Like I'm Right Beside You (BEING EDITED SLOWLY)

Chapter 15

Well August went by like a breeze. Me and Madeline eventually resolved our problems. And me and Nathan seemed to be getting closer?

Actually I'm not so sure. There were times when I would feel something for him, but then it would go away.

Nothing big has happened since our kiss.

Next week I would be getting older. Sigh. I wonder what Madeline's surprise would be..

Madeline was the only one to make a big fuss about my birthday. That way she had an excuse to go out. She may seem like the studying type, but I think that's just a mask.

Nathan and me have been hanging out in between classes and sometimes on the weekends.

Madeline knows when Nathan comes over so she won't be coming. I think she takes her jealousy out on Nathan. Madeline feels like a third wheels and that's why she sees him in a negative way. Buy she says me and him make a good couple, but I don't see it.

Today Madeline was going to come over and not really to study. I think her good girl studying side has worn off.

I was practicing my piano homework when Madeline sent me a text.

Madeline: Can I come over now? 🙈

Me: YES 😐 I told you yesterday you could.

I locked my phone and threw it on the bed. Since my piano was near the window I could look out.

"I want to learn how to play this song" I showed Brian the song on the back of the CD.

He gently kissed my hand, "Is that your favorite song?" 

I nodded, "mhm. Actually I was thinking it's our favorite song now." It was 'Safest Place To Hide.' 

"You see it's because you're my safest place," I smiled looking at him as my heart beat fast.

Brian scoot over to me and kissed me. His kiss was so profound and his lips...

Madeline was already knocking on my door. I realized I was daydreaming and touching my lips.

I quickly closed my piano and went over to open the door. "Girl I have been knocking forever. What took you so long?" She entered and went to the kitchen.

I closed the door and went after her, "Sorry, I was doing my homework." Madeline didn't know I had dated before.

I never told her I loved Brian Littrell from the Backstreet Boys. She probably didn't know who they were anyways..

Madeline began looking for snacks, "What homework?"

I sat on a chair, "Just my piano homework, which aren't you supposed to be doing homework?"

She closed the fridge, "Nah, actually I've thinking of dropping out."

"Are you serious? Why? What happened to 'you have to study to get into a university' crap? Hmm?" I watched her as she kept looking for food.

She tsked, "That was in the beginning. All of a sudden I don't feel like going back there and studying."

"Come sit here and stop looking for food! Don't you ever eat at your house?" I went over to her and blocked the cabinet.

She sighed, "Annie don't. Plus you guys have good snacks. And please stop lecturing me on my career."

I did a small whine, "Fine. But stop looking for snacks." I grabbed onto her hoodie and dragged her into my room.

"Sit down," I pointed to the bed.

She sat down and laid down while her feet dangled on the edge of the bed. I pulled my chair over to her.

"So are you and Nathan dating yet?" She asked me.

"What? No. Why would you even ask that?" I picked my nails.

She sat up, "Oh come on. Annie the way he looks at you sometimes. I think that boy likes you. I'm just saying."

I swiveled my chair, "What look? No he doesn't. You're just saying that."

She stopped my swiveling, "ANNIE! Check your fucking reality! He so likes you. I can tell."

How could she tell? What does she know about love?

Madeline pointed toward the book shelf "Why do you have that book there?"

I turned my head toward where she was looking. "Can't I have that there?" I said quickly hoping she wouldn't get that math book.

She got up and headed for the book.

"NO ! MADELINE DON'T!" I yelled trying to stop her. 

BRIAN'S POV

Did someone else steal my part?

Every time we rehearsed 'Siberia' I would get a little emotional. It would remind me of Annie.

"I think that sounds pretty good," Kevin said looking over at all of us.

"Our biggest crowd is going to be next weekend," Nick said.

We had a show next weekend that had sold out. Our most sold out show in seconds.

"It's going to be great!" Aj danced.

We got off stage and went to our 'Backstreet Boys' room.

Nick opened a water bottle and took big gulps. We all were thirsty and my mouth was super dry.

"See Brian? I told you next month would come," Kevin sat next to me.

I dabbed the towel on my face, "I can't believe it's already September. And I can't believe I'm leaving next week."

It was bittersweet because I wouldn't sing, but I would see Annie.

The guys all gathered around me after hearing Kevin. "We are going to miss you brother," Aj said as he sat next to Kevin.

"Yeah it's going to be empty without you," Howie brought up standing next to Nick.

"Wow times flies huh?" Nick slightly hit my arm.

I nodded," Yeah that is pretty fast. I'm kind of scared."

"Why's that?" Kevin asked.

"What if she's taken? Or she doesn't remember me?" I looked at the guys.

"Come on. No one forgets the Backstreet Boys," Nick joked.

As we were there I was actually afraid of what would come. Would Annie reject seeing me? How would I get her alone?

What I needed was time..and confidence.