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

Chapter 33

Brian lead me outside where there wasn't anyone expect me and him. We sat on the stairs near the entrance of the arena.

I looked out to the parking lot, it was empty, but there were a few cars. It was probably the crew. I also saw the Backstreet Boys tour bus. It had their 'Never Gone' album photo spread across the bus.

"It's bright out here considering it almost four o' clock," Brian said after looking at his watch.

I always liked a guy who wore watches. It was attractive to me.

I squinted as I looked up to the sky, "Yeah, it's very bright."

I smiled at Brian as I looked at him. It was right on cue because he looked at me too. His eyes were so blue, almost like the ocean. They seemed safe, but it didn't feel like it at the moment.

"Soo what did you want to tell me?" I asked.

He fixed his watch, "Annie.. I know we haven't been together since 2 months ago, but I need to direct with you."  I can't believe he still remembers that's how long we broke up.

I remembered when he noticed me in the crowd when I went to go find him. It broke my heart just leaving him like that. He didn't deserve that by me, he deserved better than me.

He continued, "From trying to read you today I notice how you glance at me. Don't you miss me? Miss us?" I could feel his blue eyes looking at me. They were waiting for an answer.

"Brian..I don't think we should be together again..I just don't," even I couldn't believe the words that came out of my mouth.

Brian turned his body position to face me, " I don't think you're telling me the truth, Annie. You should search in your heart and tell me what you really think." He was making this harder..

I wanted to look at him, but if I did I would lose. I looked out to the parking lot again, "I am telling you the truth."

"You aren't Anne. I know you. I think you're afraid or maybe still in love with me. Please look at me," he scooted more to me.

I took a deep breath and looked at him. He was absolutely handsome and he was making me break down. I wanted to reach out and touch his face, but I pulled back.

"Annie?" he said softly. I turned my head toward him.

He put his hand around the left side of my face. His touch felt just like before, soft. His thumb caressed my cheek.

I couldn't pulled away. I was losing to the man I once loved and still do.

"Brian..," I said back. I closed my eyes taking in his touch.

I opened my eyes and Brian was getting closer to me. His other hand then went to the right side of my face. He held my face in his hands.

He was leaning in to me, to kiss me. I wanted to take his hand off my face, but I didn't want to. A part of me wanted his kiss again.

"There you are!" said what seemed like Nick.

Brian quickly let go of me and acted natural. He got up, "Yes here we are."

I got up too and cleaned the dirt with my hand off the back of my skirt.

"What are you guys doing here? We thought you left," Nick coughed trying to catch his breath.

"Oh! we just wanted to catch some air. Why are you huffing and puffing?" Brian asked making his way to Nick.

Nick patted his chest, " I told the guys whoever finds Brian and Annie first can be excused from buying lunch."

I made my way up the stairs and watched Nick cough his lungs away. "You found us," I laughed.

Brian put out his hands as if being arrested, "take us then."

"Oh I shall," Nick put a hand on my back and Brian's. He lead us back inside. When we were inside I could hear the squeaking of shoes.

"I found them!" Nick yelled taking us to the dressing room.

Slowly, all the boys began making their way back to the room. "Aww man! I thought I would win this time," Aj said hitting his fist against the palm of his hand.

Madeline entered the room and saw me. She grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side of the room. "Where did you go? Were you alone with..you know?"

I motioned for her to shush, "I'll tell you later." She just nodded.

"Well we should be going boys. We are already starving and we need new clothes," Madeline said randomly.

I tried to stop her, but it was too late. She had done it. I felt like she was doing this on purpose to find a way for me and Brian to be together somehow.

"Hungry? I'm hungry too," Howie rubbed his belly.

"Why don't we all go eat? But remember I won.." Nick said pointing to himself.

"No, you aren't going to pay. Relax, let's just go and we will see from there," Kevin said.

They started going out the door, but I mouth to Madeline to wait. Kevin noticed we weren't following, "Aren't you girls coming?"

"Oh uh I need to tell Madeline something. We will be there," I said.

Kevin smiled, "ok." He closed the door behind him and now we had privacy.

"Well.. what's going on? What did he tell you?" Madeline sat down.

"He took me outside because he wanted to tell me something. The reason why he left was because of me.. and he almost kissed me!" I said.

She put a hand over her mouth, "oh my gosh. Why because of you? Why didn't you kiss him back?"

I sighed, "he didn't say. Nick interrupted us."

"See? He still wants you. I told you! Ok this lunch thing is perfect right? Maybe you guys will alone for awhile. I could tell the guys, if you want," she said sincerely.

I paced the room, "I don't Madeline. Im ..I'm afraid."

"Of what?" her eyebrows came together.

"A lot of things.." I bit my nail.

She got up, "It's ok to be afraid. Annie I will be here for you. Just take it slow. Why don't you tell him that?"

Because I couldn't bare to risk it again..