Chapter 2 Kariana slipped into the washroom, as tears streamed down her pale face. She couldn't take it anymore, seeing her best friend flirting with Nick. There was a side of her that found this ridiculous to cry about because Nick she didn't know the real Nick and she had no control over who he liked. On the other hand, Minnie could have any guy practically because she was as beautiful as Cindy Crawford, but Kariana wished it wasn't Nick. She seemed to go from one guy to another and never cared how they felt or anything. "Kariana?" said a familiar voice and she turned to see Morgan standing there with her Olive Garden uniform on. She had totally forgotten Morgan worked there after school because it was her aunt's restaurant. "Hi Morgan!" Kariana managed a smile, as she wiped a stray tear from her voice. "How's your new job?" "Not bad," Morgan replied. "We missed you at the dance planning meeting. What's wrong?" "Nothing much," Kariana said. "Is the meeting tomorrow afternoon as well because I would really like to help out." "But you said, this morning, you didn't want to!" Morgan protested and Kariana groaned inwardly. "Fine! I don't want to!" Kariana snapped at her and stomped out of the washroom. She walked over to the table where Minnie looked miserable and Nick was pulled away from her. "Kari, are you okay?" Nick asked her and she nodded, attempting a smile. "See AJ? She doesn't care if Nick and I get friendly?!" Minnie protested. "Right Kariana?" "Does it matter Margaret?" Kariana asked, grabbing her purse. "You will just hurt NIck after your one night date and don't even care if you break a nice guy's heart!" Minnie looked at Kariana shocked, as her face took red in embarassment. "Kariana, you couldn't get Nick or any of the Backstreet Boys if you had plastic surgery!" Minnie said meanly and Kariana glared at her. She turned around and fled from the restaurant, and called a cab from street. Meanwhile, Morgan walked over to the table where Minnie was and she just caught Kariana fleeing the scene. "She's never been so bitchy before," commented Minnie, as Nick shook his head. "I mean, oh well if I've broke a few guy's hearts!" "A few? How about lots?!" Morgan said, as Minnie looked up to her worse enemy. "Morgan, what do we owe this pleasure?" Minnie asked sweetly. "Well Margaret, this is my aunt's restaurant!" replied Morgan. "Hello! You must be the Backstreet Boys. Why did Kariana run away?" "Because she pathetically likes Nick," Minnie laughed. "I mean, she couldn't get him if she tried." "How can you be so cruel to someone who's always there for you?" Morgan wanted to know. "Yeah, and you are a very rude person towards Kariana," AJ snapped and Minnie glared at him. "Just because you couldn't have me AJ," Minnie said carelessly and AJ stared at her disgusted. He saw Kariana sitting outside the restaurant on a bench and he got up quickly, and headed out the doors towards her. "Kari? Are you okay sweetheart?" AJ asked her softly, as he sat on the bench beside her. "Hi AJ," Kariana answered softly. "I'll be okay. I am just way to sensitive. That's something I inherited from my mom." "It's okay hun," AJ assured her. "Minnie takes advantage of you. I hope you can see that." "Yeah I know," Kariana replied, as the traffic seemed to get heavier because of rush hour. "Everyone uses me AJ. I am only good when someone wants something, but when I need a friend, I have nowhere to turn. I am a nice person too." "Kari, it's hard to be the person hurt all the time," AJ said honestly. "I have been hurt too, but you have to look for that love and friendship within yourself first." "It's hard though AJ," Kariana clasped her head in her hands. "I try so hard to be so nice to everyone and nobody seems to care." "Well, we care," AJ said, putting his arm around her. "About Nick. Do you really like him?" "I think so, but that was so immature of me to run out of there," Kariana admitted. "I mean, I don't even know the real Nick and here I am, making a complete fool of myself." "We don't think you are a fool," AJ said. "Come on back inside. I know Minnie said some nasty things, but I am sure everybody understands that sometimes things happen." "AJ, do you think that Minnie and Nick will get together?" Kariana asked him, as they stood up. "I honestly have no idea Kariana," AJ replied. "Just see what happens. I mean, Minnie is a beautiful woman, but you seem to have a great personality and you are just as pretty as Minnie." "Yeah right!" Kariana laughed. "I could never compare to Minnie." "Don't say that," AJ hushed her. "Come on, walk back in that rooom with a proud smile and see what happens. If Nick chooses Minnie, don't worry about it. There are plenty of guys out there!" Kariana nodded, as he gave her a quick hug, and they walked into the restaurant. Kariana noticed Minnie was doing most of the talking, as she saw both Nick and Brian looked sad. "Well hello Kariana," Minnie said sweetly, as she draped her arm around Nick's shoulders and he shifted uncomfortably away from her cold embrace. "Have you recovered from your temper tantrum?" "Yes I have, thank you," Kariana replied harshly and sat down beside Brian. She saw Nick staring at her, and she pretended not to notice his heated glance. "Kariana? Can we talk?" Nick asked out of the blue and Kariana looked at him with shocked eyes. "But Nicky-" began Minnie, but Nick ignored her. "How about we take a walk Kariana?" Nick suggested and Kariana agreed to. They headed out of the restaurant, as Minnie's shocked eyes followed their exit in bewilderment. She had never been dumped before by a guy and for Kariana? She thought that was horrid. Who would want the plain, wierd Kariana Willow, where you could have the passionate, beautiful Minnie Beauvais? "Nick, let me start," Kariana began when they were out on the street and Nick gave her a kind smile. "First off, you must think I am total freak for the way I acted before. I mean, I really have no right to protest you liking Minnie since I haven't known you for more then an hour and I don't even know the real Nick, so I shouldn't even have a crush on you-" "Whoa Kariana," Nick said kindly. "Look, I am used to this every day, not that I am glorifying myself or anything because I don't have a big head." "I know you don't," Kariana replied softly, attempting a smile which Nick thought made her reflect an angel. "Anyway, Kari, I think you are very beautiful and I would love to get to know you better," Nick said and Kariana's eyes went wide with shock and amazement. "Really Nick?" Kariana exclaimed happily and Nick nodded. "That would be wonderful!" "Well, we're in Toronto for a while because of the new video and then we have some promotional gigs to do," Nick said. "What about Minnie? Do you like her?" Kariana asked hesitantly. "To be honest Kariana, I don't think I do, but I don't know you or Minnie very well," Nick said and Kariana nodded. "I would like to get to know the both of you as friends and we'll see what happens. I am not looking for a relationship right now because I am so busy with singing and I have jumped into relationships faster then you can think and the other person always seems to get hurt!" "I understand Nick," Kariana said smiling at him. "I would love to be friends with you and all the guys. I apologize for my immature behaviour from before. I am not making excuses but I really care about you and the guys. I just didn't want you to get hurt." "Thanks for your concern," Nick replied politely and she smiled at him. They walked back into the restaurant, as Minnie looked furious when they walked back towards their table. "Everything okay?" AJ asked Kariana mostly. "Oh yeah, everything's great," Kariana replied with a smile. "Did you order yet?" "Not yet," Brian replied. "So, kiddies, what do you think we should have?" Minnie glared at Kariana, but smiled at Nick when he took his seat beside her. "So Nicky, what are you going to order?" Minnie asked him, as she pushed her blond hair behind her hair. "Cheese pizza sounds good," Nick replied. "How about you Minnie?" "I like something sizzling and hot," she answered in a raspy voice, as she leaned closer to Nick. "She never gives up, does she?" AJ whispered to Kariana and she shook her head. "Brian, I think I'll have some spahgetti," Kariana told him, as she handed him her menu. "So, what song if the video for tomorrow?" "It's for 'I Need You Tonight'," Nick informed her and she nodded. "That's a beautiful song," Kariana commented. "Thanks," Nick replied with a smile, as Minnie cringed. Morgan came back over and she looked at Kariana with a friendly smile, who smiled back. "Okay guys, what can I get you to eat?" Morgan asked them with a more pleasant tone. "Go ahead Kariana," AJ instructed her and she ordered her dinner. After everyone had ordered, and Morgan had left to place the order in, was when about 4 15-year-old girls came into the restaurant and noticed Nick right away and they let out some screams. Kariana and Minnie looked over in shock as they girls started crying and hyperventilating. "Let's go say hi," Brian suggested, and Nick and AJ got up, and walked over to the girls. They exchanged hugs, autographed some paper, and took some pictures, and talked for the girls for a good ten minutes. After the girls were satisfied, the guys headed back to the table where Minnie ignored Kariana the whole time. "That was nice of you to do that," commented Kariana and Minnie rolled her eyes at her. "Thanks," Brian replied. "We just get used to it after a while." "So, Kariana, what are your hobbies?" AJ asked her, as Minnie seemed to lean closer to Nick for comfort. "I like singing and I have a part time job at a card shop!" Kariana replied with a smile. "Have you ever performed in front of a crowd?" Brian asked. "No way," Kariana replied. "I would so nervous to! How do you guys do it?" "After awhile, I guess you just get used to it," AJ commented and Kariana smiled. Morgan came over with the drinks and placed them around the table. "Kari, can I talk to you for a minute?" Morgan asked, as she placed down Minnie's Diet Coke. "Sure Morgan!" Kariana said, as she stood up and followed her towards the other rooms. "What's up?" "Well Kariana, I just want to apologize for the way I've been treating you lately," Morgan replied honestly. "I shouldn't expect to join all the commitees I am in!" "Yeah, I've been a little nasty as well!" Kariana replied. "We're cool okay! I need you now because Minnie seems to have turned on me. I talked to Nick and he said that he would love to be friends, which is cool with me." "Oh Kari, you'll find someone to love you!" Morgan informed her and Kariana smiled back. They walked back to the room, when Morgan's aunt suddenly appeared at the door. "Morgan! I have someone to cover your shift! Have fun tonight honey!" her aunt smiled and hurried out of the room. Morgan looked shocked for a while, and then got excited, and sat down beside Kariana. "Morgan, what a pleasure!" Minnie said exasperated. "So, Nick, I was wondering what you are all doing tonight?" "We are going to a club," AJ answered for Nick and Minnie's beautiful face lit up. "Wow! Can I come? I love to dance!" she shrieked. "Yeah I guess," Nick replied and Minnie squealed. "If Kariana and her friend will come." "I'm Morgan and of course I'll come!" Morgan answered excitedly. "Well, I'm not sure if can come," Kariana answered honestly and Nick looked disappointed. "Because I have a huge test tomorrow and I need to review some notes." "Kari, we have the video shoot tomorrow, remember?!" Minnie snapped. "You have the video shoot," Kariana replied calmly. "We were supposed to go there as friends, but you dissed me." "Kariana, we are still friends," Minnie replied honestly. "But, don't be such a crybaby over Nick!" "Whoa, I am not anyone's Minnie," Nick interrupted. "I would like to be friends with both of you, but I am not going to break up your friendship?!" "What friendship?" Morgan muttered under her breath. "Okay Nicky," Minnie sighed, leaning away from him. "By the way, Brian has a girlfriend too," AJ put in and Minnie threw him a dirty Look. ************************* Kariana had decided to go the club, but she had headed over to Morgan's house so Morgan could change. Kariana also phoned her mom and told her she had decided to go out for the night and the next day, she was going to the Backstreet Boys video shoot. Her mom said fine. It was hard for Kariana now because her parents had recently divorced and she lived with her mom in their huge empty mansion, near Minnie's house. Her mom was a lawyer and her father was an investment banker, and they had both been having affairs on one another. Kariana was glad they had divorced, but now it seemed that neither of their parents were around much and her dad lived right in the downtown core of Toronto. She barely saw him though. "Ready Kariana?" Morgan asked her, as they walked into the limo that the guys had sent to pick them up. "I guess so Morgan," Kariana replied reluctantly. Morgan had changed into a beautiful cocktail dress that was a simple black and had on spiked heels. Kariana was still wearing the same outfit from that morning. "Kariana, you look great! Wait you don't want to wear that outfit do you?" Morgan asked her and she shook her head. "Hi! Could you drive to the nearest mall please?" She asked the limo driver and he said sure. They got into the empty limo and turned on Energy 108. They arrived at the Fairview Mall, as Morgan practically ran with Kariana towards Reitmans. They went back to the evening gowns and Kariana picked out a white dress that had lace and small, light blue rosebud print all over it. She tried it on quickly, and paid for the dress, as Kariana wore it out of the store. They, then, stopped at Agnew and grabbed a pair of heeled white loafers and headed out towards the limo. "Thanks Morgan!" Kariana replied and Morgan said not to worry about it. They arrived at a club, since it was after eight, called "Diamonds" and Kariana noticed it was a recent club. "Let's go Kari and remember not to allow Minnie to bother you!" Morgan made her promise and they walked into the dance club, and walked towards the dance floor. Kariana and Morgan both noticed the guys right away, in leisure suits. They were standing around drinking, as Minnie seemed to be enthralled in dancing up a storm on the shiny, silver dance floor. "Over here ladies!" AJ called to them, and Minnie led the way, as Kariana couldn't get over the diversity of people. "Hey, you both look great!" Kevin winked at the, which made Kariana blush. "Thanks!" Morgan said. "I'm Morgan! You must be the famous Kevin and Howie?" "Yes we are," Howie replied, as he kissed her hand. "Nice to meet you." "Hi Kariana," Nick said to her, and she smiled at him. "Want a drink?" "Sure, thanks," Kariana replied, as she followed Nick over towards the bar. "I'll have a Coke please." "One Coke please," Nick told the bartender. "So, have you been this club before?" "No, it's actually my first time at any club," Kariana replied, as she thanked him for the soda. "Minnie's sure dancing up a storm!" Nick glanced over to see Minnie, in a tight red dress dress, dancing with about five guys at once. "Yeah, she sure does," Nick commented, as he followed Kariana over to the rest of the guys. Morgan was now on the dance floor with Howie and they seemed to be having a blast. "This is a nice dance club," Kariana commented, as she sat down in the booth beside Brian. "Yeah, we got an exclusive invitation, so we decided to take up the oppurtunity!" Brian replied. "Aren't Justin and Lance supposed to be coming over to?" "I'm not sure," Nick replied. "They are in town for a show tomorrow night though." "How about a dance Kariana?" AJ asked her and she said sure. They headed on the dance floor as Monica's "The First Knight" ended on the speakers and out pumped "Tearin' Up My Heart" by 'N Sync. "Did Brian mean Justin Timberlake and Lance Bass?" Kariana asked AJ, as they danced near Howie amd Morgan. "Yeah, I think so," AJ replied. "'N Sync has got a gig in town tomorrow night!" "AJ, thanks so much for inviting us to come," Kariana said. "Don't worry about it Kari," AJ replied with a smile. "It's all good! Anyway, how are things with you and Nick?" "Okay," Kariana answered. "We have decided to be friends." "That's good," AJ commented. "You never know what can come out of it!" Kariana saw Minnie tap AJ on the shoulder and ask him for a dance. Kariana told them to go ahead, as she turned around, and started to walk off the dance floor, when someone grabbed her arm. She turned to see a guy about 24 and he was obviously drunk. "Hey baby," he breathed alcohol in her face. "Let's dance." "Um-no thanks," Kariana answered softly. "I am kind of tired!" "Nonsense! You look fine to me, and I mean fine!" he replied and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. "Let go of me!" Kariana shrieked, and the guy tightened his grip. "Hey hey!" Kevin said, appearing all of a sudden. "Let go of her man." "No, she's my baby tonight!" the guy replied, pushing Kevin away. "You're hurting me," Kariana snapped, as Kevin and Nick attempted to get Kariana away from him, but he wouldn't budge. The bouncer saw the commotion on the dance floor, and two of them were able to get the guy away from Kariana. "Are you okay sweetheart?" one of the bouncer asked Kariana and she nodded, not allowing tears to form down her cheeks. "Okay, sorry about this guy," the other bouncer, as Nick turned to Kariana. "Kari, are you okay?" he asked her and she nodded again. He put an arm around her shoulder, and led her to the table. "Want to go home? Do you need anything?" "I'm okay, thanks Nick and Kevin," she replied softly. "No problem," Kevin replied with a smile. "Are you sure you're okay?" "Yes thanks," she replied, as Morgan rushed over to her. "Kariana, what happened, are you okay?" Morgan asked her quickly. "I'm fine Morgan," Kariana answered. "Thanks!" Nick glanced at her and saw tears were beginning to form in her eyes. "Kari, you aren't okay, are you?" Nick replied softly and she shook her head. "No Nick, I'm not, but I will be okay later," Kariana whispered softly, as a solitary tear flowed down her red face. "You have right to be upset," Nick replied softly. "That guy was scary." "Thanks Nick," Kariana replied. "Go dance! Have fun! I will dance in a little while!" "Well, I'll dance, if you dance with me," Nick replied, and Kariana looked deep into his baby blue eyes. "I would love to," she accepted his offer, as he took her shaking head and they walked slowly onto the dance floor as "I'm Your Angel" by Celine Dion and R.Kelly came out of the speakers: No Mountains too high, for you to climb All you have to do is have some climbing faith, oh yeah No rivers too wide, for you to make it across All you have to do is believe it when you pray And then you will see, the morning will come And everyday will be bright as the sun All of your fears cast them on me I just want you to see... I'll be your cloud up in the sky I'll be your shoulder when you cry I'll hear your voices when you call me I am your angel And when all hope is gone, I'm here No matter how far you are, I'm near It makes no difference who you are I am your angel I'm your angel I saw the teardrops, and I heard you cry All you need is time, seek me and you shall find You have everything and you're still lonely It doesn't have to be this way, let me show you a better day And then you will see, the morning will come And all of your days will be bright as the sun So all of your fears, just cast them on me How can I make you see... I'll be your cloud up in the sky I'll be your shoulder when you cry I'll hear your voices when you call me I am your angel And when all hope is gone, I'm here No matter how far you are, I'm near It makes no difference who you are I am your angel I'm your angel And when it's time to face the storm I'll be right by your side Grace will keep up safe and warm And I know we will survive And when it seems as if your end is drawing near Don't you dare give up the fight Just put your trust beyond the sky... I'll be your cloud up in the sky I'll be your shoulder when you cry I'll hear your voices when you call me I am your angel And when all hope is gone, I'm here No matter how far you are, I'm near It makes no difference who you are I am your angel I'm your angel I'll be your cloud up in the sky I'll be your shoulder when you cry I'll hear your voices when you call me I am your angel And when all hope is gone, I'm here No matter how far you are, I'm near It makes no difference who you are I am your angel I'm your angel Kariana laid her head on Nick's shoulder, as the song filled her head with melody and harmony and she knew she was dancing with an angel...