I sighed, and watched the customers file out of the shop at closing, glad my shift was over. “Candy, I’m heading out, but first I gotta grab some food for Reggie.” Candy, my supervisor, nodded, and pointed to the bag already on the counter, “Crispixs with peanut butter and milk, all set.” I smiled, and said, “You’re the best Candy.” “Don’t you forget it you imp.” She chuckled, and shooed me with her hand. I laughed, and grabbed the bag, tucking it in my messenger bag. Then I headed out into the shopping center, ignoring the catcalls I got. As I turned onto Main Street, I could feel the wind pick up as I hurried down the busy street. ‘Now I know why I hate it here.’ I thought, turning onto my street. Lights from all the houses spilled through the windows as I tugged on my t-shirt, having taken off my work shirt. My work shirt clung to my chest, and all the guys who hung around my work stared. So I take it off after my shift ends, and stuff it inside my black messenger bag. I walked up my sidewalk, and opened the door. “I’m home.” I yelled, stepping into the entrance. “BELINDA.” I heard, and then Drake and Jacob ran down the stairs, straight into my open arms. I smiled, and hugged them, relishing their affection. I never got this kind of affection from Dan. I mean, I know he’s a singer, and always busy, but when we are together, he never does anything to make me feel special. So when my siblings hugged me or showed any affection, I took it to heart. Anyway, I let go of them, and said, “Where are the others.” “In their rooms.” They chorused, and I ruffled their hair before heading upstairs. Andrew stuck his head out of the room he shared with Drake and Jacob and said, “Hey Belinda.” I nodded, and headed down the hall even farther. Keith stepped into the hallway, and said, “Hey Belinda, Regina and Eden are asleep, Skyla is on the computer in my room.” I nodded, and headed into my room, where sure enough, Regina was curled on her twin bed with Eden. I smiled, and dropped my bag onto my bed, collapsing next to it. Eden began to whine, so I walked over. “Sssh. Auntie’s got you.” I cooed, picking up the toddler. She giggled, and rested her head on my shoulder, smiling. “Wanna come downstairs with me.” She nodded, and I grabbed the bagel bag, bringing it downstairs with us. After I made the cereal, I walked upstairs with it in one hand, Eden in my other arm. When I walked into my room, Regina was awake and talking to Andrew. “Reggie, you have to leave him, he raped you.” Andrew said, and Regina stood up. “I can’t Andy, I just can’t.” “Why not.” “Eden’s here.” I said harshly, walking over to Regina. I gave her the cereal, and put Eden down next to her. Andrew cast a look at Eden, then got off my bed, and left. I smiled, and looked over at Regina, who had tears streaming down her cheeks. I smiled weakly, and sat next to her, hugging her. “Ssh. It’s okay Reggie. I understand.” I cooed, rubbing her back. Eden looked at us confused, before saying, “Mommy.” Regina looked up, and smiled. “Come here baby.” She said, opening her arms. Eden crawled into Regina’s lap, and I smiled. “I’m gonna call Dan.” Regina nodded, and I left the room to use the phone in the kitchen. Andrew was outside shooting hoops with Keith, and I smiled. I picked up the phone, dialing Dan’s number. “Hello.” He said, and my heart soared. “Dan.” I said, hopping onto the counter. “Hey honey.” He said, and I could picture him leaning against his counter, twirling the phone cord. “I was wondering, if you could come pick me up.” “Sure.” He said, and I heard jingling in the background. “I’ll be there in ten.” He said, and hung up. I smiled, and hung up, running to my room. Regina looked up when I came in, and raised one of her eyebrows. “Dan.” I said, walking to our closet. I decided to wear a white miniskirt, pink halter-top that hit above my stomach, and black heels. Then I scrunched my hair, and walked onto the porch. Keith looked up as I walked out. “Going out with Dan.” He said, shooting the ball towards the hoops general direction. It crashed to the ground, and I laughed while nodding. Keith cursed, and I heard loud bass from up the street. Dan’s car pulled up, and I rushed off the porch. He opened the door, and I got in, giving him a quick kiss. He smiled, and kissed me quickly on the lips, holding my hand. I smiled, and put my belt on, bobbing my head in time to the music. Dan drove down the street, pulling onto a small dirt road. I looked at him quizzically, but he only smiled. He put the car in park, and leaned towards me. I smiled, and wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing him in for a kiss. He smiled, and our lips crashed together, me moaning out his name. He pulled away, and said, “Let me make love to you.” I shook my head, and he glared at me. “Get in the backseat.” He growled, and I nodded, crawled into the backseat, lying down. He smiled, and crawled on top of me. He pulled my underwear down, and I started to cry. He slapped me, and said, “Shut up or I’ll give you something to cry about.” I didn’t, and began to shake from fear. He growled, and grabbed my arm, twisting it until I heard a sickening crack. Then he began to kiss my neck in an attempt to calm me down. It didn’t work, so he began to punch me in the stomach. I heard three more cracks before he threw me out of the car. I cried out in extreme pain, and went to get up. But Dan had already driven away. I whimpered in pain, and began to cry as I heard someone walking towards the clearing where I was. "Anyone here." a male voice called, and I sniffed, wiping my eyes with my uninjured arm. "Over here." I whimpered, cursing when it hurt my ribs. A blond figure crashed through the
brush, and I gasped when I saw who it was. "Are you okay?" Nick Carter asked, and I shook my head, gasping for breath. He rushed over and said, "Where does it hurt." I told him, and he gently picked me up, covering me with a jacket. I whimpered, and felt Nick adjust me in his arms. He smiled reassuringly, and said, “I got you.” I smiled, and felt the blackness envelope me.

I groaned as I began to wake up. My whole body was aching all over. The bed I was laying on didn’t feel like my own. Then I remembered the previous night. I tried to sit up, but a wave of pain exploded over my body, causing me to collapse, and scream in utter pain. Suddenly, I felt a cool hand on my forehead, and Regina’s voice. “It’s okay Belinda, we’re here. Nick called us to come over.” She said, and I looked over to see her sitting next to me on the bed. Keith was sitting in an armchair in the corner, talking to a blond guy. “Nick Carter.” Regina said, catching my confused glance. I touched my arm, hissing when it made contact. I looked over at Nick, trying to piece together why he would bring me to his house. Nick turned around, and said, “You passed out halfway to my house, so I called my doctor, he’ll be here soon.” As if on cue the doorbell rang. Nick ran to get it, and came back with a man in a white lab coat. “Doctor Valivez.” The man said, shaking Regina’s hand. Regina nodded, and I groaned. “Ahh, yes, Miss-” “Cooper.” Regina said, holding my good hand. “My boyfriend and I were walking through the park when some guy jumped me and tried to hurt me. He broke my arm, and tried to hurt my ribs. I think he might have broken a couple.” The doctor nodded, and said, “If he broke you’re arm, you’re gonna have to go to the hospital.” I nodded, and the doctor said, “Have Nick take you guys, I will meet you there.” Nick nodded, and soon we were driving to Orlando General. I groaned in the backseat, holding my arm across my abdomen. Regina smiled at me, but I could see the fear in her eyes. I reached for her hand, and she smiled. We pulled into the parking lot, and Nick and Keith helped me inside, and over to where Nick’s doctor was waiting. He smiled at us, and led us to a private exam room.

Twenty minutes later, I was being admitted to the hospital. “Come on.” I moaned, sinking into my pillows. Nick laughed, and said, “Belinda you have three broken ribs, how would you have walked to your classes?” “Wheel chair.” I said hopefully, pouting. Regina shook her head, and said, “Sometimes I feel like I’m older.” I glared at her, and said, “Yeah well, at least I ain’t a mom.” I knew that was a low blow, but it was worth her face. She glared at me, and looked at Keith. He nodded, and she pressed the nurse call button. I glared at her before I said, “Ya know, I can fall asleep on my own.” A nurse walked in, and said, “Is there anything I can do.” “Yes, can my sister have something to drink?” Keith asked, smoothing back my hair. I nodded, and felt Nick’s eyes burn into my body. I looked over, to see him talking to the doctor. After the nurse left, Nick turned to me. “You okay with me staying here.” I nodded, and looked at Regina and Keith. “You guys can leave if you want.” They nodded, and left, leaving me staring at Nick. He smiled gently, and walked over to my bed, sitting on the edge. I tensed, but felt a relaxing hand on my good arm. I looked dejectedly down at the cast on my arm. Nick laughed, and said, “You’re only gonna be here for a little while.” I nodded, and felt my eyes grow heavy with sleep.

Three weeks later, I was home, well rested, and ready to go back to college. Nick and I had become really close, and Regina was pregnant as ever. Her and Aaron had been hanging out a lot, and I mean a lot. Trips to the mall for baby clothes, trips to the supermarket to get pickles, and other stuff, including the trip that Regina’s class took to the beach. I was supposed to go, but because of my hospital stay, I couldn’t. So Aaron went in my place while Nick helped me with my physical therapy. Which had been fun. After each session, Nick went down to the cafeteria to get me McDonalds. After I came home, we had a movie night. All my favorite chick flicks, and thrillers. Even if I had seen them a lot, I still clung to Nick during the scary parts, because I was scared of Dan. Nick didn’t care, he knew about Dan, I told him. Aaron knew about Caleb, and protected Regina, and Eden. That night, Nick and I spent the night on the couch, Aaron and Regina on the loveseat. The next morning when I woke up, I was curled around Nick, who had both arms wrapped protectively around my waist. Aaron was awake, and singing to a thoroughly upset Regina. I had smiled, unwinding myself from Nick, and went over to them. Anyway, that was a week ago. I rolled onto my still sore ribs, and hissed. Regina looked up from her book. Wait a minute, Reggie was reading. “You’re reading?” I asked skeptically, sitting up on my bed. “Yep. School assignment.” She said, throwing the book toward me. I caught it, and smiled at the title. Catcher in the Rye was my favorite book in High School, and I had a soft cover copy in my trunk. Regina stood up, and stretched, rubbing her belly. I smiled, and stood up, stretching as well. Regina smiled, and walked out of the room, leaving me to change. I smiled, and put on an orange rocker shirt, and jeans. Then I piled on the bracelets, a bunch on each wrist. “Reggie, have you seen my school bag?” I asked, walking into the hallway. “In the downstairs closet.” Keith said, pausing on his way to his room. I nodded, and jogged downstairs, only to crash into Nick. “Hey, why are you here.” I said, standing back up. “Here to take you to school.” He said, brushing off his jeans as he stood up. “Well, I gotta get my bag, my pills, and the note from Dr. V.” I said, hopping on one foot to put on one of my white Etnies. Nick laughed, and I hopped on my opposite foot to put on the other sneaker. I smiled, and ran into the kitchen, grabbing the pill bottle, and the three copies of the note from the doctor, before heading to the hall closet to get my bag. An avalanche of stuff cascaded on top of me as I opened the door. “KEITH, REGINA, SKYLA, ANDREW, DRAKE, JACOB. Get down here.” I heard thuds before my siblings were downstairs. “Please, before Mom and Dad get home, clean this up. I don’t want to come home to a hurt sibling.” They all nodded, and started to clean up as Nick and I left.

The drive to my campus was silent, except for the radio. “Nicky?” “Hmm.” “How come you don’t have a girl?” “I haven’t found a girl I like yet.” Nick answered, turning the steering wheel slightly. As we approached a light, some girls began to point, and whisper. “Oh great.” Nick muttered, tugging his trucker hat lower. I slouched in my seat, and whispered, “Of all times.” I looked up at the light hopefully, but no use, the girls were already coming over. “Nick, hey Nick.” They shouted walking towards the car. I looked up at the light, begging it to change. And gratefully, it did. Nick pressed the gas, leaving the girls halfway to the car. I smiled, and sat up, directing Nick to my campus. We arrived, and he kissed my cheek. “Bye Belinda.” He said, handing me some money for the pay phone. I nodded, and left, running inside.

Three hours later, I was waiting on the curb for Nick. He pulled up, and I hopped up. “About time.” I grumbled, flopping into the passenger seat. He smiled, and said, “Bad day.” “The worst, I got a three page essay due next week on the history of modern music. Like I know.” “Just be glad you have me.” “Why.” “Because I know the history of modern music.” “What is it then Mr. Smarty-Pants.” “My group.” He said, smirking. I slapped his arm, and said, “Great, I got a comedian on my hands.” He nodded, and I smiled. He pulled into my driveway, and shut the car off. I smiled, and got out, leading the way to the house. Nick suddenly grabbed me, and slung me over his shoulder, running into the house. I laughed after he put me down, and said, “You having fun.” “Yes.” He said, before we heard a crash. “GET OUT.” My dad roared, shoving my mom out of the house. “I can still get custody of the kids.” She snarled, storming away. My dad snorted, and walked away, not looking back at me. I sighed, and threw my bag into the closet, and went upstairs. Nick followed, completely confused.

Two hours later, I watched as Nick drove off, completely silent. I shook my head, and went back inside, just in time to hear the phone. “Belinda, babe, pick up.” Dan cooed, and I flinched, grabbing my side. “Okay, I guess you’re not home. Call me when you get this.” I nodded, and picked up the phone. Dialing Dan’s number, I waited. “Hello.” “Hey, sorry, I got in just as you finished recording your message.” “It’s okay. I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to come over.” “Sure. I’ll be over in ten.” “Okay, and sorry about what happened, I was stressed from work.” “It’s okay.” I muttered, not really convincing myself it was. “Okay, see ya later babe.” Dan said, and hung up, leaving me in silence. I hung up, and went up to my room, slamming the door. “You okay.” I nodded, and pulled on a pair of Dan’s old sweats that he had given me, and a baggy t-shirt before throwing my hair into a messy bun. “KEITH.” I screamed, walking onto the landing. “What.” He asked, poking his head out of his room. “Can you give me a ride to Dan's?” “NO, but I’ll call Nick for ya.” I nodded vigorously, and laughed as the room spun. Keith shook his head, and went back into his room to use the phone. I smiled, and jogged down the stairs, hopping to put on my Etnies again. I saw a car pull up, and smiled. “Bye guys.” I yelled, closing the door. Nick honked the horn, and I smiled, racing down the sidewalk. He smiled, and unlocked the door. I hopped into the small Ford, and buckled up. “Where to.” “Dan's.” I said, catching Nick’s distasteful glance. “He hurt you, but you still like him.” “Of course.” I said, smiling to convince him. He nodded, and turned down Dan’s street, pulling up to Dan's house. I smiled, and got out, running up the sidewalk. “Hey babe, I gotta go to a photo shoot, wanna go?” I nodded, and said, “Will I get to see the guys again.” “Of course.” He said, grabbing his car keys. I jumped in excitement, hugging him. He laughed, and led me out to his Dodge Viper, painted a bright blue. I climbed into the passenger seat, ready to leave. Dan laughed, and put the keys in, revving the engine. I smiled, and said, “I love you.” “Love ya too babe.” He said, pulling into the parking lot. I saw Ashley, and jumped out, looking at Dan for the okay. He nodded, and I began to run full speed towards Ashley, smiling. “ASHLEY.” I yelled, hoping to catch his attention. He turned, and opened his arms in time for me to run into them. He laughed, and picked me up, spinning me around. I laughed, and said, “Put me down.” He laughed, and put me down, so I could run to Dan. Dan smiled, and said, “Why’d you have to scare her Ash.” He said, hugging me close to his body. I smiled, and buried my face in his shoulder, peeking slightly. Dan laughed, and led the way into the building, and up to the photo shoot. “Ah, here they are.” Their manager said, shaking their hands. “Ah, nice to see you Belinda.” Johnny said, hugging me. I smiled, and said, “Nice to see you too.” “Okay, first group shot.” Johnny said, jumping from friend to manager. I laughed, and sat in one of the chairs, reclining. “Oh no, you’re in it.” Johnny said, picking me up, and delivering me to Dan’s waiting arms. I giggled, and hugged Dan, snuggling up to him. He smiled, and looked up at the camera. I smiled, and said, “I love you honey.” “I love you too.” Dan said, nuzzling my neck. “Okay, Dan's single shot.” The other guys left, and Dan placed me on my feet. “Wrap your arms around my neck.” Dan said, guiding my hands. I smiled, and wrapped my arms around him, falling into him. He smiled, and the photographer took the shot.
Two hours later, I walked back into the house, dropping my keys onto the table, exhausted. Regina smiled warmly at me, stretched out on the couch. Keith was on the floor in front of her, holding a cup of coffee up to her lips. “I’m too tired.” She said, and I raised my eyebrows. “Decaf.” Keith said, smiling at me. I nodded, and headed upstairs, to see Skyla on her bed, crying. “Sky.” I said, throwing my sneakers into the closet. “Jeremy broke up with me.” She sobbed, clutching the pillow. “Oh hun.” I said, walking over to her. She wiped eyes, and said, “I should’ve known, Michael said he saw him kissing another girl.” Thank God for Skyla’s best guy friend, Michael Jacobs. He always had her back. And usually when he saw something, he told her. “You were right to believe it was wrong. I did with Joseph.” I muttered, spitting out my ex’s name. Skyla looked up, and said, “Can I sleep with you tonight.” I nodded, and said, “Sure, when I go to bed, you can crawl in with me.” She nodded, and fell back asleep. I smiled, and jogged back downstairs, hopping off the last stair. “Someone’s in a good mood.” Keith said, and I smiled, grabbing a juice out of the fridge. I sat down at the table, drinking it in one gulp. Keith laughed, and I smiled, throwing an ice cube at him. He smiled, and ducked, so instead it hit Andrew in the head. “Hey.” He squeaked, yelping as it slid down his shirt. I smiled, and got up. I headed into the living room, crashing onto the couch. Keith walked into the room, and plopped onto the couch next to me. “Hey Belinda.” He said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I giggled, and fell into him welcoming the hug. He smiled, and squeezed my shoulder, kissing the top of my head. I smiled, and huddled into him, seeking his body heat. He held onto me as we began to fall asleep.

I woke up later to complete silence. “Hello.” I whispered, feeling a cool breeze float through the house. I looked over to where Keith had been to see a note. It read:

Belinda, we all went out for ice cream, you looked so peaceful so we didn’t wake you up. See ya when we get home.
Love,
Keith
I smiled, and stood up, stretching my body leisurely. Then I heard a tap on my door. I walked over, and smiled when I saw Nick and Aaron. “Hey guys.” I said, opening the door fully. They smiled, but the smiles on their facers faded when they saw my tired face. “What’s wrong?” Nick said, noticing the wince I let slip when my side pulled. “My side hurts that’s all.” I muttered, growing more impatient by the moment. “Can we come in?” Nick asked, looking over my shoulder into the living room. I nodded, and went back onto the couch, cuddling up to Nick. Aaron went into the kitchen, and grabbed three Cokes. I took one from him, and began to drink it, enjoying the bubbles. Nick smiled at me, and then I heard the phone ring. “Hello.” I said, grabbing for it. “Hey hunny, I was wondering if you wanted to go out tonight.” “Now, baby, but I don’t feel good.” “I said you’re coming, get ready.” “Yes baby.” I said to a dial tone, hanging up. “Dan.” Nick said, getting up. I nodded, heading up to my room. I heard Nick get up and leave, Aaron following, and slid down the wall. My mind raced as I changed, wondering where Dan was taking me. Then I heard his car pull up. I smiled, and walked outside, bracing the cool air. “Hey you.” I called, hopping into the passenger seat. Dan just nodded, and started to drive, driving way to fast for my taste. “Dan, slow down.” I cried, falling into the door as he sharply turned. He either didn’t hear me or didn’t listen, but whichever, the next turn caused him to go over the barrier. “DAN.” I screamed as we flipped over, into the ravine. I felt my head hit the roof, then blackness.