Date: Sat, 28 Feb 2004 16:18:19 -0500
From: joey miller <pandora0071@lycos.com>
Subject: "Learning how to Fly"    Epilogue

LEARNING HOW TO FLY

Epilogue
~ All wounds heal with time ~

Yes. All good things must come to an end, and alas, this story is drawing
to a close. I hope you enjoyed this little flight of fancy. I'd like to
thank all those who have sent me feedback. It's been a pleasure writing for
you. As usual, comments, praise, and criticism are welcome and should be
sent to Pandora0071@lycos.com.

Disclaimer: If you've made it this far you probably know this jazz about
how it's all fiction and does not represent the actual sexualities,
opinions, and personal beliefs of the celebrities mentioned.

If you're under age or in a backwards place where accessing stuff like this
is illegal, lock the door to your room, or stop what you're doing.

***

New York
September 24th

	Nick was in the kitchen, making coffee, when the phone rang.
	"Nick speaking, who's this?"
	"Kaos ... it's me!" Nick recognized the voice instantly and
laughed. It had been almost two months since he had talked to any of his
former band mates. Almost two months since he had packed his bags and left
the hotel in Miami together with Colin and the Dragonflies. Sometimes it
seemed like an eternity lies between the world he left behind that day, and
the one he lived in now.
	He had not looked at a single newspaper, had not listened to any of
the press statements he knew the Firm and his friends must have been
making. He had left the apartment only rarely, clad in big sweaters,
sunglasses and baseball hats. Most of the time he'd sat his desk, painting
or writing. And then, of course, he had spent every waking moment with
Colin. Things had been good.

	"How are you doing? How is everyone?" Nick asked, bubbling over
with excitement.
	"I'm good. It's been one hell of a ride since you left, but it's
slowly beginning to calm down. How have you been? What are you doing now?"
	"I'm wonderful. I started writing songs and I'm thinking of
starting solo project someday. It was tough in the beginning, but Colin has
been very supportive and I know that I made the right decision."
	"That's good to hear."

	Nick really was sure he'd made the right decision. In the beginning
he'd felt horrible about breaking up the Backstreet Boys. Through Jamie,
who had stayed in contact with AJ, though their relationship was now purely
platonic, he had heard about the public backlash following the official
break up. He'd cried for days, curled up on his bed in the darkened room,
feeling as though he was carrying the sorrow of the whole world on his
shoulders. After the sadness had followed rage and he had ripped apart
canvases he had stained with blood red tempera, written poems about death
and deception, and had spent one whole night on the floor in the kitchen,
where he'd locked himself in after a fight with Colin. But slowly,
gradually, Colin managed to break down all walls and lift the shadowy veil
from Nick's head. In the end he realized that he was not responsible for
what had happened. He had been a victim of circumstance, just like everyone
else.

	"That is really good to hear Nick. I'm glad." Nick smiled and
hoisted himself up on the counter, leaning his back against the cupboard.
	"So tell me. What have you guys been up to?"
	"Well, Kevin decided he should use the time for some family
planning and I haven't seen him since. Howie and I hang out
occasionally. We're both still making music and thinking about a recording
session. " He stopped short and Nick felt apprehension rising. He knew what
was coming.
	"Sounds cool. And ... and Brian? What has he been doing?"
	"He's been spending some time with the wife and the family. But
he's actually visiting me right now. It appears there are a few things he
wanted to say to me. And now he'd like to say those things to you, too. Can
I put him on?" Nick swallowed. Then he bit his lip and closed his eyes.
	"Alright. Put him on."
	There was a moment of silence. Nick almost wanted to laugh. The
situation was just too absurd. Since when was he afraid to talk to his best
friend on the phone? The answer was easy: ever since his best friend had
kicked him first out their room, then out of their band, then out of his
life.

	"Nick?" Brian's voice sounded distant and alien.
	"Yeah. I'm right here."
	"I think I owe you an apology." Brian said. Nick nodded.
	"I think maybe you do."

***

There we go. The End. I had a great time writing this and I hope you
enjoyed the story. I have been asked if there is the possibility of a
sequel and the answer is that I have actually been kicking around ideas for
a while now. There is one story line in particular that I'd like to
explore. I don't know how soon I'll get it on paper, but I am pretty sure
that it will make it to Nifty at some point. So check back in occasionally.

Much love
joey