As usual: All the text in BLACK is common, but the text in BLUE is unique to that character's story. So for those that only want to read what's different between the characters, now you can.
IMPORTANT Part 15 is completely different for both characters - so read both!!!
As Before: This story is a little different. For each section, you have a choice to read the story from the view point of one of the two main characters: the fictional Scott Waters or Brian Littrell. BUT: If you read the story from both view points you'll get the entire story, particularly when the characters are not together.
If some events don't coincide with real events remember, it's only fiction!
P.S. (Having never been to Kentucky, I may have made it a warmer place than it should be for the time of year that the story takes place - but it fit with how I wanted the story to go - so deal! ;-D)
Legalities: This story is fictitious. It is not meant to imply anything about any of the Backstreet Boys or anyone else. No, I am not Brian Littrell, or Scott Waters. If you're offended, go away. If you're curious, keep reading, you might like it ;-)
Once again, PLEASE let me know what you think at kenitra_canada@hotmail.com
Thanks for reading.
"Can you believe these guys," I couldn't help but yell. I was angrier than I'd been in a long time. "How is it my fault that they screwed up the vocals? Why should I be punished for it?" I looked at Kevin, Nick, Howie and A.J. They just sat there listening to me complain. They knew why I was so upset so I really didn't expect them to say anything.
I sighed and threw myself down on a nearby couch in the apartment. I'd made all the arrangements to surprise Scott. I was going to show up in Toronto tomorrow morning and fly with him to Kentucky for Thanksgiving. I was dying piece by piece, not being able to see him, or touch him. He'd never flown before so I didn't want him to have to go by himself.
"Bri," Kevin spoke up.
"Yeah?"
"I'll go to Toronto if you want," he said and I sat up looking at him.
"You would?" I asked, wondering if he was serious.
He nodded. "I know it won't be the same as if you were there. But I can keep him company, and we can get to know each other better."
I jumped up and ran over to hug Kevin. "Thank you, Cus. I'll owe you one."
Everyone laughed and I looked at them. "So how many does he owe you now, Kevin?" A.J. asked. I threw a pillow at him. I was still angry that the producers had screwed up, but I felt better knowing that Scott would have some company.
November 25
Early the next morning I thanked Kevin again as he left for the airport. I got dressed and headed for the studio. From what the producers had said, it would take me all day to finish. I'd booked a flight for the next day to Kentucky. I arrived at the studio by seven thirty ready to work. I just wanted to get it over with so I could get to Kentucky and see Scott.
Fortunately, Max Martin, our producer, was ready to go. We started recording some solo vocals. Usually when I'm recording I like to try some different things, experiment a little. I wasn't in the mood, so I sang exactly how they wanted. By late morning, I realized that we were almost done. So far, ever take I'd done, they liked. If we finished by noon, I may be able to catch a flight today.
"Brian, I think that's a wrap." Max said. "I don't think you've ever been so dead on before. Good work."
"Thanks guys. I'm out of here. Have a good holiday," I said as I grabbed my stuff and left before they changed their minds.
I had everything I needed in the car already, so I drove directly to the airport hoping I could be put on standby. I knew that every flight would be booked, because of Thanksgiving. I parked the car and grabbed my suitcase. Once in the terminal I went to the nearest booking desk. I asked for any flight to Kentucky. My heart sank; everything was completely sold out.
"Can I be put on standby please?" I asked.
"Sure," The girl said, without looking up. "Just give me your name and we'll page you if anything becomes available."
"Okay, my name is Brian Littrell, but when you page me could you use the name Brian Thomas?"
Finally she looked up, her eyes wide as she realized who I was. "Please don't scream!" I told her quietly. She closed her jaw.
"Sorry Mr. Littrell." She smiled. "I'll see what I can do about finding you a seat."
I smiled my best `thanks for being a fan' smile. "Thanks so much," I read her name tag, "Michelle." I took my suitcase and went to sit down.
It was almost one, when I noticed a girl sitting a couple of aisles away, watching me. She was about seventeen and I could see her trying to figure out if she knew me. I just watched as the light went on and she stood up, walking over to me.
"Excuse me," she said when she reached my position and I looked up. "I'm sorry to bother you, but are you Brian Littrell?" I was grateful that she kept her voice down. I nodded. "Are you going home to Kentucky for Thanksgiving?" she asked. I could hear a Kentucky accent as she spoke.
I sighed. "I'm hoping to. But right now I'm on standby because everything is booked." I didn't see any reason not to tell her the truth. I smiled at her then; realizing it wasn't fair to take my disappointment out on her. "What about you? Flying home for the holiday?"
"Yes," she said, and sat down in the seat beside me. "I know you probably get sick of being asked this, but would you mind signing something for me?"
"Sure," I said and waited while she pulled out some paper and a pen from a backpack. She handed both to me. "So what's your name?" I asked her.
"Nora," she replied.
*Nora, Thanks for being a Backstreet Boys fan! Hope you have a great Thanksgiving and a Happy New Year! Thanks for talking to me at the airport. Luv Brian T Litttrell*
I handed her back the paper and watched as she read it, them smiled at me shyly. "Thanks!"
"You're welcome," I said, smiling back.
She suddenly stood up. "I have to go, but it was nice meeting you Brian."
"You too, Nora. Have a good holiday." I watched as she walked away. Then returned my attention to the spot on the floor I had been staring at before noticing Nora.
"Mr. Brian Thomas, please return to the booking desk. Mr. Brian Thomas." A loud voice over the P.A. system said.
I realized that they were paging me. I grabbed my suitcase and walked quickly back to the desk. It was the same girl at the counter. "Hi Michelle, did you find something for me?" I asked, getting hopeful.
She nodded, "There's a flight boarding in about five minutes for Lexington. A girl just stopped by and turned in her ticket, asking me to give it to you. She said she would catch something tomorrow."
I was stunned. It could only have been Nora. "You don't happen to have her full name and address, Michelle?" I asked.
She handed me a piece of paper. "She wrote it down. She said if you wanted to pay her for the ticket you could, otherwise it was an early Christmas gift."
"Thank you so much Michelle," I said as I took the ticket she was holding. "Have a good holiday."
"You too."
I jogged to the designated gate, not wanting to risk missing the boarding call. Once settled into my seat, I braced myself for take off, closing my eyes, thinking about Scott.
I wasn't too bad when we were in the air. It was only a short hour-long flight to Kentucky. I called ahead to home, arranging for my brother Harold to pick me up at the airport. Then I dialed one of our assistants back in Orlando. I asked her to send a huge bouquet of flowers and a check to Nora Daly. I gave her the address.
"Send a card along saying, *Thank you for your unexpected generosity. In a world where I'm always expected to give, it was a great pleasure to receive such a beautiful gift. You have no idea what your thoughtfulness meant to me. I hope this expresses some of my gratitude. I'll send along tickets to our next Orlando concert just for you. Thanks again Nora. Brian `B-Rok' Littrell.* Make sure it gets there today. Oh, and remind me when we play Orlando again to send those tickets."
I sat back and waited to land. Once in the car, I looked at my watch and realized that Scott and Kevin would be in the air now. I decided to call Kevin.
"Hello," he answered.
"Hey Kevin, its me. Don't say anything to Scott."
"Okay." I knew Scott was sitting right next to him.
"I managed to finish early and catch a flight home. I'm in the car with H-Dawg right now."
"Oh, that's nice," Kevin said noncommittally.
"Anyway, I'm going to surprise Scott when you get here, so don't tell him I'm already home."
"Okay. It was nice talking to you. I'm sure we'll talk again soon. Bye." Kevin hung up the phone. I smiled to myself. Kevin was a good actor.
"So Kevin and your friend Scott are in the air?" Harold asked me.
"Yeah, they should be here in about two and a half hours." I said, unable to contain my excitement. Harold smiled over at me.
"I haven't seen you this excited about anything in years B." he observed. I'd told him all about Scott during phone calls over the past few weeks. Harold had always supported me. When I told the family that I was gay, he'd been one of the first to say that it didn't change things as far as he was concerned.
I grinned at him. "I've never had reason to be this happy before. Scott has changed my entire perspective on life, it's incredible."
We drove along the outskirts of the city before turning down a dirt road. I'd forgotten how beautiful the Kentucky countryside was. We arrived at the gate and Harold punched in the access code. As we drove along the treed drive, I could see the horses in one of the fields, running and playing near the pond. I felt myself completely relax. I was home and among family where I could just be me.
Everyone was at the house when we pulled up. I waved and called out to some of my young cousins and Aunts and Uncles. I took my suitcase into the house and up to my room. It wasn't really *my* room. My Mom had decorated it for use as a spare room, but I'd claimed it for my own for whenever I was here. I tossed my suitcase under the bed. I didn't want to leave evidence that I was here for Scott to find.
I went back downstairs and began to wander around greeting everyone. The family had been told that Scott was arriving, so I asked everyone to not say anything when he arrived. I wanted to surprise him.
The anticipation was killing me. I was sitting in the study upstairs, watching the drive. Finally, I saw my cousin Tim's black mustang pull up. I easily picked out Scott's black curls in the back seat. I watched as they took out the luggage. Then he and Kevin walked into the house. No one approached them. I heard them come up the stairs and listened as Kevin told Scott he'd been put in my room. If that was okay.
"That's okay, Kevin. I'll stay with Brian." I heard Scott open the door. Then he asked Kevin. "What time did you say Brian was arriving tomorrow, Kevin?" I could hear the sadness in his voice.
Kevin replied. "His flight should be in by noon, Scott."
I waited for a few seconds, then heard Scott come back into the hall. I heard him knock on Kevin's door, and call out to Kevin. I knew Kevin had dashed downstairs. Scott finally headed back down the stairs.
I silently followed behind, and watched as he went through the sliding doors onto the veranda. He slowly walked along the veranda to the back where a number of people were swimming and playing horseshoes. I couldn't torture him anymore and crept up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and whispering in his ear, "Miss me, Angel?"
Sorry this part is so short!!
BTW, does anyone know where the saying 'If you love something, let it go, if it comes back to you, it's yours, if not, then it never belonged to you.' (sorry for the terrible paraphrasing!!)
Kenitra kenitra_canada@hotmail.com
November 24
TBC
Does it come from a song (and I don't mean the Sting song :-)), a poem, or ????
Any help would be very much appreciated!