Needless to say we had a VERY interesting 15 minutes. As we got dressed we talked easily about everything and anything. He picked up his backpack containing his concert clothes and some other things and I grabbed his camouflage trucker cap before he could, placing it half way to the side on my head partly to disguise the fact my hair was wet and also because I love trucker caps. We went down to the elevator and waited for it it. When we got on AJ pulled me against him and held me tightly. I smiled, enjoying being this close to a male again.

“So what are we gonna do for a week in Tamworth?” He asked as we went down

“Hmm I might do some chores hopefully mum’s got a brew ready” I said

“Brew?” AJ asked                                                                    

“Yeah, we brew and keg our own beer. We have a tap on the front of our fridge” I said

“I thought that was illegal” He said

“Nah” I grinned. The elevator stopped and he let me go. We walked to the bar where everyone was waiting for us.

“Took ya’s long enough” Nick said

“Says the one who can’t stay on the bed” AJ said laughing. Nick grinned and looked over at Taz.

“Come on you lot, lets go. The sooner we get to tamworth, the sooner we can sleep” Kev sighed

“Sleep? Tonight? Hell no boys, soon as we hit the ground we’re gonna party hard” Jennsen said

“Baby we just did a 2 hours concert” Howie said

“You guys are pikers” Taz piped up

“No I think we should catch some z’s tonight and hit the town tomorrow night. Taz you KNOW Tamworth is a hole on Thursday nights” I said

“Yeah true” She said

“What is the night life in Tamworth like?” Asked Nick

“Depends where you go. The Central is Dirty Thirties, sorry Kev, but it’s true, Rejections is a complete waste of time and the Gimpy is full of 12 year old prostitutes. It’s also the only club in town that REALLY goes off during the country music ‘off season’” I said

“Rejections?” Howie asked with a laugh “They named their club Rejections?”

“No, no. It’s called Reflections Night Club. But it’s really bad, so we call it Rejections” Taz said

“What about the uhh Gimpy?” AJ asked

“The Imperial or the Impy which everyon shortens it too. AKA the Gimpy” I said

“Australian’s are weird” Howie whispered to Jenn

“You ain’t seen nothing yet Howie” I grinned. Taz started laughing.

“You think those fans are gone?” Nick asked trying to peer out the door

“Me and Howie will go see” Jenn said with a grin. I laughed as they walked towards the door. They turned around and nodded, giving us all the thumbs up. AJ instantly took hold of my hand. I smiled. We walked out to the van and piled in.

“Hey Taz” I said leaning over the seat infront of me to talk to her

“What?” She asked

“9 Corona’s” I sang. She laughed again and tapped Jenn on the shoulder

“9 Corona’s” She sang. Jenn cracked up and turned in her said a little. The 3 of us turned around and instantly knew what the others were thinking. We all started singing at exactly the same time.

The girl looked good to me ah good to me
She looked like Pamla Lee after
9 CORONAS!!
I began to kiss her
undid her zipper
she looked like Cladia Schiffer after
9 CORONAS!!
When I met her at the bar she said she was on baywatch
when she got into my car she looked alot like sasquatch
Bow Wow Wow Wow WAHHHH
9 CORONAS!!
She kinda looked like Mr. Spock
"Live long and prosper"
But she was Courtney Cox after
9 CORONAS!!
We were hot with passion
We were mashing after
cause she looked like Jennfer Anniston after
9 CORONAS!!
Late into the night I rode her like a Harley
In the soft candle light she looked like Grants Farley
Bow Wow Wow Wow WAHHHHHHH
9 CORONAS!!
She was fat and stcky
And kinda Stinky
But she looked like Christy Brinkley after
9 CORONAS!!
She looked like Pee Wee Herman
"Thats my name don't wear it out
But she was Uma Thurman after
9 CORONAS!!
In our 23rd position
I think I got wiplash
She was really bitchin'
Except for moustouce'
Bow Wow Wow Wow WAHHHHHH
She looked bigger than a winnebago
A winna Goat
She looked like Lisa Kudrow after
9 CORONAS!!
She was no Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford
Nothing rymes with Cindy Crawford after
9 CORONAS!!
Open up another bottle and started drinking more beer
So I can wake up next to Heather Locklear
Yeah Yeah Yeah YAHHHHH
9 Coronas x3

The 5 guys were by now pissing themselves laughing as we drove through the city to Kingsford Smith Airport. Even our driver was having a little chuckle.

“Where the hell did that come from?” AJ asked through his laughing fit

“Weird Al, 9 Coronas” Taz said.

“She was no Cindy Crawford, Cindy Crawford nothing rhymes with Cindy Crawford after 9 coronas” Nick repeated and started laughing all over again

“What other Weird Al songs you know?” Brian asked, sitting side ways to look at the 3 of us.

“Which Backstreet Boy is-“ Was as far as I got before Taz clamped her mouth over my mouth.

“Gay. We’ve heard that one. I thought it was funny considering none of us are gay” Said Kev with a grin. I laughed.

“Oh, oh” Said Taz grabbing my arm

“What?” I asked looking at her

“Bagel” She whispered. I laughed and nodded.

“Listen Jaime I’m sorry, just wanna tell you don’t worry. I ate your bagel you left on the table last night” She sang. AJ started laughing again and Nick gave her a weird look and than cracked up himself.

“And Tara I will never ever let, Adam’s touch come between the 2 of us” I sang, putting on my hand on her arm in mock love. She started laughing again.

“Who the hell is Adam?” Nick asked

“He’s a friend, back in Tamworth. Don’t worry there’s no competition. He’s gay” I said

“Kinda like most of our friends” Taz said with a nod

“Yeah. Paul, Muggy, Taj, Beudoine…” I trailed off

“They’re all gay?” Brian asked, incredulously

“Uh huh, such a waste on Paul. He was so hot” I gushed

“Yeah so’s Adam” Taz said

“Hey” Nick said, sounding hurt

“Nicky, Nicky, Nicky” I said chaking my head

“What?” He asked

“Just remember that Adam is gay” Jenn said with a nod of her head

“Yeah but” He said

“Quit whining” AJ said

“You haven’t spoken much tonight, what’s wrong?” I asked him quietly. We were sitting right in the back with Kev. I was in the middle.

“It’s stupid but I’m a little nervous about going to Tamworth” He said

“Don’t worry jay, I am too” Kev said

“Why are you nervous?” I asked with a smile

“It’s a small town, we might get recognised” Kev said

“I doubt anyone other than Krustie and Adam would know who you were” Jenn said laughing. Taz nodded in agreement

“Who’s Krustie?” AJ asked

“Krustie is this girl we know. She is so fat” I said

“Yeah, she needs to lose some weight seriously” Taz said

“I’ve seen a pic. She’s really fat” Jenn added. I could hardly contain my grin, but I managed. We arrived at the airport and got on our plane, waiting for it to take off. AJ went to sleep pretty much straight away so I went and sat with Jenn and eventually Taz joined us.

“I’ve been thinking of some lyrics, and I wanna know what you guys think” I said with a half smile

“Show us” Taz said nodding. I pulled out the slip of paper from my pocket and un folded it. The 2 girls huddled closer to read it.

You were so wonderful and you were so magical.

You made me feel so complete and you  didn’t have to compete

You  looked to me, like a star, baby don’t you know that’s what you are

 I turned to you, you were my world, why’d you have to hurt me so

It’s looks to me, like your lying, I can see it in your eyes.

Tell me why, you keep denying, where you were last night

 I was so vulnerable and I was so gullible

 I felt so stupid and I tried to find cupid

 I looked at you like a star, baby didn’t you know that’s what you are

I turned to you, you were my world, why’d you have to hurt me so

Times like these I need a friend, tell me you’ll be back again

It’s looks to me, like your lying, I can see it in your eyes.

Tell my why you keep denying, where you were last night

“That has some good potential” Jenn said nodding after she’d read it through a couple of times

“With a bit of editing and adding I think it could be one of our singles on the album” Taz agreed. I smiled, pleased they liked my stuff.

“So have we got a way to your house from the airport?” Jenn asked suddenly

“I doubt they’d have organised that. We’ll just have to get a couple of Taxi’s” I said with a shrug

“They’re gonna have a fit when they realise the airport is 2 Km’s out of town” Taz grinned. I laughed and nodded.

“I can’t wait to sleep in a decent bed” Jenn sighed

“Oh it’s gonna be so good to crawl into my bed and snuggle up with AJ” I said leaning my head back and grinning

“I know. It’s gonna be so good” Taz said

“When I wake up io gotta go grocery shopping because I doubt mum and dad would’ve left much food in the house after they left” I said

“I plan on sleeping all day. It’s gonna be so good to have a relaxtion period” Jenn said

“Yeah I doubt Nick and I will be outta bed all that long at all this week” Taz grinned.

“Neither of you are doin ANYTHING other than sleeping in my parents and my sisters bed” I said

“That’s hardly fair” Jenn said

“Eww” I cringed

“You won’t even notice. We’ll wash our own sheets” Taz piped up

“Don’t tell me ya’s are gonna root” I said laughing. One of the only flight stewadess’s came up to us and told us that we were landing and that we should go back to our seats. So I went back to AJ and belted up before shaking him awake gently.

“Jay, it’s time to get off the plane nearly” I said

“Hmm, alright” He said yawning and slowly sitting up. When the plane landed they opened the doors and we all trudged off and into the small terminal.

Chapter 12

“This is different” Kev said looking around

“Hey before we go can I grab some pics?” Brian asked

“If you’re quick. My bed is calling to me” I said. He laughed and clicked a few pictures before we moved over to the luggage corousel. We yanked all our stuff off and wearily went out to the carpark.

“Here’s our ride” Kev said pointing to the Minibus making it’s way forward

“How’d you know to get a mini bus?” I asked with a grin

“We did our homework” He replied, also grinning as the bus pulled up in front of us. We piled our stuff in the underside of it and climbed in. I raced up the back and lay across the seat, preventing anyone else from sitting on it.

“Hog” Taz grumbled and sat down near the window, Nick beside her. Jenn sat on my stomach and bounced.

“Get off” I said laughing and pushing her off. She landed on the floor and started laughing. She sat down beside Howie who’d sat towards the middle. Kev and Bri spread out and shook their heads at us. AJ pouted at me and I let him sit with me, but I was laying against him.

“I can’t wait to get in bed” Brian said

“Oh I know. It’s gonna be fucking sweet as to get a decent sleep for the first time in ages” I said rolling my eyes for effect

“Who says you’re gonna get any sleep tonight?” AJ asked

“Me. If you wanna play you’ll be sleepin with Middi” I said

“Who the heck is Middi?” Kev asked

“My Dog” I grinned. AJ pouted and I leaned up to kiss him

“God it’s good to be home” Taz said

“Smile, you’re in Tamworth” I said as we passed Westdale and into Taminda.

“So this is Tamworth?” AJ asked

“Pretty much” I said sitting up, a grin spreading across my face. I looked over at Tara to see her nearly jumping out of her seat with excitement.

“Not far now” I grinned as we turned onto Werris Creek Road and drove at a steady pace towards the Robert Street Turn off which would take us to my house. We pulled up out side and I pushed everyone away so I could get off. I went over to my car which was parked in the drive way and lay across the boot lovingly.

“I missed you Corey” I said. Taz and Jenn were laughing while the 3 guys just stared at me.

:”That’s her first and only car” Taz pointed out for their benefit

“It’s old” Nick said

“Hey not all of us are fuckin rich buddy” I said standing up and glaring at him.

“Ignore them Corey… they don’t know what it’s like” I said turning back to my car.

“I do” Kev said with a smile as he came over to me.

“This is a classic car Nick. Corolla’s are one of the best cars ever made” He said

“It’s a cute little car. But it’s just old” Nick said

“Fuck you. You’re sleeping outside” I said with a laugh. I grabbed out my house keys and went and unlocked the house before we started to get all our gear inside. We left it all in the hall way while I showed them through.

“AJ, this is where you and me are gonna be sleeping” I said pushing open my door and flicking on my light. AJ started laughing and nodded.

“I’m likin this room” He said

“I can’t see” Jenn whined. We all went in and I sat on my bed, AJ and Taz sitting with me. Taz nodded at me and grinned. I grinned back and picked up a remote control off my bed. I pressed a button and my strobe lights started flashing from my sheleves and my stereo started playing my Nirvana cd. The lights flashed in time with the music.

“Fuck me this is better than Aaron’s set up” Nick said.

“Yeah it’s cool, cost me a fortune to set up though” I said

“You can afford this but you can’t afford a car?” Brian asked me suspiciously

“Let’s just say there’s a few reasons why I left Australia and leave it at that” I half smiled, standing up and turning the stuff off.

“This is Howie and Jenn’s room, no funny business guys that’s my mum and dads bed” I said opening the door to the room near mine.

“You won’t even know” Howie piped up. I laughed and lead them down the hall.

“That’s the office, pretty boring it was too little to turn into a bedroom so we made it the office linen press, bathroom, toilet and laundry put your washing out to night if you want it done, Nick and Taz’s room, again, no funny business, it’s my sisters room, this is the family room that’s my fish tank, Kev and Bri one of you will get the sofa bed out here, that’s the kitchen this is the dining and this is the lounge room. Kev and Bri you guys decide where ya’s are gonna sleep I’m going to say hello to my dog” I said as I lead them through the house. Taz had already unlocked the back door to the entertainment area and I followed her outside.

“Hey Middi Moo dog” Taz said as my little Bitsa dog jumped on her. AJ, Nick, Jenn and Howie followed me out and Middi went crazy.

“Shh Midd, quiet” I said picking him up. He licked my arm and I laughed.

“Guys this is my little doggy Middi, Middi that’s the people who are gonna stay with us. Now sick Nick” I said putting him down. He ran around in a circle and jumped up and down. I laughed again and told them all to find a seat and sit on it. I dragged over my swag and sat on it while they all sat down on seats.

“God it’s been a long time” I said looking around at the familiar entertainment area with our old stereo and our old pot belly stove and our barbeque and all the junk up near the roller door. Kev and Brian came out and smiled at us as they too found seats.

“You have a cosy house” AJ said

“Yeah it’s awesome” I grinned

“I remember when we always used to sit out here while your parents weren’t home so you could smoke” Taz said

“Yeah and all the times we had Muggy and Pauk and Adjum here as well” I said with a laugh

“Remember that day your mum asked if Adam was my boyfriend?” She asked cracking up. I started laughing too. When I calmed down and gave a little chuckle and half smiled.

“I miss being home so much” I said. Taz gave my shoulder a pat.

“Why did you leave?” AJ asked

“A lot of reasons” I said with a shrug

“Like what?” Brian asked

“I was into some really bad shit back than, and an abusive relationship I had one of those” I said looking down

“Jai went through some tough times here” Taz said

“Anyway I say we get some sleep and in the morning I’ll get some groceries and shit like that and we can vege” I said. We went back inside and got all our bags and stuff. While AJ went into my room I helped Kev and Brian get their beds made.

“Thanks for bringing us back here Kev” I said with a smile. He pulled me into a hug and kissed for forehead.

“Anything for my favourite girls” He said. I smiled and gave him a hug.

“Sleep well. I’ll try not to wake you in the morning” I said. He smiled and I went down the hall to my room. I pushed open the door and saw AJ sitting at my desk looking thorugh a photo album in his boxer shorts. I closed the door and bent down, kissing his cheek.

“You’re a cute little girl” He said. I just smiled. I dug through my suitcase and found a pair of clean pyjama’s and stripped off, putting them on.

“Come to bed” I said to him as I lay down. He put the photo album back on the shelf and climbed over me. I turned out my lamp and rolled over to face him. In the dim light coming from my lava lamp, which he must’ve turned on, I watched his face. I was waiting for the inevitable question.

“Why did you leave Australia?” He asked

“Do you really wanna know?” I asked, trailing my finger over his chest

“Yeah” He answered

“I left because I couldn’t handle it here anymore. I was fucking up my entire life, my chances of ever becoming something” I said

“How?” Was his next question

“I stole things” I answered

“Like what? Money from shops? Magazines?” He asked

“Like TV’s, stereo’s, cars” I listed

“Cars?” He asked lifting his head and looking at me

“Mmhmm” I murmured

“What else?” He asked

“I was in an abusive relationship and he told me that if I ever left he’d track me down and kill me and than kill my friends and my family” I said

“So you went to America?” He asked

“No, not at first. I left him and moved to Sydney with my sister but he found me and he did damn near kill me. I was in hospital for 4 months and on life support for 2 of those months” I said

“Is that why you were hesitant with us all at first?” He asked. I nodded. He sat up and looked down at me. I looked back at him.

“Jaime you know that I will never ever hurt you. AT least not intentionally” He said

“I know” I said with a smile

“SO when you got out of hospital you high tailed it to America” He said

“Yeah, than found out that I was pregnant before he bashed me. I lost the baby while is was in a coma” I said

“Jesus” He said leaning against the wall. A lot of bad shit has happened to me, that’s why I might seem distant and non-commital” I said sitting up as well and shrugging

“I completely understand” He said taking my hand

“Yeah?” I asked

“Yeah… A while back… actually it was a few years when I was like 19  I had a girlfriend and we were gonna have a baby, but her father didn’t like me. She was only 17 and yeah he forced us to have the baby aborted and than beat the shit out of Karly” He said

“Yeah” I said looking away

“You haven’t given me the whole story” He said pulling me against him

“How can you tell?” I asked

“I’ve known you for a year and we’ve been really close since we first met. I can just tell” He said with a chuckle

“Well I don’t like talking about everything else that’s happened. It causes me to become really scared over nothing” I said

“Does it have something to do with these?” He asked picking up my hands and turning them over and running his thumbs along the scars on the underside of my wrists

“Yeah” I answered. He turned his own hands over and I saw the same kind of scars.

“Result of my first stay in rehab” He said

“Guess you and me are the same” I said

“Makes us twins” He said with a laugh. I chuckled and held his hands in mine.

“We should get some sleep” I said softly

“Yeah” He answered. I lay back down and he lay bside me, wrapping his arm around me and holding me tight.

“Gnite AJ” I whispered, closing my eyes

“Nite Baby” He answered and I swear I heard him mumble ‘I love you’.

Chapter 13

I woke up and looked at my clock. It was 9am. I sat up and looked down at AJ who was on his back with his arm up behind his head. I smiled and slipped out of the bed and opened my bedroom door. I quietly walked down the hall way and into the family room. I saw Kev playing with his mobile and went over, sitting down beside him.

“Mornin” I said with a yawn

“Hmm, morning” He answered smiling at me

“What are you doin up so early?” I asked

“Kris sent me a txt message” He chuckled

“Aww. You want some coffee?” I asked

“Coffee would be awesome” He grinned. I smiled and stood up again, and going into the kitchen. I got 8 mugs out but only made 2 up. When the jug was boiled I poured them out and carried them back into the family room.

“You wanna come out?” I asked nodding to the door

“Sure” He answered getting out of the bed. I Unlocked the door and he followed me out. I set the 2 coffee’s down and picked up my packet of smokes, taking one out and lighting it.

“What are you doing up so early?” He asked me with a grin

“I told myself I needed to wake up before 10 so I could get some groceries before everyone woke up wanting breakfast” I laughed

“Do you need some help with it?” He asked

“Only if you wanna come” I said with a shrug

“may as well” He said sipping his coffee.

“I was thinking that while we were here Dysfunct could do a free show at one of the pubs. A little publicity, you know?” I asked

“That’s a really good idea. Get a bit of Home support while you’re still new” He grinned. I grinned back and finished my smoke.

“How did you sleep?” I asked him

“It was a good sleep, one of the first I’ve had in a while” He said with a smile, leaning back in the chair

“I know exactly what you mean” I said with a nod.

“You know I’ve been thinking” Kev said

“Uh oh, here comes trouble” I said with a chuckle

“Haha. If you don’t want to know my idea that involves you 3 ladies then that’s fine” He said

“No, I’m sorry. Tell me” I said.

“Why don’t Backstreet and Dysfunct do a duet?” He asked

“Because Backstreet is way better than Dysfunct” I said with wide eyes

“I disagree. I think Dysfunct are great, same as I think we’re great. It’s a good idea Jai. It will get you that extra little bit of attention you need to get a deal” He said

“You’re right it’s a good idea in theory, but in reality do you honestly think people would buy our album cos you guys sing a song on it too? Sure BSB fans will and that’s awesome but the type of audience Dysfunct wants is rock” I said

“That’s all well and good but at first you take what you can get and eventually lean more towards the type of audience and fan base you want” He said. He had a good point.

“I’ll talk to the girls” I said with a smile. He smiled back and finished his coffee.

“I’m gonna go get dressed ready to go” He said

“Ok, don’t use the bathroom though cos I need a shower” I said

“Yeah I know, I could smell you before I could see you” He teased. I whacked him and laughed, going inside. He followed and went to his bag.

“You’re mean” I said before I disappeared into the hall way. I went down to my room and gently pushed open the door. I quickly grabbed my last set of clean clothes and went back into the hall. I grabbed a towel from the linen press and went into the bathroom. I had a long hot shower, my first in a long time and completely relaxed. When I got out I dressed and went back up to my room. I found AJ laying on his stomach watching my door.

“I was wondering when you were gonna come back” He murmured

“Well I was in the shower, you could’ve joined me” I teased. He chuckled and rolled on to his side. I sat beside him on the bed and ran my fingers over his side. He squirmed a little and smiled.

“Me and Kev are going grocery shopping” I said to him

“Hmm, can you wait a while for me?” He asked

“Oh I suppose if you’re quick” I said

“Ok” He said

“I’ll go make you some coffee” I said. He nodded. I stood up and blew him a kiss before going out the door. I went out to the family room and saw Kev leaning over his bag with no shirt on. I wolf whisteled quietly and he started laughing.

“Get out of my room” He said. I laughed and went into the kitchen, boiling the jug again and making AJ his coffee. He came wandering in about 15 minutes later wearing a pair of baggy jeans and a white singlet. He gulped down his coffee and grinned at both Kev and I.

“I’m ready, let’s hit the road” He said with a grin.

“You guys are gonna have to fight over who scrunches up in the back cos I have to drive” I said to them grabbing my stuff of the cupboard. Kev and AJ looked at each other and shrugged.

“Oh and umm you’ll probably both need hats and sunglasses” I added. AJ put on a pair of sunglasses and produced a hat from his pocket while Kev went over to his bag and rummaged through it for a minute before coming up with a bucket hat and his sunglasses. I laughed and quickly left a note for everyone else, knowing that Taz would realise we weren’t home and automatically look for one on the table. I took them out to my car and made sure my P Plates were on before unlocking our doors.

“You can sit in the front” AJ said to Kev

“No dawg, she’s your girlfriend. I”ll be cool” Kev said. AJ shrugged and got in, taking a minute to figure out how to shift the seat forward.

“Any one object to Nirvana as our soundtrack on today’s expedition?” I asked as I turned the car on

“No, but this feel’s very weird. I feel like I should be driving” AJ said. Kev chuckled.

“Play your cards right I’ll take you out to Dead Dog’s Point and you can have a drive” I said pushing my Nirvana cd into the cd player. I wound my window down and made sure they were both belted up before putting on my own sunglasses and backing out of the drive way. I waited for a car and then reversed onto the road and putting the car into 1^st gear as I took off and then up to 2^nd before I reached the corner, not even 50 metres from my house. I turned the corner and sped up to 60 before throwing the car into 3^rd gear from first and smiling as I shot off.

“You know… you look really hot doing that” AJ said. I glanced at him and grinned, slowing down and changing back a gear to go through the round-a-bout.

“I just need to to to the ATM” I said turning into the car park out the back of IGA

“Ok” They said

“DO you wanna come or wait here?” I asked

“Wait” Kev piped up

“I’ll come” AJ said. I smiled and left the keys in the ignition with the cd playing while I grabbed my wallet and got out. AJ grasped my hand tightly and I could tell he was nervous about something because he kept adjusting his cap.

“Calm yourself sweetheart it’s only a little shopping complex and the only people who come here are old or black” I said quietly. He laughed. I lead him up through the sliding doors and past the small derelict Café, the chemist where I needed to buy condoms, the little cheap shop run by IGA, the butcher and IGA itself plus a couple of other little shops and out the other end, turning right to go to the ATM. I let his hand go and pulled my bank card out of my wallet as AJ slipped his arms around my waist.

“You want me to look away?” He asked as I slid my card into the slot

“Whatever. You won’t find much money in this one” I said with a shrug. I got out $400 and we walked back through the shopping complex to the car park. We got back in the car and I started it up again.

“So where exactly are we?” Kev asked

“We are in South Tamworth” I answered

“And where are we going?” He asked

“Well I was gonna chuck a peelie and than come back to Woolworths to get the groceries” I said

“Chuck a what?” Asked AJ

“A Peelie. Basically drive up and down the main street” I said

“Oh” Was the reply I got. I laughed and drove towards the highway. I reached down to the cd player and skipped to Heart Shaped Box and turned it up, resting my hand on the gear stick as I drove. The car in front of me was actually doing the speed limit, so I glanced behind me and changed back a gear, switching lanes and speeding up again.

“Holy fucking jesus Jaime, you are driving me absolutely insane doing that” AJ said

“You crackin a fat cos I’m changing gears?” I asked with a chuckle. Kev was in the back cracking up

“Kev look at her” AJ said

“I can see Dawg” Kev managed to get out. AJ mumbled something that I didn’t quite understand. I turned the corner onto Bridge Street and drove over the bridges and went through the next set of traffic lights to turn right onto Peel Street. I slowed down to 40 and kept an eye out for people I knew.

“Hold the wheel for a sec” I said to AJ who looked astonished as he reached over and took hold of the wheel. I let it go and grabbed a smoke, lighting it. I offered him one and he took it.

“So this is a Peelie?” Kev asked

“Yup” I replied and leant out my window.

“ADJUM” I called out. My friend Adam looked up from where he was sitting at Gloria Jeans and waved, saying something to his friend and dropping some money on the table. I slowly crept forward. He ran over and leaned in the window, hugging me.

“Jesus Jaime what the hell are you doing back?” He asked

“Well we were in Australia for the tour so Kev shouted us all tickets back here for a week” I said. He walked beside the car as I drove slowly forwards

“Shit you’re finally on tour” He said with a grin

“Uh huh. Oh Adam, this is my boyfriend AJ McLean and that’s Kev Richardson” I said pointing to the guys

“Guys, this is Adam, the guy Taz and I were telling you about” I said. There was a quick round of hello’s before the car behind us blew the horn. Both Adam and I gave whoever it was the royal wave.

“I’ll let you go. Call me one day and we’ll catch up” He said

“Shall do, Cya Britney” I called as we walked back over to his friends. Just to piss of the person behind us I went slow again, only to receive another beep. I laughed and sped back up to 40.

“This is a quaint little town” Kev said as I once again stuck my finger up at the person behind us.

Chapter 14

That afternoon I offered to wash for everyone and regretted it as soon as they piled it all up. It was almost as tall as me.

“Fuck me” I said looking at it

“We’ll all help” Offered Jenn weakly

“We’re gonna need a whole 3 other clothes lines” I said shaking my head

“Why don’t we sort through it and get the clothes we REALLY want clean washed and than worry bout the rest another day” Nick suggested

“Well if that wasn’t the smartest suggestion you’ve ever made…” Brian trailed off, receiving a smack up the head. I laughed.

“Nick’s right everyone go through it and find what you most want washed and I’ll do it today” I said. By the time they’d all finished it the pile had halved and it looked like a regular washing pile. I sorted it out and put it into separate piles and started washing.

“Jaime” Called out Jenn from out the back.

“What?” I answered popping my head out the door

“We’re bored” Whined Kev

“Well, go somewhere?” I asked

“I don’t have my car” Taz said

“Take mine” I said

“I suck at stopping and starting in manuals, you know that and plus only 4 of them would fit” She said

“Watch a DVD, play my playstation, help me with the washing, play with the dog, sleep” I listed

“Fuck?” Asked Nick with a hopeful grin

“Sure, you can fuck, not in my sisters bed though” I said

“Can we borrow yours?” Jenn asked laughing

“Sure, go ahead. NOT” I said. They were all cracking up

“What can we do?” AJ asked

“I don’t know. Amuse yourselves” I said rolling my eyes and going back inside. A second later they were all standing around the laundry door looking at me expectantly

“What?” I said laughing

“We’re bored” They all chorused and cracked up laughing.

“Ok, let’s play a game, Taz go grab 7 sheets of paper from the office and hand them out” I said. She went down the hall and came back a minute latter and passed out the sheets of paper, keeping one for herself.

“Now you gotta find your own pens or whatever” I said as I pulled the underwear bags from the washing machine and dropping them in the spin

“What are we doing?” Jenn asked

“You guys are gonna design me a tattoo” I said

“A tattoo” AJ said

“Mmhmm. But the thing is, you all gotta sit by yourselves, not talk to anyone and you’ve got until I finish this washing to have it finished. Whoever has the best design I’ll give 100 bucks too” I said.

“Can it be anything?” Howie asked

“Uh huh” I answered. I felt like a primary school teacher. They all disappeared and I went back to the washing, piling a few loads into the washing basket before carrying it out the back. I saw Nick leaning against the house with a book under his paper, staring intently down at it.

“heya Big Boy” I called. He looked up and smiled at me

“You need some help?” He asked

“Nah I got it” I replied and started hanging stuff out.

“Where would you get your tat?” He asked

“Depends, why?” I asked

“Cos I have part of a design but it’d have to go on your lower back” He said

“That would be ok” I said. He nodded and went back to his sketch. When I was done with that stuff I went in and did the rest of it before taking it out the back and hanging that out.

“Times up” I called to everyone. They all emerged out the back where I was having a smoke and piled their sketches in front of me. I went through them all a few times, cracking up at Jenn’s and Taz’ design. Jenn’s was a bum with a ‘w’ tattooed on both bum cheeks and Taz’s was a little squiggle that she know doubt made up right before she gave it to me. AJ’s was funny. It was a stick figure pushing a lawn mower. I could only guess where it went, but I had a feeling that I was correct in my guess. Nick’s was so far winning my vote. It was a kind of black half cross thing that curved up into a  straight line that would go part way up my spine. It had lines, giving it shape and stars at each point. I was really liking that one. Kev’s looked like it was meant to be an arm band and I liked it too. It was squiggle lines with dots. Brian’s was ok too. It was the words ‘Love, Peace, Happiness’ in a circle and Howie’s paper was blank.

“Ima have to split the money between Nick’s and AJ’s cos Nick actually put some effort into it and it’s really good and AJ’s is funny” I said. Nick grinned.

“Will you actually get them done?” AJ asked

“Are you kidding me? I hate needles” I said and stood up

“Taz you wanna go get your car?” I asked as I opened the door

“Oh yeah. I love my purple people eater” She grinned

“Yous lot right here for a while?” I asked. They all nodded. Taz and I went out to my car and I drove to the storage shed where she was keeping her car. She followed me home and when we went back inside we found the 6 of them sprawled around the lounge room watching Garfield on DVD.

“AJ, can you come into my room for a sec? I gotta ask you something” I said

“Mmm, can it wait?” He asked

“Mmm, yeah. I’ll be in my room entertaining myself if anyone needs me” I said and winked at AJ before turning around and going into my room.

“AJ’s gonna get some” I heard Nick sing out as I heard AJ running towards my room

“And your not so eat shit Carter” AJ retorted before slamming my door and turning to me. I flicked on my cd player and my Blondie CD started playing, loudly but not too loud.

“What did you want?” He asked as I sat on my bed

“Jus wanna lay down and talk” I shrugged guiltily

“Awww” He pouted

“You can go and watch Garfield if you want. I’ll jus lay down for a while” I said and lay down.. He came over and crawled on top of me, kissing me gently.

“What kinda boyfriend would I be if I just let my sexy girlfriend lay down for a while?” He murmured against my lips. I chuckled and kissed him back, bringing my knees up beside him and wrapping my arms around his shoulders. I flipped us over so I was on top and sat back, straddling him. He looked up at me with his eyebrows raised

“Whatcha doin?” He asked

“Nota” I grinned

“I can see that. Why’d you stop?” He asked

“Cos I don’t wanna do it while they’re out there” I said nodding towards my door

“They won’t hear us” He said rubbing my thighs

“They might be listening” I replied

“You can’t be quiet?” He asked

“With you above me, hell no” I grinned. He grinned back and sat up. I stretched my legs out behind him and wrapped my arms around him again

“What if we just played?” He said with a wink

“Mmm, tempting” I answered

“But?” He said

“But I don’t wanna play right now” I answered. He smiled and nodded

“Well we could just lay down and talk, like you wanted to” He said

“Yeah we could” I answered. He lay back down, taking me with him. I rolled off him on to my side and ran my hands along his singlet covered chest.

“Exactly how many girls/woman/groupies/whatever have you had?” I asked out of the blue. I was even shocked at myself

“A fair few girls, a fair few women, a fair few groupies and no whatevers” He said with a laugh

“I can’t believe I asked you that” I said

“I don’t mind. What about you though? How many guys?” He asked

“4” I answered

“Only 4?” He asked

“Uh huh” I answered

“Nick and me obviously” He said

“Uh huh and Jack and Sam” I said, closing my eyes

“Would you get with Nick again?” He asked

“I dunno… if I wasn’t with you and he wasn’t with Taz, yeah probably” I said

“Would you ever have a threesome?” He asked

“Depends” I said

“On what?” He asked

“Who it was with” I answered, yawning

“Me and another girl” He said. I shook my head

“Me and another guy?” he asked

“Yeah” I replied sleepily

“Nick?” He asked

“Kev” I said

“Kev?” He asked propping himself up on his elbow

“Mmhmm… he’s a hottie” I answered

“He’s married” He pointed out

“Doesn’t mean he’s not hot” I replied, yawning again

“Who else? Other than Kev” He asked

“Nick than” I mumbled, drifting to sleep.

Chapter 15

I woke up to the sound of laughing and found myself alone. I sat up and looked out my window to see that is was dark. I yawned and stretched and closed the blinds. I slid off the bed and followed the sound of laughing to the kitchen. AJ, Kev and Brian were standing around laughing. Kev was actually in the kitchen, watching over something in a pot.

“Sleeping Beauty finally wakes up” AJ grinned at me

“Yeah, where’s everyone else?” I asked

“Taz took Nick, Jenn and D to the look out or something” Kev piped up

“Oh ok. Whatcha cookin?” I asked going over to Kev

“Mac & Cheese it was all I could find” He grinned

“Is that just for you or all 8 of us?” I asked

“All 8. There’s 4 packsets in here. I think that’ll be enough. Won’t it?” He asked

“No” I said picking up the phone and dialing Taz’s mobile number.

“Jai, cmon this isn’t exactly a good time” She answered

“Oooh, you and Nicky getting it on?” I asked

“DUH” She said

“Get some hot chips on the way home” I said

“Whatever” She said and hung up. I laughed nad put the phone back on the cradle. The timer went off and Kev turned the stove off but left it there with the lid on.

“I am so tired” I said yawning as I leaned on AJ

“Well go back to bed” He said wrapping his arms around me

“Nah, I’ll be ok” I said.

“Why don’t you tell Aje and Bri what we were talking about this morning” Kev said as they followed me outside

“What did we talk about this morning?” I asked. He laughed.

“Dysfunct and Backstreet” Kev prompted

“Oh yeah. Kev seems to think it’d be a good idea to have a Dysfunct and Backstreet Duet” I said

“That’s a brilliant idea” Bri said with a nod

“Yeah I dunno” I shrugged looking at AJ

“I like it. We could re-do like Get Another Boyfriend and release it or even Not For Me. Beautiful Woman would work too” He said. I shrugged again.

“Beautiful Woman would be ok” Kev was nodding

“I”ll talk to Jenn and Taz” I said

“What else did we talk about?” Kev asked

“I want Dysfunct to do a free show at a pub” I said

“That’s a fucking awesome idea. Local Publicity” AJ said with a grin

“Heck yeah” Bri agreed. I smiled.

“I should probably get that organised” I said.

“Give me the number to a couple of pubs and I’ll do it” Kev said

“Thanks Kevvy” I grinned. I heard Taz’s car pull up and smiled.

“Dinner’s ready” I said. The others laughed and we went back inside. Taz came in the door carrying hot chips and Nick came in wearing a vcery big smile on his face.

“Well would ya look at that. Carter got rooted” AJ said

“Hell yeah AJ, I bet you didn’t” Nick said

“We’re saving ourselves for dessert” I grinned. They all laughed.

“Jenn, Taz, Dysfunct meeting my bedroom right now. The fella’s get to serve us up dinner” I said walking towards my room.

“What’s up Chicka?” Jenn asked sitting on my bed.

“Kev pretty much begged me to bring this up with you guys. He wants us to do a duet with them” I said

“And you’re against it?” Taz asked

“Kinda. I dunno. What do you girls think?” I asked

“I think we should do it. We’ll get to do a film clip with them and you know how HOTT that will be” Jenn said

“True” I said with a grin

“We should probably discuss it after the tour, when things have settled down a little” Taz smiled

“You goin to LA with Nicky?” Jenn asked her

“Yeah, he asked me tonight at the look out when you and Howie were on the table” Taz said

“On the table?” I asked

“I was horny” She shrugged. I started laughing and held my hand up for a high five. She slapped it and grinned.

“You goin with Howie when we get back to the states?” I asked her

“he’s stayin with us. What about you. You goin to LA with Jiggity?” She asked

“Who knows? He hasn’t asked me” I said with a shrug

“He will” Taz said and shook her fist at my door. We all laughed.

“Another thing I wanted to ask you is if you wanted to do a free show at one of the pubs, so we can get a bit of local publicity” I said\

“Oh hell yes let’s do it” Taz said

“Jenn?” I asked

“Come on now, do you really need me to answer that?” She asked. I grinned.

“You chicka’s are the best” I said looking at my 2 very best friends and smiling

“You know, if it wasn’t for you 2, I would NEVER have even CONSIDERED touring with the Backstreet Boys, let alone fucking one” Jenn said

“Nicely put Jennsinful” Taz said with a laugh

“I’m serious!” She exclaimed

“I know what you mean Jenn. But honestly, if it wasn’t for Miss Jamie Cobain, neither of us would be where we are right now” Taz said

“The only reason any of us are here is because we worked fucking hard to get this position and we are going to keep working hard because as you can tell by our fella’s out there, hard work eventually pays off” I said

“Amen to that” Jenn said. I looked at Taz who was an atheist and she grinned.

“I won’t say amen, but I’ll certainly drink to that, let’s get pissed” She said

Chapter 16

We were all at the Imperial for our local free show which Kev had to pay $300 to hire the tiny stage. Jenn was sitting at a table outside with Howie psyching herself up in her own way, while Taz and Nick were dancing up a storm on the dance floor to the jukebox music. AJ, Kev and I were sitting at a table, AJ had a coke in front of him, Kev a Corona, Brian a Bourbon and Coke and me a Toohey’s Extra Dry.

“Are you nervous?” Brian asked. AJ was busily sucking on my neck

“Pretty horny right now actually” I said, closing my eyes and smiling contentedly. The 2 of them laughed. AJ slid his hand between my legs.

“Ok, enough is enough babe, you either wanna fuck me in a toilet or you leave me alone before my show” I said

“Any clean toilets around here?” He asked

“Hell no” I said. He pouted.

“No” I said again. He brought his head close to mine and I braced myself for chills.

“I want you so bad” He murmured and I definitely got the chills

“You can have me in 3 hours” I answered, planting small kisses just below his ear.. Taz came and leant up against me, panting slightly. She had 2 funky Mohawks and damn she looked good. One was on the side and the other in the middle with the other side slicked up into the middle Mohawk.

“Where’s Jenn? We go on in halfa” She said

“Halfa?” Kev asked

“Half an hour” We both said. The 4 guys looked at each other and shrugged.

“Jaime, Tara!” Taz and I both spun around at the sound of our names. I saw Charnae running up to us and grinned at Taz.

“Nae” I said. We all hugged and she peeked over Taz’s shoulder and looked at us.

“Nae, this is my boyfriend AJ McLean, Taz’s Boyfriend Nick Carter, and that’s Kev Richardson and Brian Littrell, Jenn and Howie are out the back” I said

“You’re fucking shitting me right?” She hissed to us

“She’s not shitting you” Nick said sliding his arms around Taz. I felt AJ’s hand on my shoulder and smiled.

“Guys this is our friend Charnae” Taz said. There was a round of Hello’s and Nae stood in stunned silence looking at us.

“Nae, snap out of it” Taz said gently

“Oh yeah umm. You guys know who the band is? I didn’t see anything advertised” She said

“The band is us, plus Jenn. Dysfunct” Taz said. I smiled and nodded.

“Wow cool. I’ll be a groupie” She said and snorted for no apparent reason. Taz and I both cracked up laughing and she looked at us weird but smiled.

“I saw Kristie around here some where with Adriana and Kelly and Them” She said

“Oh Krustie’s here” I said

“The fat one?” Kev asked. Charnae gave him a weird look, but Taz and I nodded.

“Yep that’s her” I said with a nod.

“Let’s go find Krustie” Taz said

“You guys stay here” I said turning to our friends. We walked to the exit, both of us searching the faces.

“We can’t be too long we start in 15 minutes” Taz said

“Yeah I know. We’ll spilt up and meet at Howie and Jenn in 5 minutes” I replied. She nodded and we both checked our watches before going separate ways. I wondered around the club, smiling at people I knew but didn’t particularly like and waving at others I knew and liked. I spotted Kelly’s red curly hair and headed over, seeing Kristie sitting at the table beside her.

“hey krustie” I said draping my arm around her should.

“Jai” She said jumping up and giving me a hug.

“Hey Chicka” I said

“What are you doin back and Tamworth? Taz here too?” She asked

“Uh huh. Dysfunct is doin a tour with the Backstreet Boys and they shouted us all a trip back home for a week” I said with a grin

“Nice. Where is she?” She asked

“Oh we split up to look for u but if go wait with another friend of ours she should be there soon” I said

“I’ll be back” She said to Kelly and Adriana and Louise. She followed me over to where Jenn and Howie were hugging and I wrapped my arms around them both.

“Oh Jenn, Howie. I love you guys so much” I cooed.

“Jai, you’re reallky stupid” Jenn said, She had a big grin on her face and I wondered why.

“Thank you” I grinned.

“Howie, Jenn this is Kristie, aka Krustie. Krustie, this is Jenn and Howie” I said

“Nice to meet you kristie, I’ve heard a lot about you” Jenn said with a grin.

“It’s lovely to meet you Kristie” Howie said, shaking her hand and giving me a look.

“The reason, D, we call her fat is because she’s so skinny” I said. Kristie laughed.

“Krustie” Taz yelled out as she ran over. When they’d said hello to each other we dragged Kristie inside to meet everyone else. I took my seat beside AJ again and sipped my beer which I’d left there.

“Oi” Taz said. They stopped their conversation and looked at her

“Krustie that is Kev, Bri, Jay with a Y and Nicky. Guys this is Krustie” She said. I was chuckling at the looks on their faces.

“I thought you were Fat” Nick blurted. Taz, Kristie and I all burst out laughing.

“The only reason they call me fat is because I’m so skinny” She explained

“Hey you guys gotta go on” Kev said looking at his watch

“I’ll go get Dranie and and everyone so we can watch you guys” Kristie said

“Jawesome” I said, feeling AJ slip his arms around me. She left and I turned around.

“You have a good show” He said kissing me gently

“I will” I smiled, sliding my hand around his neck and into the hair at the base of his neck. He smiled at me and gave me one more kiss before letting me go.

“Have a good one chicka” Bri said to me, tipping his drink to me. I grinned and grabbed my own. Kev was waiting near the stage. I tapped Taz, who was in a passionate and kinda x-rated embrace with Nick, on the shoulder and then slapped Jenn’s butt as I walked past. Jenn caught up to me and grabbed my arm.

“Guess what?” She whispered

“What?” I answered with a grin

“Howie asked me to be his girlfriend” She said, a grin spreading across her own face

“Oh that’s so good, congrats” I said giving her a hug. She grinned and did a little dance. I laughed and went over to Kev who put his arm around my shoulder.

“You’re gonna be great” He said

“Hell yeah” I agreed. He laughed.

“Have a good show and please, please, PLEASE don’t mention us being here” He said

“Kev, hun, they ain’t gonna mind” I said

“They might. I don’t wanna be signing autographs while you guys are on stage” He said

“Fine” I said and stepped up into the platform that was meant to be the stage, adjusting my t-shirt slightly and taking a swig of beer before setting it down beside my microphone. I looked over and saw Jenn and Kev laughing about something and then she came up on the small platform. Taz weaved her way through the crowd, spoke to Kev for a minute and than also came up and sat behind her drumkit. Kev went back over to the boys and sat down. I quickly checked my guitar was in tune and stepped over to Jenn.

“If You Could Only See first then Rip ‘er To Shreds” I said. She nodded. I leaned back to Taz and she leaned forward.

“If You Could Only See then Rip ‘er To Shreds” I said. She nodded and I stepped back to my place and smiled at a couple of people who were pointing at me. I looked at Jenn and she looked back. I gave a slight nod and she leaned into her mic.

“If You could only see the way she loves me then maybe you would understand why I feel this way about our love and what I must do. If you could only see how blue his eyes can be he says, when he says he loves me” She sang and I joined in with my guitar. When the Bridge was over I clicked my foot down on one of the pedals to make the guitar sound less acoustic and more electric. Taz joined in with the drums and I heard Nick go off and laughed.. She started singing the first verse as she played her bass and I noticed a couple of guys in the crowd staring at her in awe. I joined in with the chorus and  smiled at her as she stepped back to let me do the next verse.

“And you gotta take a little dirt to keep what you love” I sang and looked over to the guys.

“Ohh that’s what you gotta do” I half sang, half spoke, this time they all went off. We sang the chorus again and finished the song early, like we always had. And went straight into the Blondie song “Rip ‘er To Shreds” Which Jenn sang entirely on her own. When she was done I listened, in sheer amazement, as the small crowd went completely off.

“Bet you lot didn’t know you were getting a band tonight” Jenn said into her mic. I laughed

“Yeah this was a kind of spur of the moment thing. We got it all organised this morning actually” Taz said

“Yeah thanks Kevvy!” I said pointing to Kev who waved

“Anyways we are Dysfunct, I’m Jai, the lovely bassist is Jenn and the funky drummer is Taz, we hope you all enjoy our set that we haven’t actually planned” I said and grinned. We did another 6 songs before Taz called me and Jenn over.

“I think we should do Rockstar Baby and Forever Rebel” She whispered

“And Dedicate it to our ‘out of town friends’” Jenn said with a grin

“Let’s do it” I grinned

“You dedicate them” Taz said

“Why me?” I asked

“Because this is your band” She said. I rolled my eyes and we all got back into our positions.

“Alrighty we’ve got ourselves organised now. These next to songs we’re dedicating to our 5 out of town friends, they’re right over there, unfortunately for you people though they’re all VERY taken, so keep away or you’ll have us to answer to” I said. AJ and Nick cheered I started the introduction to Rockstar Baby and I looked over to the guys. Nick was holding AJ’s arm and straining to hear.

“Everybody’s talking and they don’t know why, it’s just a little frustrating for all them girls” I sang and Nick cheered louder than anyone we sang the chorus and I turned to Taz, nodding.

“I like the kinda guys who wanna get it on” She started singing and I mimed along and momentarily stopped my playing to ‘air hump’ when she sang ‘get it on’. AJ was screaming out something but I couldn’t make it out. Jenn sang the last verse and we finished off the song, going straight into forever rebel, which I usually sang on my own with the girls joining in on the chorus. I looked over at the guys and saw Nick singing along and waved at him. He waved back, doing the rock sign. When the song was over Jenn made asked if we wanted a break and Taz and I both ahd empty beer bottles so we said yes.

“Alright we’re gonna take a 5 minute break for 10 minutes. We’ll be back in 20” I said. Jenn laughed and hit me. I grinned and followed her off the stage. I saw Nick at the bar and hoped he was getting us drinks. Taz went over to him and Jenn made a beeline to Howie. I wandered over to AJ who slipped his arm around me.

“You know you’re an amazing performer” He said

“Hmm, yeah” I said. He laughed. Nick and Taz came over and Nick handed me a beer.

“Oh Nicky you’re my hero” I cooed. He laughed and gave everyone else their drinks.

“So how’d we do?” I asked him

“With my songs?” He asked. I nodded.

“I like the lyric change… it showed that you’re into all the copyright stuff and know the rules. Taz sounded awesome singing the second verse of Rockstar Baby” He said. Taz grinned and swigged her beer.

“You looked hot when you air humped” AJ added nudging me. I grinned. We finished off our beers and bought another before we went back on stage. We did a 3 hour show and by the end of it we were all pretty tired, not to mention drunk. We stored our gear in the Impy’s store room and caught 2 taxi’s back to my place. Needless to say, I slept very well.

Chapter 17

When I woke up the house was quite and I felt surprisingly well, didn’t even have a headache. I got up slowly, just incase, and walked through the house, looking for my friends. There were no TV’s on, no stereo’s and I couldn’t hear any grunting or squeaking. I shrugged to myself and went outside to have a cigarette and a bottle of water and found AJ and Brian in shorts laying in the sun.

“You have got to be shitting me” I said walking out to look at them. AJ smiled up at me and Brian grinned.

“Just working on my tan Daaarling” He said in his best posh Australian voice. I cracked up and turned around, going back into the entertainment area and sitting down, lighting my smoke.

“I’m just gonna ring Taz” I said grabbing the phone off the table. I don’t think they heard me because I didn’t get an answer. I dialled her mobile number and waited.

“Bonjour” She said in her ‘sexy’ French accent.

“AHh, Bonjour Monsieur, Common ca va?”

“mm Comme ci comme ca. Un petite Corné. Tu?” She asked. I started laughing and choked on my ciggie.

“J’aussi, J’aussi” I agreed, looking over at AJ. If it was at all possible I’m sure his ears would’ve pricked up. All the guys were fluent in a couple of languages, French being one of them. I heard Nick laughing in the background and grinned.

“Est-il grand?” I asked

“Ohhh tres… tres. AJ?” She asked

“Il-est grande. Il a tres grande verge. Très bien doté en effet” I said

“Can he hear you?” She asked. I looked over to AJ and saw him  with a big grin on his face.

“Oh yeah” I said

“I have you on speaker phone so everyone in my car plus Adam who’s standing outside my car heard that” She said. I laughed

“No Kevin I will NOT get on to you. You’re married” I said

“Hey” I heard AJ call out. Taz was cracking up laughing.

“What are you tossers doin?” I asked

“We’re just down town, about to go and have coffee” She said

“Where abouts? The Vault?” I asked

“Yep” She said

“Give us half an hour and we’ll meet you there” I said

“Ok” She answered. I hung up without saying goodbye and finished my smoke.

“Come on guys, we’re goin out” I said

“Where?” Brian asked

“To The Vault, which is a coffee shop, now get your booty’s into gear and let’s go” I said. AJ followed me into my room and grabbed me around the wait.

“So I have a big dick huh?” He asked pulling my back so I was right up against his chest.

“Mmm, yesm you do” I answered

“And you and Taz were just discussing that like it was part of everyday conversation?” He asked

“Well, you obviously haven’t been around Taz and I for long periods of time because for us, that IS everyday conversation” I said pulling away from him and dropping on my bed, looking up at him

“It is always a good thing for a guy to hear his girlfriend comment on the size of his, as you so nicely put it, ‘tres grand verge’” He said sitting beside me

“See, it was a good thing we were talking about that” I said. He nodded.

“Now get dressed” I said

“It’s more fun getting undressed and staying undressed” He said

“Well somehow I don’t think the people at The Vault would appreciate a nakie Backstreet Boy, well maybe Kiefer would but he’s gross” I said

“Who’s that?” He asked

“It’s Adam’s boss, he’s gay too. He’s really gross” I said

“Eww. Ok I’ll get dressed” He said I smiled and stood up, grabbing a pair of baggy denim shorts and a white singlet from my pile of clean clothes. AJ was going though his own pile. I closed the door and leaned against it, watching him.

“Jay” I said. He looked up at me and smiled.

“What?” He asked

“Why are you with me?” I asked him, sitting down on my bed and looking at him again

“Because I wanna get to know you better” He said. I smiled up at him and stood up, grabbing my clothes and my towel.

“I’m going to have a shower” I said

“Yeah I need one too” He answered

“Well come on” I said with a grin. He grinned back and grabbed his own towel and clothes, following me down the hall like a lost little puppy, hot on my heels. Bri wolf whistled at us as we went past the lounge room. AJ closed the bathroom door after us and I turned the shower on. We both undressed and I stepped in first, AJ not far behind me.

“What did you think of last night?” I asked

“You were amazing” He said as I lathered up his chest with shower gel

“AJ, tell me honestly, does Dysfunct have a chance at a record deal?” I asked

“Yes, but it will take a lot of hard work, constant touring, probably a few demo cd’s and LOTS of public exposure, good public exposure, not bad stuff” He said

“Would mentioning that I was your girlfriend help in anyway?” I asked

“Yeah, if you really wanna go that far. Maybe you should try it on your own first” He sad

“Yeah I think we should, I was just wondering” I answered and let him rinse the gel off. He turned me around and started lathering up my back and I smiled, pulling my hair out of the way.

“What’s it like?” I asked

“What’s what like?” He answered

“What’s it like to have a lot of money?” I said

“I dunno, it’s the same as not having money just a little better because you’re able to pay for stuff you would usually struggle to pay for” He said

“My family and Taz’s, we’ve never had all that much money, I mean Taz had a bit of money to spare cos she worked before we went to America. The only reason I got my ticket is cos Jenn paid for half. And she’s not all that well of either” I said

“Well you’ve got a bit of money don’t you? From touring with us?” He asked

“Yeah a bit” I answered

“So you know what it’s like to have money” He said

“I’m giving most of it to mum and dad so they can pay off the house” I said

“Once you guys do a CD and people start buying it and you’re a bit more well known around the world you’ll be raking it in” He said. I smiled. We finished off our shower and got out, drying off and dressing before we left the bathroom.

“Let’s go” I said pulling on my trucker cap and pushing it half way to the side. Brian appeared in my room and grinned.

“You to horny bastards finished now?” He asked

“Dude” AJ started

“Yes, we’re finished, let’s go” I said, grabbing my keys, wallet, mobile, smokes and sunnies. I made sure the house was locked up and they followed me out to my car.

“Shotgun” Yelled out Brian, running for the car

“Hey man, no fair” AJ answered running after him. I shook my head and unlocked the doors. They fought for a second before AJ gave up and got in the back. Brian sat proudly in the front seat.

“Alrighty, off we go” I said starting the car and putting it into reverse. The drive over was pretty uneventful, the guys had a bit of an argument over my music, it was a bit amusing. I parked next to Taz’s car in the Warehouse car park.

“How’d you know Taz was gonna park here?” AJ asked as we got out

“She always parks here” I shrugged and made sure the doors were locked.

“Are we gonna get recognised?” Brian asked

“I hope not” I said

“Why?” He asked

“Cos if you do, chances are you’ll be modded by a bunch of screaming old people” I said seriously. They both stared at me, looks of complete horror on their faces.

“Jesus, lighten up fella’s” I said bursting into laughter and sliding my arm around AJ’s waist, slipping my hand into his back pocket

“You’re evil” He growled

“Mmm, I know” I grinned. He put his arm around my shoulders and kissed my temple.

Chapter 18

When we arrived at The Vault I saw Taz, Howie, Nick, Jenn. Kev and Adam sitting at a couple of tables and lead the 2 guys over to them. Adam stood up and came around the table and wrapped his arms around me.

“Good to see ya agin” He grinned

“Oh yeah, you gonna buy me a cuppacino?” I said

“Mean while you’re the big rockstar girl now” He grumbled nodding his head

“Aww, Adjum, you know you love me” I said. He laughed and nodded

“Here” Kev said shifting his seat and pulling another table across. The 3 of us sat down and Taz automatically tossed 7 sugar satchels at me.

“Thankin ya!” I grinned at her

“What’s that about?” Kev asked looking at me

“It’s a type of ritual. Adam buys me a cuppacino and because the taste of the coffee is so bitter and not Nescafe like, I need to put 7 sugars in to drink it” I said

“Whoa, sugar rush” Nick piped up

“Yeah, jus you wait Hicky” I said. He gave me a weird look and turned back to Taz who was trying to tell him something.

“Why’d you call him hicky?” AJ asked

“Look at his neck” I grinned. He looked and started laughing. Brian saw too and was nearly on the ground pissing himself laughing. I got out my mobile and went to the Message screen. ‘Call Nick, Hicky. He has a big Hicky On his neck’ is what I typed before sending it to everyone except Nick. Instead I sent Nick a picture of a face giving the finger with the words ‘Crackwhore’ underneath it. Needless to say, there were a few laughs at our table.

“How can I help you?” Asked Bec, the waitress that Taz and I knew from Adam, who worked here.

“Flat White, Cuppacino, Hot Choclate and whatever these 6 want” Adam said. She went around the table and got their orders and went back inside. I grabbed out my smokes and lit one, reaching in front of Kev to get the Ashtray. For some reason I started humming ‘Forever Rebel’ and idea’s started popping into my head

“Holy SHIT!” I exclaimed, loudly. 8 sets of eyes fell on me.

“I need paper and I need a pen. NOW” I said. Taz and Jenn, who were used to my pen and paper demands both started ruffling through their bags. A pen was thrown at me and I picked it up, closing my eyes, trying to keep my train of thought going.

“There” Jenn said. I opened my eyes and saw her passing down her notebook. When it reached me I started scribbling short hand notes. AJ was trying to read over my shoulder but gave up not long after because my writing wasn’t very neat and no one understood my shorthand. Not even me most of the time.

“What the hell?” AJ was asking me

“Don’t talk to her” I heard Taz say. I glanced at him and smiled, before turning back to look at the page I was scribbling on. I mimed the song, tapping my other hand on the table, more ideas flooding into my mind. I turned the page when the first one was full and started scribbling again. It took my 10 and minutes and 3 pages to get all my ideas down and when I was finished I dropped the pen and sat back with a sigh.

“Jesus christ I haven’t written that much since the HSC” I said, shaking my hand which had started to get cramps.

“Ok, what was that all about?” Nick asked

“If I get ideas I need to write them down straight away” I said with a grin

“And what were your ideas?” Kev asked. He sounded genuinely interested.

“Well, I’m kind of jumping a head of myself with this one, so I don’t really wanna say anything” I said with a half smile

“Let’s hear it, come on” Howie insisted. Taz and Jenn were pouting at me

“No, guys. It might jinx us” I protested

“With us supporting you, you’re already jinxed” Brian said seriously. I laughed and leaned over, punching him gently.

“Alright, alright. I was just humming Forever Rebel and I got ideas about a film clip” I said

“Forever Rebel?” Nick asked

“Yeah” I answered

“Film clip ideas, TELL US” Jenn said, a grin spreading across her face

“Well, basically, we each drag the others along on a Rebel Tour. Each of us get to have a say in the clip. My idea was hanging over an Underpass bridge and mooning people” I said

“Oh my dear lord, only you Jai” Brian moaned. Taz, Jenn and Adam were pissing themselves laughing.

“I LOVE IT” Taz yelled out

“Would you eat it?” I asked. She started laughing harder

“Like Totally!” She managed to get out

“Why Forever Rebel?” Kev asked

“It’s our anthem” Jenn grinned

“Very fitting” AJ said. Nick smiled proudly

“I guess, with Nick’s permission you could have it as a single” Kev said

“Go ahead” Nick said

“Do you have your own songs?” Brian asked

‘”Yeah we’ve got heaps” Jenn said with a chuckle

“Why don’t you ever perform them?” He asked

“We were saving them for an album” Taz explained. I nodded.

“Good idea” AJ said with a nod

“Tell you what. When we get back to the States when we have that month off We’ll go into the studio and do a few songs for a demo cd” Kev said

“For real?” I asked

“The 3 of you are all amazing performers and I’d be VERY surprised if you didn’t get a record deal” He said. I grinned down the table at my 2 best friends and pulled Kev into a hug. All our orders came out and we sat, talking to each other and laughing about everything. When we’d all finished and people gave us dirty looks for taking up so many tables, we all Gave Adam some money and he went in to pay. When he came out we left the table and stood on the footpath, discussing what to do. Taz and I looked at each other and grinned.

“Greater” We said together

“What?” Jenn asked

“It’s their ‘hang out’” Adam answered her, with a shrug. We started walking that way, with everyone else behind us.

“I dare you to dak Adam” I whispered to her

“Ok” She said laughing

“Do it” I said

“No I’ll do it at the Greater” She said

“Ok” I answered and we both grinned and quickened our pace. When we reached the Greater Bank we sat on the seat out the front and waited until everyone else caught up. The other sat at the various other seats near us and looked at us curiously. Adam was standing up, puffing away on a cigarette. I nudged Taz and she stood up and went over to him quietly.

“What the hell?”” Adam asked as she stood behind him

“Jus giving you a hug” She said wrapping her arms around his waist. He gave me a look and I shrugged. In one motion She’d hooked her thumbs through his belt loops and yanked his pants down. I cracked up laughing and started applauding her while Adam hurriedly pulled his pants up. Taz was leaning on her knees laughing her ass off. The other were trying not to laugh. Jenn, however, was pissing herself laughing.

“Fuck you Tara” Adam said, going bright red. She laughed harder. He glared at me and started walking away. Taz was by now on the ground, still laughing. I jumped up and smiled at the guys, chasing after him. I grabbed his arm and spun him around.

“Hey, you really cranky?” I asked

“What the fuck do you think? We’re in the middle of Peel street” He said bitterly

“Come and sit with me” I said pulling him over another set of seats. He sighed and sat beside me. I got out my smokes and offered the pack to him. He took one. I lit it for him and than lit my own.

“It’s my fault. I dared her to do it. I didn’t think she would” I said

“You 2 can be so mean sometimes” he said softly

“I know” I said

“If it was at your house or mine I wouldn’t have cared. But she did it in Peel Street in front of 6 people” He said

“If it’s any consolation, I think you’ve got a big dick” I said. He half smiled.

“I’m gonna go abck to work and drink more coffee” he said

“Ok” I answered

“Tell her that I don’t hate her” he said. I could still hear her laughing

“I will” I said as we both stood up. He gave me a hug and smiled as he walked away. I jogged back to my friends and sat back down.

“He pissed?” Taz asked between her bouts of laughter

“yeah, he doesn’t hate you though” I said. She grinned and stood up, still laughing a little. She sat back down beside me and grinned at the guys and Jenn who were now laughing themselves.

Chapter 19

“I don’t wanna go back on tour” I said to AJ as we lay in my bed, talking

“Why not?” He asked, playing with my fingers

“Because I won’t be here, in Tamworth. I’m not a rockstar I don’t belong on tour” I said

“Yes you do. You’re an amazing performer and you and the girls are gonna go far in this business” He said

“I’m getting sick of the whole ‘Hotel Room’ bullshit” I said with a sigh

“You get used to it after a year or so” He murmured. I stayed silent and felt him nuzzle my cheek gently.

“We should go on a date tomorrow” he said, changing the subject completely

“For some reason, I think we skipped the ‘dating’ stage when we fucked that first time” I grinned. He laughed and gave me a quick kiss.

“I was thinking” he said

“Did it hurt?” I asked

“I’m serious. When we get back to the States I want you to come and live with me” He said

“Aje… that’s a big step” I said

“I know, but I think it’s the right one” He said back

“I don’t think Jenn and Taz will leave Wisconsin to come too” I said

“Nick is going to ask Taz and I think Howies already asked Jenn” He said

“If they go, than I will” I smiled at him. He kissed me again.

“Go to sleep” He whispered to me. I shifted myself so I was a little more comfortable and closed my eyes, falling asleep within minutes. I woke with a start, sitting up right and taking AJ’s arm with me. I was drenched in sweat and puffing so hard I was on the verge of hyperventilating.

“Jai? What’s wrong?” AJ mumbled sitting up. I couldn’t remember exactly what the nightmare was about, but I suspected it was the dream I’d had on and off for atleast 5 years. My eyes darted around the room and I couldn’t speak. He leaned over me and flicked on my lamp and I blinked, but my eyes kept darting around.

“Baby” He said I looked at him and felt a tear slide down my face.

“Hey it’s ok, it was just a nightmare” Hje said pulling me against him. We talked for half an hour before he eventually fell asleep. I slid out of bed and grabbed my pad of paper and my pen as well as my ipod and quietly crept out of my room, closing the door softly behind me. I walked down the hall way, trying to avoid the creaks and tripped over something as I walked past Kev’s bed.

“Jai?” He asked groggily

“Sorry Kev, go back to sleep” I whispered touching his foot gently. He sighed and rolled over. I quietly unlocked the door and went outside, closing it behind me and flicking on the light. I grabbed the blanket from the table that Bri and AJ were laying on and curcled up on my hammock with the pen and paper in my lap and my ipod ear phones only in one ear. I had the sudden urge to listen to the BSB song Forces Of Nature and went through the songs, reaching it after only a minute of searching. I sat with my eyes closed, taping the pen and miming along to the song. I got the familiar tingling sensation down my spine and smiled. Not many songs did that to me. I heard the door open and opened my eyes, looking up. Kev came outside, yawning.

“I’m sorry” I said to him

“Oh it’s ok, I don’t mind getting up at 4am” He said with a bit of a grin.

“You wanna lay with me?” I asked

“Sure. What are you doin?” He asked as he came and got on the hammock beside me. I covered him with the blanket and held the other ear phone up.

“Listening to Forces Of Nature” I grinned. He chuckled and put the ear phone in his ear.

“What’s the pen and paper for?” He asked

“Just in case” I said as the song started playing again.

“Just in case of what?” He asked

“I get ideas” I said laying against him

“What are you doing up so early?” He asked

“I had a nightmare and I knew I wouldn’t be able to get back to sleep, so I came out here. I didn’t mean to wake you” I said

“It’s alright” he said. As the chorus came on, both of us started singing and I chuckled a little and was suddenly hit with about 40 billion ideas all at once. I started writing them down furiously with Kev reading over my shoulder.

“Jesus Christ Jaime, you’re amazing at this” He was murmuring in my ear. I felt myself blush slightly and couldn’t help but smile.

“Thanks” I said, continuing to write. When I was done he took the book off me and started reading through my notes, nodding.

“We could do this” He said

“It’s actually a pretty silly idea” I said

“No, because we can work on it” He said

“I dunno” I said

“Pen” He said. I handed him the pen and he started adding his owns notes. I didn’t realize exactly how long we’d worked on this until the sun peeked over the hills.

“I should go in and get some breakfast ready” I said

“You want some help?” He asked as he wrote a little bit more on the paper we’d been scribbling on

“Nah it’s ok. I’m gonna go and annoy Taz and Nicky boy first” I grinned. He laughed. I got up and went inside, going towards Nick and Taz’s room. I slid open the door a little and peeked my head in, searching the floor for discarded clothes and than I looked at the bed. Taz had a tshirt on so I assumed it was safe. I slid the door open all the way and stepped in, creeping over to the bed. Nick had his arm over taz and they were snuggled up and sleeping peacefully.

“WAKE UP” I yelled jumping on the bed beside them and bouncing up and down.

“Jaime, go away” Groaned Nick

“Nope” I answered sliding under the covers and grinned.

“hey Taz” I said

“What?” She asked with a sigh

“I have a present for you” I said

“What is it?” She asked

“Hold on” I said and bit my bottom lip. I farted loudly and Taz cracked up and sat up, giving me a look. We both started laughing harder as we ripped the covers up over Nicks head and held them down.

“Oh holy jesus Jaime, what the hell have you been eating” Came his muffled voice followed my coughing and gagging. Taz gave me a high 5 and farted herself. Again we cracked up. Nick started struggling against us and we let him up. He took a deep breath and shook his head.

“You 2 are sick” He said

“But you love us anyway right?” I asked

“Not when you do that” He said. I laughed again and slid out of the bed.

“I came up with another film clip” I said, standing at the door

“To what?” Taz asked

“F.O.N” I grinned

“Oh, yeah” She said nodding

“Kev’s helping me with it right now” I said

“What’s F.O.N?” Nick asked

“Forces Of Nature” Taz and I said at the same time

“Oh ok” He said nodding.

“You too have fun now” I said closing the door part way and going into the kitchen.

Chapter 20

“AJ” I said shaking him gently

“What?” He murmured

“Kev wants to have a meeting” I said

“Oh, ok” He said and rolled onto his back

“Cmon, get up” I said tugging on his arm

“I’m up” He said

“If you don’t get up, I won’t make love to you” I whispered

“Ok I really am up” he said sitting up. I laughed and kissed his forehead.

“Come on” I said. He stood up and let me lead him out side.

“We all need to talk about some things, you 3 stay out of it, this is between me and the guys” Kev said

“The floor’s yours” Jenn said

“No, it’s Taz and Nicky’s” I said. The 2 blushed and glared at me. I grinned at them.

“Seriously. Guys, I don’t know about you but I sure as hell think that these 3 ladies have a VERY special gift” Kev said looking between Taz, Jenn and I.

“I agree” Brian said

“Yeah, you 3 are amazing” Howie said. AJ nodded and kissed my cheek, grinning proudly

“You don’t have a manager do you?” Kev asked. We all shook our heads

“I’ll do it” He said

“Kev, you can’t cos you’re way too busy with the BSB” I protested

“If we can manage ourselves and do alright I’m sure I can manage you girls” He said

“Maybe it’d be good” Jenn said to me

“I guess” I answered

“As your manager, I suggest we go into the studio for 1 month and record a Demo cd” He said

“We don’t have studio access” Taz pointed out

“You can use mine” Nick piped up

“There we go” Kev said

“I don’t think we’re ready” I said

“Oh, trust me, you’re ready” Kev said. I shrugged and looked at my 2 friends who were struggling to hold back grins

“Now for a couple of hours now, Jai and I have been workin on a film clip idea for Forces Of Nature which we’d do as a duet with Dysfunct” He said

“We’d have to get permission off the bosses first” AJ pointed out

“No trouble” Kev said

“Why are you doing this for us?” Jenn asked

“It’s not often real talent actually makes it big and we made a pact with each other that if we ever came across real talent we’d help in any way possible, to get them famous” Howie said

“God we made that pact just after we won those Grammy’s” Nick said

“We’ve never really ahd to act on it either” Howie said. AJ nodded.

“So it’s settled?” Kev asked. The 4 guys cheered and Kev stood up. I stood also and went over to him, wrapping my arms around him.

“Thanks so much Kevvy” I said

“Anytime hun” He said giving me a squeeze. I let him go and pulled Taz and jenn up.

“We’re doin this” I said

“Hell yeah” Taz grinned

“Nothin is gonna stop us” Jenn added

“no way” I said with a big grin on my face

“I want you 3 to write a list of no more than 6 songs so we can do the Demo with them” Kev said to us

“Done” Jenn grinned

“Tonight, we’re gonna celebrate” I said

“Party?” Taz asked hopefully

“Well no cos we need to catch a plane early tomorrow, I was thinking slumber party in my room” I said

“8 people won’t fit in your room” Brian said

“Wanna bet?” I asked and grinned at Taz. She started laughing.

“We’ll see tonight” Bri said. I grinned some more and turned back to my friends

“We need to figure out songs” I said

“You’re room, now” Jenn said. The 3 of us hurried inside and sat on my bed.

“Did you 2 get asked to move to LA?” Taz asked

“Yeah” Jenn and I replied

“Are you going?” She asked

“No” Jenn said straight away

“Why not?” I asked, surprised

“I just think that we’re moving too fast. I’m a bit overwhelmed by it all” She said

“If you’re not going, I’m not going. I’m not leaving you on your own” I said

“Jai, if you wanna go, you can” She said

“No way” I said. She smiled at em and we both looked at Taz

“I told him that I would go” She said

“Good on ya” I exclaimed with a big girn

“I don’t wanna leave you 2 though” She said

“Aww we’ll be fine, we’ll go back to being piss heads” Jenn grinned

“Hell yeah” I answered. Taz laughed and gave us both a hug.

“Songs” She said grabbing a scrap of paper from my floor and reaching over to my desk grabbing a pen.

“I think we should definitely do Forever Rebel” She said looking between us

“Hell yeah” I answered. We sat for a good half an hour discussing the songs we wanted and came up with a list of 6. Forever Rebel, Childish Games, Lying Eyes, American Hero, Oh Me and Australian Sunsets, American Sunrises.

“We’re done” I said after Taz had written them down

“Let’s go show Kev!” Jenn exclaimed. The 3 of us ran out the back to where Kev was on his mobile.

“What’s he doin?” I asked wrapping my arms around AJ’s neck from behind and hugging him.

“He’s talking to our managers about Forces Of Nature and about you guys” He said

“Well we have our list” Taz said holding up the piece of paper

“Can I see?” Howie asked. Taz handed him the paper and he read over it.

“Jenn told me about Childish games and American Hero but what’s Australian Sunsets, American Sunrises about?” He asked

“Jai wrote it” Jenn said nodding towards me

“I wrote part of it while we were in New York I think and the rest In Sydney. It’s about missing home and going out clubbing when we finally get home” I said

“:It’s a gorgeous song” Taz said with a nod

“Quite a mix there” Howie said

“What?” I asked, slightly confused

“Well u sing about missing home and than you sing about going clubbing. Quite a mix” He said. I shrugged and grinned before kissing AJ’s cheek. Kev hung up and smiled.

“Forces Of Nature is a go ahead we’re gonna have a meeting when we get back in the States. When we do your demo they’re going to give it priority and listen straight away and that’s about it” He said looking between us all. I let go of AJ and went over to him, giving him a big hug.

“Thanks so much Kevy” I grinned. He grinned back and held up his hand as his mobile started ringing. I went back over to AJ who pulled me onto his lap. I pecked his lips and leaned against him. When Kev hung up his face was grim.

“What’s up?” Brian asked him