1. Prologue by Carter
2. Chapter One by Carter
3. Chapter Two by Carter
4. Chapter Three by Carter
5. Chapter Four by Carter
6. Chapter Five by Carter
7. Chapter Six by Carter
8. Chapter Seven by Carter
9. Chapter Eight by Carter
10. Chapter Nine by Carter
11. Chapter Ten by Carter
12. Chapter Eleven by Carter
13. Chapter Twelve by Carter
14. Chapter Thirteen by Carter
15. Chapter Fourteen by Carter
16. Chapter Fifteen by Carter
17. Epilogue by Carter
"Carmen?" Carmen turned around and it was her mom.
"Yes?"
"How was school?"
"Boring"
"What about your cheerleading practice; how did that go?"
"Good I guess," that's all her parents really cared about was her cheerleading squad at Owyee High School in Los Angeles. She loved being captain, but some days she didn't want anything to do with it.
"Why, what's wrong Carmen? Did something go wrong at practice?"
"No mother!"
"Don't get that tone of voice with me Carmen or else you won't be allowed to go out with Joey tonight" her mom walked out of her room. Carmen sighed as she opened up her backpack and took out her books.
"Ugh so much homework why am I taking so many classes that I don't even need?" she asked herself/ She looked over at her CD player she held in her hand. She opened her CD player and looked at her CD "Journey my favourite CD" she whispered as she took it out and put it into her bigger one she had gotten from Joey for her 17th birthday.
Lying beside you here in the dark
Feeling your heartbeat with mine
Softly you whisper you're so sincere
The phone soon rang
"Hello?"
"How is my favourite girl?" it was Joey. Her parents adored him considering he is the captain of the football and the basketball teams.
"Fine I guess"
"Aww what's wrong Carmen? Something not go right at practice today?"
"Everything is fine…why does everyone keep asking about cheerleading? Do you think that's ALL I care about?"
"Sorry I asked…then what about anything else…you know school?"
"Stupid, boring... pointless…I could go on and on why am I even bothering going to school Joey?"
"You need to in order to go and cheer for the Oregon Ducks or whatever they're called."
"Maybe I don't want to cheer maybe I would like to do something else with my life."
"Like what?"
"I don't know teach pre school, become an editor, a photographer, sing!"
"You sing? Since when?"
"Forever... I have sang to you before"
"Don't remember that let me hear you now please?"
"I guess I could if you really want me too"
"Please?"
Lying beside you here in the dark
Feeling your heartbeat with mine
Softly you whisper you're so sincere
How could our love be so blind?
We sailed on together
We drifted apart
And here you are by my side
So now I come to you with open arms
Nothing to hide believe what I say
So here I am with open arms
Hoping you'll see what your love means to me
Open arms
"That was good no Christina Aguilera or Britney Spears but good"
"I was thinking about joining choir"
"Do you REALLY think Mr. Woods is going to take you?"
"Yes" all Carmen heard was just a chuckle.
"Sorry Carmen that wasn't directed towards you; my brother was doing something stupid." Carmen didn't say anything she just hung up the phone.
“Hey Carmen why did you hang up on me last night? I swear that comment wasn’t directed towards you. Steve went and ran himself into a wall.”
“Sorry I didn’t mean to Joey…honestly I didn’t. I will talk to you later on though. I am going to go and talk to Mr. Woods about choir,” she said giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“All right I will see you at lunch” Carmen walked into the choir room. She didn’t see Mr. Woods anywhere.
“Molly do you know where Mr. Woods is?”
“Um…I think he is in his office why?”
“Oh… I have been doing some thinking and I have decided maybe I would like to join choir”
“I didn’t know you liked to sing”
“Oh I absolutely love it…I just never really considered it that’s all”
“I hope you join we need some more choir members”
“I hope I do too” Carmen walked into Mr. Wood’s office.
“Carmen Coleman…I never thought I would see you in here”
“Well, I thought about joining choir for the longest time but I really recently just decided to act upon it”
“Good I am glad that you chose to join. I will have to listen to your voice now if that’s all right?”
“Of course I have time on my hands and of course if it’s all right with you if I can sing a song I wrote…”
“ Sure lets go into one of the practice rooms”
Carmen and Mr. Wood’s walked into a practice room.
“Do you want me to start?”
“Go right a head what’s the song called?”
“Top Of The World”
I wished I was smarter
I wished I was stronger
I wished I loved Jesus
The way that my wife does
I wish it had been easier
Instead of any longer
I wished I could have stood
Where you would have been proud
But that won’t happen now
That won’t happen now
There’s a whole lot of singing
That’s never gonna be heard
Disappearing everyday without
So much as a word somehow
Think I broke the wings off that little songbird
She’s never gonna fly to the top of the world
Right now
I don’t have an answer any of these questions
Don’t have no God to teach me no lessons
I come home in the evening
Sit in my chair
One night they called me for supper
But I never got up
I stayed right there in my chair
There’s a whole lot of singing
That’s never gonna be heard
Disappearing everyday without
So much as a word somehow
Think I broke the wings off that little songbird
She’s never gonna fly to the top of the world right now
I wished I’d a known you
Wished that I’d a shown you
All of the things I was on the inside
I’d pretend to be sleeping
When you come in the morning
To whisper good-bye
Go to work in the rain
I don’t know why
Don’t know why
Cause everyone’s singing
We just wanna be heard
Disappearing everyday without
So much as a word somehow
Wanna grab a hold of that little songbird
Take her for a ride to the top of the world right now
Mr. Woods couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“ You wrote that?”
“Yes sir I did just last night actually”
“That’s wonderful…I would love you to be in choir”
“Great…um what period?”
“Second...that’s my bigger choir and better choir I think you will fit right in,”
“Okay thank you so much Mr. Woods”
“No problem”
Carmen walked out of the practice room with a smile on her face…she was going to be in choir.
Song Credit "Top Of The World' By: Dixie Chicks Album: Home
“Hey Carmen where have you been? I haven’t seen you as much as I used to what’s going on?” It was one of Carmen’s best friends Angel.
“I am sorry Angel…I didn’t tell you…I joined choir did I? I basically have just been busy with that…and then cheerleading getting our cheers and stuff ready… it’s really hard…trust me. I feel so horrible I haven’t spent any time with you Angel you are like one of my best friends” Carmen explained.
“I understand Carmen. Say what you are you doing after school? Maybe I can come over and hang out?” Angel suggested.
“Nothing that I know of. Just meet me out by my car and we can go to my house”
“All right sounds good see you then” Carmen walked into her choir class and sat down.
“Hey Carmen did you hear about that new karaoke club?”
“No where is it?’
“Somewhere in Orlando…but I think you have to be like 19 or something”
“Damn I am 17…I can always get like a fake ID or something I guess”
“That’s like really dangerous Carmen you could get caught”
“But I can get discovered Anna”
“Don’t you wanna go and cheer? I thought that’s what you’ve always wanted to do. I mean you’re on the cheerleading squad.
“My parents want me to they are kind of pushing me to, but I don’t want to I would like to sing”
“I never knew that…you seem to love what you are doing with the whole cheerleading thing. But I guess if I were you I would go with what my heart tells me I would just hate doing something that I wouldn’t want to do” Anna said.
“Yea I guess you are right Anna. I would much rather sing than just cheerlead…you should always do what your heart tells you cause then you are just stuck doing something you hate”
“Then sing!”
“My parents would flip!”
“Who gives a flipping shit about your parents they should support you”
“Yea, but they are really hard to I guess understand”
“Oh…okay I se mine can be too well I guess I should go back to my section and just remember do what your heart tells you Carmen”
“Don’t worry Anna I will remember” the bell rang for class to get started.
“Okay class we’re going to be learning a new song today for our fall concert coming up in October. I thought this being a new school year and I haven’t done this for a while I thought Disney how does that sound to you guys?” Mr. Woods asked the class.
“Wonderful I like the sound of that Mr. Woods. When do we get the music?”
“Hold your horses Mike…I haven’t exactly got everything organized yet give me another week or two and I should have everything organized.”
“Well why don’t we go and do it now Mr. Woods? We can watch a movie or something we don’t mind”
“All right if that’s what you all want to do we can arrange that”
- After School-
Carmen walked to her car and saw Angel standing next to it.
“So ya ready to come over? I have an idea but I need some assistance”
“Okay I can only imagine what this idea could possibly be”
“I got it when I was in choir this morning and I KNOW you can help me out BIG time!”
“Again I can ONLY imagine now let’s get out of here and go to your house.”
“All righty!”
Carmen and Angel soon arrived at Carmen’s house.
“Hi mom me and Angel are going to go up in my room and study a little”
“Okay honey!” Carmen and Angel went up to Carmen’s room.
“Okay tell me what this big idea is all about? It seems like REALLY important I guess”
“Well I am going to get a fake ID and sing karaoke at some new club in Orlando or something and TRY to get a record deal. I don’t wanna cheer anymore. I get bored I may be the ‘captain’ of the cheerleading squad but my parents pushed me into it and now that I am almost 18 u just don’t feel like it anymore.” Carmen explained.
“How do I fit into all of this?”
“I know your brother’s friend Brent makes fake Ids and since you are like my BEST friend maybe you can talk Brent into getting one for me”
“Carmen those are like $100 where in the hell are you going to get $100?”
“Angel I am an only child…no siblings I can say I am going to go and get some new clothes or something and I would like a $100 easy piece of cake”
“This seems kind of risky”
“Angel I know trust me it will work maybe Brent can even give me a discount haha I know your bro”
“Brent usually don’t give discounts but ya never know"
“That’s true ya never know”
“Hello?”.
“Hey Angel it’s Carmen is your brother around?”.
“Yea, I think so why?”.
“He said his friend Howie or something owns the club I want to go tonight and I would like to know how to get there. I have not the slightest clue where this place is,” Carmen explained..
“Oh okay…Howie yea I know who that is…let me check,” Carmen sat there on the phone while Angel went to go and get Nick. There was an over whelm ness of happiness that grew on Carmen’s face. Following her dreams is something that she’s always wanted to do and now that she isn’t caring about what her parents say she’s going to do whatever it takes..
“Hello?”.
“Hey Nick its Carmen”.
“Oh hey what’s up? Angel told me that you needed to know where Howie’s club was or something like that right?”.
“Yep that’s correct”.
“You do know downtown Orlando pretty well I would assume right?”.
“Yes”.
“Okay you turn right onto Smith Street then you take a left at the Shell gas station then you take another left onto Jones Road and you go down two blocks and its on the right side it’s called Tabu”.
“ I think I know where that is. Thank you so much Nick. I really appreciate it.”.
“Ah it was no problem at all. I have known you for a long time. And I know you can sing!”.
“Aw thanks Nick. Well I must get going. So I can make it to the club. I’ll let you know how it goes all right Nick? Tell Angel I said bye and I’ll call her later on…OH! Tell Brent I said thank you a thousand times.”.
“I will…I am going to be there as well. D asked me to help out tonight so I am looking forward to hearing you sing. And I’ll tell Angel you said bye and you’ll call her later…and I will tell Brent you said thank you a thousand times.”.
“Oh okay I’ll see you there then.”.
“All right bye bye” Carmen hung up the phone and finished getting ready to go to the club. She was still a little worried that her whole idea would just back fire and then she would get in trouble. Carmen put out her black gap pants ad her while spaghetti strapped tang top and put her make up on and put her hair into a high ponytail. She grabbed her cay keys and her purse and walked downstairs. “Carmen honey where are you going?” her mom asked..
“Oh…over to Angel’s house to work on hour history report together”.
“That’s funny I just got off the phone with Jane and she didn’t mention anything about you coming over tonight”.
“Well I am going to pick her up and then we are going over to her brother’s house. You know Nick right?”.
“Oh yes of course. All right be home by 11 it’s a school night you know Carmen.”.
“Yes I know mom…see you later” Carmen walked out the door and got into her car. She grabbed the directions out of her purse and started up the car..
********** .
Carmen walked into the club. She couldn’t believe she was actually there getting ready to perform in front of hundreds or just a little less. Carmen walked up to the karaoke sign up and put her name down. Carmen looked around the club and saw Nick. She walked up to Nick and tapped him on the shoulder. Nick turned around and saw Carmen..
“Hey Carmen long time no see”.
“Yea…I know I think Angel told you I was in choir right?”.
“I think she did…I think she also said something about you not wanting to do cheerleading anymore…and just sing is this correct?” Nick questioned..
“Yes that is correct”.
“Following your dreams is a good thing believe me Carmen. Well they are about to get down to business up there on that stage. I hope you kick some major ass out there Carmen”
“I will try Nick…thanks for the luck I will be needing it.”
“No problem” the music soon stopped and the lights when down onto a specific person on the stage. He stood around 5’6” or so looked to be about medium built…. brown curly hair.
“Hello everybody are you all enjoying yourselves?” the crowd screamed,” Good I am glad to hear. Well most of you know me but for all of you new comers out there my name is Howie Dorough and I am the owner of this club. Shall we get this party started?” the crowd screams louder,” All right I just started this new karaoke gig and we have 3 judges and if you could please come up here guys when I call your names…AJ McLean…Nick Carter and Kevin Richardson.” Carmen took a quick look at Nick….Nick smiled back and walked up onto the stage.” There will be 10 people that will perform each week and we will pick one person…and that person will come back the following week to see if they can beat out everyone…the person who can stay the longest being ‘number 1’ gets a record contract with our local recording company here in Orlando. You guys ready to see who our first contestant is?” Howie walked to the right of the stage and graded a bowl full of names and picked one out” our first contestant is…. Carmen Coleman” Carmen felt like she was going to faint. She was the first. Carmen made her way up to the stage,” Now Carmen you will be judged on performance, and singing ability…do you think you can do that?”
“Yes…I…I think I can”
“Well let’s see what you will be singing” Howie pushed a button and it randomly picked a song that Carmen was going to be singing. The songs suddenly stopped.
“Ooo I Turn To You by Christina Aguilera you know the song?”
“Of course I am a Christina fan not a huge one but I have the CD”
“So this song should be easy for you then huh?”
“Oh yes Howie”
“Well let’s get this show on the road music please?” Howie handed Carmen the microphone. Carmen stepped out to the edge of the stage and held the microphone to her mouth.
When I’m lost in the rain In your eyes I know I’ll find the light to light my way When I’m scared and losing ground When my world is going crazy You can turn it all around And when I’m down you’re there Pushing me to the top You’re always there giving me All you’ve got
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you For the strength to be strong For the will to carry on For everything that’s true For everything you do I turn to you I turn to you
When I lose the will to win I just reach for you And I can reach the sky again I can do anything Cause your love is so amazing Cause your love inspires me And when I need a friend You’re always on my side Giving me faith taking me through the night
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you For the strength to be strong For the will to carry on For everything that’s true For everything you do I turn to you I turn to you
For the arms to be my shelter Through all the rain For truth that will never change For someone to lean on For a heart I can rely on through anything For that one who I can run to
For a shield from the storm For a friend For a love to keep me safe and warm I turn to you For the strength to be strong For the will to carry on For everything you do For everything that’s true I turn to you
The crowd screamed after hitting that last note. Carmen couldn’t believe it. “Wow give it up for Carmen Coleman. Okay now how about we turn to the judges and see what they thought,” Carmen turned towards Nick, AJ, and Kevin.
“Well I was very impressed with your vocal ability…I have to give you a perfect 10” Kevin said.
“A perfect 10 eh there Kev? AJ you?”
“I also gave her a 10 I couldn’t believe it”
“So far you have 20 points Carmen let’s see what Nick said”
“10 what can I say?”
“A perfect score…. Well our first contestant got off to the right start with a perfect 30. Go and sit over there in that chair and see if anyone can get the same score as you…and at the end we will see if you are coming back for next week”
*******
“All right folks it looks like we have a winner. Carmen you are coming back next week…. and who knows who might win the record label deal…thanks for the night everyone” Carmen walked off the stage and couldn’t believe it. She never thought that it would go this far nor did she think that she would win.
“Hey Carmen”
“Hey Nick…”
“You did it…. you won tonight’
“I come back next week Nick”
“I am sure you will do fine Carmen you so deserve this okay? I know you do”
“Thanks Nick”
“It was no problem. I think you should be getting home though. It’s almost your curfew and plus you are supposed to be at my house with Angel”
“All right Nicky I am going home. I’ll see you next week here again am I right?”
“Right see you next week Carmen”
“Bye Nick”
Song Credit "I Turn To You" By: Christina Aguliera Album: Christina Aguliera
“Hey Carmen” she turned around and it was Joey.
“Yes”
“Nice performance on Saturday”
“What performance? I don’t know what you are talking about Joey”
“At Tabu you were in the paper this morning. Carmen Coleman winning the first ever karaoke gig at Tabu they made a big deal about this its kind of like I am dating a ‘superstar’ “ Joey commented.
“Joey you must have me mistaken. You know there are other Carmen Coleman’s out there,”
“But this IS you look,” Joey handed her the newspaper. Carmen couldn’t believe it she was in the newspaper,” I told you that is you! So how does it feel?”
“Joey I am telling you I wasn’t even at this place Saturday I was at a friend’s house so it couldn’t have been me”
“Oh well its kind of scary. Hey how about we go out Thursday night just the two of us?” Joey suggested.
“Joey, I cant I already have plans with someone else besides I am still just a little pissed off at you for laughing at me last week and really as far as I am concerned its over between us maybe we can get back together when I am done being mad at you” Carmen said.
“I wasn’t laughing at you Carmen I swear!” Carmen just walked off. She didn’t want to hear it anymore. She soon heard her phone ring.
“Hello?”
“Hey Carmen its Nick”
“Oh hey Nick what’s up?”
“I know you JUST started school and everything but me and the guys were talking and well we would like to already sign you to our record label I know this is all I guess kind of sudden but we’re taking a shot at you so what do you say?” Nick asked.
“Are you joking? I would love to!”
“Great! Come down to the club in about an hour…Oh! And if you have a song that you have personally written that would be even better…and I know you have some songs written Angel says you have a whole collection. Anyway so I’ll se you in an hour all right?”
“Yea see you in an hour” Carmen hung up the phone and turned around and started to walk the other way.
“Hey Carmen where are you going?” It was Angel.
“Your brother just called me and said him and the guys are thinking about already signing me to their label so I gotta meet then in an hour at the club with one of my songs”
“Wow! And believe me they usually just don’t sign anyone Carmen I am coming with you”
“Angel you should stay for school”
“No I want to see if you get signed you are my best friend”
“If Nick gets mad it’s your fault not mine”
“I know! What song are you going to sing?” Angel asked as they started to walk out of the school.
“I don’t know? I have so many you’ve seen them all you decide.” Angel sat there and thought about it,” I can’t decide Angel I think I even have too many”
“Wait what about that one with the solider or whatever?”
“The one about the soldier or whatever?” Carmen was puzzled.
“The one about being 18 or something?”
“Oh yea I guess I could sing that one that’s kind of different”
“Yea, I think you should do that”
“All right that’s something that I can just sing by heart that would just impress them even more” Carmen smiled.
~~~~~
“Hey Carmen I am glad you could make it”
“I am could I could make it too”
“Well this is what is going to happen. I am sure Nick told you to bring a song or some sort” Howie said.
“Yes I have a song that I personally have written”
“Do you have a copy of the song?” AJ asked.
“No, I just came straight here from school I didn’t have time to go back I know the song by heart its one of my favorite songs”
“Oh okay it’s all right if you don’t”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes”
“Go a head”
“Wait! What’s the song called?” Nick blurted out”
“Oh yes Traveling Solider”
“Okay you may continue”
Two days passed eighteen
He was waiting for his bus in his army greens
Sat down in a booth at a café there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He’s a little shy so she give him a smile
And he said would you mind sitting
Down and talking to me
I’m feeling a little low
She said I’m off in an hour and I know where we can go
So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend
But I don’t care I have no one
To send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back to you
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
To young for him they told her
Waiting for the love of the traveling solider
Our love will never end
Waiting for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone
When the letter says a soldier coming home
So the letters came from an army camp
In California than Vietnam
And he told her of his heart
He might be in love and all of
The things he was so scared of
He says when it’s getting kind of rough over here
I think of that day sitting down at the pier
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile
Don’t worry but I won’t be able to write for a while
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
To young for him they told her
Waiting for the love of the traveling solider
Our love will never end
Waiting for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone
When the letter says a soldier coming home
One Friday night at a football game
The Lord’s Prayer said and the anthem sang
A man said folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player and a marching band
And one name read who nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
To young for him they told her
Waiting for the love of the traveling solider
Our love will never end
Waiting for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone
When the letter says a soldier coming home
“Wow! I am very impressed you really wrote that?” Howie questioned.
“Yes, yes I did”
“We could really use someone like you”
“Don’t we need Brian here too?’
“Brian will hear soon enough Nick…I think we have ourselves a new artist on our label just come by tomorrow and we’ll work out a contract now you are over 18 right?”
“Yes”
“Good we don’t need any parental consent or anything so we’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Yea I guess so”
Song Credit "Traveling Soldier" By: Dixie Chicks Album: Home
“So how do you know Nick?” he asked.
“ I know his sister Angel we went to school together”
“You’re 19 right?”
“Yea”
“So she was 15 when you met her?”
“Yea I guess so”
“Have you always wanted to sing? Or was it just something you decided along the way?”
“Always. My parents tried to push me into cheerleading but t just didn’t seem fun anymore. It was quite boring. Everyone thought I was just like any other cheerleader snobby and what not and that’s not me by all means I was just and still am a normal person. And I finally got fed up with my parents wanting me to cheerlead and I just gave up I guess. And singing is just has always been a passion of mine and I am ALWAYS singing so it just all made perfect sense.” Carmen explained to Howie.
“Ah I see it’s always a good thing to do what you REALLY love doing and not listening to what your parents or maybe even your peers about what you would like to do with your life…its your choice no one can decide for you its all YOUR decision. I know you’re talented and that’s what counts. Anyway how about we lay down this firs song?” Howie suggested.
“Yea sure are the other guys coming in?”
“Yea pretty soon okay go into the booth put the headphones on and the words and the music should be right in front of you,” Howie said. Carmen walked into the booth and put the headphones on and heard the music start.
My friends say you’re so into me
And that you need me desperately
They say you we’re so complete
But I need to hear it straight from you
If you want me to believe it’s true
I’ve been waiting for so long it hurts
I wanna hear you say the words, please
Don’t, don’t let me be the last to know
Don’t hold back just let it go
I need to hear you say
You need me all the way
Oh, if you love me so
Don’t let me be the last to know
Your body language says so much
Yeah, I feel it in the way you touch
But ‘til you say the words it’s not enough
Come on and tell me you’re in love, please
I need to hear you say
You love me all the way
And I don’t wanna wait another day
I wanna feel the way you feel
Oh come on
Don’t, don’t let me be the last to know
Don’t hold back just let it go
I need to hear you say
You need me all the way
Oh, if you love me so
Don’t let me be the last to know
“That was great Carmen.” Carmen came out of the studio.
“Was it really good? I know I could’ve done so much better” Soon walked in Kevin, Nick, AJ, and Brian.
“Hey guys we just got done with Carmen’s first song,” Howie stated.
“Great! Can we hear it?” Kevin asked.
“Sure” the guys replayed the song. Carmen sat there quietly on the orange couch that was there in the studio. She was so nervous to see what everyone though she knew she could have done so much better. Carmen looked at Kevin who was looking straight at her with a smile upon his face.” I wonder what that means?” she questioned upon herself,” Okay now it’s just REALLY starting to creep me out but he is kind of cute I wonder how old he is?”
“I have to say I am very impressed with your vocal ability Carmen. It’s very amazing I know there was just something about you on that stage when I first saw you that was very good,” Kevin said.
“Thanks Kev. I was so nervous y’all wouldn’t like it…only because it was my first time EVER recording something but I guess I am just doing the best that I possibly can”
“You just have to do your best…here we have another song for you to do quickly. We just got it the other day we didn’t know what to do with it and maybe it will fit you?” AJ handed her the pieces of paper
.
“Good bye To You? Hmm.. I’ll give it a shot,” Carmen grabbed the papers out of AJ’s hand and walked back into the studio and put the headphones on and the music started up again.
Of all the things that I believe in
I just want to get it over with
Tears form behind my eyes
But I do not cry
Counting the days that pass me by
I’ve been searching deep down in my soul
Words that I’m hearing are starting to get old
It feels like I’m starting all over again
The last 3 years were just pretend
And I said
Good-bye to you
Good-bye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing that I tried to hold on to
I still get lost in your eyes
And it seems that I can’t live
A day without you
Closing my eyes and you chase my thoughts away
To a place where I am blinded by the light
But it’s not right
Good-bye to you
Good-bye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing I tried to hold on to
And it hurts to want everything
And nothing at the same time
I want what’s your and I want what’s mine
I want you
But I’m not giving in this time
Good-bye to you
Good-bye to everything I thought I knew
You were the one I loved
The one thing I tried to hold on to
And when the stars fall
I will lie awake
You’re my shooting star
“How was that guys?” Carmen said into the microphone.
“Great! Perfect we can put the finishing touches on it later,” Carmen came out of the studio.
“And you guys found her at your club Howie?” Brian said.
“Yes”
“I am amazed she doesn’t already have some sort of a record deal. She is amazing everything almost sounds perfect.” Brian commented.
“Thanks Brian I just never thought about doing something like this until someone told me to go for it”
“Well it’s a good thing you DID go for it Carmen who knows you could be the next Christina Aguilera” AJ laughed.
“Great just who I always wanted to be” she sarcastically said.
“We need to get some more songs done today probably only like 4 or 5 more and then we will call it a day.
“All right Mr. Boss” Nick joked.
“Shut up Nick…I thought maybe since you know Carmen so well you would like to do a song with her? We will have to re-do a song but I think it just might work,” Kevin suggested Nick looked at Carmen and smiled.
“All right it’s good I don’t know about Carmen?”
“Sounds good to me we can work on a song or I could I guess just write one. It doesn’t take me THAT long so maybe I can come up with something later on tonight” Carmen replied.
“Okay we will see what you can do just write a song for you and Nick and we’ll see if that works and its it doesn’t we’ll just find a song I guess?”
“Kevin, you don’t know me like Nicky boy does trust me I can crank out a song in no time just give me all night to think about it and I can more than likely guarantee you there will be a song for me and Nick to sing tomorrow” Carmen said.
“All right I believe you give me a song by tomorrow and we will talk about it”
“You got yourself a deal Mr. Richardson”
Song Credits To "Dont Let Me Be The Last To Know" By: Britney Spears Album: Opps! I Did It Again & "Good-bye To You" By: Michelle Branch Album:?
“Who could that be? Mom didn’t tell me anyone would be coming over today?” Carmen questioned aloud as she parked the car,” Mom who is…” Carmen soon saw who it was Kevin,” Kevin? What are you doing here?”
“Well, I was coming to get that song you wrote for you and Nick to sing so we all could look at it…and then your mom told me some stuff and I think we just need to talk about it over some lunch” Kevin said getting up from the couch.
“Kevin…I can explain everything really I can” Kevin just nodded his head. Carmen knew she was in trouble. Carmen knew she couldn’t play a 19 year old her long it would eventually come back around to her” I will see you later mom,” Carmen and Kevin walked out to Kevin’s car.
***
Kevin and Carmen arrived at a McDonalds across the way. She started to get nervous about what he was exactly going to say as well as afraid of she could get kicked off the record label. Kevin and Carmen walked into McDonalds and ordered their food and sat down.
“Like I said at your house your mom told me that you were only 17 years old but you said you were 19. You lied to us and what I would like to know is why?” Carmen knew she would have to think of something quick and fast.
“Well, it is true I am only 17 my mom wasn’t making anything up…I guess in a way Nick lied to you too he DOES know how old I am. But one of the reasons why I DID lie was because I knew if I were to tell my parents oh I don’t want to go to college and cheer I would like to pursue my career in performing. They wouldn’t support it…not one bit they have always pushed me into doing things that’s why I cheer in the first place. And that’s why boyfriend was the captain of the football team. I just felt like it was MY turn to do something for ME and only and not just to please everyone else and I thought this was a good opportunity to take and I just went for it. Everyone says just go for YOUR dreams and don’t listen to what everyone else has to say. I completely understand if you wouldn’t like me on the label anymore and I would just go on doing what I have been doing all along,” Carmen explained. Kevin sat back in his chair and smiled.
“Wait you have the wrong idea about being like kicked off the label. I couldn’t do that you are truly amazing and just letting you go…it would just be a mistake. Bu you will HAVE to come clean with the other guys of course but Nick already knows but I am just glad you came clean. And I really do understand how you would rather just go out and do things for yourself. Just talking to your mom for that short amount of time she really didn’t seemed to thrilled that this is what YOU really ant to do. But you do know we WILL have to pull you completely out of school within the next month or two so we can get you doing some promotional stuff now I don’t know when you turn 18, but your mom will have to be there with you where ever you are all your photo shoots and whatever you want to do. Now I am giving you the option of signing anything because I can already see your mom not liking anything YOU will have that option thought but just to let you know you are NOT being kicked off the label but this is what I do want you do it. I want you to tell your mom what you REALLY want to do and just explain it to her she just might understand you so much better. That’s just what I think you should really do about it” Kevin reasoned.
“Kevin, I know I have to tell the other guys and I feel bad that Nick had to lie to you guys believe me I am surprised he has been able to keep a secret this long! But the schooling issue that’s fine…I graduate this year anyway I am 18 in a month but I will try and talk to my mom about everything you just said Kev thanks for really understanding with what I had to say I truly appreciate it.” Carmen smiled.
“All right tomorrow we will work on this song with Nick and tell the guys your little secret okay?”
“Okay it sounds good. And thank you so much for lunch Kevin…It was very nice of you.”
“It was no problem Carmen no problem at all.” Kevin slightly smiled back. He knew deep down inside he was falling for Carmen but she was only 17 and he was only 29.
“Hey Carmen Kevin said we needed to talk” AJ said.
“Uh yea I do have something to talk about with you guys. Nick knows and Kevin knows its more or less being truthful than anything. I am not 19 I am only 17. I am very sorry for lying to you guys it was just…just I had to go for following my dreams again I am very sorry for lying to you all” Carmen explained.
“Kevin, you knew and you didn’t tell us? And Nick jeez you’ve known longer than we all have how come you didn’t tell us?” Howie questioned.
“Sorry guys I thought Carmen should tell you herself”
“And I am sorry as well. I know Carmen could sing and I wasn’t going to let her not be you know discovered and I knew she needed to be” Nick explained himself.
“Well, I guess I am just glad you explained yourself. We had to find out sometime. And I guess we just didn’t find out the hard way okay? Now D don’t you agree?” Howie took a second to think about it.
“I guess you’re right better now than later”
“Lets say we get started on that song for Carmen and Nick?” Brian suggested.
“Sounds like a plan…. I have the song right here. Carmen has this whole thing indicated where she sings and then Nick sings it’s quite simple actually” Kevin said bring out the song from a folder.
“All righty I don’t exactly have everything figured out but I guess we could sing it a cappella first? And then add the music later?”
“Sounds good actually…let’s get into the sound booth. Carmen and Nick made their way into the sound booth and put their headphones on.
“All right here we go Nicky you ready?”
“As always.”
You’re the reason Why I found my way You’re the reason Why I feel this way And you’re the reason Why I have to sing I had to let you know You’re my everything
So many times I been alone I didn’t know what to do I don’t know where I’d be If I didn’t have you You come for me Make me believe Give me the strength I need Since you came into my life It’s been so heavenly, heavenly
You’re the reason Why I found my way You’re the reason Why I feel this way And you’re the reason Why I have to sing I had to let you know You’re my everything
So many things I wanna say to you I give my all to you just because You came into my life and gave me all your love I will sacrifice my very life All you have to do is say the word Cause there would be no other
You’re the reason Why I found my way You’re the reason Why I feel this way And you’re the reason Why I have to sing I had to let you know You’re my everything
I want you to know that you’re my reason Why I sing more than anything Nor could I do anything without you
You’re the reason Why I found my way You’re the reason Why I feel this way And you’re the reason Why I have to sing I had to let you know You’re my everything
“I think it need something else…other than music…I have an idea AJ you will take that last part of Nick’s the I will sacrifice my very life. I think it will sound much better just to ass that ‘edge’ to it…is that all right with you Nick and Carmen?” Kevin asked.
“Yea, sounds great actually I knew it needed just a little bit more but I didn’t know what and that was it”
“Your welcome” Kevin smiled the next thing he knew Howie slugged him on the shoulder,” What the hell was that for?”
“Kevin she’s 17 years old!”
“I was just giving her a smile is there ANY crime in that?”
“Yes!” Howie exclaimed,” I do think there is don’t you think you are too ‘old’ for her? Jeez Kev you are 29 for god sakes”
“Look, D I wasn’t looking at her in ANY wrong way. I as just politely giving her a smile. I clearly didn’t know smiling was a crime”
“I say you were. You just better be careful Kev. You never know what could happen all right? I wouldn’t want to see you put in jail for being convicted of rape or something”
“D, I think you are REALLY blowing this out of proportion…you are thinking way far ahead of yourself. Nothing is going to ever happen. I am just here to record Carmen’s album NOT to have some romantic affair or something okay? I am just doing my job” Kevin explained himself. He knew sooner or later his heard would be saying something different. Only time will tell.
~ Studio Booth~
“What’s going on between you and Kev?” Nick asked.
“Nothing why do you think there is something going on?”
“I just saw the way he looked at you and the way you looked back at him. Carmen he’s 29 years old!” Nick exclaimed.
“Nicky! I can assure you NOTHING is going on. He took me out to lunch yesterday but that was something just entirely different though Nick. It was just to explain myself about the whole situation. I am serious though NOTHING is going on. And nothing will EVER go on between us…he is 29 and I am like 17. I think that is just a little too old for me Nick and you of all people should know that” Carmen said.
“All right jeez I am sorry. I just saw the ‘look’ that’s all okay gosh”
“Yea it was only a ‘look’ and nothing more Nick”
“I said I was sorry Carmen” Carmen knew soon it would evolve she knew he was 29 but did age really have to matter?
Song Credit "You're The Reason" By: Krystal Ft. The Backstreet Boys Album: Me and My Pianc
“So when is your birthday again?” Kevin asked Carmen.
“Two days from now…believe me I am looking forward to it. My mom really won’t be able to tell me what I can and cannot do”
“I hear you. I know how that feels.” Kevin smiled and walked over to AJ. Carmen decided to investigate Kevin’s house in Orlando. She had never seen anything so big, nor with so many rooms. She took a tour upstairs Carmen walked into a room filled with instruments of all kinds, pianos, keyboards, guitars, and drums and everything imaginable. It was every instrument player’s dream.
“I wonder why he has all of this?” Carmen questioned as she got closer to the piano. She saw a song with the words and notes written out. Carmen set her drink down on the top of the piano and placed her hands on the keys and lightly started to play the song that was written on the piano.
Young girl don’t cry I’ll be right here when Your world starts to fall Young girl it’s all right Your tears will dry you’ll soon Be free to fly
When you’re safe inside your room You tend to dream Of a place where nothing’s harder than it seems No one ever wants to bother to explain Of the heartache life can bring And what it means
When there’s no one else look inside yourself Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within Then you’ll find the strength That will guide your way You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Young girl don’t hide You’ll never change if your just run away Young girl just hold tight Soon you’re gonna see your brighter day
Now in a world where Innocents is quickly claimed It’s so hard to stand your ground When you’re so afraid No one reaches out a hand for you to hold When you look outside look inside to your soul
When there’s no one else look inside yourself Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within Then you’ll find the strength That will guide your way You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Life is like a journey It can take you anywhere you choose to go As long as you’re learning You’ll find all you’ll need to know (be strong) You’ll break it (hold on) You’ll make it Just don’t for sake it because No one can tell you what you can’t do No one can stop you You know what I’m talking to you
When there’s no one else look inside yourself Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within Then you’ll find the strength That will guide your way You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within
“Carmen I didn’t now you could play the piano?” Carmen turned around and it was Kevin. She felt so embarrassed.
“Well, you never asked so I didn’t say anything”
“Do you like that song?”
“Very much wonderful message”
“I wrote it especially for you”
“You did?”
“Yea, a while back just something I thought about. I wrote it like 4 months ago when you told us your “secret” and you were telling me about your mom”
“Thanks Kev…I never had anyone write me a song before…it was very thoughtful of you” Kevin sat down next to Carmen and smiled.
“Your welcome” Carmen looked at Kevin and started to lean in closer to Kevin.
“Hey guys we’re starting to cut the cake downstairs,” Brian said popping his head in.
“I guess we better get downstairs eh?”
“Yea, I guess we should.”
Song Credit "The Voice Within" By: Christina Aguliera Album: Stripped
“Hello?”
“Hey C…its Kevin…I …I was wondering if we could talk…it was about the party I couldn’t stop thinking about after it was over…is it all right if I come over? Or if we could just go somewhere its really entirely up to you” Kevin said. Carmen sat there and could only imagine what Kevin had to say. The thought of him and her already started to clutter her mind.
“Yea, sure my mom isn’t home so I guess you could come over”
“Sounds good I’ll be there in about 30 minutes”
“Okay see you then”
~~~
Kevin arrived at Carmen’s house just a short time later. She never had thought in a million years anything like this would ever happen. Carmen walked to the door and opened it and saw Kevin standing there with a dozen red roses.
“Carmen we need to talk” Kevin said stepping into the house and handing her the roses.
“I know you said it was something about the party”
“Yes, yes it is do you remember when we were up in the instrument room and we almost kissed?”
“Yes…”
“I just don’t know if it will work Carmen…I am 12 years older than you I mean I just don’t know I would I guess feel so old being with something who is A LOT younger than me” Kevin explained.
“Kevin I don’t see how age could matter I don’t care that you are 12 years older than me hell…even if you were 15 I think there would still be somewhat of a chance. I feel the ‘connection’ between us ever since you brought me into the studio in the first place.”
“I see what you are getting at but what about the other guys? The media the fans? What about them?”
“Fuck them Kevin. The guys…will…will just have to live with it all right? And the media and the fans? Let’s just not say anything until something gets serious and then we will take it from there that’s all I can think of” Carmen walked closer to Kevin.
“Are you just sure that this will work? What if we just kind of hide it from everyone? Including the guys. Do they really have to know?”
“We could but Howie and Nicky are already onto us…it wont take long for the others”
“I guess you are right”
“So does this mean we can now officially I guess ‘see’ each other?” Carmen giggled.
“Yes…yes I think so”
“So guys how are we going to do this tour?” Nick asked. .
“I don’t exactly know…I don’t know what we are going to open with on the Millennium tour we opened with Larger Than Life we could open I guess with Everyone? I mean it’s about the fans and then go right into Larger Than Life after that?” Kevin suggested. The rest of the guys nodded their heads,” What do you think Carmen?” .
“I really don’t know? I guess it’s a good idea? I really don’t know the music…sadly to say. As long as I have known Nick I just never really paid attention because I just knew him as Angel’s brother not the famous Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. But it’s not up to me really” Carmen said. .
“Big help there Carmen. I guess it’s Everyone that just makes sense to me that’s all” .
“You’re right but what about you Carmen? Do you know what you are opening with? And your costumes? All that good stuff?” AJ asked. .
“Yes I do…no one knows…it’s really a surprise…nobody knows but me…all my wardrobe has been picked out and I know what I am going to do. You’ll just have to wait for opening night won’t you?” Carmen giggled. .
“You won’t even tell me?” Kevin smiled. .
“Nope not even you, Nick, Brian, Howie or AJ…I repeat NO ONE!” Carmen exclaimed. Carmen turned to Nick who was giving her an odd look “Why are you looking at me funny Nick? Did I do something funny, weird, what?” .
“Can I talk to you in private?” .
“Yea, sure I guess” Carmen and Nick walked into the other room,” What’s wrong Nick?” .
“I know about you and Kev” .
“You do?” .
“Yes, I knew it was going to happen sooner or later C…it was only a matter of time. I saw the way you were always sitting on him, hanging on him…please it was only a matter of time before all the feeling evolved…I promise I am not going to tell AJ and the guys…I don’t think they have caught on…but I have known you forever it seems like and believe me I have picked up on it. But be careful when the media and especially the media, the fans, probably won’t care but when the media finds out that you are only 18 they will just have a hey day. Just try and keep a low profile if you ever do go out with Kev in public all right?” Nick explained to Carmen. .
“Nick I know…we talked about this last month when we first started dating. I have gone out with him in public many times. No one really knows who the hell I am my songs aren’t even on the radio yet Nick. And if they start to ask questions then they start to ask questions…it comes with the territory of dating a super rock star or whatever you call it…I do know what I am getting myself into Nicky” .
“But when you ARE played on the radio is what I am worried about. He’s 29 and you are 18…11 years apart.” .
“So what 11 years apart?” .
“Media makes a big deal about these kinds of things” .
“Well I don’t think they should it’s not like I am going to marry the guy or anything so why so they make a big deal out of it?” .
“Because they are the media and they can” .
“Fine, whatever I will be careful” .
“Anyway, here are some of our albums…I know you don’t have any and I thought you should at least get familiar with it before the tour starts up in like 2 months” .
“Thanks Nick…tell Kevin I had to go home and write one more song for the album and I will be satisfied tell Kev for me please?” .
“All right I will I’ll more than likely see you tomorrow we have to talk about the tour still and you are kind of well important” Nick laughed. .
“Yea, yea I know I am already figured out I just get to sit around and listen to you guys” .
“True well I will let you go and do whatever you were going to ho and do see you tomorrow?” .
“Bye Nick” .
“I think she is mad at me,” Nick said to himself as he walked back into the other room,” Sorry guys Carmen had to go…she says she was going to go and write one more song for the album and then she would be satisfied we’ll see her tomorrow though,” he said. Nick noticed the glare coming from Kevin. .
“What did you do?” Kevin mouthed, .
“Nothing…Nick said back.
*****
Carmen got into her car and looked down at the collection of Backstreet Boys CD’s she had in her hand. .
“What to listen to first? Ah maybe this one” Carmen popped on the CD in and looked at the back of the case,” As Long As You Love Me? All I Have To Give? Quit Playing Games? I am kind of curious about this As Long As You Love Me…maybe I will listen to it first” Carmen turned it to number 3 on the CD. .
Although loneliness has already been a friend of mine
I’m leaving my life in your hands
People say I’m crazy and that I am blind
Risking it all in a glace
And how you got me blind is still a mystery
I can’t get you out of my head
I don’t care what is written in your history
As long as you’re here with me
I don’t care who you are
Where you’re from
What you did
As long as you love me
Who you are
Where you’re from
Don’t care what you did
As long as you love me
Every little thing that you have said and done
Feels like it’s deep within me
Doesn’t really matter if you’re on the run
It seems like we’re meant to be
I don’t care who you are
Where you’re from
What you did
As long as you love me
Who you are
Where you’re from
Don’t care what you did
As long as you love me
I’ve tried to hide it so that no one knows
But I guess it shows
When you look into my eyes
What you did and where
You’re coming from
(I don’t care)
As long as you love me, baby
I don’t care who you are
Where you’re from
What you did
As long as you love me
Who you are
Where you’re from
Don’t care what you did
As long as you love me
“hmm I like that song…that could get stuck in my head…I wonder how many other good songs are on this CD?” Carmen said out loud to herself
Song Credit "As Long As You Love Me" By: The Backstreet Boys Album: Backstreet Boys
“Carmen you’re late…. that’s a first,” Brian joked.
“Sorry I got caught up in my writing it happens…I ended up writing two songs last night and then like three more this morning and I would like to put them all on the album if I could if that’s all right with you guys?” Carmen questioned.
“Yea, sure more the merrier I guess am I right?”
“Yea, and I know we were going to talk about the tour today as well at least that’s what Nicky told me anyway so after we get these songs recorded we can talk about it?”
“Yea sure sounds good to me so what do you got?”
“Well I have this song called I’m With You, Cold Day In July, Wide Open Spaces, Somebody’s Somebody, Who I Am, and One Of These Days”
“And you want all of this?”
“Yes…if possible I just would like to put as many of the songs on there that I wrote as possible just because I am a ‘new’ artist they can see what I can do instead of have everyone write songs for me” she explained.
“I see what you are saying but I believe you have wrote a good chunk of the album and that’s always a good thing as well”
“Yes, it’s a very good thing…now I know we can add the music and stuff later so why don’t we just sing them and do all the other stuff later?”
“Okay that a plan you know the deal” Carmen walked into the booth and out the headphones on.
I’m standing on the bridge
I’m waiting in the dark
I thought that you would be here by now
There’s nothing but the rain
No footsteps on the ground
I’m listening but there’s no sound
Isn’t anyone trying to find me?
Won’t somebody come take me home?
It’s a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won’t you take me by the hand?
Take me somewhere new
I don’t know who you are
But I
I’m with you
I’m looking for a place
I’m searching for a face
Is there anybody here I know?
Cause nothings going right
And everything’s a mess
And no one likes to be alone
Isn’t anyone trying to find me?
Won’t somebody come take me home?
It’s a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won’t you take me by the hand?
Take me somewhere new
I don’t know who you are
But I
I’m with you
Why is everything so confusing?
Maybe I’m just out of my mind
It’s a damn cold night
Trying to figure out this life
Won’t you take me by the hand?
Take me somewhere new
I don’t know who you are
But I
I’m with you
“That was good Carmen the words were wonderful why don’t we try the wide open spaces now okay?” AJ said.
“Okay”
Who doesn’t know what I’m talking about?
Who’s never left home?
Who’s never stuck out?
To find a dream and life of their own
A place in the clouds a foundation of stone
Many proceed and many will follow
A young girls dreams no longer hollow
It takes the shape of a place out west
But what it holds for her
She hasn’t yet guessed
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistake
She needs new faces
She knows the highest stakes
She traveled this road as a child
Wide-eyed and grinning she never tired
But now she won’t be coming back
With the rest
If these are life lessons she’ll take this test
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistake
She needs new faces
She knows the highest stakes
As her folks drive away
Dad yells ‘check the oil’
Mom stares out the window says
‘I’m a leaving my girl’
She says it didn’t seem
Like I left long ago
When she stood there
And let her own folks know
She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistake
She needs new faces
She knows the highest stakes
“Yet another wonderful song Carmen…okay lets come back in here and talk about the tour,” Carmen came out of the sound booth and sat down by Kevin and gave him a smile,” Okay about the tour it’s like two months away what are we going to do for costumes and things?” Kevin asked.
“I don’t know? Anything but those Larger Than Life things for the Millennium Tour” Nick grinned.
“I agree”
“I have an idea? What about leather? Pants I am meaning anyway the whole black and thing and then maybe blue shirts?” Carmen suggested.
“Now that’s my kind of style” AJ chuckled.
“I don’t know leather?”
“It’s something different Kev lighten up there buddy you’re pushing 30!” AJ exclaimed.
“Shut up J…all right I guess we can do that it sounds good to me! And I wanted to do something else maybe like a behind the scene type of thing? For the Millennium tour we flew on those boards at the beginning so why not in the middle? We take them down into our dressing rooms and show them what it’s really like?” The guys looked at one another and didn’t know what to think of the idea.
“Okay I guess what about the stage?”
“I came up for an idea for that…I really liked that circular thing for the Millennium tour…just because we got to see our fans and we were interacting with them. But I was also thinking just a normal stage as well but with act walks or something so we can still interact with the fans.” Nick replied.
“Good idea why don’t we do both?” Howie said,” Like when we are doing the whole behind the scenes? Change clothes and then end up on another stage?”
“But how will we get back to the main stage D? Go through the fans? Are you crazy?” AJ said.
“A bridge” Carmen said.
“What did you say?”
“A bridge…y’all are talking about like interacting with your fans so why not a bridge to go over the fans…like that whole flying thing you were talking about why not walk over them instead?” They all looked at one another again.
“You know what that ain’t a bad idea”
“I have an even better idea for the song to sing as well,” Brian replied, “Time you know look where we are and what we’ve been through time sharing our dreams every little bit of life with you time it goes on an on every day time is what it is come what may…it’s perfect!” Brian exclaimed.
“Good thinking…we’ll worry about what song we’re going to do later, but it all sounds good to me…we just have to get together within the next two months and remember we start rehearsals on Monday well we know most but for the new songs like Everyone, Get Another Boyfriend, Yes I Will, things like that, but I think we a re don’t here though. And Carmen we’ll get those songs recorded tomorrow,” Kevin said.
“All right am I going to rehearsals too? I mean I don’t think I am doing any dancing wait never mind I answered my own question”
“Okay I will see you tomorrow”
Song Credits To " I'm With You" By: Avril Lavgine Album: Let Go & "Wide Open Spaces" By: Dixie Chicks Album: Wide Open Spaces
“Hey Carmen you waiting for me outside?”
“Mom and I had a little fight before you got here the usual he’s too old for you blah blah blah…as if I didn’t get that enough from Nick”
“What do you mean from Nick? Does he know about us?”
“Yea he’s known for like a month it was that day when I went to go and write those songs Nick gave me one of those ‘ he’s too old for you lectures’ and I didn’t feel like listening to anymore of it. But I think he has the picture though”
“I am glad he didn’t say anything” just then the Kevin’s cell phone rang” Great its Howie…Hello? D just calm down all right? We’ll talk about it… me and Carmen will be over there in about 5 minutes”
“What was that all about?”
“Backstreet meeting they know…and D isn’t exactly happy about it you know how he is…well our day alone has gone to complete waste”
“Yea well I guess we better go to Howie’s house.”
~~~
Kevin and Carmen arrived at Howie’s house not more than 5 minutes later Carmen and Kevin walked up to Howie’s door. Howie opened the door even before Kevin could knock.
“All the guys are here they are in the living room.”
“Nice to see you too Howie” Kevin and Carmen walked into Howie’s living room and sure enough Brian, AJ, and Nick were sitting on the couch.
“Now that we are all here I thought we should discuss Carmen and Kevin”
“D what are you talking about?”
“This…” Howie brought out a magazine with Kevin and Carmen holding hands “ Do you two mind explaining this?”
“What is there to explain Howie? We’re going out…we have been for like 2 months now…Nick knew that’s what Carmen told me anyway. I didn’t even know he knew…don’t make such a big deal about this Howie. We don’t make a big deal when you are your girlfriends are plastered all over every possible magazine now do we so why is this such a big issue?” Kevin said.
“Because she is 18 years old Kevin and you are 30 well almost 30! Eleven years difference you know once the media finds out about this we’ll never hear the end of it”
“Howie, I think you are taking this way out of proportion! It’s not like she’s 17…I mean I could see how that could be an issue but she’s 18 years old Howie. She’s an adult…I repeat an adult! There shouldn’t be any issue what so ever. Does anyone mind backing me up?” Kevin asked.
“I guess I have to agree with Kevin D. It’s kind of stupid. Leighanne is 6 years older than me…would you have made a Backstreet meeting if Leighanne were 11 years older than me? I wouldn’t think you would. So why would this be any different? I think Kev can date whom ever he wants. We can’t just sit here and baby-sit Kev he’s 29 years old D! Let the guy live jeez you are acting like Kev and Carmen are getting married. You aren’t right?” Brian grinned Kevin shook his head no,” Oh good but they are only dating Howie. You ever react way to much and I am sure Nick and AJ agree” Brian said.
“D man I agree with Rok…over reacting they are dating not getting married just chill he’s 29 years old”
“Sorry man I agree with Rok and Kev you are out numbered.”
“I just don’t understand… he’s 11 years older than her I just don’t want the media getting in our faces especially Carmen’s all the questions.”
“Howie, I can deal with the questions…and even if I wasn’t dating Kevin I could still be on the media’s shit list for questions…it’s not just because I am dating Kevin. It would be if I was dating just some normal guy from school like my ex boyfriend Joey as much as he would enjoy it but even if it was him I think they would like that as well. They haunt any and ever celebrity…so please don’t make this a big deal. It’s really not Howie…I know you don’t want to get questions but being in I guess this ‘business’ aren’t you going to get them anyway? And haven’t you been getting them since you all have been doing this?” Carmen explained to Howie hoping he would at lease understand.
“I guess you DO have a point there I SHOULD be used to it for 7 years and yea I guess I can get overprotective I guess I just don’t want anything to happen”
“Nothing is going to happen Carmen and I promise now if this little ‘meeting’ is over Carmen and I are going to go out and have a nice day together if you don’t mind”
“Sure go and have fun” Carmen and Kevin got up from the couch and headed out the door.
‘Guys, I really hope Kev knows what he is getting into” Howie said.
“D, stop worrying…you aren’t his mother or so I hoped” Brian laughed.
“Rok, shut up I am being serious”
“Look, I have known Kev forever he is a big boy he knows what he is getting himself into. And if he makes a mistake then he makes a mistake. Everyone makes a mistake” Brian responded.
“You said we needed to talk”
“Yea we do come in” Carmen walked into the house. She followed him into the living room,” Don’t worry I am NOT calling ‘us’ off I know those words ‘we need to talk’ kind of get you but I don’t know how to say this really”
“What are you talking about Kevin? You aren’t making ANY sense.”
“You know yesterday when Howie was I guess you could say being ‘me’ for the day with all the lectures and what not I don’t know it just kind of scared me…really it did. I don’t know why but I went home yesterday and just thought and thought about what Brian had to say and how Howie was saying that I was ‘too’ old for you or whatever and well I just think..”
“You just think what?” she interrupted Kevin.
“Come with me upstairs I guess what I am trying to sat is all in a song I wrote last night just for this occasion…I guess” Kevin and Carmen walked into the ‘instrument’ room Kevin went and sat down on the piano bench and Carmen sat down next to him,” This is called You Are”
Baby when I look at you
You know it breaks my heart in two
How beautiful you are
I’ve seen you in a million dreams
Now you’re finally here with me
We will never be apart
I wanna hold you forever
That’s all I’ll ever need
You are my love
You are my life
My heart and soul
The truest friend I’ve ever known
You are my world
All of my dreams
My fantasy, my reality
I love everything you are
Every time I close my eyes
It hits me so deep inside
How real this feeling is
I’m intoxicated by your touch
It’s a sweet, sweet rush
I’m in love with your kiss
You’re the one I trust the most
You changed me
You are my love
You are my life
My heart and soul
The truest friend I’ve ever known
You are my world
All of my dreams
My fantasy, my reality
I love everything you are
Everything I love everything you are
“That was so sweet and beautiful Kev…I love you so much” Carmen said as she kissed Kevin.
“I am glad you like it, but I wrote it for this…I was going to sing it to you after I gave you this” Kevin pulled out a ring from his pocket, “I know we have only been dating for two months, but I feel like you are everything I have ever wanted or needed in my life and I guess the only thing to ask you is will you marry me?” Carmen didn’t know what to think,” I know this is something big Carmen and if you don’t want to believe me I will understand completely”
“I never said anything. It is a big step but I am willing to risk it for you Kev. Maybe we shouldn’t get married right away maybe wait a year or two…you know?” Carmen said.
“That sounds good to me…should we call the guys?”
“Why not? Better now than later I guess.”
~~~~
All the guys came to Kevin’s house.
“Okay Kev what in the heck was so important”
“It’s important because well yesterday I got to thinking about what Howie was saying that Carmen was ‘too’ old for me…and it just scared me so I went and got her that” Everyone’s mouth dropped.
“Kev you can’t be serious? You asked her ‘the question’? How stupid is that?” Howie said.
“Chill out D its not like we a re going to get married right away we have both decided to wait a year or two. We thought it would be better…and no one has to know. If media asks we’re still dating,” Kevin replied.
“Well, the only thing I can say is congrats Kev. I guess we are all to blame we did make you decide this in away with that meeting yesterday” Brian said hugging Kevin.
“Thanks Bri, I know you would understand. And I just hope the rest of you do as well”
“And I just want to say I know this came to a shock for you guys, but I or we think this is the right thing…and it was my idea to wait a year or two to get married I am just 18 and in two years I will be 20. And Howie you obviously don’t approve” Carmen said to the guys.
“I never said I didn’t approve I just think it’s too soon…two months?”
“D…trust me when you find ‘the’ person you will know sooner than you think just believe me,” Howie took a second to think it over.
“Okay fine, I guess you are right on some levels…as much as I don’t want to say this but I guess its only fair…congratulations”
“Thank you Howie trust me we are very happy you understand.”
Song Credit "You Are" By: Jimmy Wayne Album: Jimmy Wayne
“Nervous?”
“Just a little”
“Don’t worry about it C you’ll do great! Don’t even think about how many people are out there. Even though it’s the most you’ve ever sung in front of…all you have to do is just do your best and just hope nothing goes wrong,” Nick said.
“Thanks Nick…I can’t believe all this is real…I mean just like what 9 months ago I was in high school my senior year with your sister…the captain of the cheerleading squad and now I am singing in front of 40,000 people. I never would have expected anything like this to have happened and if it wasn’t for you and the guys…I would have never gotten this far,” Carmen said as she gave Nick a hug.
“You are welcome C…you deserve this more than anybody…and by the way nice costume and great first song selection by the way,” Nick smirked.
“You ass you took a peek didn’t you?”
“Maybe”
“Asswipe…that was supposed to be a surprise” she hit Nick in the arm.
“Okay I am sorry my gosh…I didn’t mean to jeez you didn’t have to do THAT. But I am being serious though that is one of my favorite songs you have done for the album”
“Thanks Nicky that means a lot”
“Is he bothering you?” Kevin said kissing Carmen.
“Nah, just giving me a hard time as usual” she laughed.
“Well you are going to be on in like 10 minutes I hope you are ready”
“I am only as ready as I’ll ever be”
“Okay you better go into the dressing room and finish up whatever you need to do and then you are on”
“Okay I will see you later then Kev”
“I love you an do good out there give it all you’ve got”
“I promise I will Kev…and I love you too”
~~~~
Carmen saw all the lights were off as she walked out onto the stage. She heard the screams of fans. Carmen was still very nervous…40,000 screaming fans was a lot of people…the largest she had ever done. Suddenly the lights turned on…and there she saw all the faces of the fans…she couldn’t believe how many fans really loved them.
“What fans wouldn’t do,” she thought. Carmen was not standing at the edge of the stage.
“How is everybody doing? Well I hope you enjoy the show tonight. My name is Carmen Coleman and I was signed with the guys after they heard me at Howie’s club at a karaoke night. And believe me there isn’t a day that I don’t thank them for signing to their label. Anyway, my album ‘Who I Am’ just came out I believe we are selling it at intermission and I am signing autographs as well…enjoy the show my first song is called ‘Cold Day In July’
The moon is full and my arms are empty
All night long I’ve pleaded and cried
You always said the day
That you would leave me
Would be a cold day in July
Your bags are packed
Not a word was spoken
I guess we said everything with a good-bye
Time moves so slow and promises get broken
On this cold day in July
Sun’s coming up down on Main Street
Children shout as they’re running out to play
Head in my hands here I am
Standing in my bare feet
Watching you drive away
Watching you drive away
You said we were going to last forever
You said our love would never die
It looks like spring and
It feels like sunny weather
But it’s a cold day in July
Sun’s coming up down on Main Street
Children shout as they’re running out to play
Head in my hands here I am
Standing in my bare feet
Watching you drive away
Watching you drive away
The moon is full and my arms are empty
All night long I’ve pleaded and cried
You always said the day that
You would leave me
Would be a cold day in July
Carmen heard nothing but screaming fans.
“Well thank you very much…now this next song is I guess special to me…someone very special wrote this song for me 4 months ago…and I liked it so much I wanted it to be on the album and I thought I would play a little piano for y’all as well” Carmen watched the tech guys set out the piano she walked to it and sat down,” And now The Voice Within”
Young girl don’t cry
I’ll be right here when
Your world starts to fall
Young girl it’s all right
Your tears will dry
You’ll soon be free to fly
When you’re safe inside your room
You tend to dream
Of a place where nothings harder than it seems
No one ever wants to bother to explain
Of the heartache live can bring and what it means
Where there’s no one else look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you’ll find your strength
That will guide your way
You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Young girl don’t hide
You’ll never change if you just run away
Young girl just hold tight
Soon you’re gonna see your brighter day
Now we’re in a world where
Innocence is quickly claimed
It’s so hard to stand your ground
When you’re so afraid
No one reaches out a hand for you to hold
When you look outside look inside to your soul
Where there’s no one else look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you’ll find your strength
That will guide your way
You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Life is like a journey
It can take you anywhere you choose to go
As long as you’re learning
You’ll find all you’ll need to know
(be strong)
You’ll break it
(hold on)
You’ll make it
Just don’t forsake it because
No one can tell you what you can’t do
No one can stop you
You know that I’m talking to you
Where there’s no one else look inside yourself
Like your oldest friend just trust the voice within
Then you’ll find your strength
That will guide your way
You’ll learn to begin to trust the voice within
Young girl don’t cry
I’ll be right here when
Your world starts to fall
~~~
“Again, thank you for the wonderful time…I enjoyed singing to you guys you all are awesome…and thank toy to my high school choir for joining me on the voice within…and don’t forget I am signing autographs during intermission thank you again Orlando…and enjoy the Backstreet Boys up next.” Carmen walked off stage and saw Kevin standing there waiting.
“You were wonderful…they loved you” Kevin said giving her a kiss and a hug.
“Really? Do you think they liked me?”
“Carmen they loved you” Carmen soon saw the rest of the guys come walking down the hall.
“Carmen you were great…how does it feel singing in front of 40,000 fans?” Nick said as he pretended his hand was a microphone.
“Great! It was amazing….now if you guys excuse me I have some autographs to go and sign”
“Okay I guess I will see you after the show”
“Yep. And good luck out there guys”
“ We need all the luck we can get” Carmen gave Kevin one quick kiss and hug, as she was off to go and sign the autographs for fans.
“I never thought this could ever happen to me…I am just glad I got the chance to do this…truly amazing…” Carmen thought on her way to the signing.
Song Credits To "Cold Day In July" By: Dixie Chicks Album: Wide Open Spaces & "The Voice Within" By: Christina Aguliera Album: Stripped
Now Kevin and Carmen are living in a long cabin up in the hills of Lexington, Kentucky where Kevin grew up so many years ago. Now Kevin is going to have the chance of raising his own child. And who knows maybe he or she will turn out to be a big star.