Chapter 3: Add in Niki and Spike
Tamera
It's been almost a year since I met Howie and sprained my ankle. Needless to say I'm glad it happened because if it hadn't Howie wouldn't have been there to catch me and we wouldn't of had our first kiss. Over the past few months me, Howie and the other boys have been keeping in touch via phone, snail mail, e-mail and instant messages. Yes a few of the boys have laptops, Howie, AJ and Nick to be exact but Kevin uses AJ's periodically, and their own screen names.
Tonight Howie and the guys have invited me to watch their coming home concert from backstage. The show starts at 7:30pm and the limo's coming at 6pm. I tried to tell my friends Niki and Spike, Spike's real name is Crystal but she hates it, that I met the guys and they didn't believe me. I shoulda known they wouldn't believe me, I mean who'd believe a 22 year old University of Florida Orlando student met the Backstreet Boys and is going out with Howie D.
It's 5:30pm now so I better get movin', I just got out of the shower and put on my lilac body spray. I rush through my small apartment from the bathroom to my bedroom and close the door behind me. I open my closet and look over all my dresses and shirts. I grab a pale purple mesh long sleeve shirt with a frilly collar, flared sleeves at the cuffs and only one center button. I throw it on the bed and go to my dresser and open the second drawer and pull out a black tube top that v's at the bottom and has a red snake dragon on the front and a pair of black flares.
I slip on my bikini-cut underwear and the tube top. I stand in front of my mirror and run my brush through my fiery red spiral curls. I put it half up in a gold rose barrette Howie bought me. Then I slip on my flares and the mesh shirt as I hear the buzzer doorbell go off. That's the limo. I grab my black high-heeled sandals and rush to the intercom.
"Hello?" I ask as I walk away to grab my purse and my book.
"Your limo is here to pick you up señorita." I hear Howie's voice say over the intercom and I smile.
"Be down in a few." I say as I grab my keys and wallet.
I shove them in my purse and tuck the book inside. Putting the strap over my shoulder I head out the door. I get on the elevator and slip my sandals on on the way down the three floors to the lobby. A smile creeps across my lips that won't seem to go away as I wait to reach the lobby.
Crystal
Tonight is the Backstreet Boys Orlando concert and my roommate Niki and I won front row tickets to it. I stand in front of my full-length mirror as I brush my hair I look myself over. I'm wearing a neon orange halter-top and black tight pants. Over my outfit I wear a black vinyl trench coat with matching five-inch boots. I brush my orange hair back into a ponytail.
Niki appears in the doorway to my room. I scan her over out of the corner of my eye. She wears a pair of tight flares, a green tube top that had a mesh top that's tied at her chest. A black choker clasped around her neck with a dolphin dangling from it while her blonde curls hang around it.
"Are you ready yet?" Niki asks impatiently.
"Almost." I say putting my spike collar on.
"Now let's go." Niki says as we head outside and flag down a taxi.
Howie
I get to Tamera's apartment building and walk up tot the intercom. I skim the names looking for Tamera McCarty. A smile crosses my face when I find it and ring the buzzer.
"Hello?" I hear Tamera say a moment later.
"You limo is here to pick you up señorita." I say sweetly.
"Be down in a few." Tamera says and I know she's smiling.
As my luck would have it another tenant is walking out the door. I lower my head and hold the door then slip inside the building. The elevator isn't far from the door and I walk over to stand in front of the elevator doors. Seconds later they open revealing a very sexy Tamera. She looks me up and down and smiles; I'm wearing the same thing I was after the concert the night we met.
"Is it just me or are you prettier then the last time I saw you?" I say as she steps off the elevator.
Then she runs toward me. I wrap my arms around her waist and she wraps her arms around my neck. I lift her up and spin her around her sandals an inch off the floor. Then she kisses me and I slow to a stop her feet softly standing back on the floor. Holding her close to me as she kisses me long and hard. She must've missed me as much as I missed her. We pull apart and I look into her pale blue eyes.
"God I've missed you." Tamera says hugging me tightly putting her head next to mine.
"I missed you too." I say hugging her back.
"How long will you able to stay before you have to go out on tour again?" Tamera asks pulling back enough to meet my dark brown eyes.
"A few months, if we're lucky five or six." I say solemnly.
"Then I shall be with you all the while." She says stroking the side of my face her fingers getting tangled in my down black hair.
"I wouldn't want it any other way." I say as I kiss her again.
Then I take her hand and we walk out to the limo. We sit down in the back as My All by Mariah Carey plays on a local radio station. Tamera smiled the sweet smile I missed about her so much before she did something that quite amazed me, she started singing.
"I am think of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it's wrong to love you
Then my heart won't let my be right
'Cause I've drowned in you
And I won't pull through
Without you by my side
"I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'Cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for you love tonight." Tamera sings beautifully hitting every note as she cuddles up close to my side.
She looks up at me and sees the surprise in my eyes. I'm lost deep in thought as the limo heads for the arena. She places her hand on my chest. She sounds gorgeous. Like a nightingale.
"What is it?" Tamera asks sitting up and looking at my face.
"Nothing, it's just… I've never heard you sing before." I say only partially telling the truth.
Tamera looks away for a second. Red tint floods over her cheeks. Then she looks back up at me.
"That's only because I don't like showing off that much." Tamera says shifting uncomfortably.
"Well you have a beautiful voice and I'm going to do everything in my power to get you to see that." I say as the limo stops.
"We'll see mister-big-pop-star." Tamera says sarcastically as I get out of the limo and offer her my hand.
"Well if I didn't see I had a good voice I wouldn't be." I say helping her out of the limo.
She doesn't respond and just looks at me. I take her hand and squeeze it. She smiles as we walk into to the arena through the back entrance. We make out way backstage and into our dressing room. I turn to face her and open my mouth to talk. She holds her hand up before I can speak.
"I know. Go take a shower and get ready. Tamera says smirking and I smile back at her.
Niki
Spike and I just got to the arena. We see a whole bunch of girls wearing BSB t-shirts and necklaces with their favorite boys' name on it. You see Spike and I don't need necklaces to show who we like. From the wild and crazy look of Spike you can tell she likes AJ, because he's the wild and crazy one of the boys. And with me from my green tube top you know I like Nick, because he's favorite color is green.
We weave out way through all the people and get to our seats. We're right sitting front row center, perfect seats. I look around us and see a lot of people. One group of girls catches my eye. There are three girls, one with long dark brown hair, the other with pale blond hair and the last one with golden brown hair. Something about them gives me the creeps. Suddenly Spike hits my shoulder and I look over at her confused.
"Where were you? Venus?" Spike asks.
"Yeah, I was on Venus with Nick." I say sarcastically ad we both laugh.
AJ
I walk into the wardrobe area with a towel wrapped around me when I see Tamera sitting on the couch reading a book. I walk over by my clothes so I don't feel as awkward. I still haven't totally gotten that used to her being in here when we change.
"Hey Tamera." I say looking for my pants and white beater.
"Sup AJ. How's life treating my favorite goof ball?" Tamera asks closing her book and I laugh lightly.
"Pretty good. What about my favorite spiral macaroni red head?" I ask putting on my Tommy boxers and pants as Tamera laughs.
"I'm good. I graduate with two of my best friends in a few days." Tamera says as I walk out of the wardrobe area pulling my white beater over my head.
"Really? I didn't know you were in college down here. What's your major?" I ask sitting down next to her.
"Psychology and English." Tamera says proudly.
"So you wanna be a shrink? Well Dr. McCarty what do you think my problem is?' I ask trying not to laugh.
"Hmmm. I think you suffer from loneliness. I suggest a good girlfriend who's your female match." Tamera says and we both laugh.
I hear a third laugh and look back at the wardrobe area. I see Nick's blond head poking out of his blue Fox shirt. He walks over and sits down on the recliner.
"Hey Nickay, how've ya been?" Tamera asks looking over at him.
"I'm good… but I think I suffer from the same problem as AJ." Nick says sinking into the chair.
"I have a feeling you guy'll find the ones for you." Tamera says smiling at both of us.
"What kind of girl would be able to tame the wild boys?" Brian says walking out of the wardrobe area followed by Kevin.
"I don't think they'd get tamed but find someone who shares their wild sides." Tamera says confidently.
"What makes you so sure?" Brian asks raising an eyebrow.
"I'm not it's just a feeling I have." Tamera says looking around at all of us leaning her elbows on her knees.
"You like saying that don't you?" Brian says narrowing his eyes a little.
There's a strange and tense moment of silence between all of us. I look from Brian to Tamera. What's gotten into Brian? Normally he's such a nice guy toward Tamera? Maybe he's just getting up tight cause he asked Howie not to bring her backstage for the show… I really didn't care I actually wanted her to come backstage and so did Nick. Kevin didn't really care and made the decision that it was ok for Howie to bring her backstage. Brian just doesn't want her to interrupt our flow or distract us before our big homecoming concert.
"So Tamera, I don't believe any of us ever asked you where you're from." Kevin says breaking the silence and Tamera sighs in relief.
"Well I born and raised in Rhinelander Wisconsin with my two best friends Niki and Crystal, or Spike as she prefers. Then once I finished high school I got accepted down here at the University of Florida." She explains.
I get the feeling that there's something else that she's not telling us. From the way she was acting as she spoke and just the vibes I got off her. I won't say anything everyone's in titled to have secrets… even if it bugs the shit out of me that they do.
"No wonder why you always talk about going camping sometime in your letters." Howie says as he finally walks in and sits next to Tamera.
"Five minutes to show time guys." Linda, our stage manager, says from the half open door.
Howie groans a little as we all stand up at the same time. Tamera hands me my blue vest. We walk over to the backstage stage entrance Tamera right there with us holding Howie's hand. We stand in a circle; me, Nick, Brian, Kevin, Linda and Howie holding hands while Tamera stands a few steps away from us.
"Get over here girl!" I yell dropping Howie's hand.
She smiles and stands between me and Howie. I hope she's right and I find a girl for me. We all stand silent in a circle waiting for Brian to start our traditional prayer before a concert.
"We'd like to thank God for all the wonderful blessings he's given each of us. To thanks him for bringing and keeping us together through good times and bad. Thank him for our success and hope that the best is yet to come. Amen." Brian says sounding like a priest.
"Amen." We all mutter in unison as we drop our hands.
I quickly cross myself as I see Howie and Tamera out of the corner of my eye. He has his arms around her waist and has her pulled back against his chest. A smile on her face her eyes lazily open.
"I thank God every night for bringing a treasure like you into my life." Howie says quietly into Tamera's ear, she smiles and looks back at him.
"And I thank the gods for bringing me you." Tamera says before she kisses him.
I walk away to leave them alone before we go onstage. Seeing Tamera and Howie like that reminds me of how lonely I've been the past few months. Tamera always seems to get feelings about things, I don't know if she's right though. Howie and Tamera stand next to me and Tamera puts her hand on my shoulder. I look back at her and she smiles.
"You'll find her AJ, don't worry." Tamera reassures as if she can read my mind.
"AJ, Howie come on we're on in two minutes." Kevin calls back at us.
We go get into position. Once we hit the stage we start singing We've Got it Goin' On. Then a beautiful girl sitting front row center with orange hair, gorgeous gold eyes and a spike collar. I love the collar and the sexy outfit, a tight orange halter-top, the tight black pants and the vinyl trench coat. You'd think she didn't fit in here but to me, she's the most beautiful girl in the whole arena. I look at her every chance I get and I notice the only one of us she's watching is me.
Nick
We hit the stage and the first person I see is a girl with curly blond hair, huge lavender eyes and a dolphin choker. I'm partially dazed by her beauty and I watch her as I sing every chance I get. I watch her dance a bit from her seat. A green tube top around her with a mesh shirt over it and tight flare jeans. Her outfit makes her look even more beautiful. She looks like a girl who's just my style, wild but still a bit modest. About half way through the song I see a water bottle and get an idea. I grab it and stand on a platform center stage. Unscrewing the top and pour it over the back of my head, looking at that blond the whole time.
I noticed during Hey Mr. DJ that AJ was watching the girl next to the blond. I'd been so entranced by her that I didn't even notice her friend. But now that I do I can see why AJ's looking at her, from the spikes alone she looks his type. Once we finish Just to be Close to you we all head backstage to quick change for our solo's.
"Yo Nickay what was up with you out there? You were being major space cadet." AJ says as we near Tamera and she has our shirts sitting on a table behind her.
"I was lookin' at this blond hottie in the front row. What's up with you lookin' at her friend?" I ask grabbing my black t-shirt, then notice I don't have my cross.
"What can I say? She was hot and wild." AJ says as I head back to our dressing room.
Tamera
I watch Nick walk away as AJ changes into his black mesh shirt. Hearing they're whole conversation I walk up to him.
"So who was this hottie you were lookin' at?" I ask as he turns towards the stage.
"Just some chick in the front row." AJ says blowing me off and walking into position to go out for his solo after Howie.
Damn it! Howie walks backstage as Nick walks back over to the stage entrance. I grab his arm and stop him.
"What Tamera?" Nick asks a bit annoyed.
"Who were the girls you and AJ were staring?" I ask not letting go of his arm.
"Just some blond chick with a dolphin choker." Nick says as I let go of his arm.
"Curly blond hair, lavender eyes, dolphin choker sitting next to a girl with orange hair, gold eyes and a spike collar?" I ask as the wheels in my head start turning.
"Yea I think, why?" Nick asks raising an eyebrow.
"I think I might know them." I say as I walk over by Howie who's putting on a maroon long sleeve shirt.
Crystal
Howie just finished his solo and AJ's walking out for his. I don't know if I'm imagining things but it seems like he's watching me. I think I've been listening to Tamera too much I'm starting to get delusional.
When he takes off his sunglasses and his hazel eyes meet mine. It wasn't my imagination then. He is looking at me! The rest of his solo seems like a dream.
"Spike? Spike. Crystal!" Niki yells shaking me out of my dream state.
"What?" I ask looking over at her.
"Dude where were you? Daydreaming about AJ again?" Niki asks while Brian's solo plays in the background.
"He's watching me Niki." I say quietly.
"What? Are you serious?" Niki asks unsure.
"Yeah, during his solo when he took off his sunglasses we met eyes." I say a bit dreamy.
"Ok Spike, you've been hanging put with Tamera too much." Niki says shaking her head and I sigh rolling my eyes.
Tamera
I come up behind Howie as he finishes putting his shirt on. My arms slide around his waist. I pull him back his hands moving to mine.
"Hi." I say holding him close.
"Hello my angel." Howie says sweetly turning around to face me.
"Acting like a sweetheart on stage as always?" I ask smiling.
"What do you think? I was giving away fake white roses." Howie says wrapping his arms around my waist.
" And you didn't give me one?" I ask melodramatically. "It's ok I don't need a rose when I have you."
"But that's why I've got this for you." Howie says holding up a silver chain with a white rose charm on it.
"Oh Howie it's-you didn't-" I say being silenced by Howie putting his finger to my lips and clasps it around my neck over my curls.
"It's my way of reminding you that you're my Spanish rose. I've gotta go though. Nick's already started his solo." Howie says reluctantly unwrapping his arms from around his waist.
"It is already? Damn time's going fast tonight." I say as Howie starts walking for the stage then stops and turns around to face me.
I walk up to him and puts one hand gently on my cheek. I close my eyes and lean my head to his gentle touch.
"But tonight will go exquisitely slow with you by my side." Howie says quietly before he gently kisses my lips.
Then I open my eyes as he walks over to go on stage.
Niki
Nick just came out to sing his solo. Even though he's singing most of it with his eyes closed it feels like he's singing to me. I keep trying to shake the feeling.
"Cause I see heaven
In Your
Eyes." Nick sings opening his eyes and pointing to me.
No I must be imagining things. He's not singing to me. The other boys come out and they start singing Let's Have a Party. Nick jumps down on the platform in front of me.
"I've been watchin' you
You've been watchin' me…" Nick sings pointing to me.
Oh my god! He is singing to me. Holy shit!
"Spike. Is it my imagination but is Nick singing to me?" I ask Spike noticing she's staring at AJ.
"Yeah he is." She says not looking from AJ.
Tamera
The boys sing As Long As you Love Me then head backstage for the intermission. Before Howie can find me I walk out on stage. I run down and jump off the stage in front of Crystal and Niki.
"Tamera?!" Crystal asks awestruck as her jaw drops to the floor.
"In the flesh. Enjoying the concert?" I ask smiling and trying not to laugh at their expressions.
"Yeah. How-why are you backstage?" Niki asks still in shock.
"Because of me." Howie says as he comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist.
"Hi babe." I say turning my head and giving him a quick kiss.
"Hello ladies." Howie says as Nick and AJ walk over by us.
"Howie, Nick, AJ this is Niki Knoxs and Crystal Mandra better knows as Spike." I say pointing to Niki and Crystal.
"It's a pleasure mademoiselle to finally learn the name of my mystery beauty." AJ says suavely as he kisses Crystal's hand.
"It's a pleasure Niki. It's nice to know the name of my blond bomb-shell." Nick says bowing slightly then he kisses her cheek.
"Well unfortunately we should head backstage before anyone sees us." Howie says reluctantly letting me go.
"Until we meet again Spike. See you backstage Tamera." AJ says as he, Nick and Howie head backstage.
"So you two believe me now?" I ask smugly smiling.
"We--they--two of the Backstreet Boys have the hots for us." Niki says spellbound.
"You guys wanna come backstage with me after the show?" I ask still smiling.
"Hell yeah!" Crystal says and I chuckle.
"Well I've gotta head backstage. But I'll be back after the concert's over. Later." I say as I head backstage.
Natalia
I sit in between Sharen and Bianca and watch as my AJ talks to and kisses the hand of then orange haired slut! How dare she flirt with him. How dare she even talk to him. I look over at Sharen and I see fire in her eyes as she watches Howie with that curly red headed bitch. Bianca is shooting daggers at the curly blond-headed bimbo who Nick kissed on the cheek.
Now it's war! No body messes with the Black Widows men! Those three bitches are gonna pay!