Save A Prayer by Carter-Orange
Chapter 1 by Carter-Orange
Author's Notes:

Although NKOTB are featured, it's not a story about them.

Chapter 1

 

To be honest, after doing The House of Carters a few years ago, I didn’t think I’d ever do another reality show ever again. In fact, I’d been adamant that I’d never do another reality show again. The House of Carters hadn’t gone down too well with some of my band mates (Brian in particular), but at the time, it was something I wanted to do. I don’t regret it, because I believe that everything happens for a reason, but it wasn’t something I wanted to repeat.

So when we, as a band, were approached to take part in Celebrity Adrenaline Rush – a huge TV show which would give us tons of media coverage - it was something we thought long and hard over. We didn’t want to rush into it just for the attention it would generate for us (although speaking for myself, I would’ve signed on the dotted line there and then, seeing as I’m a big fan of the show and don’t class it with other reality shows), so had to carefully consider it from all points of view.

To make the show a little more interesting for the viewers at home, there would be two teams, the other team being New Kids on the Block, who’d already agreed to do it.

“It’ll be kind of like a battle of the boy bands” I mused, imagining myself doing some of the crazy shit they do on that show and getting the chance to beat our older rivals. I’ve always been a competitive kind of person, so this was right up my street.

AJ was reluctant, he’d seen the show on TV obviously, and said something along the lines of “there’s no fucking way I’m doing any of that shit”

That was so typical of AJ though. But I say, fuck it! Life is for living and cramming in as many new experiences as you can. I don’t want to look back in years to come, when I’m old, grey and past it, with regrets for not grabbing the chance when I had it. Luckily everyone else agreed with me…even Brian, although he said he didn’t think he could do anything where heights were involved.

And so we signed up for it!

We may all be in our thirties now, but personally, I’ve never been fitter. In the old days I was criticised over my fluctuating weight and party lifestyle, but that all changed when I was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. The years of booze and drugs had taken its toll and I had to make some serious changes unless I wanted to end up dead before the age of forty. And so I ditched the old habits and also began to work out, eat better and generally look after myself. Before long I was seeing results and I liked what I saw in the mirror every morning, hell I even started taking my shirt off at concerts; something I would never have done when I was heavier. Not that I’m big headed or anything (well not much), but I loved to hear the girls go wild when I started unbuttoning my shirt on stage. You have no idea how it knocks your confidence to read some of the stuff they say online or in the papers, there were times when I wanted to just give up and hide, but it’s not really in my nature to give up.

So anyway, before we could go any further with this TV project, we all had to have medicals to ensure we were in good health and up to taking part in challenging physical activities. We were. Then there was the paper work which had to be completed. We let Howie take care of that seeing as he’s the businessman of the group and the person who looks after our best interests. There was nothing which would get past him.

“Alrighty then, looks like we’re really doing this” Brian signed on the dotted line and handed the pen to AJ, who hesitated for a moment before finally signing his name.

“If I die out there, I’m gonna come back for you” he announced looking at us all. AJ was always such a drama queen. That tough guy exterior hid the wuss he really was.

“Y’know, I wish Kev could be a part of this, this shit is right up his street” I grinned, thinking how jealous he’d be when he found out. Although he’d left the band a number of years ago, we all stayed in touch with him.

“Sure is” AJ agreed “in fact can’t he swap and take my place?”

“Nice try but not a chance. If I’m doing this then so are you” Brian replied.

 

~*~

 

The day arrived for us to set off on our mission, I packed my bag and was raring to go, wondering what tasks we’d be competing in and hoping I’d get a chance to bungee jump or sky dive. At 10am a car arrived to collect me and take me to the meeting point where I’d be meeting up with everyone else who was taking part. I’d done my research and found out that the New Kids weren’t quite the old has beens that I’d initially thought they would be. They all looked in good shape and I hoped we were good enough to beat them.

I was one of the last to arrive and walked in as everyone else seemed to be getting to know one another. We’d crossed paths with the New Kids over the years, but up until now had never had the opportunity to get to know each other. They were a great bunch of guys though and we all seemed to hit it off.

“So, anyone know what’s happening?” I asked.

“No, not yet” Joey replied and then we all turned to see a formally dressed man enter the room with a silver tray containing a folded piece of paper.

“Who’s gonna read it?” AJ asked and Howie took command and picked it up.

Celebrities,

Now that you’re all here, the games can begin. In a few moments you will be changing out of your designer attire and into overalls, red for the Backstreet Boys and blue for the New Kids. You will be provided with back packs containing all the survival equipment you’ll need for your challenges; however you will be allowed to include a few personal items or your choice.

Please be ready to go in fifteen minutes, a plane is waiting to take you all to your first destination…South America.

Good luck!

 

 

“We’re taking a flight out to South America?” Brian gulped.

“Bring it on” I shrugged out of my clothes and into the white t-shirt and unflattering red overalls we’d been assigned “we’re in for the thrill of a lifetime. This is gonna be fucking awesome, I just know it”



This story archived at http://absolutechaos.net/viewstory.php?sid=10625