Three months later....

Nothing much happened in the past three months for anyone.

VJ turned twenty, took over the business, becoming the youngest person to become the president of a big corporation. There were a lot of reporters, photographers, news people, and magazine reporters at the big event. The Backstreet Boys were also there, showing their support to their friend. VJ's father and brothers were a little hostile towards Brian because of what he did to VJ, but VJ insisted he be allowed to come. Brian and VJ were going through the "getting to know you again" stage of their relationship. They were friends and made no indication that they would be anything more until they were ready.

The Backstreet Boys' dream of being a big hit the their home country continued to come true as the months went by. They were asked to be guests on various shows, like Regis & Kathy Lee and The View, they participated in various charity events, and were presenters at award shows. Their second single, "As Long As You Love Me", shot up the charts and became big hits on radio countdowns. And even though a #1 hit still eluded them, the Boys were very happy with their success the US.

Alisha continued working in the offices for MTV. They played the Backstreet Boys video for "As Long As You Love Me" in regular rotation. She got promoted to work in the MTV studio when they started renting out a space in building on Broadway. Alisha learned a lot working around there and hoped she could get to be a part of the MTV Live crew. She like to help out there and was making a big impression on the people who ran the show. The opportunity would allow Alisha to be there to give Nicky his breakfast and she was allowed to bring him to work with her. Everyone adored him and jumped at the chance to watch him, even for just a few minutes.

BJ and AJ were busy planning their wedding. At least BJ was, while AJ was still touring around the world and putting on concerts here and there in the US. But the day that AJ and BJ planned to tell their parents they wanted to get married turned out to be a disaster....

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

BJ was having dinner with her family, since VJ was working late. Okay, she thought to herself. Just tell them. How hard could it be? Besides, they like AJ. They'll welcome him with open arms.

BJ cleared her throat. "Um, Mom, Dad, I have an announcement to make."

"What is it, dear?" her mother, Helen, asked.

"Well, as you know, AJ and I have been together for a while now, over a year, almost two. I should've told you sooner, but with school and work, I've been pretty busy. And I never really see you guys anyway, so I figure I might as well tell you now."

"So what's the big announcement?" her father, David, urged.

BJ took a deep breath. "AJ asked me to marry him and I said yes."

Both her parents looked her in shock. David even dropped his fork on the table.

"Aren't you guys happy?" BJ asked with a big smile on her face.

"You and AJ want to get married?" Helen looked at her husband, whose expression hadn't changed.

"Yeah."

"Don't you think you're a little young, BJ?" asked David, finally getting over his shock.

"Dad, I know I'm only nineteen, but it's not like we're getting married tomorrow. It'll be at least a couple years before AJ has a long break. At least one long enough to get fitted for a tux, helping search out a church, taking part in the last of the major decisions that have to be made. I'll probably be close to twenty-one by then."

"What about your other plans, sweetheart?" Helen reminded her. "Are you still planning on going to college and experiencing new things? Maybe you should wait a couple more years before making a decision that could changed your whole life."

BJ looked at her parents, stunned. "I can't believe you're saying this to me. I thought you'd be happy that I found a great guy, who loves me, to spend the rest of my life with. I thought you like AJ."

"We do, but you're too young to be talking about marriage," David insisted.

"I should've expected this," BJ said, shaking her head. "I should've known the minute that I get into a serious relationship, you wouldn't approve. Well, it's not like you can tell me what to do anymore."

With that, BJ got up from her seat at the table.

"You sit back down now, young lady," David said sternly. "We're not done dicussing this."

"Yes, we are. I love AJ and you can't tell me when I can and when I can't get married. I'm an adult now. You have no say in what I can do."

BJ walked out of the dining room, got her jacket and purse, then walked to the door. David and Helen walk over to her just as she opened the door.

"BJ, we're only looking out for you," Helen said.

"Your mother's right," agreed David. "You don't know how much longer AJ's career is going to last. It could end five years from now or it could end tomorrow. We don't want to do something you'll regret later on in life."

"How could I regret marrying the person I love, who loves me just as much, Dad?" BJ looked at him, trying to make him understand.

"He could be just interested in making sure he's got money when his career is over."

That was it for BJ. "How could you even think that about AJ?" she said, angrily. "How can you say that and claim to like him?"

She waved them off and turned to walk out the door. But her father stopped her with one comment.

"You marry him and you're on your own. I refuse to help you ruin your life."

"My life would be ruined if I allowed you to take away the most important person in my life."

Then BJ walked out, slamming the door behind her.

"David, what are we going to do?" Helen asked, concerned. "We can't let her just walk away from us like this."

"Yes, we can. She'll come back when she realizes what a big mistake she's made." Then David turned and went upstairs to his study room.

BJ's sisters were standing in the doorway of the dining room.

"Mom, is BJ going to come home?" Sarah asked.

"I don't know, Sarah," she answered, looking out the window. She watched BJ's car disappear off the property. "I don't know what's going to happen to her."

She went over and put her arms around her youngest daughters.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

"Mom?" AJ and his mom, Denise, were having dinner together.

"Yes, Alex?" she answered.

"You like BJ, right? I mean, you think she's good for me, right?"

"Yes, of course. If you're happy, then I'm happy. All I want for you is to be happy. And I like BJ very much. She a sweet, caring, beautiful girl."

"How would you feel about having her for a daughter-in-law?"

Denise looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"I asked BJ to marry me and she said yes."

"You can't be serious." But Denise saw no signs of amusement in his eyes. "Alex, you're only nineteen years old. You're still young and so is she. Granted, you'll soon be twenty, but that's still too young to be thinking about marriage."

"But, Mom, I love BJ. I want to spend the rest of my life with her."

"What about your career, huh? Have you thought about that? No, I absolutely forbid it. I will not stand by and watch you throw away your career."

"But, Mom, try to understand...."

"No, I won't allow it! End of discussion. I don't want to hear any more about it."

"Mom, if you would just listen...."

"Alex, I said no more!"

They were both quiet for the rest of the meal. As soon as AJ was finished, he excused himself and went straight to his room.