people singing and screaming outside the room.
"Oh yeah that's our crew!!" Brian laughed.
"God they are crazy!" Howie giggled, knowing the dancers were already partying.
"Weeeheee!!" Nick shouted, running out and joining them outside.
He high-fived everybody, bouncing like a little kid.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
*** Later that night ***
The whole crew came back in the early hours of the morning and went straight to their room, exhausted.
"Good night everyone.." Lylian yawned as she stepped out of the elevator.
"Night..." they replied, all half sleeping.
She walked to the door of her and Gaby's room, happy she'd finally get some sleep. She opened the door, thinking she'd find the room quiet and dark since it was almost 5 in the morning but to her surprise, Gaby was still up, and smiled brightly when she came in.
"What the hell are you doing awake?" Lylian asked, walking straight to her bed and layed on it. "I'm so tired.."
"You're drunk too.." Gaby laughed.
"What? ...No... " Lylian replied, chuckling.
"Yeah right..anyways! You were amazing!!! It was so cool you can't believe how proud I was!!!" Gaby exclaimed, jumping on Lylian's bed.
"Argg...thanks...but don't jump... everything turns around.." Lylian said and blinked a few times.
"Sorry...so.. did you meet Ashton???" Gaby asked. A smile appeared on Lylian's face but she kept staring at the ceiling. "So??? Stop grinning like an idiot and tell me!!"
"Can't we talk 'bout it tomorrow morning? I just want to sleep..."
"It's 5 in the morning... it's tormorrow...so... shoot!!!! Every little juicy details!!"
"Arrrggg... " Lylian groaned, turned on her stomach and plunged her face in one of the big pillows.
"You met him!!! You fucking did!!! So tell me!!!" Gaby laughed. She was about to tickle her sides when Lylian turned around and smiled.
"Yeah...I met him and he's just the sweetest thing ever!!!!" Lylian grinned happily before her head fell back.
"Oh my God!! This is so cool!! Who else did you meet???"
"Can't we talk later??" Lylian whined through the pillow.
"Come on! How can you just fall asleep like that?? After a night like that???"
"I dunno..." she said, her eyes closed.
"Lily!!!! Lily!!!!!" Gaby shouted, shaking her shoulders.
"Um..." was the only response she got.
"You better tell me everything tomorrow 'cause if not, I'll kick your ass!!"
"Um-um.."
"Good Night!" Gaby sighed, dissapoint that she wouldn't know anything now. She crawled back in her own bed and fell asleep.
