I Turn to You by BSBSavedMyLife
Summary:


Rachel and Vanessa have been best friends their whole lives and have always been there for each other. Rachel naturally took on the big sister role and always took care of Vanessa when things went wrong. When Rachel moved to Tampa, she came up with a plan to bring Vanessa with her after a horrible break up. As Vanessa embarks on her new adventure with her best friend, the roles are reversed after Rachel is in a car accident which results in amnesia. Feeling alone and scared, she relies on AJ and Brian to get her through the battle of helping Rachel regain her memory.
Categories: Fanfiction > Backstreet Boys Characters: AJ, Brian
Genres: Drama, Dramedy, Humor, Romance
Warnings: Sexual Content, Violence
Challenges:
Series: None
Chapters: 2 Completed: No Word count: 4794 Read: 5782 Published: 05/06/08 Updated: 03/29/16

1. Chapter 1 by BSBSavedMyLife

2. Chapter 2 by BSBSavedMyLife

Chapter 1 by BSBSavedMyLife
It had been over a year since Rachel had seen her best friend Vanessa. They grew up in their hometown of Reading, Pennsylvania and had known each other since kindergarten. The two remained inseparable until college where Rachel got accepted into the University of Tampa and made a life of her own in Tampa. They saw each other on holidays and in the summer but the time had finally come for Vanessa to join Rachel in Florida. Rachel had been dating AJ McLean for almost three years and he’d been pressuring her to move in with him but she refused. She wasn’t ready for a live in relationship, especially when he was never home. It only made sense for her to live on her own. AJ decided on a compromise and bought her a small house in Tampa located in a gated community for privacy. After he bought the house, he suggested for Vanessa to be his roommate. It made him feel better that she wasn’t alone while he was on the road. The plan was perfect and Rachel wouldn’t be more thrilled. She had been worried about Vanessa ever since she broke up with her boyfriend last year. He left an empty hole in her heart and it made her sad to see her best friend in so much pain. She was hoping that by being in Florida she could start a new life and get rid of all the bad memories that lingered behind. It was the perfect time to have Vanessa move in with her.

Rachel waited at the terminal for Vanessa to get off her plane. According to the schedule, she should be arriving at any moment. The announcement for the plane was called over the intercom so she rushed over to catch her at the entrance. She looked around, standing on her tip toes to see over people's heads and no sign of Vanessa anywhere. Rachel frowned as she moved over to the left side of the crowd, politely making her way through the line of people. Finally, she spotted Vanessa coming toward her. With a squeal of excitement, she jumped up and down as she made her way over to Vanessa.


"Vanessa! Over here!" she shouted as she kept running.


"Rachel!" Vanessa said as she dropped her carry on and stretched out her arms.


Rachel squealed as she reached out and hugged Vanessa. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you! I was so worried you weren't gonna get here okay."


Vanessa laughed. "Rach, you worry too much, girl,” she said as she stepped back and smiled widely.


"I know, I do, but that's my job,” Rachel said with a smile. “Did you have any other luggage?”

“Yeah, I’ve got one more bag waiting for me in baggage claim,” she said as she picked up her carry on and swung it over her shoulder, following Rachel to the baggage claim. "Did all my stuff get shipped to your place okay?" she asked as she grabbed a blue suitcase from the conveyer belt.


"Yeah, it all arrived yesterday. I put everything in your room, but I didn't put anything away. I figured I'd let you do that,” Rachel replied as she pulled her key out of her pocket and lead the way to the parking lot.


"Cool," Vanessa said with a smile. "So, what have you been doing these past couple of days? We really didn't get to talk because I was trying to get packed up and ready to move in with you here in Florida."


"I haven't really been doing anything. Alex's been busy with the new album. So I've been pretty bored," Rachel replied as she stopped to look both ways before crossing the parking lot to the short term parking.


"Ah, so you're still with AJ?"

Rachel nodded, as she clicked the button for her car to unlock. “Yeah, we’re working through it all.”

"That's great. I know you guys were having problems last month," Vanessa replied as she waited for Rachel open the trunk.


Rachel rolled her eyes. "Don't remind me,” as she lifted the trunk. “That was the month from hell. Everything would've been fine if he hadn't been acting like a prick."


Vanessa laughed as she set her bags in the trunk and shut it. "Well, I'm just glad you two worked things out. You were driving me nuts with the phone calls."


Rachel laughed. "I know, but you're my best friend I had to tell you all about it,” she said as she moved around to the driver’s seat. “We’re not far from the house. I figure we’d chill there for a while. I think Alex will be around later.”

“Sounds perfect,” Vanessa said as she settled into the passenger seat and put on her seatbelt. “I’m starving too.”

“I figured you would be,” Rachel said with a chuckle, turning on the ignition. “I bought some groceries and stocked up. We can make some lunch.”

“You’re awesome,” Vanessa stated with a grin.

“I know,” Rachel retorted with a smirk as she pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the house.

Within a few minutes, they pulled up to the gate of the community and Rachel used her card to get inside the gate. She turned to the right and slowly made her way up to a brick house with a very well kept yard. Slowly pulling into the driveway, she put the car into park and turned off the ignition.

“This is it. Home sweet home,” she said as she undid her seatbelt and opened the car door.

"This is our house?” Vanessa said with wide eyes as she got out to take a look at the outside. “This is nice!”


"Yeah, it’s really cute inside too. Come on, grab your stuff I'll show you around," Rachel said as she opened the trunk and grabbed the big suitcase.

Vanessa grabbed her carry on and pulled it over her shoulder as she followed Rachel to the front door. She unlocked the door and grinned as she turned to face Vanessa.

“Welcome home!” she said as she stepped inside.


Vanessa looked around at the beautifully decorated house, her mouth slightly gaping open. "Oh, my gosh, this is beautiful! How did you get this?"


"Alex had it built for me. Well, for us actually. He knew you were coming up so he had it arranged. I decorated it myself and he took care of the rest. What do you think?”


"Wow, this is really nice. I think I'm gonna like living here in Tampa," Vanessa exclaimed as she looked around the living room.


"You haven't seen the rest of it yet. Come on," Rachel said as she grabbed Vanessa's hand and led her up the stairs. "This is my room. I know it's kind of messy right now, but I normally keep the door shut. Alex is over a lot so this is kinda both mine and his' room,” she said as she gestured to the open door of the bedroom before leading her down the hall. “Next door is your room," she said as she opened the door. "I didn't know how you wanted your room set up so I just kinda shoved everything in here so you could fix it up how you wanted it. I figured you’d like your bed away from the window so you can see the view. I can help you unpack when you’re ready."


"This is great. I can tell it's gonna be fun living here," Vanessa said as she set her suitcase on the bed and observed the boxes stacked by the wall.


"Now all you need is a man to hang out with when I'm not around," Rachel said with a grin as she plopped onto the bed.


"Oh, no, I don't think so," Vanessa said as she opened her suitcase and started putting clothes in her closet.


"Aw come on, Nessa. It's been over a year since you've been with a guy. I think you've been single long enough. Besides I thought the whole purpose of this move was to give you a clean slate on life and start over."


"Rach, I'm just not ready to just jump into a relationship."


"I didn't say you had to jump into a relationship but I do think you need to go out and meet some guys. There are some really sweet guys around here. You need to give them a chance."


"Forget it, guys are scum," Vanessa said angrily as she grabbed some more clothes from her suitcase.


"Oh, my god, I can't believe you're still mad over your last relationship. Hon, you really need to let that go."


"Rachel, you weren't there. You have no idea how much he hurt me," Vanessa replied with a frown as she shoved the clothes on some shelves in the closet.


"Yes, I do. I'm the one you always called every time you guys got into an argument. Believe me, I know how badly he hurt you, but you can't let one guy ruin your whole perspective on guys. Not all guys are pricks. I mean, take a look at me and Alex. He has his moments when he's a jerk and that's normal. But when he's not being a prick he's the sweetest guy. You just have to figure out the good guys from the lemons."


Vanessa shook her head as she went back to her suitcase, pulling out her under garments, placing them in the dresser. "Rachel, you know I love you and all. You're my best friend, but I don't want to date guys right now."


"Fine, but don't whine to me when you're lonely and wishing for a guy."


"Don’t worry, I won’t," Vanessa replied as she shut her suitcase.


“You are far too stubborn for your own good,” Rachel replied as she heard her cell phone ringing in her pocket. Glancing at her phone she smirked as she got off the bed. “It’s Alex. I’ll be right back,” she said as she exited the room, answering the call as she walked down to her own bedroom and shut the door. “Hey, baby.”


"Hey, there, sexy," said AJ.


Rachel smiled at the sound of his raspy voice. “What’s up?"


"Nothing much. We're on break right now and I thought I’d check in with you. Did Vanessa get there yet?"


"Yeah, I just got back from picking her up at the airport. Did you talk to the guys about the welcome party for her?"


“Everything's all set. Everyone’s coming to the house around eight. I’ll be by early to help with the food and stuff.”


"Great, now I have to figure out how to get Vanessa out of the house for a few hours so we can get prepared for the party."


"I'm sure you'll come up with something,” AJ replied with a chuckle. “Well, sweets, I need to get going. We're about to do some more recording. I'll see you tonight."


"All right, baby. I’ll see you later."

“I love you,” he said softly.

Rachel smiled as her cheeks burned a little. “I love you too,” she said then hung up before walking back to Vanessa's room. "Hey, Vanessa, you know what you should do?"


"What's that?"


"You should go shopping for some new clothes."


"That would be fun, but I don't really feel like it," she said as she peeked into a box that was sitting beside the bed.


"Why not?"


"Because I don't have any money right now. I haven't gotten a job yet."


“And that’s what I’m here for,” Rachel said with a grin. “I’ll lend you a little bit and you can pay me back when you get your first paycheck.”

"I can't take your money, Rachel," Vanessa said quietly.


"Yes, you can. Honey, I'm looking at your clothes and they're all too warm for Florida. You need some summer clothes,” Rachel said as she went to her room and returned with a fifty and a set of car keys in her hand, pushing them towards Vanessa. “Take the money and get yourself something nice,” Rachel said as she handed them to Vanessa. "Your old car's sitting in the garage. I didn't need it anymore after I found my own vehicle. By the way, thanks for letting me borrow it to move down here."


Vanessa laughed and shook her head. "You're welcome, but why do I get the feeling that you're trying to get rid of me?"


"I'm not trying to get rid of you. Don't be silly. I just want you to have some fun. Now go shopping," Rachel said as she urged Vanessa downstairs toward the garage.


“I just got here, Rach. I can always go shopping later,” Vanessa argued as she tried to keep Rachel from pushing her.

“Girl, you will burn up in those clothes. Go get some cute tank tops or something,” Rachel said as she shoved Vanessa out to the garage, clicking on the button to open it.

“What are you gonna do while I’m gone?” Vanessa asked suspiciously.

“I’ll figure out something for dinner and maybe unpack a couple boxes for you.”

“But why aren’t you coming with me?” Vanessa questioned as she placed her hands on her hips.

“Because Alex will be by in a bit and I don’t wanna miss him,” she said as she matched Vanessa’s position by placing her hands on her own hips. “Stop stalling and go shopping.”

“Okay…,” Vanessa mumbled as she stepped over to the car and opened the driver’s door. “I won’t be gone long.”

“Take all the time you need,” Rachel said with a grin, waving at her. “See you get back.”

Vanessa raised her brow at her best friend’s strange behavior and got into the car, turning the ignition while still staring down Rachel standing in front of the car with a grin. Rachel knew Vanessa wasn’t fully buying this charade but as long as it was enough to get her out of the house then she was satisfied with the result. Rachel waved as Vanessa put the car in reverse and drove down the street. As soon as she saw that the car was gone she ran back into the house and got ready for the party.
Chapter 2 by BSBSavedMyLife
During the two hour time span that Vanessa was gone, Rachel worked hard to get the house ready for the surprise party. She baked several batches of wings, filled bowls with chips and dip, and arranged the dining room table buffet style. Leaving plenty of room for the cake, she moved into the living room to assure the music was ready. Tidying up the pillows on the couch, she glanced over at the door when she heard someone coming inside. A smile crept across her lips as she saw AJ entering the house with Brian, Kevin, and his wife Kristin.

“Perfect timing, guys,” Rachel said as she stepped toward AJ, giving him a soft kiss on the lips.

“Luckily the cake was ready so all I had to do was pick it up,” he said after returning the kiss and lowering the cake for her to see it.

Rachel observed the round chocolate cake with the words, “Welcome to Florida, Vanessa” written in white icing. “It’s perfect,” she said happily. “Just put it on the table with the rest of the food,” she said as she opened her arms to give hugs to everyone coming in. “I’m glad you guys could make it.”

“We couldn’t miss this,” Kevin said with a chuckle. “You talk about her so much that we pretty much already know her.”

“I assure she knows all about you guys too,” she said with a laugh as she hugged everyone else. “Where’s Nick and Howie?” she asked with a slight disappointment in her voice.

“Howie had a prior engagement and Nick wasn’t feeling well. He sends his love though,” Kevin said as he held up a couple bags with beverages. “We brought soda.”

“Just put it in the kitchen,” she said as she pointed in that direction, glancing at the clock above the TV. “Vanessa should be here very soon. She sent me a text not long ago.”

“What do we do we do until she gets here,” AJ asked as he emerged from the kitchen.

“Just hang out in the living room. I’m sure she’ll be--,” Rachel said with an abrupt stop as she heard a car door close outside. “She’s here. Everyone be quiet,” she said as she gathered everyone by the door.

As the door opened, everyone shouted at the same time, “Surprise!”

Vanessa stared at them in shock and laughed in surprise. “Oh, wow, I wasn’t expecting that,” she said with a laugh and hugged Rachel. “I knew you were up to something.”

“You know me too well,” Rachel said with a laugh as she hugged her back. “I wanted to give you a proper welcome.”

“You certainly did that,” Vanessa said with another laugh and moved over to hug AJ. “You guys are the best.”

“You’re one of us now,” AJ said as he hugged her tight.

Rachel grabbed Vanessa by the elbow and steered her over to Kevin and Kristin. “Nesa, this is Kevin and his wife Kristin.”

“Hi, so nice to meet you!” she said as she happily shook their hands.

“Welcome to Florida,” Kevin said as he smiled.

“Thank you,” Vanessa replied as she turned to Brian, her heart immediately stopping as she stared into his big, blue eyes. “Hi…”

Rachel smiled as she placed her hand on Vanessa’s shoulder. “This is Brian. He’s Kevin’s cousin and also a member of BSB.”

“Hi, there,” Brian said with a wide grin as he offered her his hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“You too…,” Vanessa said with a shy smile as she shook his hand.

“Vanessa, why don’t you put away your bags and then we can eat. I made wings.”

“Great, I’m starving,” she said softly, nodding politely at everyone as she headed upstairs to her bedroom.

Rachel smiled and looked over at Brian who was watching her go upstairs. She laughed and poked him in the ribs. "Brian, close your mouth you're drooling."

Brian jumped at her statement. "Huh? What?" he said as he quickly drew his attention to Rachel. "Oh...sorry," he replied while blushing a little.

“Uh huh,” Rachel said with a chuckle, stepping over to AJ who instinctively wrapped his arms around her waist.

"I think Vanessa likes your idea for the surprise party," AJ said as he kissed her cheek.

"I should hope so. It took me forever to get her out of here this morning. I thought she'd never leave."

"What do you think, Brian?" AJ asked with a grin.

Brian shrugged casually as he shoved his hands into the pocket of his jeans. "She's cute."

Rachel looked up at AJ and smiled, her voice low so no one else could hear. "That was easy. Now comes the hard part."

"What's that?" AJ asked as he hugged her tighter.

"Getting Vanessa to warm up to him. She doesn't exactly have the best opinion on guys right now."

"You think you can do it?"

Rachel gave AJ and evil grin. "I know I can,” she said as she chuckled, patting his cheek lightly as Vanessa came downstairs.

“Let’s eat!” Vanessa said eagerly.

“Well, you’re the guest of honor so go ahead,” Rachel said as she urged Vanessa into the kitchen

"Okay," she replied as she lead the way into the kitchen. “Everything smells great, Rach,” she said as she grabbed a paper plate.

“Well, if I had known we’d be missing two guests I wouldn’t have made so much food,” Rachel said with a soft chuckle.

“Oh, well, plenty of leftovers,” AJ said with a grin as he grabbed a paper plate and began filling it up with food.

“True,” Rachel said as she followed his lead with her own plate. “You guys can take whatever you want home with you,” she replied with a smile.

“Sweet,” Brian said as he filled his own plate.

Rachel grabbed a few chips and poured herself a drink and headed out to the living room where AJ had already turned on the music. Brian came in behind her and Rachel smiled as she nodded over toward Vanessa who was already sitting on the couch.

“Brian, you can sit next to Vanessa. I’ll sit on the love seat,” she said as she took a seat across from them, grinning as she chomped on one of the chips on her plate.

Vanessa frowned as she bit into a chicken wing, raising a brow at Rachel, silently eating. Holding back a chuckle, Rachel licked her fingers of the wing sauce and took a drink of her soda.

“So, Brian, maybe this weekend you can take Vanessa out on a tour of Tampa.

“Sure, if that’s something she’d like to do,” Brian replied as he looked over at Vanessa. “Would you?”

“Oh, I don’t know…I mean, I wouldn’t want to put you out or anything,” Vanessa replied softly as she moved her chips around on her plate.

“It’s no problem at all,” Brian insisted. “I’m free on Sunday, after church.”

“What a coincidence, she’s free on Sunday,” Rachel piped in with a grin to AJ as he sat down beside her.

“Well, I mean, I just got here and everything. There’s a lot to do. You know, unpacking and stuff,” Vanessa said shyly.

“Ah, there’s plenty of time to unpack, Nessa. You’ve got me helping you,” Rachel replied.

Vanessa nodded as she took a sip of her soda then looked over at Rachel across from her then back over at Brian. “Could you excuse me for a moment,” she said while looking at him.

Brian nodded. “Of course.”

Vanessa stood up and placed her place on the couch and looked over at Rachel. “Rachel, can I talk to you in the kitchen?”

"Yeah,” she said as she stood up and set her plate down on the coffee table. “ I'll be right back," she said as she followed Vanessa into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. “What’s up?”

"What the hell was that?" Vanessa huffed with her hands on her hips.

"What was what?"

"You pawning me on your friend Brian. Why would you do that?”

“Sorry, I thought you’d have a good time with him,” Rachel said flatly as she crossed her arms.

"What the hell are you trying to do?"

"Nothing, I was just making conversation,” Rachel replied with a shrug.

"No, you were trying to set me up with Brian. I thought I told you I didn't want to date any guys right now."

Rachel sighed and uncrossed her arms, slapping them on her thighs. "You don't have to date him. Just talk to him. Make a new friend. Hell, dance with him. This is a party after all."

Vanessa’s eyes grew wide as she shook her head. "No, that's out of the question. I am not dancing with him."

"Why not? Vanessa, it's not gonna kill you to dance with him."

“I don’t dance and you know that,” Vanessa said with a sigh. “Why are you pushing me into this?”

“Because I want you to have a social life, Nessa. I brought you out here to start a new life. That includes making new friends. What are you gonna do when I’m not here to keep you company?”

“I’m not afraid to sit at home with a good book or a movie,” Vanessa with with a frown. “I don’t have to be out and about all the time. That’s where we’re different. You’re the social butterfly and I’m your quiet sidekick. That’s the way it’s always been, Rach. Why do we have to change that now?”

“Because you came out here for a new life and I’m trying to give you one. Come on, Vanessa, stop being so stubborn and talk to him. He doesn’t bite.”

Vanessa groaned and ran a hand over her face. "You just don't get it, do you?"

"Obviously, I don't. You tell me what I don't get," Rachel said as she started to feel herself growing angry.

"You know what it's been like for me with guys. I haven't exactly had the best of luck. Every time I get involved with a guy he winds up hurting me in the end. I don't want to be hurt anymore. I'm tired of it. And the only way I can avoid it is to keep guys out of my life."

Rachel frowned as she looked at her best friend, crossing her arms again. "Nessa, shutting guys out of your life isn't the answer. It's only going to make things worse,” she said with a loud sigh. “Look, I've known Brian for a long time. Almost as long as I've known AJ, and he's the sweetest guy you'll never meet. He wouldn't even think of hurting you like that. Besides, he thinks you're really cute and it would hurt his feelings if you didn't at least dance with him. It's not going to hurt you any. One dance doesn't make you become a couple."

Vanessa sighed and pursed her lips. "Al right, fine, I'll dance with him. But that's it. Don't expect me to do anything else."

"I won't," Rachel said, shaking her head as she went back to the party. She walked back over to AJ and groaned as she picked up her plate, popping a chip into her mouth. "Ugh, she's so difficult."

"What happened?" he asked as he sipped his soda.

"She is so negative toward men and it's pissing me off. I know she's been hurt and everything, but she's not helping anything by avoiding contact with guys."

AJ wrapped his arms around Rachel and held her tight. "Don't worry about what she thinks or does. Let Brian handle it."

Rachel rolled her eyes. "I don't think Even Brian could work his magic on her. She's so stubborn."

AJ chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Just relax and enjoy yourself, babe. If it doesn't work out between them then don't sweat it."

"I know, but I just don't want Brian to get his hopes up and then he gets hurt. That's not fair to him."

“I think he can take care of himself, Rach.”

“I don’t know about that. She can be really, really stubborn when she wants to me. Worse than me,” she said as she bit into her chicken.

“Babe, don’t force it to happen. It’s not worth getting stressed about. It’ll all work out as it’s supposed to.”

“Yeah, but if he gets hurt then it’s my fault because I introduced her to him in the first place, you know?”

AJ smiled lovingly at her and brushed a stray hair from her cheek. “You worry too much, but that’s why I love you.”

“Yeah?” Rachel said with a soft smile.

“Yeah,” he said then kissed her cheek.

Rachel rubbed her hand on his thigh as she chewed her food. “You know I’m not gonna stop worrying over this, right?”

AJ snickered and nodded his head as he took her plate from her and set it back on the coffee table. "Come on, let’s dance," he said as he led her out to the middle of the living room.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and slowly swayed along with the music. Rachel looked up at him and he kissed her lightly on the lips. She couldn’t help but sigh slightly, turning her head away from everyone and resting it on his chest as they danced. They turned to the left and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and looked up at him, noticing the smirk on his lips. Rachel tilted her head quizzically and he nodded his head across the room. Rachel arched her neck back and saw Brian stepping out onto the patio with Vanessa. A soft smile spread across her lips as she looked back at AJ. He grinned and leaned down, kissing her softly as the continued to dance. The anxiety lifted from her shoulders and she relaxed against him, deciding to let fate take over the situation.
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