**May 7 2002**


“You really think we did ok?” Steph asked nervously, as she, her boyfriend, and both their band mates stepped into the white stretch limousine out side the American Music Awards.

Nick laughed. “Yes, Steph, for the millionth time, your performance was the highlight of the show.”

“Stop feeding her lies, Nick.” AJ smiled and shook his head and looked at the girls. “Sorry to break it you, but you sucked.” He joked.

Joce playfully smacked his arm. “And you guys didn’t?”

So just who are these people in the limo? Well, five of them are the Backstreet Boys, one of the biggest musical groups in the world. They burst on the scene in 1995 with ‘We’ve Got It Goin’ On’. But it wasn’t until 1997 that they hit it big in the USA with ‘Quit Playing Games With My Heart’.

First, you’ve got Kevin. He was 29 and married to Kristin Willits. But she was off touring with *Nysnc at the time, as she was a dancer. Kevin was the mature, sophisticated one of the group. Always keeping the others in line, and making sure everything went smoothly. He was the unofficial leader.

Then you have Howie D. Quiet and soft-spoken, he was the sweet one of the group who always had romantic ideas in mind. Got a problem with your love life? Ask Howie.

Brian was the group’s comedian. He was 27 and married to Leighanne Wallace. But, back then; she was always away shooting her next film. Despite that though, they always found time for each other.

Next, there was AJ. He was the different one – countless tattoos and piercings, but he was a big teddy bear on the inside. He just looked tough. He was the second youngest at 24.

Last, but definitely not least among the teenyboppers, was the fair-haired heartthrob, Nick. The baby of the group at 22, he was always doing silly things and pulling pranks.

That was the guys. But what about the girls? Sure, The Backstreet Boys were one of the biggest acts in the world, but The 4 Gurlz were the biggest act in the world. Cheesy name for a band, you say? Well, they were The 4 Gurlz a long time before the idea of become a band came into the air.

First, there was 16-year-old Steph. You’d think that being the oldest, she would also be the most mature. If you final answer is yes, then you just lost a million dollars. She was far from that, silly and down to earth. Millions also envied her as she was dating Nick Carter.

Next was Sophie. She was 15 years old and the mature, calm, cool and collected one of the group. But when she was in a silly mood, you’d better watch out!

Joce was Steph’s best friend and partner in crime. She was 13, but would soon be turning 14. When those two got together, there was no telling what kind of mischief they would get into.

Then there was Charline. The youngest, by five months, and the blondest. No one ever expected her to put hot pink streaks into her platinum blond hair, but that was Charline, do things that people don’t expect.

“You know, Nick, it was really nice of your parents to let us spend our break at their place.” Sophie commented, as the limo pulled up to the Carter Family Estate.

Nick shrugged. “I guess that they just really like us…” He smiled. Steph and Joce looked at each other and they burst out laughing. Nick could act so blonde sometimes.

Charline looked confused as she picked up her suitcase and got out of the, now parked, limo. “You guys are all adults. Wouldn’t you rather go home and live on your own for your six month break?” She asked.

Brian put his arm around her. “We just love you four so much! We could bear a day without you. Besides, our wives are away.”

Kevin rolled his eyes. “We’re staying here because we’re recording for the next album.” He explained, shaking his head at Brian’s silly expression.

When entered Nick’s family’s mansion, the only people home were Aaron and his mom.

“Mommy!” Nick exclaimed running over to her. Aaron got up from the couch where he had been sitting watching TV.

“Hey guys.” He greeted them, and then he turned to the girls. “I saw your music video on TRL.”

Sophie grinned. “What number were we at?”

“Number two, after me, of course.” He laughed.

Charline was in awe; his single beat theirs on TRL? Their song was number one in the country! “Wow, you must be really great is you can beat us on TRL.”

“Charline!” Steph exclaimed.

“What?”

“You don’t say that kind of thing! It makes us sound like snobs.”

“Sorry.”

Aaron laughed and then pointed at Steph. “I heard a rumor that you were dating my brother.” He ‘accused.’

Steph smiled. “That is true.”

Aaron nodded. “I saw pictures of you guys kissing on BSB Real Deal.” He laughed, and then he motioned for them to follow him upstairs. “I’ll show you your rooms.”

**Later That Day**

“Oh my God! It’s our song!!!!!” Sophie screamed with joy as their single came on the radio. All the girls started dancing in the sand, and then they ran out into the water, singing along.

The girls, the guys and Nick’s family were all on the beach behind the house.

Nick and Brian watched in amazement at the girls’ energy. Where it all came from, they had no clue, but it was one of the things they loved most about them.

“Nick?” Aaron asked, coming up to him.

Nick looked up and made eyes contact with his brother. “Yeah?”

Aaron sat down on the sand beside him. “You know what?” He sighed.

“What?”

“I like Charline.” He said sheepishly. “Should I ask her out?”

Nick gazed out at the water. “Who don’t you ask her to a movie or something first?” He suggested.

Aaron nodded, that would probably be a better idea. He was about to say something else, but Steph came running out of the water and grabbed Nick’s hands.

“Come swim with us Nicky!!” She giggled as her friends had a splash fight in the water. Before Nick could argue, he was being dragged into the lake. AJ shook his head and followed them, bringing a beach ball so he could throw it at the girls. Steph hopped onto Nick’s back and stuck her tongue out at AJ, who was now chasing them.

Aaron sighed as he watched all of this. He hoped that someday, that could be him and Charline.

**May 8 2002**

“Charline, would you like to join me in the viewing of a film this evening? No, too formal. Yo, Char, have you seen Star Wars – Episode 2 yet? No, too vague. Hey Char, wanna catch a flick?” No!

Aaron was standing in front of his bedroom mirror, and if you couldn’t already tell, he was practicing how to ask out Charline. But, so far, he was unsuccessful.

He sighed. He liked Charline more today than he did yesterday. Yesterday he just thought she was cute. Now he thought she was hilarious and cute! He laughed, remembering the events that poured at dinner. Charline didn’t eat anything without ketchup – even her pickles.

Sophie walked past Aaron’s road and peeked in through the open door.

“Hey, Charline, what’s up? So I was looking through the paper and I saw an ad for the new Harry Potter movie. Wanna go? Perfect! Even though I don’t like Harry Potter.”

Sophie did her best to hold in her giggles and ran into Nick’s room, where Nick and Steph were playing Super Mario Kart. Charline and Joce were also in there, reading teen magazines.

“You, guys, guess what?!” Sophie exclaimed, now laughing her head off.

“Uh, what?” Joce asked, unsure of what was to come.

Sophie calmed down long enough to say – “Aaron is going to ask you on a date!” She laughed – pointing at Charline.

Joce and Sophie doubled over laughing. Charline looked really disgusted.

“Oh, you guys why are you laughing?” Steph asked, looking at Nick.

“Ew! Aaron’s gross!” Charline squealed.

Joce calmed down and then tried to turn serious. “Char, shut up, he might hear you.” She laughed.

Just then Aaron appeared in the doorway, and everyone was silent. It didn’t seem like he knew they were laughing at him.

“Uh, Charline. . .” he stammered. “I was looking through the paper and I saw an ad for the new Harry Potter movie. Wanna go?” He asked, looking down at his hands.

“Sure.” She smiled, being as nice as possible.

“Great.” Aaron replied, calmly. Inside, he was jumping for joy. “We’ll walk down to the Cinema, the show starts in an hour.”

And with that, they left.

As soon as they were gone, Sophie burst out laughing again.

Nick sighed. “You know, he really likes her.”

Sophie giggled. “I know it’s just that,” She burst out laughing again. “I saw him practicing that exact phrase in the mirror.”


“Two for Harry Potter and The Chamber Of Secrets.” Aaron said handing the cashier five dollars. They got their tickets and went into the theater.

“So, uh…” Char stammered. She was at a loss for words, and would have rather been alone. In the beginning she was in awe of Aaron, them she remembered how annoying his stupid ‘rap’ songs were.

Aaron, however, was determined to show her how cool he was. “Hey, ok, I’ve got a joke for you.” He started, taking Brian’s advices on getting her to laugh. “There’s two pies in an oven. One pie says, ‘Oh man, it’s hot in here!’ The other pie says, ‘Ah! A talking pie!’

Charline smiled, but didn’t laugh. “That was stupid.”

Aaron refused to be defeated, so he took Kevin’s advice – if all else fails, blame Nick. “I know, Nick told it to me. Isn’t he lame?”

At that Charline burst into a fit of giggles. “Yeah! And he sucks at rapping. You rap better than him.” She smiled flirtatiously on her last sentence.

Aaron blushed. “Thanks.” The two shared an uncomfortable silence until the lights dimmed and the movie began. But their attention was not on the movie screen. Aaron was trying to think of more clever things to say and Charline was trying to convince herself not to like him.

Halfway through the movie, Aaron was about to stretch and then flop his arm around Charline’s shoulders, then decided against it. He looked over at her, and coincidently, it was at the same time she was looking at him. She gave a small smile and then turned back to Harry Potter. Aaron shifted in his seat. He was only fourteen years old and never really had a real girlfriend before. So he was pretty inexperienced.

After the movie, on the way home, it was dark. Charline shivered a bit, so Aaron took off his sweatshirt, gave it to her, and wore just his t-shirt. Now it was Charline’s turn to blush. Aaron was much sweeter than she thought he would be. Obviously, he didn’t take after his brother. She laughed at her own joke.

At Charline’s laughter, Aaron started laughing a little, too. “What’s so funny?” He asked. She shrugged.

“Oh, nothing.” She smirked. Aaron laughed, and they walked in silence for a few minutes.

That is, until they walked past the forest and the wind caused the trees to ruffle. Instinctively, Charline grabbed Aaron’s hand and practically jumped on him.

“Charline!” Aaron yelped, then he saw her innocent smile and couldn’t help but grin. “Oh, Hey. Charline.”

She grinned sheepishly. “Sorry. But the dark really freaks me out. Once my friends and I went to my cottage and we biked up to The Point and we saw this guy on a motorbike heading at full speed right for us –”

“Ok, Char, I get it.” He laughed. She shrugged. “So, in conclusion, guys on motorbikes scare me.”

“What does that have to do with your fear of the dark?”

Charline thought for a moment. “I don’t know!” She giggled.

Aaron looked at the ground, and his eyes caught something. “Uh, Char, we’re still holding hands.”

When he said that, Charline turned bright red. Thankfully it was dark, so Aaron didn’t notice. “Oh… that’s ok, I guess.” Her perception of him now was a lot better than it was three hours ago. She was starting to like him – not good. Steph and Joce were convinced they were meant to be, and she had to prove them wrong.

Finally, they reached the front step of the Carter household. But, before entering they just stood there, looking in each other as their faces inched closer, and closer…and closer…

“OW! Sophie! Get out of my way! I wanna see too!” Steph screeched. The girls were all peeking their heads through the curtain in an attempt to spy on Charline and Aaron.

Aaron sighed. So much for that. “Come on, Char. Let’s go inside.”

**May 10 2002**

Two nights later the girls were having a sleep over in Charline’s room. Since the movie, Aaron and Charline were getting along pretty well.

“Yes, Charline!” You guys were flirting at McDonald’s!” Sophie accused. Joce and Steph nodded, and Charline turned bright red.

“No we weren’t!” She persisted, even though she knew the truth.

“I hate to break it to you Char, but, throwing fries at each other consists as flirting.” Steph laughed.

“Are you gonna ask him out?” Joce questioned, Charline responded by shaking her head.

“I’ll wait for him to ask me.” She said simply, a small smile playing on her lips.

“You know something we don’t know!” Joce accused, and they all moved in closer to Charline, waiting for her to go on.

“I heard him talking to Nick this afternoon, before we went to McDonald’s!” She squealed happily. “He’s gonna ask me!!”

“Really? Awww that’s so cute.” Steph cooed, causing Joce to roll her eyes.

“You know, Aaron is only a year younger than you.” She stated.

Steph nodded. “Yeah… your point being…?”

“You can’t think he’s baby cute!”

“Yes I can! He’s still younger!”

Sophie sighed. “Ugh.”

**Meanwhile**

“Yeah, but how should I ask?” Aaron looked at Nick for support. He had already decided, he was going to ask out Charline tonight.

“Take her to the beach.” Nick suggested.

“Yeah, but what should I say?”

Nick shrugged. “I dunno.”

Aaron was now getting annoyed. Nick wasn’t much help, he pressed a little further, hoping to get something out of him. “Well, how did you get Steph to go out with you?”

Nick chuckled. “Oh, that was really easy. After doing some research, I found out that she liked me since she was eleven.”

Aaron raised his left eyebrow. “And what kind of research was that?”

Aaron scoffed. “Yeah, that’ll really work, Nick.”

“It will!” Nick smiled knowingly. “Don’t worry, I know these things.” Then he pushed Aaron out of the room and locked the door. “Now go.”



Aaron stood outside Charline’s bedroom door. Inside, he could hear them listening to their CD and making fun of each other.

He breathed in and crossed his arms as he knocked on the door. Why was it that everytime he needed to talk to Charline she was hanging out in a bedroom with her friends? But that was all pretty irrelevant now.

“Who is it?” Sophie asked, pausing the CD player.

“Uh, it’s me.” Aaron answered. Mentally, he kicked himself for sounding so stupid.

“Who’s ‘me’?” Joce asked, even though they all knew.

“Aaron.”

Charline’s heart skipped a beat as she asked. “Yeah?”

“Can I talk to you for a minute, Char?”

Sophie giggled, and whispered. “Go on, Char. This is it!” The others nodded, and Charline bit her lip.

“Wish me luck.” She said, crossing her fingers as she went out the door.

“Hey Char.” Aaron said when she came out and shut the door behind her. “Let’s go down to the beach.”

“Ok.” Charline grinned, deciding to stop denying that she liked Aaron and face facts.

He led her down to the beach and they sat one the sand, facing the water. It was a calm night and the only sound that could be heard was the water lapping up to the shore.

Charline was getting antsy. Why were they sitting here in silence? The suspense was killing her. Especially since she knew what was going to happen.

Aaron turned to her. Nick said to speak from his heart, how was he supposed to…suddenly an idea struck him, and he began to sing.

“I will be yours if you’ll be mine, I will be there ‘till the end of time, I will be with you until the day that I die, I’ll be yours. I will be yours.”

Charline’s jaw dropped. The only person that ever sang to her was Sophie, and all it was Happy Birthday, and she didn’t even sing it well. After choking on her words for a second she finally forced out a weak “Yeah.”

“Yeah? Yeah to what?” Aaron asked innocently pretending to be confused. Charline playfully hit his arm.

“You know what.”

“Hey, the abusive girlfriend, are we?” Aaron laughed as she continued to ‘hit’ him.

Charline started laughing even harder and fell on top of him. Their lips brushed, and immediately they fell silent and let nature take it’s course.

“Should we go announce it to them?” Aaron asked, when they broke apart.

“No, not yet.” Charline said as she rested her head on his shoulder. Right now, the world revolved around them. It was as if time had stopped, and they both wanted to stay there forever.

**May 11 2002**

Charline came downstairs wiping the sleep out of her eyes.

“Good morning, Char!” A.J. chirped, he was standing in front of the stove making eggs in a hole.

“What are you so happy about?” She grumbled, always grumpy in the morning. “Make me one.” She said as she slumped down in her chair.

“What are you so angry about?” A.J. retorted, placing an egg in a hole in front of her.

Joce nodded. “No kidding, Char. You should be the happiest person in the world. I mean you’re going out with Aaron Carter.”

“Hey! I’m going out with Nick Carter!” Steph reminded them.

Sophie giggled. “You know what’s funny? They’re the only ones that aren’t awake yet!”

That wasn’t funny, Soph.” Brian said. Kevin nodded in agreement.

“No kidding Sophie. Your jokes are lamer than your dad’s.” Steph laughed.

“Yeah remember when we went to the cottage, and I made a page in my diary for ‘Jim’s lame jokes’?” Joce asked. The other girls nodded.

“Yup! Remember, ‘Charline, your blowing days are done’?” Sophie giggled.

“Hey, I like my daddy’s jokes, I think they’re funny.” Charline mumbled, taking a bite of her egg in a hole.

“Why are you so sad and grumpy?” Aaron asked as he came up behind Charline, and put his hands on her shoulders.

“’Cause I had to wake up.” She complained. Aaron laughed.

“Oh, my poor baby.” Aaron cooed. “Want me to make it all better?” He asked, kissing her cheek. At that, Charline giggled, them tried to get mad again.

“I saw a smile!” Aaron said, continuing to kiss her cheek. Charline started to laugh uncontrollably.

“Oh, God.” Sophie sighed. “Get a room.”

Kevin shook his head. “No way. They’re too young.” He scolded. “Aaron, sit down and eat your breakfast.” He ordered.

It wasn’t until twenty minutes later that Nick came stumbling into the kitchen.

“Good morning, sleepy-head.” Steph greeted him. Nick grunted and started fishing through the fridge.

“The only reason I’m up is because Mom started singing, and I don’t get my talent from her.” HE grumbled, then he pulled out an ice cream sandwich and proceeded to unwrap it.

But Kevin grabbed it away just in time. “This,” he said accusingly. “is not breakfast.” He then pointed to the egg in a hole in front of him. “This is breakfast.”

Nick rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” Them he turned his attention to Steph. “Wanna go to the boardwalk tonight?”

“Sure.” She smiled, and then looked over at Charline and Aaron. “You guys wanna come too? We could go like a double.”

Aaron stopped feeding Charline grapes long enough to nod his head yes. Charline grinned at Steph. Happiness was in the air.

**That Night**

“What should I wear?” Charline asked, rummaging through her suitcase. Last time she was on a date, Jared spilled his coke on her and the movie sucked. So far, everything with Aaron was going perfect.

“What about this?” Steph suggested, holding up a white sleeveless shirt with a blue stripe across the top.

“But it’s too casual!” She whined.

“Char, we’re only going to the boardwalk.” Steph reminded her.

“Oh yeah. Okay, and I’ll wear my jeans with it then. Now get out cause I’m changing.”

Steph closed the door behind her, and Aaron came down the hall.

“Don’t go in there cause she’s changing.” Steph informed him. Immediately, he let go of the doorknob.

“Gotcha.” He replied, Steph giggled.

“You’re so cute.” She said, pinching his cheek lightly. “You and Char make a good couple.”

“Really?” He asked, blushing.

“Yeah, cause you’re both so cute and clueless.”

“Oh, thanks.” Charline said as she emerged from the room.

“Whoa! Char, you look like a babe!” Steph commented and Aaron smiled.

“Nah, she is a babe.” He said, hugging her. Again, Charline flashed a huge grin at Steph.

“Come on guys, let’s go. Nick’s waiting.” Steph laughed and walked downstairs. Aaron and Charline followed her, his arm draped around over her shoulders and a silly grin plastered on Charline’s face.

**June 9 2002**

“Ugh, you guys, I hate Angel food cake.” Charline whined, crossing her arms and pouting.

“Shut up and drink your Hot Chocolate.” Sophie ordered.

It was a month later, and Joce’s 14th birthday. Brian and Kevin were gone for the rest of the vacation to visit their wives, and A.J. and Howie were vacationing in Hawaii for the time being. As far as the girls – they were still at Nick’s parent’s house.

“Can I please have a spoon?” Charline asked. The girls, Aaron, Nick and the rest of their family were in the dining room celebrating Joce’s birthday. As usual, Charline was being picky about the food.

Jane Carter walked into the kitchen. “All the spoons are in the wash, Charline.” She stated, rummaging through the cutlery drawer until she pulled out a huge serving spoon. “You can use this if you want.”

Charline nodded. “I’ll use that.”

“Ugh, Charline, you’re so rude.” Sophie shook her head, scolding her younger sister.

Bob Carter chuckled. “Yeah, you rude dude.”

“Hey, have you been reading ‘Jim’s Lame Jokes’?” Joce laughed, and Steph giggled.

Charline finished her Hot Chocolate and walked into the front room. Once there, she flopped down on a couch. Aaron looked at her strangely, and then went to sit beside her.

“What’s wrong?” He asked.

“I have a tummy ache.” She pouted, turning over onto her stomach.

“Maybe it’s that time of the month!” Steph called from the dining room, and that caused everyone to laugh.

“No.” Charline said. “That was last week.” After sticking out her tongue at her friends, she turned to Aaron. “Let’s go down to the beach.”

“Okay.” Aaron agreed, taking her hand.

“Nick, let’s go upstairs.” Steph said, after Charline and Aaron were out the door.

“Alright.” He replied, following her.

Once they were in Nick’s bedroom Steph fell onto his bed. “Guess what?”

“What?” He asked, sitting down beside her.

“Charline and Aaron are in love!” She smiled.

Nick sighed. “Oh, really? How do you know?” He asked innocently.

“Charline told us that she loves him.” She replied, looking at Nick as if he were stupid. “She also told us that she heard Aaron telling you that he loves her.”

Nick smiled. “Yeah, he did tell me that.”

Steph continued on with her story. “Charline also told me specifically not to tell Ni-” She clapped a hand over her mouth, after realizing what she had just done. “Forget everything I just told you, ok?”

Nick rolled his eyes and lied down beside her. “Remember when I first told you I loved you?” He asked, and Steph laughed at the memory.

“Yes. We were on the boat, having a picnic. Except, a bunch of birds came and started eating the bread.”

Nick shook his head, remembering that day. What was intended to be romantic turned out to be a disaster. He hoped Aaron and Charline had more luck.

**Meanwhile**

Aaron sat down in the sand and pulled Charline into his lap. Their one-month anniversary was tomorrow, and in the past thirty days they had spent a countless amount of time on the sand in each other’s arms. Neither of them would speak, the saying was true – silence is golden.

“I faked my stomach ache.” Charline said, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Why’d you do that?” Aaron asked.

Charline smiled. “I needed a better excuse not to eat the cake.”

Aaron rolled his eyes, but couldn’t help but smile at her silliness. “Oh.”

There was a moment of silence before Charline broke it.

“Aaron, sing to me again.” She said.

“Ok.” He replied, wrapping his arms around her waist. “You, you wrote the book on love, and I wanna read every word so I know everything about you. Oh, you, you wrote the book on love, and girl I just can’t get enough.” He sang.

Charline smirked. “You can’t rip off your brother’s songs!” She accused.

“Well did you want me to start rapping? Well, I guess the best way for me to begin is, the other day I was hanging with some friends, going around the room talking about our favorite noise, I said I had a brother in the Backstreet Boys!” He kidded.

“You’re such a bum head fart face squirtle wirtle.” She laughed, and rested her head on his shoulder. “I love you.” She whispered.

Aaron blinked, he was surprised, to say the least. He thought he was going to be the first to say it. Charline must have had this all planned out.

“I love you too.” He replied, quietly. They softly kissed and once again sat in silence.

**Two Hours Later**

“Where are Charline and Aaron?” Steph asked, digging through the fridge.

“I think they’re still on the beach.” Sophie replied, glancing at the clock. “It’s midnight already? Good thing Kevin’s not here.” She mumbled.

“No kidding.” Joce said. “Steph, did you find anything good?”

“No…hang on.” Steph closed the fridge and started rummaging through the pantry. “We could make this.” She suggested, holding up a box of Jell-o instant pudding mix.

“Okay!” Joce agreed, Sophie shook her head.

“No way, you guys can’t even make crackers and cheese.”

“Neither can you.” Steph shot back. In response, Sophie stuck her tongue out at her.

Nick opened the pantry and pulled out an instant package of oriental noodles. “I’ll make this for you guys.” He offered, and then looked out the back window. “Someone should go get them.”

Joce quickly shook her head. “No way. I don’t want to interrupt them and… whatever… they’re… doing…”

Steph nodded in agreement. “I don’t want to go down there either.”

“Maybe it would be better if Kevin was here.” Sophie muttered, but Nick overheard her and shook his head as if she was crazy.

“Are you nuts? They wouldn’t even be allowed in the living room alone! Let alone, the beach at midnight.” Nick told them, and Steph nodded. Sophie sighed.

“I’ll go get them. Char isn’t stupid.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Joce agreed. “As long as you’re the one going to get them.” She quickly added.

“I mean, if she was gonna do it with him, it would be in her bedroom. Not in the sand.” Sophie stated before walking out the backdoor and down the steps to the beach.

Before she started searching for them, she took a second to admire the waves crashing up on the shore. It was high tide, and would have been a perfect day for swimming.

There was a patch of boulder/rocks over at the end of the beach, jetting out, into the water. Sophie suspected that where Charline and Aaron were hiding, since they were nowhere to be found.

“Charline!” Sophie called as she walked around the coastline. No answer.

Once she got up to the rocks, she climbed up onto one, and a huge wave came crashing over her, laving her completely drenched.

Shaking off the shock of the cold water, she noticed Charline and Aaron, sitting in the middle of the bunch of rocks. Waves were crashing everyone around them, but not on them. It was picture perfect, them sitting there, peacefully, in the midst of chaos. They didn’t seem to realize that Sophie was standing there, watching them. In fact, they were oblivious to everything.

“Char!” Sophie yelled over sound of the waves.

Startled, Charline and Aaron snapped their heads around. “Don’t do that!” Aaron exclaimed.

“Get lost Sophie!” Charline whined.

“No, Charline.” Sophie said sternly. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Um… ten thirty?” Aaron guessed.

“Wrong. It’s midnight.” Sophie corrected him.

“Oh, we must have lost track of time.” Charline replied, while she and Aaron turned around to once again face the water.

“Ugh, Charline, jeez.” Sophie sighed, exasperated. “You guys had everyone worried sick!!”

“Okay, no.” Steph said, matter of factly, coming over the rocks. “What happened to you?” She laughed, putting her hand over her mouth.

“A wave splashed me.” She explained, giggling, then she turned serious again. “Yes, everyone was worried!!”

“No, I just came down here to see what was taking so long. I was worried a wave would eat you, and apparently I was right.”

Sophie rolled her eyes and Charline’s shoulders started to shake, showing that she was laughing.

A cold breeze blew by and Steph rubbed her bare arms in an attempt to warm them up. “Come on guys, let’s go back inside.” Then she spoke a bit louder. “Come on, Char.”

Sophie and Steph started on their way back up to the house, and soon after, Charline and Aaron followed. Yet another night come to an end.

What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted?
Chapter Six

**June 10 2002**

“Happy one month to you! Happy one month to you! Congratulations on not breaking up! Happy one month to you!” Steph sang as she opened Charline’s curtains the next morning.

Charline stirred and rolled over. “ShutupSteph.” She grumbled.

Steph pulled the quilt off Charline. “Come down for breakfast.” She said before leaving. “And get dressed!” She called, as she went back down to the kitchen, humming the entire way.

Charline groaned and rolled out of bed once Steph was gone. She put on her robe and pulled her hair back into a messy ponytail before leaving to go downstairs.

When she turned the corner into the kitchen, everyone started singing the same song Steph was. On the table, there was a stack of French toast with a single candle sticking out. Sitting in the chair at the end of the table was Aaron, wearing a paper birthday hat with a very disturbed look on his face.

Charline giggled, sat down and blew out the candle. Everyone clapped – including Aaron.

“Welcome to Nick’s-”

“And Steph’s!”

“And Joce’s!”

“Bed and-” Nick tried to continue, but was again interrupted.

“And Sophie’s!”

Nick sighed. “Welcome to Nick, and Steph, and Joce, and Sophie’s bed and breakfast. If there’s anything you need, just ring the bell.” He said in a perfect French accent, referring to the little bell sitting on the table. Then he shoved the girls out of the kitchen, leaving Charline and Aaron alone.

Charline put a piece of French toast on her plate, stuck a bit in her mouth and syrup went running down her chin. Aaron laughed and Charline flashed her innocent smile. Then she wrinkled her nose and rang the bell.

In the space of five seconds, everyone came running back into the kitchen. “How can we help you?” They asked in unison.

“This is Honey Bee, get me the Maple Syrup.” Charline commanded, pointing at the fridge.

Steph saluted her, but Joce got to the fridge first and handed Charline her correct syrup. A playful glare sent at Joce by Steph, and once again, the two were left along again.

As Charline drowned her piece of French toast in maple syrup to get rid of the Bee Hive taste, she gave an exasperated groan.

“”What?” Aaron asked, reaching for his second piece.

Charline giggled. “You know, Steph said she would get us back.”

“For what?” Aaron inquired, mouth full of French toast.

“Okay, on hers and nick’s six month, we sent them out on a picnic on an inflatable boat. But, they both didn’t know how to row, and they ended up drifting into the middle of nowheresville, and the birds ate Nick’s sandwich. In the end, they had to use Nick’s cell, luckily it had a long range, to call the coastguard to come save them.”

Aaron was clutching his sides from laughing. “Nick never told me that!” He said before ringing the bell again. Like before, everyone ran into the room at once.

Aaron handed Nick a piece of dry French toast. “Don’t let the birds get it!” He laughed and everyone, (except for Nick, who had the same disturbed look Aaron had before) joined him.

When they were left alone again, Charline and Aaron stuck their forks in the last remaining piece of French toast.

“You take it.” Aaron said, pulling his fork out.

“Ok!” Charline smiled taking the piece of French toast and drowning it, like the other in maple syrup.

“So what are you doing tonight?” Aaron asked. Charline shrugged, wiping syrup off her forehead.

“We could go to the olive garden.” Aaron suggested. Charline nodded her head fiercely, but her mouth was so stuffed she couldn’t say anything.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Aaron chuckled, and stood up to leave. “I’d kiss you, but I hate maple syrup.” Again, Charline nodded, as she put another bite of French toast in her mouth.

**That Evening**

Charline admired herself in her full-length mirror; she was wearing a tight white halter-top with a knee length black skirt. She also had done her own make-up, but it was baby blue, and though it looked good, Charline was the kind of person to dress nice and care about putting on make-up. She especially hated photo shoots for this reason. She was more comfortable in track pants and a t-shirt.

“You look so pretty!!” Joce gushed as Charline came down the stairs. Steph nodded in agreement.

Sophie scoffed; she was in a bad mood because Dawson’s Creek was cancelled for a baseball game. “It looks ugly on you Char.”

Charline wasn’t about to let Sophie make her angry and ruin her night. “Shut up you fruit cup.” She said, sticking out her tongue and walking over to Aaron. “Do I look ok?”

“You look ravishing.” He assured her. Charline didn’t know what ‘ravishing’ meant, but she assumed it was a good thing, so she didn’t question it.

“You look hot.” She replied, and everyone laughed a little at her cuteness. “I like your hair like this.” She commented, referring to Aaron’s gelled forward hair.

Aaron chuckled and put his arm around her waist. “Come on Nick. Let’s go!” He called. Charline was confused.

“Nick’s coming?” She asked.

As if on cue, Nick came walking down the stairs, wearing a black suit and a black hat.

“Nick’s you chauffer.” Steph explained.

“Oh, okay.” Charline replied, walking out the door with Aaron at her side. Nick followed them.

“Bye, guys.” He said, following Charline and Aaron.

**Fifteen Minutes Later**

Nick pulled up in front of the Olive Garden and stopped the car for Charline and Aaron to get out. “Hey, Aaron.” He called to his brother before driving away.

“Yeah, Nick?” He asked, coming back to the car and peering in the window at Nick.

“You’re sure they’ll let you in?” He asked, rolling down the window. “Want me to come in with you?”

Aaron shook his head. “Nah, we’re both international superstars. They know who were are and they know we have money.” He said.

Nick nodded. “Call me when you want to be picked up. Have fun!” Nick replied as he rolled up the window and drove away.

“Shall we?” Aaron asked, linking his arm with Charline’s.

“We shall.” Charline answered; as they walked into the restaurant, arm in arm.

“Welcome to the Olive Garden.” The girl at the front stand said. When she looked up, she gasped. “I’ll take you to a secluded booth. Follow me.” She added, picking up two menus and walking towards the back of the restaurant.

“Here you go. I’ll be back to take your order in a few minutes.” The girl said, and walked away.

Aaron opened his menu and flipped through it. “This was nice of her.” He commented, referring to their private booth.

Charline nodded. “Now the papatosy won’t bug us.”

“Papatosy?” Aaron questioned, Charline was always messing up words. “It’s paparazzi.”

“Oh. Whatever. What are you eating?” Charline quickly changed the subject off her bad vocabulary.

“I dunno. Everything looks yummy.” He replied still flipping through the menu. Just then the waitress came up to them holding a pad of paper.

“Ready to order?” She smiled.

“Uh…yeah.” Aaron said. “I’ll have the chicken Parmesan and a coke.”

“Alright.” She said, writing it down. Then she turned to Charline. “And for you?”

“Macaroni and Cheese with breadsticks.” She answered, then added; “And Iced Tea to drink.”

“Okay.” The waitress said, scribbling her order down. “Oh, and Aaron?”

“Yeah?” He asked, sipping on his glass of water that had just been handed to him.

“Tell your brother he can’t rap.” She laughed, walking away. Just before turning the corner, she looked behind her. “I’ll bring your drinks in a sec.”

Charline took a sip of her water and started chewing on the piece of ice. “Ow, that’s cold! Ok, so anyways…”

Aaron laughed. “Charline why are you so funny?” He asked.

“Nu uh.” She denied. “Joce is the funny one, I’m the cute one, Sophie’s the mature and Steph’s the crazy one.”

Aaron smirked. “And you source on that is…?”

“Teen Beat.” She replied matter of factly.

“Oh, well then.” He retorted.

A few minutes later, the girl returned with their drinks. “Don’t worry, your food is coming soon.”

Once she left, Aaron sipped his coke. “She’s very star struck, isn’t she?”

“What’s star struck?” Charline asked before taking a sip of her iced tea.

“It’s when you get all shocked and stunned when you see a famous person.” Aaron explained.

Charline scrunched up her face and looked down at her Iced Tea. “Eww.” She said in disgust. “This is nasty.”

Aaron sighed, shaking his head, Charline was so cute. “It’s not like Canadian Iced Tea.” He explained. “It’s literally Iced Tea here. Not sweetened.”

Charline nodded. “Oh, I’ll change that, then.” She replied, grabbing one of those mini packs of sugar, tearing it open and pouring the contents into her Iced Tea.

After taking a sip, she nodded in satisfaction. “Perfect.”

Aaron shook his head. “Char, you’re nuts.” He laughed. “But I love ya.”

Charline bobbed her head while drinking her – now sweetened – Iced Tea. “I know.” She smiled after setting her glass back on the table. “I also love you.”

Aaron smiled. “Usually, people say I love you too.”

“But I’m not other people.”

Ten more minutes passed of Charline making grammar mistakes and Aaron correcting her. Finally, after was seemed like forever to both, their food arrived.

“It looks awesome. Thanks.” Aaron grinned, as his plate was set down in front of him.

“You’re welcome. Give me a shout if you need anything.” The waitress said, and walked away.

They ate their meal in total silence. The only thing that happened was Charline burped, which caused Aaron to start laughing while he was drinking his coke, and that caused his coke to spray all over his face.

When they finished, the waitress brought their check, and said just to leave the money on the table. Aaron paid and signatured the bill. He passed it to Charline and motioned for her to sign it as well. She did, and left a $30 tip.

They walked out of the restaurant, down the street to a payphone. While Aaron was talking to Nick, Charline stared up at the clear blue sky. Everything was perfect, and things could only get better.

**June 15 2002**

“Yoyo, whuttup mah homies?” Aaron came into the kitchen wearing oversized khaki pants, one of Nick’s Nike t-shirts and a sideways baseball cap on his head.

“Not much.” Charline replied, munching on a dry waffle.

Aaron picked up his basketball from beside the side door and started spinning it on his finger. “Think fast!” He exclaimed, pretending to throw the ball at her. She didn’t notice, either that, or she ignored him.

“Char, wanna play one on one?” He asked, once again spinning the ball on his finger.

She shook her head and got up to retrieve the box of waffles from the freezer. “I don’t know how to play.” She said simply, popping another waffle into the toaster.

“I’ll teach ya.” He replied, toss the ball in the air and catching it.

“Ok.” She agreed, stuffing her newly cooked waffle into her mouth. Then she started jumping around the kitchen, (her waffle was too hot) and jumped over to the garbage and spit it out. “Let’s go.” Charline ran to the door, tried to open it, but failed.

Aaron came up behind her. “Allow me.” He said reaching over her shoulder and unlocking the door.

“Oh. Thanks.” She smiled and ran out the door. Aaron followed her, once again spinning the basketball on the tip of his index finger.

“Okay, now, watch and learn.” Aaron said, standing in front of the basketball hoop. He jumped up and threw the ball in the net. Of course, he got it in. “Now you try.” He tossed her the ball. Charline tried to catch it, but ended up getting scared and dodging it.

“You can’t be afraid of the ball!” He laughed. “That’s rule number one.”

“Ugh, sorry.” Charline replied, snatching the ball away from him.

“Ok, now bend you knees.” Aaron instructed, and Charline obeyed.

“Jump up… but while your jumping, flick your wrist as you throw the ball.” He explained, Charline followed, but it didn’t work too well.

“I can’t do it!” She complained. “Can we play soccer instead?” She asked brightly.

“Maybe later.” Aaron replied. “Here, I’ll help.” He said, coming up behind her and putting his arms around her waist. “Now, flick your wrist as you throw.” He intentioned, picking her up.

“Like this?” She asked as she threw it,

“Yes!!” He exclaimed, as the ball went in the net, then he gently set her down.

The moment her feet touched the ground she started dancing around the cement. “Want me to show you how we’re going to open our concerts this tour?” She asked.

“Sure, who not?” Aaron replied.

“Alright, but you’ve gotta do it too.” She commanded. Aaron came and stood in front of her. “Watch me first.”

Charline started doing one of the cheers from the movie Bring it On, perfectly mimicking the routine for it. The only switch was that they changed ‘some Tarous’ to ‘The 4 Gurlz’

“You do realize that’s copyrighted.” Aaron stated, once she finished the dance.

“I know.” Charline replied. “We had to pay Paramount Pictures a lot of money.” She grabbed Aaron hand and wrapped his arms around her waist. “Follow my lead.”

Charline started moving her feet and chanting, too fast for Aaron to keep up. Soon he just gave up and started kissing Charline’s neck.

“Ah! Aaron! You’re messing me up!!” She giggled, attempting to finish her routing with perfection.

“Yeah, I know.” He replied, not stopping.

“Aaron!!” Charline whined through her giggles. Then she turned her head and kissed his lips. “Happy?”

“Yes, very.” He replied, walking into the house. “Wanna play soccer against Nick and Steph?”

“Yeah!” Charline agreed. “Go get them.” Aaron nodded and walked into the house. Charline ran into the backyard and waited.

Ten minutes later, a soccer ball hit he in the leg. “Hey!” She exclaimed. Steph laughed, and Charline rolled her eyes.

“What took you guys so long?”

“We just made Chinese Noodles, and we had to finish them.” Nick explained as he walked over to Charline and picked up the soccer ball.

Charline raised her eyebrow. “Is Chinese Noodles all you’ve been eating lately?” She asked Steph, who nodded.

“Nick taught me how to make them.” She answered, proudly. “Right, Nicky?” She called over her shoulder.

“Yup, it was a difficult task, but I achieved it.” He replied, importantly. “Let’s play soccer, already!”

“Yeah!” Aaron agreed, running up to him and grabbing the ball. He started to play hackey sack with it. “Make some goal posts or something.”

Charline obeyed, took off her zip-up shirt and threw it on the ground.

“There’s one.” Nick said, and then turned to Steph, who was now standing beside him. “I think you should take off your shirt too.”

“Nu uh.” She replied, clutching her chest. “I’m not wearing anything under this, you putz.”

“That was the point.” Nick sighed and shook his head in his hands.

“Oh, I get it.” Steph giggled. “I’ll go get something to use as goals, hang on.” She said, running to the side of the house.

Two seconds later she returned with three beach towels that had been hanging on the clothesline. “We can use these…I guess.”

“Alright.” Aaron replied. “Let’s start.”

Five minutes into the game, Aaron and Charline were winning by five points, while Nick and Steph had none.

Sophie came out the backdoor, and glanced around the yard for a second before picking up one of the towels and walking away. She pretended not to notice that the towel was a vital part of the game she had just interrupted.

Charline kicked the soccer ball and it – once again – went right into Nick and Steph’s goal. “Score!” She shouted, slapping Aaron a high five.

“No no no!” Nick yelled. “You can’t do that, cause we’re missing a post.”

“Poo on you.” Charline retorted, sticking her tongue out at Nick and hugging Aaron tightly. “Your brother’s better than you.”

“Good.” Steph said, jumping on Nick’s back and kissing the back of his neck.

“Ugh, Char, I can’t breathe!” Aaron shouted, as she squeezed him.

Charline let go and pinched his cheek. “Awww, you’re such a cutie.” She cooed.

“Oh, no, Nick, they’re getting all mushy.” Steph complained, tightening her arms and wrapping her legs around Nick’s waist.

Aaron grinned and got down on one knew on front of Charline. “You.” He sang, pointing at her. “Plus sign.” He made an addition sigh with his hands. “Me.” He pointed at himself. “Equal sign.” He made a equal sign with his hands. “Us!” He finished, waddling on his knees closer to Charline and hugged her waist. This almost caused Charline to fall over.

“Oh yeah?” Nick challenged. “Steph, jump down.” He ordered, and she obeyed. “You’re my baby girl, you know that you are. You’re my honey bunch, yeah my sweet lucky star. So put your hand in mine.” He sang, taking her hand. “And I will slap your sweet behind.” He continued, smacking her ass.

“Nick!!” Steph screeched, then she lowered her voice. “Don’t do anything kinky in front of the K – I – D – S.” She whispered.

“I heard that.” Aaron replied, raising his eyebrows. “And I can spell, you know.”

“What does kinky mean?” Charline asked, clueless as usual. Aaron Nick and Steph and put their heads in the hands, while Charline stood there scratching her head.

“Never mind, Char.” Steph answered. “I’m going inside, Nick are you coming?”

“Yeah, I’ll be in, in a sec.” He replied.

“Ok.” She said, walking inside. “Sophie, what are you doing?” She laughed, as the door slammed.

While Charline and Aaron danced around the backyard like maniacs, singing 2gether songs, nick kicked the soccer ball in and out of their goal. “We win!” He yelled, waving his arms around, running into the house.

Charline and Aaron didn’t notice. “The hardest part of breaking up, IS GETTING BACK YOUR STUFF!!!!!” They sand/screamed. Charline toppled over laughing.

“You know your song, ‘Get Wild’?” She asked. Aaron nodded, sitting down on the grass beside her.

“Yeah, what about it?”

“Me and Joce, at the cottage last year, put that song on and went absolutely nuts. Steph has pictures, if you wanna see.” She explained, laughing.

“”Yeah, we’ll look at them later.” He replied, laying on his back, beside Charline gazing up at the clear blue sky. “You guys have been friends forever, right?”

“Yup.” She answered. “Ugh, but Sophie is my sister, and she’s too bossy.”

Aaron laughed. “You two seem to get along pretty well.”

“Only when we have to.” She scoffed. “We are always fighting, this tour is gonna suck!”

“Don’t say that, Char. It’s your first tour, right?” He asked. She nodded, turning on her side and picking the grass beside her.

“Yeah. All four of us cramped into one little bus, we’ll fight a lot.” She sighed, realizing the truth. At least they weren’t leaving yet, she still had about two months left on break, with the exception of a few award shows and photo shoots.

**June 22 2002**

“I’m so excited!” Sophie gushed as the girls stood in Joce’s bedroom, admiring themselves in the mirror. Tonight The 4 Gurlz, along with The Backstreet Boys and Aaron Carter were heading to the MTV VMA’s.

“Steph, you were right.” Joce mumbled, eyeing Steph’s dress. It was a loose black sparkly sleeveless turtleneck. “You did get a dress like you towel.”

“That’s right.” Steph agreed, turning to the side. “I especially like how it slits up the side…it reminds me of my towel.”

“Oh, God.” Sophie groaned. “You guys are idiots, let’s go.”

“WAIT!” Charline called as the other walked out of the room.

“What, Char?” Joce asked, turning around.

“Does my hair look ok?” Charline patted the bun sitting at the back of her head.

“It looks fine.” Joce replied, rolling her eyes at her self-consciousness. “Do you have your pink leather thing?” She asked. The girls were performing their new song, ‘How About That?’ Which was already number one on the Billboard charts. They were proud because they wrote it themselves a few years ago in Charline’s bedroom.

**At The VMA’s**

“…and speaking of horrible group names, here’s The 4 Gurlz performing the equally horrible song, ‘How About That’.” Chris Rock, the host introduced the girls.

The four of them ran up on stage in matching skimpy laced-up leather outfits. Charline fidgeted in hers, she hated those things with a passion and wanted to murder their manager for making them look to Spice Girlish. Sophie was in baby blue, Joce had royal purple and Steph wore sunshine yellow.

“It I can’t have anybody else…” Sophie sang gripping her microphone tightly.

“I’d rather have you!” The other joined in. After three minutes the song was over and The 4Gurlz hurriedly left the stage before Chris Rock could make another crack about them.

A good twenty minutes later, The 4 Gurlz were sitting back in their chairs, once again in ‘normal’ clothing. They were sitting beside O-town and Dan kept making passes at Sophie, who was utterly disgusted. The camera was on them for a second, and Charline pointed at it and yelled. “It’s the papatosi!”

“No, Char, that’s paparazzi.” Sophie corrected her once the camera was gone.

“Oh.” She shrugged. “Oh well.”

“Shut up you guys they’re about to announce the nominees for the best pop video.” Joce shushed them, and immediately, they faced the faced the front.

“The nominees for best pop video are,” Dr. Dre announced. “Backstreet Boys – If You Knew What I Knew. Nsync – If I’m Not The One. O-town – Every Six Seconds. Britney Spears – When Your Eyes Say It and The 4 Gurlz – Don’t Say A Word.”

“And the winner is…” Eminem opened the envelope. “Britney Spears – When Your Eyes Say It.”

“Poopey.” Charline grumbled as Britney went up to the stage and gracefully accepted her award. Charline was about to bring her knees up to her chest, but Sophie stopped her. One thing about Charline was that she could be a sore loser.

About a half hour later, The Backstreet Boys walked up on to the stage to present the award for best female video.

“The nominees are;” Brian started.

“Britney Spears – When Your Eyes Say It.” Howie said.

“Destiny’s Child – Bootylicious.” A.J. announced.

“The 4 Gurlz – Don’t Say A Word.” Nick smiled.

“Pink, Christina Agulira, Mya and Little Kim for Lady Marmalade.” Kevin stated.

“And the winners are;” Nick said as he opened the envelope.

“The 4 Gurlz, for Don’t Say A Word!” They announced in unison. The song played as the girls got up to accept their award. They were ecstatic, the year before, at the MTV VMA’s; they were just starting out and hadn’t been invited. Now, they were international popstars who were beating out huge acts such as Destiny’s Child and Britney Spears. Needless to say, huge grins were plastered on their faces as they stepped up to the stage.

“Um, we want to thank out manager Keegan Chandar for helping us get out start. Without him, Char wouldn’t be able to sing.” Joce grinned as she took the planet man from Brian.

“And to all the people back in Winnipeg who didn’t believe in us. Haha, you should have been nicer.” Steph laughed, wiping her mouth after Nick kissed her. Joce snickered and Steph rolled her eyes. “No really though, you gave us the power to prove you wrong, so thanks.” She added more seriously.

“Thanks to our parents for believing in us.” Sophie smiled.

“Especially Jim!” They all yelled into the microphone.

Charline stepped up on top of the wooden box in front of the microphone that you used if you were too short. “And last, but definitely not least, thanks to all the fans! Hopefully we’ll see you at the stadiums on our up-coming world tour.”

“So thanks!!” They shouted at they ran off stage, BSB chasing after them.

**At The After Party**

The girls were standing in the midst of international megastars, but to them, they were just four normal girls that didn’t have to go the school anymore. The Backstreet Boys and Aaron Carter soon joined them.

“Your performance was great.” Brian complimented them as they came up to the girls.

“Unlike the AMA’s.” A.J. piped up and once again, Joce playfully hit his arm.

“I especially like your clothes.” Aaron smirked. “Baby pink really is your colour, Char. You should have put your hair in pigtails, too.”

“Shut up.” Charline mumbled, taking a sip of her punch, and then looking up from the floor. “Keegan mad us wear them.”

“Sure.” Nick replied, sarcastically. “Why can’t you dress like that more often?”

Steph scoffed. “Because then we’d look like,” She quickly glanced around. “Britney Spears.”

Nick laughed. “No one said that was a bad thing.”

“Yeah, but then you’d need to get a perm.” Joce giggled.

“Why’s that?” Nick asked, puzzled. He glanced over at the others, who shrugged. No one, but the girls, understood their sense of humor.

“So you’d look like Justin Timberlake!” Steph replied. The other giggled. Nick pretended to be offended.

Just then, Ananda, one of the MTV VJ’s, came to their little clique and started interviewing them.

“Here we are, live with Aaron Carter, The Backstreet Boys and The 4 Gurlz.” She said into the camera, and then turned around to face the three acts. “How are you enjoying the party so far?”

“Great.” Kevin answered, as usual. “We’re meeting a lot of people and having just a general good time.”

Ananda nodded. “Well that’s great.” She smiled. “Now, I’d like to try and clear up some rumors that are going around.” She turned to Steph. “It’s a fact you’re dating, Backstreet Boy, Nick Carter, right?” Steph nodded, and Nick waved at the camera. “Is it true that you’re pregnant?”

Nick almost choked on his drink, Sophie and Joce started laughing uncontrollably and Steph turned bright red. “No…that’s not…possible.” She blushed.

“So, how do you think the rumor came about then?” Ananda prodded. Nick started breathing easier as he recovered.

“Well I think that when you’re a girl in the business, you get perceived as, pardon my language, slut.” Steph replied, trying to sound intelligent, but she just came out sounding stupid. “Honestly, I don’t know where that came from.”

Ananda nodded. “I heard that your opening act on your up-coming tour would be a new boy band. They’re from Winnipeg also and you know them quite well, right?”

Steph blushed harder, and Joce snickered. “Some of us better than others.” She said under her breath.

“What was that?” Ananda asked, holding the microphone to Joce mouth.

“Nothing! I was just making fun of Steph.” She said, now blushing also. The girls were still a little camera shy, and hated saying dumb things in front of an audience of millions. Unfortunately, they did it all the time.

Sophie answered for them, before they ended up looking like total fools. “Yes, their name is Chris and The Rockers. We have known them for years, and we’re very happy for them.” She lied. Truthfully, she hated the record company for making the two Winnipeg bands tour together.

Steph especially hated them. The main guy, Chris had been going out with her just before her and the girls started getting famous. He had forced her into bed with him, and was abusive to her physically and mentally. Steph shuddered at the thought that he could very well be the next BOP! Poster boy of the month.

“Alright girls, thank you.” Ananda smiled as she walked away and started interviewing O-town.

Charline wrinkled her nose. “Poophead Paparazzi.”

“She was an MTV VJ, Char.” Aaron laughed. “But at least this time you said the word right.”

Joce nodded agreed.

Kevin checked his watch. “We’d better go.” He nodded his head at the girls. “It was great to see you four again.”

“Yup.” Sophie replied. “We probably won’t see you again for a while.” She frowned as everyone left his or her separate ways.

“You got that right.” A.J. mumbled.

**July 1 2002**

“Oh Canada, our home and native land. True patriot love, in all son’s command!”

The 4 Gurlz were parading around the block, wearing red and white and carrying various signs that they had just drawn up. It was a tradition; they did this every Canada day. Even though, this year they were in the USA at the time, but that just made even more fun.

“Hey, Soph, remember that one year?”

“1999?” Joce interrupted Steph, who sighed.

“Yes, Joce, 1999. Anyways…” She turned back to Sophie. “Remember my Y2K – Half a year away, are you prepared? Sign?”

Sophie giggled as Charline and Joce continued singing. “Yeah, and I had a sign beside yours that said ‘Ignore her sign.’”

“That was funny.”

Suddenly, Charline burst out laughing and fell to the ground.

“What?” The others asked, confused, although this kind of stuff always happened. The four of them would be talking normally and one of them would burst out laughing for no apparent reason. When they would calm down, they’d explain why to the others, and in the end, everyone would be laughing their heads off. It was one of the girls’ many routines.

“Remember when you guys were pushing me in shopping cart one year, and I was holding the huge Canada flag?” She giggled.

Steph Joce and Sophie burst into a fit of giggles as the image of Charline helplessly sitting in the shopping cart came back to them. They flopped down beside Charline, but unfortunately, they had flopped down on some lady’s lawn, she came out and started screaming at them.

“I’M GOING TO TELL THE MEDIA ABOUT THIS!!! The ENTIRE WORLD WILL HATE YOU WHEN THEY FIND OUT ABOUT THE HORRIBLE THINGS THAT YOU DO!!!”

“Whoa, chill out, it’s only grass.” Joce exclaimed, and pulled a ten-dollar bill out of her pocket. “Here, go buy some more grass seeds if you’re that concerned.”

This enraged the woman, and she threw the bill right onto Joce’s face. “This is dirty Canadian money!” She yelled. “Get out of my sight!”

“Well duh, its Canada day.” Joce replied under her breath as the others made their way back to Aaron’s house. When they stepped inside they started giggling and imitating the lady.

Aaron looked up from his Harry Potter book and eyed them strangely. “What kind of mischief did you guys turn a simple Canada parade into?” He asked.

“Charline fell on some lady’s yard and she started screaming at us.” Sophie giggled, and the others nodded. Aaron shook his head in disbelief.

“You guys are so stupid.” He chuckled, walking into the kitchen. “Steph!” He called.

“What?”

“Nick left this for you.” He said, coming back into the front room and handing her a folded piece of loose-leaf.

“Oh, okay.” She replied, unfolding it and beginning to read.

Steph-
You and the others left too early to go marching. I’m going to San Francisco for the night with Mom, Dad, B.J. and Leslie. Aaron didn’t want to come and I know you four have the photo shoot with Teen People the afternoon downtown. I’m hoping you’ll be the responsible one and not burn down the house. I’ll see you tomorrow. Love ya.
-Nick

“Blah, I wouldn’t burn the house down.” Steph exasperatedly said. “Stupid Nick.” She mumbled, and then she got this glazed look over her eyes. “No… Nick's not stupid, he just acts…” Steph continued mumbling as she walked out of the room.

Sophie started running upstairs to change her clothes. “Remember, we have the Teen People thing today!” She called throughout the house.

**That Evening**

“I hate wearing make-up.” Charline complained as she scrubbed her face. The girls had just returned from their photo shoot and interview.

“I feel like going to a movie.” Joce said, flipping though the paper, looking for ideas. At that moment Aaron came walking into the room.

“Whoa, Char, what happened to your face?” He laughed, Charline glared at him.

“Shut up, I hate make-up.” She muttered, scrubbing even harder.

“I wanna see the new Star Wars!” Steph exclaimed, snatching the paper from Joce. “It starts in an hour.” She stated, reading the paper. “That means it will end around one a.m.”

Sophie nodded. “We better get going, then. Who else is coming?”

Charline shook her head. “I hate Star Wars. That guys breathing is annoying.”

“I’ll stay with Char.” Aaron said.

“You guys will be okay?” Steph asked, suspiciously. Sophie rolled her eyes.

“The only reason you’re asking that is because Nick told you to be the responsible one.” She accused.

“No kidding!” Steph replied, picking up her bag. “Okay, let’s go. See you guys later.” She called as her, Sophie and Joce walked out of the room.

“So, what do you wanna do?” Charline asked, once she was finished scrubbing her face.

“We could go swimming.” Aaron suggested, as he gazed out the window. Charline shook her head.

“No, I think we should wait until it’s darker. It would be more romantic.” She grinned. “We could play speed until it’s dark enough.”

Aaron checked his watch. “Alright, it’s nine-fifteen now. So we’ll be playing for about an hour.”

Charline shrugged. “Works for me.” She smiled, searching through the desk drawers for a pack of cards. “I’m gonna kick your ass.”

“No, I believe it’s your ass that will be kicked.” Aaron laughed as they sat down and began to play.

**11:00 p.m.**

“SPEED!” Charline screamed at the top of her lungs. “Haha Aaron! The score is 51 to 49 for me!! No tie breaker, cause I WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” She squealed, and then she started jumping and dancing around the room.

“I am the champion, I am the champion, no time for losers, cause I am the champion!!” She sang as she danced around.

Aaron rolled his eyes and cleaned up the cards. “It’s dark enough now, Char. Wanna go swimming?” He asked, putting the deck back in the desk drawer.

Immediately she stopped dancing. “Yes!” She yelled as she ran upstairs to her room at full speed. Aaron softly chuckled to himself, and he followed her.

Aaron knocked on her door shortly after, grabbing a towel and putting his swimming trunks on. “Are you ready?” He asked.

“Yes, I’m just putting sunscreen.” She replied. “You can come in.”

Aaron laughed, as he opened her bedroom door. “Char, it’s dark out remember?”

Charline thought for a moment before applying sunscreen to her nose. “Oh yeah!” She realized, and put down her bottle of sunscreen. She grabbed her towel and wrapped it around herself. Alright, I’m ready.”

The steps on the way down to the beach were wobbly and about to fall apart, so Charline grabbed a hold of Aaron’s hand. Aaron smiled at her and she grinned back.

“You know what Steph’s favourite song is?” Charline asked, looking at the moon.

“What, Char?” Aaron asked, wondering the relevance of this to their swim.

“Some song called, Moonlight Desires. It’s like, from the eighty’s or something, and she wants us to re-make it, but I don’t want to because it sucks.”

“Oh.” Aaron replied, deciding to dismiss Charline’s strange comment. “Let’s go in the water.”

“No.” Charline replied, an evil gleam twinkling in her eyes, either that, or the moonlight was flickering in them. Whatever it was, it sure made her look mysterious. “Let’s go skinny dipping.”

Aaron almost choked on his own spit when he heard that. “W…what?” He asked, wanting to make sure he had heard her correctly. He was now learning Charline’s outgoing, carefree personality.

“Let’s go skinny dipping.” She repeated, pronouncing each word slowly and carefully, to make sure he understood. When Aaron still looked dumbfounded, she started to explain. “You know, when you go swimming without-”

“I know what it is!” Aaron interrupted her. “Alright.” He whispered.

Charline grinned evilly as she wrapped the towel around herself after slipping out of swimsuit. “Come on, you wuss.” She joked. Luckily, it was pretty dark so neither of them could see each other that well.

Aaron turned away from Charline and took off his swimming trunks, then wrapped the towel around his waist and glanced back at Charline.

“You have a cute butt.” She said in approval, giving him the thumbs up sign.

“Thanks.” He blushed. Before he could say another word, Charline was running for the water and she threw off her towel at the last second. Then she swam out up to her shoulders. “Come on, Aaron!” She called out to him. “It’s really nice.”

Aaron sighed and let his towel drop to his feet. Mentally, he thanked God for the darkness as he stepped out into the lake. He jumped back as the cold water touched his foot. After a couple seconds, he decided to grin and bear it, and he ran into the water. “Shrinkage.” He mumbled as he dived under.

“Gah!” Charline cried out as Aaron grabbed her leg from under water.

“Boo!” Aaron yelled as he came up, and then he splashed her. “Take that!”

“Oh my God! Aaron, look!” Charline screamed, pointing to the land.

“What?” Aaron asked, turning around to face the land. Charline jumped on his back.

“Gotcha, you putz.” She giggled, kissing his neck.

“You know, Steph would get mad at you, for using her word...” He mumbled, turning his head and connecting his lips with hers.

Ten seconds later, Charline broke their kiss by somersaulting off his back. “Let’s swim.” She grinned. “We can make out later.”

**1:30 a.m.**

“Luke, I am your father.” Steph spoke in a low voice, imitating Darth Vader

“That didn’t happen in this one, you idiot.” Sophie pointed out. Joce shook her head, and Steph nodded.

“I know, who said I was imitating this one?”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Whatever, I’m tired, are you guys going to bed soon?” She asked, while she trotted up the flight of stairs like a zombie.

“Soon.” Steph replied, walking over to the computer room to check her email.

One minute later, Sophie came jogging back down the stairs. “You guys.” She whispered. “The cutest thing is upstairs, you have to come see.”

Steph and Joce followed her back upstairs, and they stopped in front of Charline’s room. Sophie slowly opened the door, careful, so it wouldn’t squeak, and peered inside.

“Awww.” Steph whispered.

“They’re so adorable.” Joce gushed, and Steph and Sophie nodded in agreement.

“I know. It’s such a Kodak moment.”

The three stood in silence as they watched Charline and Aaron peacefully sleeping in each other’s arms; the quilt ruffled around them. The moonlight bled in through Charline’s open window and shone right on them. Not even the finest camera could capture the warmth of the scene.

**July 2 2002**

“Whoever that is get the hell off my bed before I kick your ass when I finally decide to get up.” Steph grumbled after Nick jumped on herbed.

“Wake up, it already eleven! Besides, I brought you back something.” Nick laughed, tossing a white ‘San Francisco’ t-shirt on her head.

Steph sat up and held the shirt up in front of herself. “A souvenir from a trip I never went on!” She smiled. “Now you’re forgiven for leaving without telling me.” She said, kissing his check.

Nick pretended to be disgusted and wiped off her kiss. “How could I? You guys left before I woke up.”

“You could have left a note!”

“I did!”

“Oh yeah.” Steph giggled, after thinking for a moment. “How was San Francisco?”

“Boring.” Nick replied, shaking his head. “Me and the guys had to re-record As Long As You Love Me for out greatest hits album, because A.J. doesn’t sing in the original.” He explained, sighing and running his hands through his hair. “And, you know my voice was way higher back then, so it was really hard.”

Steph nodded, and then changed the subject. The last thing she wanted to talk about at the moment was being in the recording studio. In a few months, her and the other girls would be back in there to start recording their second album.

“Ugh.” She groaned, flopping back down, and covering her face with a pillow.

“What?” Nick laughed, pulling the pillow off her head.

“Our second album will never get out.” She sighed. “We take so long in the studio, and we always mess up.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Nick soothed. “Come down for breakfast soon, ok?” He said before leaving. Steph nodded, and wondered how she could go from having the world’s most horribly boyfriend, to the world’s most caring boyfriend. Smiling, she put on her robe and slippers, and started on her way down to the kitchen.

As she passed Charline’s room, she saw her friend sitting on her bed knees tucked up to her chest. She was just sitting there, staring at the ground. She had that same lovesick glazed look in her eyes that she did when Aaron when Aaron walked into her room and took her down to the beach two months ago.

“Char?” Steph asked, coming into the room. “Are you ok?”

“Perfect.” Charline said, still staring at the ground and still off in space.

Steph knew better, she knew that something must have happened, but she didn’t press any further. Charline would tell them when the time was right – unless Steph was just over-reacting. It was just that she didn’t want the same thing that had happened to her to happen to anyone else. Although, Charline didn’t look upset…so everything seemed to be in order. Still…

“Okay, well, come down for breakfast when you’re ready.” She said, before walking out.

*

“Something’s up with Char.” Steph said as she walked into the kitchen. She didn’t add anything about her suspicions since Jane Carter was sitting at the table, sipping coffee while Joce, Nick and Angel munched on toast.

Steph shot Nick a look that told him something was really wrong. Nick got the message and stood up to leave. “I’m gonna go wake up Aaron.” He said, casually before leaving the kitchen a jogging up the stairs to Aaron’s bedroom.

“Aaron, can I come in?” Nick asked, in a slightly more annoyed tone than he would have liked, while he knocked on the door.

“Yeah, sure.” Aaron replied. Nick opened the door, walked in and sat down on Aaron’s bed. He watched as his brother gelled his hair.

“You’re doing it the way Charline likes it.” Nick pointed out, testing what Aaron’s reaction would be.

“Yeah, so?” Aaron questioned, trying his best to sound casual. It didn’t work that well, he just sounded nervous.

“The question is, why are you doing it the way Charline likes it? And why do you seem so scared?” Nick asked, raising his eyebrow, answering Aaron’s question with another question. When he got no reaction, he tried a different approach. “Aaron, I’m going to be blunt.” He sighed. “What happened with you and Charline last night?”

Aaron turned bright red, hoping Nick wouldn’t notice. No such luck, he saw in the mirror.

“You didn’t.” Nick said, narrowing his eyes. Aaron didn’t reply. “Aaron! Say something.” He said sternly.

Aaron turned around to face Nick. For years, they had shared everything. Suddenly, to no apparent reason, Aaron felt unusually shy. “It’s none of your business.” He mumbled, not believing himself as the words left his lips.

“Listen Aaron.” Nick breathed, trying to sound calm. “Tell me every detail of what happened last night.”

Aaron took a deep breath. “Char and I were alone in the house until late, because Steph, Sophie and Joce went to see a movie.” He said in a small voice.

“Go on.” Nick pressed, crossing his arms and standing up.

“And we went for a midnight swim.” He continued, looking everywhere possible, except for Nick’s eyes. “But it was more like a midnight…skinny dip.”

Nick held up a hand to shush him, but Aaron thought he was going to get slapped. He turned his head to the side a squeezed his eyes shut. Nick shook his head, but he didn’t laugh like he normally would have. “I’ll be frank-”

“Can I still be Aaron?” Aaron interrupted him, trying to lighten the moment. It didn’t work and, if anything, it pissed Nick off even more.

“Whatever floats your boat.” Nick replied through clenched teeth. “Did you have sex with her?”

Aaron shifted his weight form one to the other, stalling as long as her possibly could.

“Aaron!”

Aaron looked timidly, and finally made eyes contact with his brother. “No, Nick.” He lied. “I didn’t-”

That’s the wrong answer.” Nick replied, shaking his head slowly from side to side, showing his aggravation. “Would you care to tell me the right one?”

Aaron bit his bottom lip. “YesNickIhadsexwithCharline.” He mumbled.

Nick took a deep breath and tried to choose his words carefully, not wanting to say anything that he would regret. “Did you… force her?” He finally asked.

“No, Nick.” He answered honestly. “I didn’t.”

Nick sighed. “Well at least that’s good. You were in the water, right?”

Aaron nodded, wondering what Nick was getting at.

“That means you didn’t use anything.” Nick stated, glaring at Aaron, who winced as if he was in pain.

“No, I guess not.”

Nick shook his head. “I’m not happy.”

“I figured that.” Aaron replied. “It just sort of happened… I’m sorry Nick.” He apologized sincerely.

“I know you are. Look there’s nothing I can say now, just remember, you’re only fourteen, and hell, she’s only thirteen! If this gets out, it will ruin both of your careers.” Nick told him, as he started walking out of the room.

“Nick?” Aaron called him back.

“Yeah?”

“Don’t tell anyone, okay? Charline made me promise not to say anything.”

Nick nodded. “I won’t.”

“Not even Steph, Charline doesn’t want the other girls to find out.”

“Alright.” Nick replied, before leaving the room.

**July 10 2002**

“I’m Carson Daly and here we are, Total Request Live. I’ve got some very special guests today, ladies and gentlemen, please welcome The 4 Gurlz!” Carson announced as the girls waved to the audience.

“Hey Carson!” Steph smiled. “You know, I’m from Canada, and I used to dream of watching TRL. Now, I’m on it!” She gushed, and it sounded incredibly cheesy. Sophie rolled her eyes, while Joce and Charline exchanged glances. Steph was aware of all this but she ignored it.

“It’s great to have you four here. Let’s start off with a question from an audience member, shall we?” Carson asked. Charline nodded.

“Alright. How about…you.” She pointed to a guy holding a collage of pictures of her. Some of them, she hadn’t even seen. Damn Popatsy. She thought to herself.

“Hey girls.” He grinned. “Hey Char.”

Charline smiled and looked at her friends proudly, as if to say; Haha! He likes me the most!

“Hi!” She replied warmly.

“Um, I was just wondering who your idols are and why.” He asked before sitting down.

Joce answered first, and of course, the others knew who she was going to say. “A.J. McLean from the Backstreet Boys, definitely. I really admire how he does what he wants and doesn’t care at all what anyone thinks.”

Steph went next. “Geri Halliwell. Especially since she left the Spice Girls. Actually, I think that’s why I idolize her so much, she left the job of a lifetime to help people by promoting breast cancer awareness.”

“But, hopefully, you won’t follow her lead and leave the group, right?” Carson half joked, half asked.

Steph shook her head. “No. This is what I want to do, so for me, this is girl power.”

“She also loves Geri’s accent!” Sophie added; the others nodded in agreement.

The girls answered a few more questions from Carson and their fans. When the show ended, they were driven down to the airport by a limousine and got on a flight back to L.A. as soon as possible.

Charline slumped down in her plane seat and put on her Discman.

“Char.” Steph said, shuffling a deck of UNO cards. Charline didn’t answer.

“Charline.” She said louder. Once again, Charline didn’t hear her. Instead, she started singing, or rather, rapping, along to her music.

“I always try to be the flyest kid on the block, the popular one-”

“Charline!!!” All three girls yelled in unison.

“So that’s when I had this bright idea. Throw the party of the month-”

“Nah, the party of the year!” Joce joined in, pulling the headphones off Charline’s head. “I thought you hated that song.”” She remarked, raising both her eyebrows, since she couldn’t only raise one.

“I did, then I fell in love with him.” She answered happily. The others smiled at each other.

“Awww, that’s so sweet.” Sophie cooed.

Charline grunted. “Shut up, go make fun of Steph. She does stupider things than me.”

At that second, they all looked over at Steph, who was making a house out of the UNO cards on her pull down tray.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, we are now taking off. Please remain seated and keep your seatbelts fastened until further notice.” The pilot announced as the plane started to speed down the runway.

“Dammit.” Steph grumbled as her house fell apart. The other laughed.

“I told you so.” Charline giggled, and then started out the plane window. Soon, they would be back in California, she would be back with Aaron and all would be good.

**Three Hours Later**

“Ack! It’s a moth! Kill it!” Sophie screeched, curling up in her chair and clutching her Harry Potter book, as if for protection.

The girls had just arrived back to find an empty house. A note left from Aaron told them that the family had gone out for the afternoon. So, for now, the four of them were just chilling out. Sophie was reading, Steph was writing her Backstreet Boys fanfic she had started five years ago, and Joce and Charline were eagerly anticipating her next page.

“Oh, Sophie, it’s just like a butterfly.” Charline rolled her eyes at her sister, who was still whimpering in her chair.

“You know, moths eat your clothes.” Joce said, matter of factly. Then she glanced over at Steph. “Are you almost done your page?”

Steph didn’t look up as she scribbled her pen onto the paper. “Half done. One more side.”

Charline ignored Steph and turned back to the predicament with the moth. “Moths eat your clothes, really?” She asked, and Joce nodded. “Oh well.” Charline sighed, looking back at Sophie and wrinkling her nose. “I don’t like what Sophie’s wearing anyway.”

By now, Sophie had calmed down and had continued reading Harry Potter. Joce burst out laughing and Steph looked up.

“What?”

“I said moths eat your clothes and Char was like ‘I don’t like what Sophie’s wearing anyway.’” Joce explained, giggling.

Steph started laughing. “That’s hilarious! Perfect for when the girls get back home to find an empty house.” She giggled, and pulled out a new page. The first thing she wrote on it was **Three Hours Later** “Ack! It’s a moth! Kill it!”

“Oh, you’re done your page?” Joce asked, peeking over to her. “Excellent.”

“Yup.” She replied, handing to her and continuing her next one.

**That Night**

“Last card!” Charline exclaimed as she hit her fist on the table. She, Aaron, Joce, Sophie and Angel were playing crazy eight countdown. It was about two in the morning and everyone else was already asleep.

“What are you on now?” Aaron asked, drawing a card from the deck since he couldn’t make a move.

“Twos.” Charline replied. The others groaned, as they were on their fours or more. “But soon I’ll be on my ones.” She added.

“When this is over, we should go to bed.” Sophie said, leaning her elbows on the table and resting her head in her hands.

Two more minutes passed, and Charline was the winner. With Charline sitting at the table, bouncing around in her chair, beaming about her victory, the others trotted up to bed.

Joce and Sophie decided to share a room that night, so they could share the flashlight and both read their own Harry Potter books. Soon however, they grew weary of that and tried to fall asleep.

Two seconds after they turned off the flashlight, Aaron walked into their room, turned on the light, picked up Joce’s Harry Potter book, sat on their bed, and began to read.

Joce groaned. “Aaron, I’m glad I got you into Harry Potter, but do realize you’re the only one awake. Just walking around the house, turning on lights as you go.”

Aaron put the book back on the dresser and went and stood in the doorway. “No, Charline’s up too.” He replied, casually. At that very second, Charline ran past Joce’s room yelling, causing Sophie, Joce and Aaron to burst out laughing.

All was fun and games now, but as the old saying goes, what goes up, must come down.

**August 20 2002**

Steph flopped down the Carter’s living room couch and began channel surfing. Three more days were left of their break, and then they were off to start the tour. She couldn’t believe how fast it had gone by. Finally, she left the TV on MTV. It was playing How Do I Live by LeAnn Rhymes Steph leaned back, smiling as she listened to the song, thinking of her and Nick. Her smile faded after realizing she wasn’t going to see him for a while.

Joce walked into the room eating an ice cream sandwich. She took a glance at the TV and smile at her friend. “Don’t worry, Steph, you’ll see him at the Much Music Video Awards in September.”

Steph smiled weakly, but only to please Joce. “I guess.”

Joce flicked off the TV when How Do I Live ended and Pop by *Nsync came on. Steph laughed, then snatched the remote back from her and turned it back on. “I like that song.” She said, or rather, lying on top of the remote.

**Meanwhile**

Aaron sat at the computer, he was extremely bored and so, he was surfing 4 Gurlz fan sites.

Most of the information he already knew, like Charline’s least favorite food, etc. But he thought some of the pictures were cool, especially the ones ‘before they were famous.’

He clicked into the tour section and one sentence seemed to pop out at him.

…they’ll be gone for about seven months, with little or no time for friends and family.

That made Aaron realize something. He wasn’t going to see Charline for a really long time, and sure, everything was great now. (They hadn’t even had one fight.) But what would happen in those months when she was gone? Sometimes, he forgot that the two of them lived miles apart, Aaron in L.A. and Charline in Winnipeg. There was only one solution.

**2:00 pm**

After a lot of thought, Aaron knew that his decision was for the best. Everyone had been wondering what was going on with him. His mind had been gone all day, thinking of his Charline/tour predicament. He had been loosing things, dropping plates while he drying them and spilling water all over the floor. Needless to say, he was a mess.

Now, he stood outside her door. This was the last chance he had to back out, though he knew he had to go through with it. Either that, or they’d both be miserable. Yes, he had made up his mind, this was the right choice. Better he do it now, than right before she leaves. That way, they had time to clear up any misunderstandings that might occur.

Aaron took a deep breath as he knocked on Charline’s door, and waited a couple seconds for her to answer. When she didn’t, he tried again. “Char?” He asked, still knocking on the door.

Sophie came walking by, holing a laundry basket. She and Steph were helping out Jane Carter with the household chores, in thanks for letting them stay there.

“Just go right in, she’s probably just listening to her CD player.” Sophie smiled warmly. “Besides if she were changing or whatever, she probably wouldn’t care.” She winked.

Aaron weakly smiled in return, and his stomach churned. He knew that Sophie was happy her sister had found ‘the perfect boyfriend’ as Charline had told him. Although, at the moment, he felt anything but perfect. “Alright.” He replied, walking into her room, and Sophie continued on her way down the hall.

Sure enough, there was Charline, lying on her back, listening to her Discman, and softly singing along.

“I will be yours if you’ll be mine, I will be there ‘till the end of time, I will be with you until the day that I die, I’ll be yours. I will be yours.”

Aaron cringed, everything that was happening in the past few minutes seemed to be affecting him. It must have been his mind playing tricks. He sighed and walked to the side of her bed, and pulled her headphones off.

“What the – oh, hey Aaron!” She smiled when she saw that it was him. That of course, made Aaron feel worse.

“Hey Char.” He faked a grin, thinking he should have planned this out first. “Looking forward to your tour?”

Charline scoffed. “No way. I’m having the time of my life right here.”

Aaron winced. Charline was on cloud nine, and had no idea that her whole world was about to come crashing down.

“It’s just that I’ll miss you.” She whispered, rolling over onto her stomach. Why was she making this so hard? Okay, this was it; he had to get it over with.

“You realize it’s not going to work out, right?” Aaron asked, looking at the floor. The carpet in her room was brand new, and it was an aquamarine green colour.

“W…what?” Charline asked, not sure she had heard right. No, correction, not wanting to believe her ears.

“I mean, we’re both always on tour.” He explained, feeling his heart crack in half. “We need to break up.”

“Okay.” Charline whispered. To her surprise, she wasn’t crying. She was too shock, but surely, tears would come later.

“Yeah, so, um, bye.” He mumbled walking out of the room and closing the door behind him. He heard Charline put her CD player back on and one again, start singing along. With a heavy heart, he walked downstairs to the kitchen.

“What’s wrong with you?” Steph asked, grinning at Nick as he pulled a piece of grated cheese out of his hair.

“I just broke up with Charline.” He muttered, looking at his hands.

“What?!” Nick exclaimed. “Aaron, what the hell?” He asked angrily. Lately, his brother had been doing really stupid things.

“Well, we would have eventually broken up anyways.” Aaron explained, looking up at Nick; who looked at Steph; who was standing there in shock. Then she ran upstairs.

Sophie stood in front of Charline’s room, peeking inside; since the door was open a crack.

“Look.” Sophie whispered as Steph came up beside her. She pointed inside Charline’s room and whispered again. “She’s writing in her diary, she never writes in her diary.”

That was true. The last time they had seen Charline write in her diary was a year ago at the cottage. And that was when she was starting to like, surprise, surprise, Aaron Carter. You see, Steph and Joce had been convinced that She and Aaron were meant to be since the first time she saw his face on a poster on BOP! Now, Charline doubted their prediction.

“What’s wrong with her?” Sophie asked, obviously, she hadn’t heard the news yet. That was surprising, as it usually traveled quite fast in that house.

Steph sighed. “She’s suffering from and in-curable disease called heartbreak.” She replied, sadly.

Sophie’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh no.” She whispered, covering her mouth with her hand. “He didn’t.”

Steph’s sad look confirmed her suspicion. Sophie peered back into Charline’s room. “I’m gonna murder him.” She threatened, walking out of the hall and carefully stepping down the stairs. Step reluctantly followed, knowing that Aaron was hurting just as much, if not more than Charline.

Sophie stomped into the kitchen. And was just about to give Aaron a very large piece of her mind when she saw Nick having a heart– to – heart with him. At that, Sophie turned and left, her presence went un-noticed.

Two seconds later, Steph entered the room. “Sophie?” She asked, not realizing the atmosphere. When Aaron looked up at her with big puffy red eyes she mentally kicked herself, and turned to leave. “I guess Sophie changed her mind.” She mumbled on her way out. Nick rolled his eyes and continued consoling Aaron.

It came down.

**August 21 2002**

Tension was building in the Carter household. What used to be a warm and happy place was now filled with pain and discomfort.

Charline didn’t come out of her room at all. Aaron moped around the house like a complete zombie, while everyone else kept a low profile, knowing that the slightest thing would set him off.

“This is so stupid.” Sophie grumbled, after making sure Aaron was nowhere near. Her, Steph and Joce were sitting on the back porch. “They should just get back together already, that would solve everything.”

Steph shook her head as she sipped on a can of sweetened raspberry Iced Tea. “No, because they’d just drift apart while they’re away and it would hurt her more.”

“Like you and Nick.” Joce stated. Steph thought about that for a moment, and then tried to deny it.

“Nu uh cause we were apart for four months before we came here. Steph explained, sounding totally sure of herself. Still, she couldn’t push the worry out of her head. Although, Nick wasn’t the type of person to leave that until the last minute, so she figured that she was okay.

Joce didn’t buy her answer, but went along with it, as though not to upset Steph. “Whatever.” She replied, rolling her eyes. “Hey speaking of Nick…” She trailed off, wanting to lighten things up by getting into a good gossip session.

“What about him?” Steph asked, not picking up on Joce’s suggestive tone.

“Did you guys ever…you know…”

Sophie smiled slyly and she pulled her chair in closer to where Steph and Joce were sitting. “I hear he was really good in bed.” She whispered, wriggling her eyebrows.

Steph scoffed. “That’s just because you’re friends with-” She rolled her eyes and started talking in a mocking type voice. “Willa Ford.”

Sophie got all defensive and crossed her arms across her chest. “You guys, she’s really nice!” She protested. “Besides,” She said accusingly at Steph. “You just pick people to hate and you hate them.”

Steph took a sip out of her drink. “Nu uh. I hate her cause she was a bitch to Nick.” She explained.

Sophie sighed. “Whatever, that doesn’t matter, did you guys have sex yes or no?” At that, Joce burst out laughing.

“No.” Steph answered honestly, even though she knew her friends wouldn’t believe her.

“Do you think Charline and Aaron did?” Joce whispered, grinning like an idiot.

Sophie shook her head. “No way. She would have told us.”

Steph nodded in agreement, thinking that when she saw Charline sitting on her bead, off in space last month, it meant nothing. “Speaking of Charline, maybe we should go check on her.” She suggested, looking back into the house through the back window.

Joce stood up. “Alright, let’s go.”

Five minutes later they were standing in front of Charline’s bedroom door, arguing over who had to knock.

Finally, they just threw Sophie onto her door, causing a loud crash. When all was once again silent, they head Charline’s muffled sobs coming from inside her room. After a few exchanged glances, Steph slowly opened the door.

The first thing they saw was Charline lying on her bed, stretched out on her stomach, crying her eyes out. Steph, Sophie and Joce sat down beside her. Their mission: Cheer up Charline. The last thing they wanted was a depressed Char sharing their tour bus, because they knew a depressed Char would turn into an angry and grumpy Char. Not a pretty sight.

“Char,” Steph soothed, tickling the bottom of her foot. “Don’t worry, it will all be okay. He was you first love, but you’ll get over him eventually. Remember Matt?” She asked, referring to her first love. Their relationship had been nothing but lies, betrayal and heartbreak. Come to think about it, Steph had had her share of bad relationships. “At least Aaron wasn’t fat.” She joked, trying to lighten the moment, and Joce stifled a giggle. They had always bugged Steph about Matt being chunky. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the right time to be joking around.

Charline sat up on her bed and threw her pillow forcefully on the floor. Then she glared at the others. Carefully, they proceeded to try and cheer her up. It didn’t look like that was about to happen, though.

“Char-” Sophie started, but Charline snapped back at her.

“Shut up Sophie, don’t try telling me that it will all be better, cause you don’t know! You don’t even want a boyfriend! Dan from O-town liked you and YOU SHOT HIM DOWN!!!!” She yelled, and Sophie was taken back by her sudden outburst, even though that was the kind of thing you could expect from Charline.

“She’s just trying to help.” Joce replied, and her reply was met by and icy stare from you-know-who.

“Shut up you guys, just go away.” She mumbled, falling back onto the bed. Sophie stood up to leave, but Steph pulled her back down, shaking her head.

“Char, what is your problem?” Joce questioned, thinking that there had to be something deeper than just the breakup.

Again, Charline sat up, but this time she didn’t get angry, she just sat in the middle of the bed, knees curled up to her chest. She looked so weak and helpless; it made the others feel even worse for her. “Can you guys keep a secret?” She asked in a meek voice.

“No.” Steph answered, and Sophie stifled a giggle.

Joce rolled her eyes and ignored them, eager to hear what Charline was about to say. “Yes, you know we can. You also know that Steph is just a putz.”

“I think that I’m pregnant.” Charline whispered, not wanting to take the chance of anyone in the house over hearing, especially Aaron.

Joce’s eyes widened and she looked over at Sophie, whose jaw just sort of hung open in disbelief. The only one not in shock was Steph. “That’s bull Char.” She scoffed. “You can’t get pregnant unless you’ve had sex.”

Joce breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s right. You’re probably just late.” Sophie nodded in agreement.

Charline fell back onto the bed yet again. “You guys are so stupid.” She sighed. “What if I told you that I haven’t been telling you much for the past couple of moths?”

“We’d wonder what you’d been doing.” Sophie replied, through clenched teeth.

“Char…when?” Joce stammered, unable to think of something better to say.

“When you guys went to see Star Wars.” Charline explained, rubbing her eyes. They look quite sore to the others, probably from crying so much.

Instantly, Steph jumped off the bed. “In here?!” She exclaimed, disgusted.

Charline shook her head. “In the water. We went skinny dipping.” Steph breathed a sigh of relief and sat back down on the bed.

Sophie glared at her in disapproval. “You’re thirteen years old!”

“But I loved him.” She replied sadly, making Steph and Joce feel extremely sorry for her.

After a minute or so of silence, Steph finally piped up. “I’ll run to the store and buy you a test.” She offered.

Sophie shook her head. “No way. If the paparazzi see you buying a pregnancy test, we’re screwed.”

Joce nodded. “She’s right.”

Charline threw her other pillow onto the floor; it hit her stack of CDs and knocked them over, causing a loud crash.

“I don’t care about the stupid paparazzi!” She exclaimed. “This is a little more important!”

Joce sighed, switching sides. “Well, Soph, she does have a point.”

“Whatever.” Sophie grumbled, walking out of the room. This pissed her off to no end. She knew she needed to be there for her sister at the moment, but she didn’t understand how she could be so stupid and irresponsible. Then again, this was Charline.

As she walked throughout the house, going nowhere in particular, she passed by Aaron in the computer room.

He was surfing random websites and chatting to his friend on MSN, but his mind was somewhere else. Charline hadn’t set foot out of her room since yesterday morning at breakfast, and he hadn’t seen her since the breakup. He wanted to talk to her, but he knew that was no longer his place. Besides it would be too hard for both of them. So, secretly, he was glad she had yet to come out of her shell.

Sighing, he turned back to the computer screen, wondering how people already knew of their breakup.

**August 22 2002**

“Char.” Steph gently shook her friend in an attempt to wake her the next morning. “Charline, come on, you gotta do this.”

Charline rolled over onto her side. “Do I have to?” She whimpered, it was so sad that she almost gave in. Almost.

“Yes.” Steph replied. Charline reluctantly crawled out of bed and put on her robe.

Two minutes later Steph was standing outside the washroom door, while Charline was in there. “Now you piss in the clear tubey thing.” She explained.

Charline sighed in exasperation. “Okay…now what?” She asked, from inside the bathroom.

“Now you put it in the white thing, and you wait.”

“Wait to die, wait to live, wait for an absolution that would never come.” Quoted Joce, as she came up behind Steph.

“Shut up Joce.” Steph laughed.

“For how long?” Charline asked, her voice sounding panicky and upset.

“An hour.” Steph replied.

“Do I have to stay in here?” Charline wondered aloud, alarmed.

Joce rolled her eyes. “Yes, Char. It will only work if you stay in there.” She replied sarcastically.

Charline grew even more worried. “Really?”

Steph sighed. “No, Char. You can come out. Just hide the test so no one else sees it, ok?”

After a few crashing noises and yelps of pain from Charline, she emerged from the bathroom. “Now what?” She asked.

“Now we go downstairs and try to eat a normal breakfast.” Joce answered.

The girls had woken up early so they could do Chaline’s test without anyone finding out. It was around five in the morning, so as they walked down to the kitchen, they didn’t expect anyone else to be awake.

Little did they know how wrong they were. Aaron had been up half the night, not being able to sleep. He was afraid that he had scarred Charline for life. He was also afraid that he had scarred himself for life. He wanted nothing more than to patch things up with her and to go back to the way it used to be. But that was impossible, since he broke her heart and stepped on it, he doubted she’d come running back into his arms.

Steph, Joce and Charline entered the kitchen and Aaron kept a low profile, not watch to attract attention to himself, as the girls rummaged through the fridge.

Charline took one look at Aaron and hid behind Steph. He was the last person she wanted to see at a time like this.

Finally, Aaron left the kitchen, leaving Charlie relieved. He sighed, trotting up the stairs, having to go to the washroom anyway. What were they doing up so early? Looking at the wall clock, he realized that it was 6:37am. This was supposed to be his time to escape.

Aaron closed the bathroom door and leaned against it. From the first day him and Charline met, they were never just friends. It was like, one day she hated him, they next day they were going out, and Aaron knew that. He and Charline were never friends, and it would be impossible to start now. Aaron sighed as he left the bathroom and headed for his own room, not noticing the home pregnancy test sitting on the shelf.

**One Hour Later**

“Pink is yes and white is no.” Steph called to Charline who was once again locked inside the bathroom. Amazingly, no one was aware of what the girls were up to.

Charline unlocked the door and stepped out, no uttering a word, biting her bottom lip. She was obviously trying to hold in tears.

She didn’t need to say anything, the answer was written across her face. After a few seconds of silence, she started bawling.

“It was pink, wasn’t it?” Steph asked slowly.

Charline looked up at them and gave a small nod. “Yeah.” She choked out. Then made her way to her room and silently locked the door.

Joce looked at Steph and gulped. “What are we going to do?”

Steph shook her head sadly, thinking of the future of The 4 Gurlz. “I don’t know.” She whispered.

**That Afternoon**

White capped waves crashed upon the shore, one after another in a consecutive sequence as if it were timed.

It was the girls last day of their break. Steph sat in silence on the beach, with all that was happening and the feeling of just wanting to get out and away from the house; she now understood you could just sit on the edge of the water, on the sand, in silence.

Also, she had a feeling Nick was breaking up with her today, probably for the same reason Aaron broke up with Charline. Or maybe it was just that, now that Charline and Aaron were over, it would be too hard. Too awkward.

She took a deep breath as Nick sat down beside her, joining her on the sand. ‘Why does everything happen at the beach?’ she wondered, not acknowledging Nick at all.

Finally Steph spoke, in a sad and yet understanding tone. “I know what you’re gonna say, so don’t even start.”

Nick sighed, from the way she was acting this morning, he knew something was up. “Sorry.” He replied, trying – and failing – not to sound stupid.

“I know you are.”

Defeated, Nick tried a different approach. “I still love you.”

“I love you too.” Steph said, emotion lacking in her voice. She still didn’t so much as glance at him.

Nick sighed again. “Come on Steph, don’t do this, it’s hard for me too.”

She turned and faced him for the first time since he’d approached her. “I know, it’s just that – “ She paused to keep from crying. “a lot of stuff is happening all at once.” She continued, thinking of the Charline problem. They hadn’t told anyone – and weren’t planning on it. Only the four girls knew, and boy was Sophie angry.

“I’d say we could still be friends – “ Nick started, but Steph silenced him with a kiss, one that meant closure.

“But that would be impossible.” She finished, standing up and walking up the steps to go back inside.

**August 23 2002**

Charline sighed, looking back t the house she had spent close to four months in. The girls were now loading their tour bus, getting ready for their first show, which was that night in San Francisco.

Little did she know, Aaron was watching her also, in his bedroom, staring out the window. He could hear Leslie practicing piano downstairs. She was playing All or Nothing by O-town. How fitting. He put his hand on the glass, still watching, locking his lips and blinking his eyes violently, fighting back tears.

But he didn’t win the battle. A single tear trickled down his check, followed by another, and another, and another. Soon he was curled up the floor, sobbing. He wanted so much to run outside and take her back, but it looked to him like she didn’t care anymore. Not that she looked happy, but she didn’t look overly upset either.

Aaron knew however, that it wasn’t his fear of rejection that was stopping him from taking her in his arms and repeating “I love you.” A million times in one minute. No, it was that he loved her so much, that they would eventually drift apart What made sense to him was nonsense to others; he loved her too much to lose her, so he let her go.

Charline sadly turned her head away from the house, focusing her attention on the newly painted silver bus. Taking one last look behind her, she hesitantly boarded. Knowing that once she stepped inside Aaron was gone for good. Well, there was always the possibility of them seeing each other at awards shows and such, but the likelihood of it not being weird was next to nothing

Throwing her backpack, containing her CDs, Discman and Harry Potter books on the floor, she grabbed a bunk close to the washroom and began ripping picture out of Tiger Beat to stick inside. Joce had been smart the night before when going out to buy stuff for the bus – she got Charline a magazine with hardly any Aaron Carter pictures.

Charline was relieved not to find his face anywhere, that is, until she came across it in the rumors section. It was more than just a picture of him, though; it was a shot of the two of them at the MTV VMAs back in June. Curiosity got the better of her, and she read on.

Dear Tiger Beat:
There is a rumor going around the internet that Charline from The 4 Gurlz and Aaron Carter is a couple. Is this true?


TB: Sadly, yes. Charline announced that she and Aaron are an official couple when the group was on TRL a few weeks ago. But don’t get depressed just yet – Sophie stated that Charline likes Rishi from Chris and The Rockers, who will be the opening act for the girls’ upcoming tour. Who knows, a breakup could be just around the corner.

After she read that, Charline had to swallow to keep from crying. Then she climbed out of her bunk and went to yell at Sophie for saying she liked Rishi – ew.

**That Afternoon**

“Get lost Dixon.” Steph commanded, walking fasted as her ex-boyfriend followed her around backstage. He was one fifth of Chris and The Rockers – the opening act.

“I just want to help? He soothed, wrapping his arms around her waist. Steph responded by breaking out of his grasp and facing him.

“Then you can leave me alone.” She said, going out onto the stage to do sound check.

Rishi watched from behind the punchbowl. It was clear to him that Steph wanted nothing to do with Chris. Rishi had always secretly liked Steph, and she had always despised him. He had tried to get her to sleep with him a few years back. Now she was afraid of him. When he’d started dating Nick, he knew she’d have her heart broken it was just a matter of time. Now it was up to Rishi to make it all better.

“Steph.” He called to her, knocking over the punchbowl in the process.

Joce, who had been watching the whole thing while she got her hair touched up, snickered. This tour was going to be very interesting. She was sure of it, as long as it didn’t make headlines, she was ok with it.

A bunch of people rushed over to clean up the spilled punch, and a security guard carried Rishi to the other end of backstage so he couldn’t cause any more trouble.

**Meanwhile**

“Uh...hey...” Nick said, walking into Aaron’s room. For the first time in three months, the house was quiet.

“Hey.” Aaron replied, not taking his eyes off the television while he played N64. Obviously he was trying to keep his mind off Charline.

Nick sat cross legged on Aaron’s bed “So. did you say goodbye to her?” He asked.

Aaron shook his head, still not taking his eyes off the TV. “Did you say goodbye?”

Nick shrugged. “I tried, but she just gave me the cold shoulder.” They were silent for a couple of minutes before Aaron turned off the Nintendo.

“I’m worried that one day I’ll open the newspaper and read that’s she’s with someone else.” Aaron sulked.

Nick nodded knowingly. “Yeah, I’m worried that Steph will get back together with that Chris dude. Especially since his band is touring with her.”

Aaron curled his knees up to his chest and looked up at Nick. “But it’s not the same, cause…you know.”

“Cause you guys had sex.”

“Right.” Aaron replied, staring at the floor.

“Well, you don’t regret it, do you?” Nick asked, Aaron shuffled around a bit before answering.

“No, I just think we were too young.” He said slowly.

“I agree.” Nick nodded.

“I just think that maybe if we had taken things a bit slower, it could have worked out better, we could have been friends.”

At that Nick shook his head, his brother could be really naïve at times. “Let me ask you this, you loved each other, right?”

“Yes.” Aaron answered, wondering what Nick was getting at. Lately he had noticed that Nick would start out with a question, and then offer advice

“Friendship is impossible after love, and your breakup was inevitable. Just like me and Steph, we will never be friends. We might say ‘hello’ if we run into each other, but that’s just being friendly.”

Aaron nodded as he took in his brothers words of wisdom. Nick was right, it was all over, and nothing was going to change that.

**That Evening**

“Oh, we were driving in the car on the way to the cottage when suddenly Sophie piped up.” Steph sang, it was their first song of their first concert ever and their fans were loving every second of it.

“You guys, I hate this song.” Sophie whined, totally in character for the song, into the microphone.

“Well that’s your problem shut up!” The rest of them yelled to the crowd.

Charline looked at her three band mates. How could they seem so happy? Everything today was annoying her – from her stepping in spilled punch backstage, to Dave from CATR, to her stupid outfit being so itchy. Nothing was going her way today, the last place she wanted to be was up on stage pretending she was perfectly happy.

Sophie looked over in Charline’s direction for a split second. She felt sorry for her, at thirteen you shouldn’t have to deal with things like your boyfriend dumping you, then realizing that you’re pregnant. She wondered for a second how far along she was – they could have done it more than once. Then a thought stuck her, their tour was seven months long, and no matter how old the baby was now, Charline would be pretty big by then. They were either going to have to cut their tour short or reschedule a whole bunch of dates. When they did that, the media would want to know why.

What were they supposed to say? Sure, when BSB had to postpone a whole bunch of dates last year when AJ went to rehab, they told the truth. But by then it was their fifth, sixth tour and it was okay, they were respected. The girls were only on their first tour! Sophie shook the thought off, deciding to discuss it with the others, later; right now she had a show to do.

Chris watched from behind the curtains. He had to get her back, but also, he knew Rishi wanted her too. Suddenly it came to him.

The perfect plan.

**September 23 2002**

“Charline?” The receptionist called, upon hearing her name, Charline stood up. The girls were in town for their Winnipeg concert, and they were at the doctor’s office to find out when they’d need to stop touring, since all the dancing and jumping around could cause problems.

“Want us to come with you?” Joce asked, Charline shook her head, wanting to be independent.

“No.” She replied, walking down the hall and turning a corner.

“This is very bad.” Sophie sighed, putting her head in her hands. Joce and Steph glanced at her, and then looked at each other. All three of them were thinking the same thing: What now?

*

“Well, everything seems to be in order.” Dr. Lewis told Charline after her check-up.

“Are you sure there’s nothing wrong?” Charline asked, almost hopefully. All she wanted was this whole thing to be over with, and unfortunately, her nightmare only seemed to be getting worse.

“Yes, everything’s coming along smoothly.” She assured. “You’re due around the beginning of April.” She said, looking at her clipboard.

Charline gulped. This couldn’t be happening to her, nothing bad ever happened to her! Until now, everything she got had been handed to her on a platter, now she was going to have to fend for herself, and frankly, she wasn’t sure if she could make it. “Isn’t there anything you can do?” She pleaded. Curse Aaron for doing this to her – and he didn’t even know about it! She wondered for a second, had he known what was going on, would he be there for her? After deciding yes, she realized that was irrelevant. There was no way she was going to let Aaron find out.

“Well…you could have an abortion.” Dr. Lewis suggested, slowly. She knew Charline would jump at idea, however, she knew it would be smart to think first. Charline might really regret her decision one day.

“Yes!” Charline shouted, of course, without thinking.

Dr. Lewis held up her hand. “Hold on. Talk to your friends and family first. Make sure you are completely sure of your final decision before doing anything. Call me if you decide you still want to go through with it, and we’ll set up an appointment, alright?”

Charline sighed, although she knew everyone would probably agree with her. If she had an abortion, everything would be a whole lot easier, and then they could just go on with their lives, forgetting that this whole incident ever happened. “Okay.” She replied, sounding tired and bored. Then she left the office and went back out into the waiting room, where Steph Joce and Sophie were sitting in anticipation for her to get back.

“Well?” Joce asked cautiously, as Charline stood before them.

“What did she say about the tour?” Sophie questioned, Charline fidgeted a little, avoiding eye contact with each of them.

“We need to stop on October first.” She whispered, wiping her eyes with her right arm. “Our last date is going to be on September 30th, in Halifax.

Steph nodded, but no one said a word.

Finally, Joce cleared her throat and spoke up. “What are we going to tell the fans?” She asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Not that it really mattered; they were the only ones in the waiting room.

“Not the truth.” Sophie stated, shaking her head. “There’s no way we’re telling the truth.”

“Why not?” Steph asked, glancing over at Charline. She was just standing there quietly while everyone else argued about what was to happen. The innocent look on her face made Steph feel immensely sorry for her.

“Because Aaron would find out.” Sophie retorted, as if Steph was stupid. “The last person we need finding out about this is Aaron!”

“He’ll find out eventually, you know.” Joce said, also staring at Charline, and feeling awful for the same reason as Steph.

“Not if – ”

“SHUT UP SOPHIE!” Charline cried, laving the others shocked since she was quiet a second ago. “I don’t wasn’t to cancel the tour! I want to go to Asia, and Europe, and all those other places!” She sobbed, forgetting that she was in a public place.

“Char,” Steph soothed. “You’ll still go to all those places.”

“Yeah.” Joce continued. “It’ll just be postponed, that’s all.”

“But I’ll have a stupid baby to take care of, too.” Charline shot back, still crying. Before this turn of events the girls hardly ever saw Charline cry, now it was almost like a regular thing.

“Well, you should have thought of that before you had sex.” Sophie scoffed, folding her arms across her chest.

“I wasn’t thinking.” Charline whimpered as a fresh set of tears started to fall. “I just acted.”

“It’s okay, Char.” Joce said, trying to make her feel a little better. “We’ll help you out. Steph knows a lot about taking care of babies.”

Steph scoffed. “Don’t remind me.” A few years back, Steph had to take home an electronic baby for the weekend. By Monday morning, she was ready to throttle the thing.

“See? Steph hates babies!” Charline wailed, but immediately shut up as an idea, or more of a remembrance crossed her mind. “Unless…”

“Unless what?” Sophie asked, wondering what Charline was planning, and knowing that with that evil look in her eyes, it couldn’t be good at all.

“Unless I have an abortion.”

Joce shook her head, totally against the idea. “No way. That’s out of the question.” Sophie nodded in agreement to Joce’s statement. Abortion to them was a form of murder, and it shouldn’t be used in situations like this.

Charline sighed, this wasn’t going as well as she had planned wasn’t going to be easy as she had hoped. “Steph? What do you think?” She asked, hoping for a better answer, knowing she was pro-abortion.

“I’m also against it.”

Charline’s jaw dropped when she heard that, it was not the answer she had been expecting. “But…but…” She stammered, not knowing what to say, and thinking she had been defeated. “You’re pro abortion!”

Steph shook her head. “Only it you were raped if you forced to have sex against your will.”

“I was raped!” Charline protested, sounding incredibly stupid; and she knew it. But at this point, she was willing to try anything.

“Yeah, ok.” Sophie spat. “Too bad, Char. You’re not taking the easy way out this time, and that’s that.” She said, heading for the door.

“But it’s my baby!” She persisted, not wanting to face the fact that she already lost.

“It’s also Aaron’s baby, would you like for us to call him up and discuss the current situation?” Joce replied angrily as she and Steph followed Sophie out the door, and back into the limo. Charline sighed and reluctantly went after them. She had a very bad feeling about this whole thing.

**5:00 p.m. – Holiday Inn Dining Room**

All five members of Chris and The Rockers were sitting at their table, waiting for their food to be served, and of course, discussing the current predicament.

“So, Charline’s pregnant, eh?” Andy said thoughtfully, taking a bite out of a bun.

“I heard she wants an abortion, but the other girls won’t let her have one.” Rishi whispered, leaning his weigh on his arm; which was resting on the table. The five of them sounded like a group of schoolgirls trying to catch up on the latest gossip.

“That’s a fact.” Devon nodded, finishing off his third bun, and reaching into the basket for another.

Dave scoffed. He liked Charline, he had always liked Charline, but now she was taken from him for good. There was no way she would even consider dating him after falling in love with the dubbed; ‘Prince of Pop’. “Stupid fuck-hole, Aaron Carter.” He muttered under his breath.

“You know, they’re trying to hide it from the media.” Chris smiled slyly, as if he was deep in thought. “Wouldn’t it be a shame if they were to open YM next month and see, POPSTAR: PREGNANT”?

“Sounds like you’ve got a plan.” Rishi grinned evilly. He wanted nothing more than to drag those girls down.

“I’ve had it for about a month now, and trust me, with The 4 Gurlz and Aaron Carter out of the picture – we’re sure to hit number one.”

“So, what exactly is it that you’re going to do?” Dave asked, and the others eyed suspiciously. He could turn quite dangerous when he was going after something important.

Chris took a gulp of his water, and leaned back while the waitress placed their food in front of them. “Oh, you’ll see.”

**Meanwhile**

“Doug exclamation point is a great performer!” Cried Doug of 2gether on TV. Charline sighed, even her favorite TV show was unable to cheer her up. She was sitting in her hotel room waiting for room service to be delivered. Turning her eyes back to the TV, she wondered why, after two years, Much Music was still playing re-runs of 2gether.

She also couldn’t believe how it had been a little more than a month and the break-up still affected her as much as it did on August 21st. She still loved him, and it was killing her that they couldn’t be together. Oh well, you live, you learn, right? Charline wasn’t so sure. It was like her life had lost all meaning, but no matter how hard it got, she vowed she wouldn’t kill herself over it. That would be taking the easy way out. Then again, having an abortion was also taking the easy way out. She clapped her hands over her face, it was all too confusing!

Little did she know, Aaron was just a distraught as her.

**September 25 2002**

“Meet the parents or American Pie?” Nick asked, holding up two movie boxes. Him and Aaron were just going to kick back and relax that evening. They were in Aaron’s room, and there was junk food everywhere. Talk about male bonding.

“Hmmm…” Aaron though for a second. “American Pie.” He decided, switching on the TV, which was on channel 36, MTV.

Nick nodded and put the tape in the VCR, but before he could push play, Aaron stopped him. “They’re talking about the girls.” He explained, when Nick looked at him quizzically.

“So, you’re putting the tour on hold starting October First?” Ashley, and MTV VJ asked them. They were doing what looked like a quick interview.

Sophie nodded. “Yes, it’s fact.” She stated. Steph and Joce quickly nodded. Charline, however, was not in attendance. The record company representatives decided it would be better; make more of an impact if she wasn’t there.

“Is the rumor true that the reason for this is because Charline’s is pregnant?” Ashley asked bluntly. The girls were taken back for a second, but soon regained their composure. They knew exactly what they respond with.

Aaron nearly choked on his Pepsi when he heard that. If that was true…no, it couldn’t be! After all, he was only fourteen, he was just a kid! Still, it was possible…

Nick glared at Aaron. Honestly, he had no idea how this was going to affect his life. Beside that – he was just a kid, and there was no way him and Charline could raise a child.

Joce shook her head and Aaron and Nick both breathed a sigh of relief. “No.” She chuckled. “That’s untrue. Unfortunately, Char has a form of cancer and will be going for treatment over the next few months.”

Steph cringed. That was one of the worst lies she had ever told in her life. It was going to upset the fans, and it was definitely going to cause a huge stir with the tabloids. She knew the others felt the same way, but as always, it was for the good of the band.

Aaron gulped, Charline, cancer? No, that was impossible! She was fine a month ago! He looked over at Nick, who looked to be in complete shock.

Wanting to change the subject before it started, Aaron quickly switched the TV to channel three and pressed play on the VCR. He wanted nothing to do with Charline anymore, and he was sure she wanted nothing to do with him. Besides, she had much bigger problems at the moment. Yes, Aaron just wanted to get on with his life, so the last thing he wanted to see was that she had a deadly disease. Key word: deadly. What if she – Aaron shook off the thought. It wasn’t like he was ever going to see her again anyway.

*

“Looks like your ‘master plan’ backfired.” Andy scoffed, glaring at Chris. That evening, Chris and The Rockers were sitting in their Montreal hotel room, watching MTV news.

“Yeah.” Rishi laughed. “The girls had a backup plan.”

Chris, despite the annoyance and taunts of his friends, refused to be defeated. His lips curled up into an evil grin, as he pulled a revolver out of his backpack.

Dave gasped. “What are you doing with that?!” Scared half to death. Chris, with the possession of a gun was not a safe thing.

Chris looked up innocently after admiring his weapon. This was it; surely, the death of Charline would cause the girls’ spotlight to fade. The media would fine out that it was not just Charline who had been killed, but her baby as well. There goes Aaron Carter’s sickeningly sweet image. “Let’s just say, we’re on out way to number one.” He replied slyly. It was too risky for anyone to find out the details of his plan.

Devon was baffled. He always knew that Chris tended to go a little overboard at times, but to kill someone? Was Steph really worth all that trouble? Not to mention the risk of getting caught.

Chris seemed to read it mind, because after making sure the gun was on safety and sticking it back in his bag, he assured them. “Don’t worry. I’m not after Steph anymore. She can fuck Nick Carter all she wants for now, but when she’s no where,” He paused to laugh a little, at what was to come for The 4 Gurlz and their little buddies. “And neither is she, I won’t be there anymore for her to run to.” He started cackling uncontrollably.

Andy shook his head. Sure, Chris had done some really stupid things in his time, but nothing to this extent. “When?” He asked cautiously, looking around the room at his band mates, he could see that they were also wondering the same thing.

*

“You guys, I’ve been thinking.” Joce started, as she came into Sophie’s hotel room that evening, holding a grocery bag from 7-11.

“No time for thinking!” Steph giggled, running over to her at grabbing the bag. After rummaging through it for a few seconds she pulled out a bag of Oreos and started going mad trying to pry it open.

Sophie rolled her eyes and ignored Steph’s bout with the Oreo bag. “About what?” She asked, glancing at Charline; who was watching 2gether, as if to ask if it was about her.

Joce gave a small nod and sat on the bed. This had been bugging her since they flew down to MTV to clear up the Charline rumor a couple days ago. “I don’t think we should have told the fans that kind of lie.”

Sophie sighed. She agreed with Joce, it was horrible thing to let their fans believe, but what else were they to say? If they let out the truth, they’d be seen as bad role models and wouldn’t have any more fans.

As much as Charline tried to concentrate on Mickey Parke trying to convince the world he wasn’t gay, she couldn’t. She was listening to Sophie and Joce’s conversation about what to do with their problem. She felt so guilty, causing so many problems that needed to be solved with such cruelty. Well, maybe cruelty wasn’t the best word, but she still felt pretty rotten.

Many times, they had suggested she call Aaron and tell him, but she refused. Their breakup still hurt her too much to speak to him. She also didn’t want to put him though the agony she was going through. As much as she denied it, she knew that she still loved him. Still, she had a shard of hope that maybe; somehow, someday they might meet up again.

But, she rolled her eyes at her own stupidity. He had dumped her like yesterday’s trash, and didn’t even utter so much as a simple ‘goodbye’ the day that they left. Sure, she was one of the most adored people in the world; anything she wanted was instantly at her fingertips. Except for what, to her, mattered most. And right now, in Charline’s point of view, the world was a much lonelier place than she ever thought it could, or would be.

“Uh, guys?” Charline’s voice was soft, yet there was a slight tremble in her tone. Almost immediately, the other three dropped into silence to look at her.

“Yeah Char?” Joce asked, wondering what she was about to say. This was the calmest that she had ever approached them, so it had to have been important.

“Could we just drop it?” She sounded almost pleading, as if she’d had enough. “I know it was a bad thing to say, and I feel just as awful as you guys, but for once could we please just talk about something other than my problems?”

When her statement was finished, the other girls were, well, stunned. They had never heard Charline speak with such maturity.

Sophie nodded her head slowly. “Sure, Char.”

Steph smiled and stuck her hand into the (now open) Oreo bag. “Here, have a cookie.” She offered, handing one to Charline.

Charline frowned and scrunched up her nose. “No fudgeeo’s?” She questioned, eyeing the 7-11 bag at the front of the room.

Joce laughed, but she still had discomfort sitting in the back of her mind. If the press found out that Charline was pregnant, they would get ridiculed for that; and then also lying about it. But for the time being, everything was okay and the tour seemed to be going well. Or so she thought.

*

“Well?” Andy asked again when Chris didn’t answer him. “When are you going to do it?”

Chris stood up and walked to the back of the room, near the window. Leaning with his wrists on the windowpane, he overlooked the bright lights of the city. It was a very pretty sight; the dark night sky illuminated by thousands of little balls of light. He sighed; perhaps his plan was a bit farfetched. Maybe he was trying to hard to get where he wanted to be. Or maybe, it was that he wasn’t trying hard enough.

Spinning around to face the others, he grinned evilly. Should I tell them? He wondered, eyeing each and every one of them suspiciously. Finally, he made his decision. After all, they were going to make it to the top with him – sort of. And they would find out eventually. Better now than on that day.

“The September 30th show, in Halifax.”

**September 30 2002**

“Last show.”

“Yup.”

“Sad?”

“You bet.”

“But we’ll be back.”

“Will we?”

“Why wouldn’t we?” Joce asked as she conversed with her best friend. Dressed in hats, sunglasses and more disguising things, things they were shopping in a mall that afternoon in Halifax.

Steph sighed, sitting down on a bench and setting her shopping bags down onto the floor. She had to admit it: she was worried. Would everyone forget about them after nine months of break? Especially since they just had a three-month break that ended only five weeks ago. “Do you think we’ll be forgotten? Like the Spice Girls.” She asked.

Now it was Joce’s turn to sigh. Their career was just beginning to take off, they were just starting to get used to everything that was going on. It was no longer surreal; it was their life. And Joce wasn’t sure they were ready to give it all up just yet. “No.” She replied, but she wasn’t 100% sure of herself. “When we do the first concert next June, it will be all four of us up on that stage.”

“I sure hope so.” Steph muttered. “What if her parents decide to terminate her contract?”

Joce laughed. “Jim wouldn’t do that!”

Steph wasn’t so sure, Sophie said that their parents were not at all thrilled to hear about Charline’s ‘bundle of joy’.

They stood up and started walking around the mall again, but this time they didn’t gossip and giggle like they usually did. This time they walked in silence, worry lingering in their minds.

*

Aaron stared out his bedroom window. The sun was shining, and just the right amount of white, fluffy clouds hung in the sky. The scene was picture perfect, but he felt like crap. He missed Charline terrible, and desperately needed something – anything, to get her off his mind.

He thought about calling her – but decided against it every time he picked up the phone. What would he say to her? “Look Char, I’m really sorry about breaking your heart and all, but would you give me another chance?” Yeah right. Likely, she’d just hang up on him. Charline wasn’t the kind of weak person that would just fall back into his arms at the first chance she got.

No, she was much stronger than that. She’d need to regain her trust in him first. Aaron wasn’t sure he’d be able to, not after hurting her like that. It was best to just let her go, and if it were meant to be, eventually they’d meet up again. For the time being though, he needed a distraction.

Walking downstairs, Aaron remembered his friend Justin telling him about a party he was going to that night with a bunch of people. Aaron had denied his invitation on account that he was too depressed. The last thing he needed was a bunch of girls all over him, right?

Wrong. Aaron thought, picking up the phone and dialing Justin’s number. “Hey Justin.” He said once he answered the phone.

“Aaron! What’s up?” Justin replied. “Decided to join us after all?”

“Yeah.”

“Great! Me, Ryan, Senan, Michael and a few other people will be at your place at ten.”

“Okay, I’ll see you later then.”

“Yup, bye.”

Aaron put the phone receiver back into its cradle. “Mom?” He called, knowing that she didn’t approve of him staying out late; he’d have to lie.

“Yeah?” She replied, coming into the living room from the kitchen.

“I’m spending the night at Justin’s okay?” He asked. Well he was telling the truth. When they got back from the party he probably would end up crashing at Justin’s place.

“Alright.” She said, walking back into the kitchen.

*

That evening, the crowd was in an uproar as the girls took the stage. They started the show as usual, but underneath their carefree exterior, they were worried beyond reason.

What they weren’t aware of, was on the far right of the stage, Chris was hiding. Not that security cared too much he was there anyway. He was part of the opening act, so of course he could be trusted.

Chris glared at them from behind the sidelights. He was being blinded! How was he to get a good aim and fire a perfect shot with a bunch of lights flashing in his eyes? It had to be perfect, he only had one chance and if he messed it up, he was done for. Not only would he be caught, but also there went his hopes of ever hitting number one.

But if he did hit her…well, that was different. Everyone would be too busy attending to her well being to notice him slip away and make an easy escape back to the hotel. Then getting to number one would be a cinch. Charline had set it all up for him, now all her needed to do was knock her down.

Gazing back out onto the stage and at the girls, he smiled. Perhaps they were going downhill. They didn’t dance with the same confidence and grace as they did before. Also, it might have been his imagination, but the crowd didn’t seem as lively as it usually did. Of course, that might have been because they were all worried about Charline’s ‘disease’. Chris laughed, looking out at the crowd. Many of them held up signs of love and admiration. Some role models. Chris thought, shaking his head at the girls. They make a mistake then lie about it.

However, Chris knew that they felt bad about that, and tonight’s crowd only seemed to make things worse. Many signs read things like Get Well Soon, Char! And other things along that line. It made him sick how they could make their fans feel so supportive, when really, those same fans should be out getting new idols. Good idols. Like him, for instance.

Turning back to the stage, and getting his aim ready, he held up his firearm and pulled the trigger. He ginned with satisfaction as the fiery sound of the bullet ripped through the air.

*

Aaron faked a smile as he answered he front door. There stood Justin and a bunch of his other friends. Aaron frowned when he saw her.

Hilary.

As far as Aaron knew, she was a slut. He also knew that she liked him, she had always liked him. Justin was convinced they would make a great couple, but Aaron didn’t think so. He had never really wanted a girl like her, he wanted someone more like – no, he promised himself he wasn’t going to think of Charline. Tonight, he was going to go out and forget about all his problems.

“Aaron, you remember Hilary, right?” Justin asked as they walked down the street. Aaron nodded and smiled at her – just to be polite.

“Hey Aaron.” She practically drooled, coming over to him and putting her arm over his shoulders. Aaron almost gagged. She was dressed like a skank, and was wearing way too much make up.

“Hey Hilary, what’s up?” He asked, there was no harm in being nice to her, right? Wait a minute…what was he thinking? He had the right to talk to other girls, he wasn’t with Char – oops, there’s that name again.

“Oh, not much.” She smiled sweetly, but quickly turned sour. “You still with that girl – what’s her name?”

“No.” Aaron replied, slipping his arm around her waist. “Her name was Charline.”

“Oh.” Hilary said, grinning evilly. “Sorry to hear that.” She continued, sounding anything but.

Aaron shrugged it off like he didn’t care. “It’s okay.”

*

“Oh God.” Charline whispered as she gingerly touched her right leg. It wasn’t bleeding very much, and it appeared that the bullet had only grazed her.

The entire arena was silent, amazingly. The lights came back on, and the girls’ manager announced that the remainder of the show had been cancelled. Meanwhile, the girls were being escorted off the stage by security.

“Fuck.” Chris silently cursed, standing up to leave his hiding spot. Obviously, he had missed. That wasn’t a good thing.

As he walked away, he suddenly felt a strong hand on his shoulder. Spinning around, he came face to face with the girls’ main bodyguard – Mark. Chris gulped, caught. Boy, was he in for it now.

“You’re coming with me.” Mark growled, his hand never leaving Chris’ shoulder.

Steph sighed as they boarded the tour bus. Security had decided they were now going to leave Halifax that night instead of the next morning. Their stuff had already been picked up and brought to the bus, and a paramedic had looked over Charline. She was fine, minus the small cut on her leg. What a way to end the ‘first half’ of their tour.

Joce was completely shaken up. After talking with Steph that afternoon about ‘returning with all four members’ it would have been really scary if something much more serious had happened. What if Charline had been shot in the back, or in the chest? Needless to say, she was freaking out and imagining things were worse than they actually were.

Sophie appeared to be totally calm. Though, that was because she was in shock. She now realized for the first time, being known by the world was not always a safe thing.

Charline, oddly, was the only person in their right mind. Who was trying to kill her? And more importantly, why? She shivered in worry, what if the person wasn’t caught? What if they were still out to get her?

*

“Hey Aaron, wanna go have some fun?” Hilary giggled, whispering in his ear, while he sat on a couch, conversing with Justin. Aaron knew she had been drinking; he could smell the alcohol in her breath. It wasn’t like him to take advantage of a drunk girl, Before Charline came along, he was a virgin, and his friend had really bugged him about it. So now, here he was, bragging to Justin about his score. He felt a little guilty, betraying Charline’s trust like that, but hey, it was over now, so he could tell whom he wanted. And by the way Sophie had been glaring at him the last day there were at his place, he was almost certain she had told the other girls.

“Sure.” Aaron smirked, leading here away from the couch and in the direction of an empty bedroom. Justin grinned and gave Aaron ‘two thumbs up’. Aaron smiled back, and tightened his grip around Hilary.

Justin laughed; Aaron was always one that the girls loved. Then again, so was he. But the way Aaron had gain Charline’s trust and then got her to have sex with him, was an amazing thing. At least that was the way Justin saw it, but by the way Aaron sounded, he must have really loved Charline.

**October 15 2002**

Aaron pulled his quilt over his head as the bright sunlight streamed in through the window. He was suffering from and extreme hangover, and wasn’t so sure what had happened at Justin’s party the night before. But the pain in his head was no comparison to the pain in his heart.

No, he wasn’t over Charline yet and he didn’t think he ever would be. There was no getting her back now anyway. He had become someone different – drinking and having sex with a different girl every night was now routine for him. It was hard to believe that this was the same guy who used to sit on the beach with his girlfriend in silence. Physically the same guy, anyway.

Aaron rolled over onto his side and tried to go back to sleep, but was interrupted when Nick stormed into his room.

Sitting himself down in Aaron desk chair, Nick glared at him. Aaron groaned and rolled on to his stomach, turning his head to face Nick. “What do you want?” He grumbled, not in the mood for one of Nick’s lectures.

“mom’s really pissed off at you, you know.” Nick stated, still glaring at him.

“So?” Aaron asked, not caring what Nick had to say. He already knew what he was doing wrong, he didn’t need or want to hear about it.

“So,” nick went on, ignoring Aaron ignorance. “she sent me up here to talk to you.”

“Then talk.” Aaron replied, wanting for Nick to go away and leave him alone. Nick had no idea what he was going through, Aaron was sure of it. He rarely doubted his brother, but when he did he knew he was right about it.

“Okay…” Nick started slowly. “This drinking and partying around all night is going to get you no where. You’re leaving to go on tour soon, so you had better shape up.” He instructed, and Aaron sat up.

“I know…it’s just that I miss Char so much.” He explained.

Nick sighed. “That’s what this is all about?” He asked and Aaron nodded. Nick stood up and walked out of Aaron’s room.

“Where are you going?” Aaron called, wondering what Nick was up to.

“I’ll be back in a sec.” He replied, picking up the cordless phone.

**Meanwhile**

Sophie was channel surfing as she lay on the couch, bored out of her mind.

The two had been home for two weeks, and things were pretty much normal. Except for the fact that Charline was always whining about Aaron and Chris was now in jail, not much had changed.

It also seemed like the media cared less about them. They weren’t going into the studio for about a year now, and they didn’t have plans to release another single for a while. In other words, goodbye pop star life, hello high school.

Sophie sighed, everything was going completely wrong. Why did this have to happen now? Why couldn’t it have happened when they were more respected? Stupid Aaron. Sophie knew this wasn’t all his fault, but if he hadn’t dumped her, she wouldn’t be so depressed. She’d still be pregnant, but at least he’d be there for her, instead of not knowing about it.

The ringing of the phone pulled her out of her thoughts, and she made her way across the room to answer it. “Hello?”

“Sophie?”

“Yeah?” She replied, knowing that voice but not quite able to put her finger on it. Suddenly, it dawned on her. “Nick?”

“Yup.” Nick replied. “How are you guys doing?”

“Fine, aside from the tour incident.”

Nick started making his way back up to Aaron’s room. “Could you put Char on the phone for a bit?” He asked.

“Alright.” Sophie answered, grateful that Nick didn’t ask about Charline’s health, she was sick of lying. “Char!” She called, putting her hand over the reiver.

“What?” Charline asked, coming into the TV room.

“Phone.” Sophie replied, handing her the receiver and walking away. She didn’t want to witness Charline’s reaction to who was on the other end.

“Hello? Charline said, thinking it was just Joce or someone calling to see if she was busy.

“Char? Hey, remember me?”

Charline groaned. Of course she remembered Nick, and where there was Nick there was Aaron. She scoffed, Aaron; now there’s a part of her life she’d like to forget. So far he had caused her nothing but trouble. “Yes.” She replied coldly.

Nick ignored her tone and kept up his act. “How’s it going?”

“Fine.” She snapped, knowing what Nick was up to. She wasn’t stupid, she knew he was going to put Aaron on the phone sooner or later. ‘Stupid Nick’ She thought bitterly. ‘How would he like it if I phoned him up and made him talk to Steph?’

Nick, getting slightly annoyed with her, rolled his eyes. She and Aaron were both turning grumpy and bitter. It was amazing that even after their breakup and both of them changing, they still made the perfect couple. “Can you hang on for a sec?” He asked, stepping into Aaron’s room. “Phone call.” Nick said to Aaron, tossing the cordless onto his bed and leaving the room.

Aaron was confused, who would call him this early? Glancing at his clock he realized that it was 11:32 am. Hmmm…it was still early for his friends to be calling. Disregarding his thoughts, he picked up the phone. “Hello?”

Charline sighed, she was right. “Aaron?” She asked quietly, half because it still hurt to hear his voice and half because she didn’t want anyone to know she was talking to him.

Aaron’s eyes widened. Why did she bother calling him? But he hadn’t heard the phone ring…Nick must’ve set this up! Mental note: kill Nick later. “Char?” He tried to sound calm, but it didn’t work, and on top of that, his voice cracked. “What’s up?”

“Not much.” She sighed, also trying and failing to sound calm. ‘I’m just pregnant with your kid!’ She thought. For a second, she thought about telling him, then changed her mind. He probably wouldn’t believe her anyway. He’d probably she think she was just lying to get him back.

“That’s cool.” He replied. Did Nick think this was going to be funny or something? “So…uh, how’re the other girls doing?”

“Good.” She answered, wanting to get off the phone. Unless…unless maybe he called so they could get back together! But, if he did ask her, she’d already decided she’d say no. He’d already broken her heart once, what was to say he wouldn’t do it again? “How’s everyone back there?”

Aaron bit his bottom lip. Maybe if they got back together, it would solve everything. Then they’d both live happily ever after. But then he would to go on tour and he wouldn’t see her again because while he was gone, she’d run off with another guy.

Charline looked at her hand and started biting her nails. Should she tell Aaron? He wasn’t the type of person that would think she was playing a trick. Besides, he did have a right to know, it was his kid too. But, at the same time, he had dumped her…didn’t that mean he wanted nothing to do with her? So then why had he called?

“Char…I…”

“Aaron…I…”

Aaron laughed. For a split second, it was like old times again. “You go first.”

Charline hesitated, losing her nerve. “Um, I was just gonna say that my Dad’s calling me and I gotta go.”

Aaron’s heart sank. It sounded like she was trying to get rid of him. Who could blame her, she was probably way over him and hadn’t sounded too trilled to hear his voice either. “Yeah, I’d better go.”

“Bye.”

“Later.”

After slowly hanging up the phone, Charline wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. ‘What the hell is he trying to prove?’ She thought angrily as she walked upstairs to her room. ‘He can’t just walk out of my life, and then two months later try to phone his way back in!’ Slamming the door behind her, she pressed play on her CD player and collapsed on her bed, sobbing.

Looking at the framed picture of the two of them on her dresser, she sighed. “Aaron, as mad at you as I am right now, I still love you.”

Another day has gone by, still have your picture by my side…

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
Chapter 20

**November 18 2002**

Aaron stared out his hotel room window. He didn’t know what city he was in, and he didn’t care. Today was Charline’s birthday, he knew that she was turning 14 today. He also remembered promising her that he’d be there for her party and that they would go out somewhere special for dinner. So much for keeping promises. He envisioned himself walking up to her doorstep. When she answered he’d say “I promised, remember?” Then she would slam the door in his face.

He sighed. Nothing seemed to be going his way lately. Nick was right, all that partying was catching up to him and the tour was a drag. He kept reminding himself that even if he and Charline were still together, they would be separated right now anyway. But of course that didn’t comfort him.

Suddenly, he heard rapping on his hotel room door. “Aaron!” His mom barked, she had got stricter with him since he’d been going out and getting drunk every weekend. Imagine if she knew Charline was pregnant. She would probably lock Aaron up for the rest of his life.

“What?” He asked, not moving to answer the door and let her in.

“It’s time to get ready for you show! Hurry up!” She ordered, walking down the hall back to her room.

Aaron rolled his eye and reluctantly started getting dressed for his concert. It wasn’t like he didn’t want to perform – he did. It was just that he had lost all of his motivation.

**

“Charline!” Her dad called from the main floor. As usual, Charline was cooped up in her room, blasting music, sheltered from the rest of the world Shaking his head, he turned to Sophie. “Would you go get her?”

Sophie bounced up the stairs, glad she wasn’t in Charline’s position. Their parents had lost a great amount of trust and respect in her. At times, it seemed like they didn’t even like her anymore. For a second, before she knocked on her door, Sophie felt sorry for her. This was probably the reason that she hardly ever left her room anymore. Then she remembered, this sort of was Charline’s fault, she didn’t have to have sex with Aaron.

“Char?” Sophie said, gently knocking on the door. She heard Charline shut her music off, and soon her door opened.

“What do you want?” She asked coldly, hating the way everyone had been treating her lately.

“Dad wants you to come downstairs.” Sophie answered.

Charline scoffed. “Probably just to yell at me.” She started, speaking in a deep voice, obviously imitating her dad. “What in the hell possessed you to have sex at age thirteen? I hope you know you’ve ruined your life!!”

Sophie giggled at Charline’s impression. “You’re getting fat you know.” She observed.

“No kidding.” Charline retorted, getting ready to once again slam the door. She really wasn’t in the mood for her sister’s wisecracks, or her dad’s lectures for that matter. She had been feeling dizzy, sick and tired all day long.

Sophie ignored Charline’s sarcastic remark and continued with her initial reason for trotting upstairs and facing her. “I don’t know why Dad wants you to come downstairs, Char.” She sighed. “But I think it would be in your best interest to listen to him.”

Charline rolled her eyes and followed Sophie back down to the living room.

“Happy birthday, Charline.” Her mom smiled. She had taken the news better than her dad, and had somewhat forgiven Charline.

“Oh yeah, it’s my birthday today…” Charline trailed off.

“So, where do you want to go for dinner?” Her dad asked. Charline’s jaw dropped, just a few days ago he hadn’t let her go out with the family to a movie because he didn’t want people to know she was pregnant.

“You…you’re actually taking me out?” She stammered.

“Of course.” Her dad replied. “You’ll just wear a baggy shirt.”

“But I’ll look fat then!” She whined.

“Well, would you rather look fat or pregnant?” He asked sternly, taking out his coat. “Let’s go.”

**

“Alright, we’re gonna slow things down a bit.” Aaron announced. He was up on stage, obviously doing a concert. He winced as the music for the next song started, and of course the crowd went wild.

“I don’t know what to do, I can’t believe it’s true that you can make me feel this way…” He sang, and he felt his heart crack in half. He had performed this song in concert the day before, but the fact that today was Charline’s birthday made it that much worse.

He still thought about calling her back and begging her for forgiveness, but he knew there was no chance of her accepting it. She had moved on with her life, just like he should have. As he came to the chorus, a memory came back to him.

**Flashback – July 3 2002**

“Hey, Char.” Aaron smiled as he came into her bedroom. It was late afternoon, and the smell of Bob Carter’s cooking wafted throughout the house.

“Hi, Aaron.” She replied, closing her diary and spinner in her chair to face him. She grinned, and it lit up her face.

He sat cross legged on her bed and put his head in his hands.

Concern came over Charline’s face and replaced her innocent smile. “What’s wrong?” She asked, a little worried. The thought that he might be breaking up with her didn’t even cross her mind, she trusted him too much.

“Are you okay?” He asked her, Charline looked a little confused at that and came and sat beside him on the bed.

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“Well, about what happened the other night…” He trailed off, and she grinned.

“You’re a putz. That’s what this is about?” She laughed, he looked up and nodded. “Well you don’t need to worry, cause I love you and even if we don’t stay together forever, I’m glad you were my first.” She assured him.

“And you don’t need to worry because.” He took her hand and looked into her eyes. “Whatever happens, I’ll be there singing our song, right by yourside making sure everything’s alright.”

Their fingers intertwined, and Aaron leaned in to kiss her. They both wanted this moment to last forever.

**End Flashback**

Charline scoffed as she recalled Aaron’s pledge. He sure wasn’t here now, singing their song. She sighed, staring out the car window. Everything wasn’t okay either.

“Should we eat here?” Charline was pulled out her trance by her dad’s voice. They had just pulled into the McDonald’s parking lot.

“Sure.” Charline replied, not really caring. She wanted to go home and sleep. Her life had become a constant blur. Everyday, she woke up, went downstairs, ate breakfast, got the cold a shoulder from her dad, went back to her room and repeated the same routine before lunch and dinner. She rarely went out and Steph, Joce and Sophie had stopped asking her to join them whenever they did. It wasn’t so much that she was depressed, (though she was) it was just that she had been feeling really worn out lately.

Her family ate in silence, until her mom went out to their car and came back with a plastic bag.

Sophie smiled and started digging in the bag until she retrieved a small gift wrapped box with a card attached to it. “Open mine first.”

Charline snatched it away from her, wondering what she had up her sleeve. Opening the card she read: “Happy 14th Birthday, Char. Play it safe, love, Sophie ”.

Giving Sophie a strange look, she proceeded to unwrap her gift. “SOPHIE!!!” She yelled angrily when she was done. Sophie had given her a box of condoms.

Sophie laughed. “Well do you want something like this-“ She pointed to Charline’s stomach. “to happen again?”

Charline grumbled something in response, but no one heard it.

After she finished opening her gifts, she was relieved to get home and not have people staring at her. She climbed up the stairs to her room and hardly had enough engry to put her night shirt on and get into bed. She didn’t think she could take much more of this, but at least she wasn’t in school. As she fell asleep, she wished that she wouldn’t have to go through anything more.

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?
Chapter 21 – December 25th 2002

“Jingle Bells! Batman smells! Robin laid an egg, the bat mobile broke it’s wheel and the joker got away!” Sophie sang, bouncing into Charline’s room.

Charline groaned and rolled over to chock the clock. “Sophie!” She whined. “Get lost, it’s seven in the morning.” It was as if she and Sophie had switched roles. Sophie was now the happy-go-lucky one and Charline was the grump.

“Aw come on, we’re gonna open presents now!” Sophie squealed excitedly.

“You can do it without me, I’m sure mom and dad wouldn’t mind.” Charline replied smugly. Sophie rolled her eyes and grabbed Charline’s arm.

“Come on, Char.” She said seriously. “Christmas is your favourite holiday.”

“Fine.” Charline gave in, though she didn’t want to. She sat up and then fell back down. “Ugh I’m too pregnant to move.”

Sophie laughed and helped Charline up, even though she was pretty sure Charline was just being stubborn.

Making their way downstairs, they heard Christmas music playing and a perfectly lit up tree, with stacks of gifts underneath it. It was the perfect Christmas scene, but Charline felt like scrooge.

“Charline, you open one first.” Her mom smiled, handing her a gift wrapped package.

Charline examined it and glared at Sophie. “It better not be condoms!”

Sophie pointed to the tag on the gift. “It’s from Santa, you putz. Besides, it’s too big.”

Charline nodded and then started tearing through the paper. Holding up the box in front of her, she smiled. It was a 3D puzzle of the Eiffel Tower. “Thanks, Santa!” She grinned. Sophie smiled, even Charline cracked a smile on Christmas morning


“Wow, uh, thanks Nick.” Aaron said tossing the shirt Nick got him beside his other gifts, and reaching for another package. This was the one day that the whole family could spend together.

Nick rolled his eyes. “Your present wasn’t exactly great either.” He chucked, holding up the Nsync greatest hits CD that Aaron had bought him.

Aaron grinned and ripped the paper off yet another present. “Now this is a present.” He said, shoving Journey’s greatest hits in Nick’s face.

Nick’s jaw dropped and he snatched the CD away from Aaron. “Mom!” He whined. “I wanted this.”

She smiled after watching Bob open yet another gift. “You can share it.”

“No way!” Aaron protested, and Nick jumped up, running out of the room. “mom!” Aaron yelled.

Jane Carter ignored her sons squabble and continued watching the other girls open their gifts.

Nick grinned from inside the washroom in which he had locked himself. Aaron was acting happy again, the Christmas spirit must have been getting to him. He hadn't mentioned Charline yet, and he was being his old self. Maybe he was finally accepting the fact that he and Charline weren't getting back together.


After their gift opening session, Charline was sitting on their living room floor, putting together her new Puzz 3D.

“Daddy, can you help me with this?” She asked, trying to figure out how two pieces fit together.

Her dad scoffed, coming out of the kitchen holding a cup of coffee. “funny you didn't come to me when you decided to have sex. I think you're old enough to do things by yourself now.” He said, walking back into the kitchen.

Charline sighed, giving up on her Puzz 3D. She rubbed her temples, everything was going back to normal, even on Christmas her Dad still seemed to hate her and to top it all off she had a massive migraine.

She felt like she was going to throw up, and it was like the room was spinning. Suddenly everything went black...

When Charline woke up, everything was white. She pinched herself. Nope, not dreaming. Then she must be...

“Char?” Joce asked, walking into the room followed by Steph and Sophie. Hmmm... Joce and the others were there, so she wasn't dead. That meant there was only one place she could be.

The Hospital.

Ugh.

Steph sat in the chair beside Charline's hospital bed. Joce and Sophie stood beside her “You're up.” Was all she managed to say. She looked like she was about to start crying – again. The three of them looked as if they had their share of tears for the day.

Confused, Charline asked; “What happened? And why am I in a hospital?” She turned to Sophie. “Or is this an insane asylum?”

Sophie rolled her eyes. “You passed out.” She explained.

Charline shook her head. “Nu uh. Why were you crying then?” “We were just worried, Char.” Joce replied, staring at the floor. Steph nodded in agreement.

Again, Charline shook her head. She didn't believe a word they were saying. They may have been worried, but she knew something was up other than her just fainting. “Is something wrong with the baby?” She asked slowly.

Sophie quickly shook her head. “No, no. The baby's fine, don't worry.” Charline breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well, that's good.”

The girls nodded, leaving the room as her parents came in.

As they walked down the hallway, Steph scratched her head. “I just had a thought, how come when Aaron and Charline broke up everyone comforted her, but no one comforted me when Nick and I broke up?”

Joce shrugged. “This is Charline and Aaron's story. Not yours and Nick's story. It's in the Aaron Carter section, not the Backstreet Boys section,” She explained.

Steph nodded. “Oh yeah.” She said as she continued down the hall. “Where are we going?”

Sophie rolled her eyes “Just continue walking.”

They got further and further down the hall, but you could still hear Steph's voice asking; “What's the relevance of this scene, anyway?”


.”Wait, back up for a second.” Charline interrupted her Dad; who had been explaining exactly why she was spending Christmas within the white walls of the hospital room. “What's this about problems?”

He sighed. “Since you're so young, your body might not be able to handle having the baby.”

“So in other words, I'll die.” She put it bluntly.

“No, not necessarily.” Her Mom said reassuringly. “You just might be really tired and worn out, more than someone who'd twenty five and having a baby.”

“But there is a chance I could die?” Charline asked sadly. When she woke up that morning, she actually thought it might be a good day. So much for that. What was she doing in the hospital on Christmas anyway?

“A very small chance.” Her Dad assured. “That's why it's important you came here.”

“Cause you thought I was dead?!”

“We were worried!”

Charline scoffed, ad if they were worried. Not the way they'd been treating her. “Okay.” She said quietly. “If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone right now.”

Her parents nodded and left. Once they were gone, Charline fell back. Everything was happening so fast, her life had become a living hell and she secretly hoped Aaron wasn't having the time of his life. Not after he left her to die, or so she felt.

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
Chapter 22 – April 7 2003

“Well here I am again.” Charline thought bitterly, glancing around the familiar bland walls of the hospital room. Only this time, she was in slightly more pain.

Steph opened Charline's door a crack. “You up for visitors?” She asked, coming in with Joce and Sophie.

Charline rolled her eyes. “Do you three travel in a pack or something?” She asked, glaring at them. “No I don't want you to see me, I'm all fat and pregnant.”

Sophie smiled, pushing past Steph who promptly stuck out her tongue. “After today you won't be fat and pregnant anymore.”

“Yeah, but then I'll have a stupid baby to take care of.” Charline whined an the others laughed. “You know what sucks?” She asked, changing the subject.

“What, Char?” Joce asked.

“Aaron broke a really important promise to me.” She sighed sadly, looking at her hands.

“He promised that when you guys had kids, he'd be there?” Steph guessed, and Sophie tried to smack her upside the head, but she was too short.

Charline smiled. “No. He said he'd be there, by my side singing out song and he'd make sure that whatever happened it would turn out okay.”

Joce shrugged. “You can't believe everything that comes out of a guys mouth. He probably just wanted sex.” She said matter of factly.

“But...we already had sex when he promised me that.” Charline persisted, not wanting to make Aaron look bad. Secretly, she wished that Aaron was with her and that they were in this together.

“Speaking of sex...” Sophie grinned, an evil glint in her eye. “What was it like?”

“Yeah, you never got the chance to tell us before,.” Steph giggled, and Joce didn't seem at all interested.

Charline sighed. It didn't hurt as much to think about Aaron anymore. She still loved him, and wanted him back. But now, every time she thought of him her heart didn't ache like it did before. “He was really sweet.”

“Was he really big?” Steoph laughed, and again Sophie tried – and failed to smack her.

“But,” Joce cut in, finally getting a little curious and joining in their conversation. “you were in the lake, so you were like...standing...”

“Didn't he get tired?” Steph asked, moving away from Sophie.

“Is today one of your blonde days?” Sophie questioned and Steph just shrugged.

Charline shook her head. “He didn't get tired until after.”

“How did it happen?” Joce asked, wanting to know more and more.

“I asked him.”

Sophie raised her eyebrow, think that it was a bit stupid. Then again, this was Charline...but still. “So out of the clear blue, you were like 'Hey, you wanna do it?'”

Charline rolled her eyes as if her sister were stupid. “No Sophie.” She sighed. “We were kissing-”

“In the lake?” Jocelyn interjected.

“Yes!” Charline yelled, frustrated because her friends were all stupid. “We were kissing...in the lake, and I asked him if he wanted to.”

“did it hurt?” Sophie questioned.

Charline grinned, looking over at Steph. “It felt like a thousand knives stabbing you all at one. You can't breathe, you can't think, at least not about anything but the pain. Which is why I'm not looking forward to jumping in there after you.”

When she was done, Steph burst out laughing at the fact that Charline a quoted her favourite movie. Soon enough, all hour of them were laughing their heads off.

That is, until Charline stopped and started panicking. “You guys.” She said, her voice filled with worry as the doctors came in. “Problem.”

One of the doctors looked at Charline and smiled. “It's time for you to have the baby.”

Charline shook her head. “No way!” She protested. “I'm not ready yet!”

The other doctor glanced over from the other side of the room. “Well, it wants out now.” She laughed. “Which one of your friends is going to stay?”

Joce put her hand on Steph's shoulder. “You're always good at this kind of thing.” She said before booking it out of there. Sophie just stood in shock, not believing what was going on.

Steph glared at the door where Joce had run out of. “Alright.” She said,sitting in the chair and taking Charline's hand. “Take a deep breath.”

From behind her, she heard Sophie slowly breathe in. “Not you!” She laughed. “Get out of here!” Sophie obeyed and left the room, relieved to be gone.


Aaron took another sip of his iced cappuccino as he walked through the mall. His life had become boring. Since he'd been home, he had nothing to do. Justin didn't call him anymore, and neither did any of his other friends. Aaron was pretty sure it had something to do with him being too depressed all the time over Charline.

“Oh my God!” A fan cried, running over to him and hugging him. “You're Aaron Carter!” She squealed.

Aaron smiled, not wanting to disappoint his fan. “Hi.” He greeted her.

“Hi!” She beamed, but in a flash, she turned serious. “How's Charline? Last I heard, she wasn't doing too good.”

Aaron cringed. Obivously, this girl had no idea that he and Charline were long over. “Oh, she's good.” He replied, even though he really had no clue how she was doing. The last time they'd talked was over the phone sometime in October.

“Oh, can you sign this?” She asked, pulling out a magazine and flipping to a picture of him. Aaron nodded, taking the pen she handed him and proceeded to sign the picture.

There you have it, a typical day in the life of Aaron Carter.


“I see a head!” One of the doctors exclaimed, glancing up at Charline, who was in tremendous pain.

“Is it a boy or a girl?” Charline asked, putting her head up in an attempt to see.

“They can't tell from just the head.” Steph laughed, Charline looked thoughtful.

“Is that why they have birth coaches?” Charline wondered. “So you have someone there to remind you of stuff and so you don;t look like a fool?”

Steph thought for a second. “I guess.”

“Okay Charline.” The doctor said. “One last push and that should be it.”

Charline screamed in pain and Steph gripped her hand. Watching Charline mad eher not want to have kids, ever.

Charline fell back when it was over and the doctors took her baby away to be cleaned up. “Hey Steph.” She managed to say. “I'm not fat and pregnant anymore.”

Steph smiled. “But now you have a stupid baby to take care of.” She joked.

Charline put her hands on her head. “Yeah... maybe it won't be so bad.”

“It's a girl.” The doctor announced, handing Charline her baby.

“Oh my God, she's so cute!” Steph cooed. “I'll go get the others.” She said, leaving the room and Charline and the baby alone.

“Aww.” Sophie smiled as they came in. “What's her name?”

“Alissa Jean Carter.” Charline replied after thinking for a second.

Joce raised her eyebrows. “Are you sure you want her last name to be Carter?”

Charline nodded. “Yes.” She said, handing Alissa to Steph. “If you guys don't mind, I have a really bad headache, I'd like to be alone for a bit.”

Steph nodded. “Sure thing.” She said as they left the room.


Three hours later the girls were all back in Charline's room. Only this time, Charline was hooked up to all sorts of machines.

“Guys.” She spoke in a choked up voice. “I'm going to die aren't I?”

Sophie shook her head, wanting to be brave for her little sister. “No, don't worry Char, you'll be fine.” Truth was, Charline actually had a very small chance of living.

Not believing her, Charline wanted to make every second count. She was glad it was just the four of them (and Alissa) and no one else. Of course she wanted Aaron there, but that wasn't going to happen.

She wished she could have worked things out with him. She wished she had just told him he was pregnant when they'd talked. Now it was too late, her and Aaron were never going to see each other again. Any chance of them getting back together was gone, vanished.

“Guys.” Charline finally spoke. “I want you to take care of Alissa.” She said, and they were all crying silently.

“And.” She continued, starting to speak every word slowly as if they were her last. “If you ever see Aaron again, tell him that I love him.” She said as her eyes closed and the heart monitor went flat.

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
Chapter 23 – June 20 2007

Bored, Nick flipped down on his living room sofa and began channel surfing. Five years later and the Backstreet Boys were still one of the most popular acts in the world, as was Aaron Carter. Nysnc on the other hand were long gone. In fact, JC was working at a gas station not far from Nick's house.

“Twenty seven years old and still single.” Nick sighed, still flipping channels. Finally, he decided on VH1. “Even Howie's married!” He thought bitterly. He checked the TV Guide. 'Where Are They Now' was going to be starting in a couple of minutes. Nick laughed. “Maybe it'll be Nsync.” He chuckled to himself as the title screen started.

“Today on 'Where are they Now'. You may remember them from their catchy single 'How About That' Or maybe you hated them because of their close friendship with the Backstreet Boys. Whatever your opinion on them, they were everywhere in 2002. The 4 Gurlz.”

Nick's ears perked up upon hearing that. Turning up the volume he picked up the phone to call Brian. “You'll never guess who's on VH1.”

“This girls.” Brian replied knowingly.

“Yup.” Nick said. “I'm gonna watch it, see ya later.”

“Bye.”

Concentrating on the TV, Nick shook his head. Had it been five years ago already that they had all sent the summer at his house? He smiled, recalling when he, Steph, Charline had played soccer in the backyard. But all the good memories seemed to be shadowed by the agonizing last three days the girls were there.

After their music video for How About That was over, Joce appeared on the screen. She looked older and more mature than she had back then.

“I interviews each of the girls individually.” The host explained. “So you've just released a comeback single, and I heard it's doing pretty well.”

Joce nodded, grinning. “Yeah, it's a song called California, actually Charline wrote it while we were staying in LA a few years ago.”

The host nodded. “How, Charline isn't in the video. Did she quit?”

Joce shook her head sadly. “No, um, actually, she died.” She said quietly. By the time Charline had died, they were out of the spotlight and the media no longer had any interest in them.

The scene switched to the host interviewing Steph. “How did she die?”

Steph swallowed, four years later and it still hurt her to think about when Charline passed away. As well as for Sophie and Joce. The last image of Charline they had in their minds was her with a heartbroken sad look in her eyes. Steph remembered it vividly.

“Tell Aaron I love him.”

“Uh well, she was pregnant.” Steph finally spoke, trying not to look too upset. “And after she had the baby, her body was too weak.”

The host nodded sympathetically. “So who's taking care of her child?”

“We are, even though, legally, Sophie is the guardian.”

Nick's eye widened. Charline was pregnant? No, but that didn't mean it was Aaron's. It probably wasn't. That had been years ago.

“She just turned four this past April.” Sophie answered, smiling. Though nobody could replace Charline, Alissa was the next closest thing. She and Charline were so alike, always smiling and full of energy.

Mentally nick worked the math out in his head. If Charline's kid was four in April, that meant she had been born in 2003, and that meant she was concieveed around... July 2002. Thinking back, nick recalled something he would have liked to forget.

**Flashback – July 2 2002

Nick sighed. “Well, that's good. You were in the water right?”

Aaron nodded.

“That means you didn't use anything.” Nick stated, glaring at him.

Aaron winced. “I guess not.”

**Flashback – September 25 2002

“Is the rumour true that Charline is pregnant?” Ashley, an MTV VJ asked.

Aaron almost choked on his Pepsi when he heard that. Nick glared at him. There was no way Charline and Aaron could raise a kid!! They were only kids themselves.

Joce shook her head and both Aaron and Nick breathed a sigh of relief.

Coming back to the present, nick shook his head. It was all coming together. When Steph had told him too much stuff was happening; she had been talking about Charline being pregnant. The girls lied about Charline being sick to save theirs and Aaron's careers. The reason they never came back was because they'd been too busy raising Charline's kid!

Now, it all made sense to him. For a second, Nick thought he should call Aaron and tell him to watch VH1, and then he decided not to. The girls seemed to have their lives on track. Getting Aaron involved would probably create an unnecessary amount of drama.

Looking back at the TV, they were now talking about the song Charline wrote about California. It was a happy song, obviously written before hers and Aaron's break up.

When the video came on, Nick watched it closely. They were playing soccer, swimming, sitting on the beach and walking on the boardwalk.

Nick smiled, he remembered all that. It was like the whole video was a tribute to Charline. Nick wondered if Aaron had seen it yet. Probably not, since he was busy with the tour and all. Even so, the MTV VMA Party was in a few days, and if the girls were there ... well, Aaron would probably be crushed to say the least.

Switching off the TV, not able to handle watching anymore, Nick walked into his kitchen and started to make lunch. He never guessed things from your past you thought were long forgotten could come back and haunt you like that.

What Becomes Of The Broken Heated?
Chapter 24 – June 25 2007

“I'm nervous.” Sophie said calmly as the girls stepped out of their limo and onto the red carpet at the MTV VMA party.

Joce laughed. They were all worried. After being out of the spotlight and media eye for four years, they were back at MTV. In their opinion, it was insane.

But to Alissa, who had insisted she come along, it was the most exciting thing ever. Gripping Sophie's hand tightly, she gazed around in awe. There were so many people everywhere! Not that she recognized any of them, but she was still excited.

Brian sipped on his drink glancing around the packed hall. He was standing with the rest of the Backstreet Boys and Aaron. His eyes fell upon the four girls. Three of them looked pretty familiar and he had a pretty good idea who the other was.

“Nick.” Brian said quietly, nodding his head in the direction of the girls. “Are they who I think they are?”

Nick turned around and faced the way Brian was looking. He nodded slowly. “Yeah... I think so.”

Kevin came up to where they were standing and glanced at the girls. “We're gonna go talk to them.” He said, walking away with AJ, Howie and Aaron. Brian shrugged and looked at Nick. The two of them followed the others.

“Hey.” AJ greeted them. Sophie smiled when she realized who he was.

“Hey!” She replied. Joce and Steph also grinned and greeted him.

Alissa wrinkled her nose, looking up at AJ. “How'd you grow blue hair?” She asked with a confused look on her face.

AJ smiled and Kevin knelt down so that he was at eye level with Alissa. “And who are you?”

“Alissa Jean Carter.” She replied. “I'm four years old.” She grinned, holding up four fingers, as if o prove it to him. “And for my birthday, a clown came to my house.”

“Carter?” Brian asked suspiciously.

“Yeah.” Steph said. “Aaron's her dad.”

“STEPH!” Sophie and Joce shouted in unison.

“What?” Steph asked innocently. “He would have found out eventually. I wanted to speed things up a little.” She said simply.

Aaron's jaw dropped. No way...there was no way! “W...where's Char?” He finally managed to get out.

The three girls exchanged looks. This was the moment the had been dreading ever since they'd arrived. They knew Aaron would be there and they had a feeling he would ask about Charline.

“You mean you don't know?” Sophie asked him slowly, and Aaron shook his head.

“No... but I bet I can guess.” He said sadly. Even though it was five years since they'd broken up, Aaron felt like it had just been yesterday upon hearing the news.

“Aaron...” Joce started. “Char died right after Alissa was born.”

Aaron sighed. “If you guys don't mind, I'm going back to my hotel room.” He said, walking awway and out of the building.

“That didn't go well.” Steph mumbled.

Alissa looked around at the sad faced surrounding her. “Why'd everyone so sad?”

Sophie sighed. “Aaron just found out about your mommy.”

“Oh.” Alissa replied, still not quite understanding.

After a couple of minutes, Nick finally spoke up. “You guys want to come chill out in the hotel for a while?” He asked, and the girls nodded.

“Sure.” Joce replied, walking out of the party with her friends following behind.


After everyone went to AJs room and ordered pizza, Nick left to go to Aaron's room.

Just before he knocked on Aaron's door, Steph ran up to him.

“Nick?” She asked.

“Yeah?”

“Can I go talk to him first?”

Nick sighed. Even though he felt it was his job to talk to Aaron, Steph had been there when Charline died. Maybe it would be better for him to talk to her first. “Sure.” He smiled. Steph nodded and knocked on the door.

“Can I come in?” Steph asked.

“Yeah, I guess.” Aaron replied, walking to the door and letting her in. Though he'd wanted to be alone, he figured maybe Steph could tell him some things about Charline.

Steph sat down on the chair in the corner of the room. She wasn't sure how to start speaking with him. Maybe if she used a line from a song or something..

“Aaron.” She spoke, and he came to sit closer to her. “Sometime we have to live through the darkness, in order to see the light.”

“You stole that from 2gether.” Aaron accused.

Steph shrugged. “Okay, so sue me. But I didn't know where to start!!”

Aaron rolled his eyes. Thinking about events that occurred that night, a whole bunch of thoughts and questions were running through his mind. “How come Alissa's last name is Carter?”

“Charline said she wanted it to be.” Steph answered.

“So, she still loved me?” Aaron asked hopefully. He hoped that she didn't die thinking he was a prick.

Steph nodded. “They were her dying words.”

“Really?”

“Yup.” Steph recalled, smiling sadly. “She said, 'If you guys ever see Aaron again, tell him that I love him.'”

Aaron shook his head. He felt so stupid. The words words he had ever, and would ever exchange with Charline had been stupid formalities. Why didn't he ask her back out when he'd had the chance? Not that it would have made a difference, but at least he could have been there for her.

“Aaron?” Steph asked. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I'll be fine.”

Steph nodded and left the room. She motioned for Nick to go in and talk to Aaron while she made her way back to AJs room.

“Aaron?” Nick said coming into the room.

“You know what she said, Nick?” Aaron cried. “Do you know what Charline said when she was dying?” He sobbed, tears running down his face.

Nick shook his head sadly. “No, what did she say?”

After calming down for a moment, Aaron took a deep breath. “she said she loved me.” His voice was quiet and shaky.

Nick sat down beside Aaron. “That's because she did.” He said.

Aaron rolled his eyes. Nick was out of practice for their little talks and it really showed. “No kidding. But still, I can't believe it, those were her dying words. And she named Alissa after me! You'd think she'd hate me, but she didn't! She loved me!!”


Nick shook his head sadly. “There's nothing I can do to make it better.” He said.

Aaron looked up. “I know.”

Nick stood up to leave. “Why don't you come to AJs room in a bit? We're having pizza, and you can meet Alissa.”

Aaron nodded, and Nick left. He always thought that everything happened for a reason, so what was up with this? He just had to face facts. Charline was gone, and nothing was going to change that this time.

What Becomes of the Broken Hearted
Epilogue – August 1 2007

Dear Journal,

I got custody of Alissa today. We're gonna move into a house closer to the girls so she can visit with them whenever she wants. I owe it to them, they did take care of her for four years before I even knew she existed.

There's so much of Charline in her, it's unreal. She even likes ketchup! She had Charline's eyes, filled with happiness and hope. It's almost like she was born again. I miss Charline a lot, but having Alissa makes is easier.

Stoph, Joce and Sophie are doing their first concert of their second tour tonight. I know it's hard for them to go up there without Charline, but in a way, Char's there. Lots of the songs on their new CD are ones that she wrote. It's a bit sad, lots of them are about being broken hearted and stuff.

Nick actually has a girlfriend! I know, it's amazing. I asked Steph if she was jealous and she said she wasn't. I guess it wasn't mean to work out, oh well.

The girls were going through a box of some of Charline's things, and came across her diary. They gave it to me. It's sitting on my bookshelf. Maybe one day I'll get everyone here and we can read it together.

I'm just really happy that everyone is friends again.

-Aaron

Aaron took Alissa's hand and touched the plaque with Charline's name on it as the stood in the cemetery.

Aaron gulped, but he didn't want to cry in front of Alissa. Softly, he sang.

“I will be yours if you'll be mine, I will be there 'till the end of time. I will be with you until the day that I die...”

Biting his bottom lip, tears streaked down his face. Alissa hugged his leg, trying to comfort him. “Don't cry, Daddy.” She said, looking up at him. Her blonde hair was blowing in the breeze and her eyes were filled with concern.

Aaron wiped his eyes. Taking one last look at the plaque before walking away, holding Alissa's hand he whispered.

“Everything's going to be okay, just like I promised.”

I guess I really do like to blab at the end of a story. LOL

Ummm... this isn't my best work. At all. Really.

I only posted it because it was the first semi-okay story I finished. (No, I am not going to post anything that pre-dates this, those are just....bad!) And really, at the time I was writing it I had a lot of fun. This was of course back in 2001 when every story I wrote involved me and my friends and the Backstreet Boys somehow. Oh, and Charline liked Aaron....

Basically, I wrote it because one of my friends told me she didn't think I could write a story that didn't star myself and Nick as main characters. Well, I started this to prove her wrong, and when the four of us went to the cottage that summer, they all got addicted to it. Seriously, I would finish a page, and they'd all argue over who got to read it first, That was pretty cool. The only reason it got done was because they pestered me and pestered me... and pestered me some more! I guess they were kind of like my first reviewers! Hehe

Anyway, I ended up posting it on Fanfiction.net (back when it still allowed Music. :( I miss those days) and lots of people liked it. And then people got pissed off when Charline died and they didn't get together in the end. But yeah... I was happy with the way it turned out so that's all that really matters. Of course RL Charline didn't exactly like the fact that she was killed off... as I recall she was pretty upset. But hey, Nick and I didn't end up together either!

Reading this and typing this whole thing up has made me see just how much I've improved. Not only with writing itself, but thinking out plot lines that are non cliched and also developing those plot lines a little better.

Yeah. Enjoy the story and giggle at the cheesyness. Cause that's what I did!

--Steph :)