Note to the reader: This takes place after the story I’m currently writing. (Nothing Is Chance).
Yes, I am still writing it. This story randomly popped into my head so I decided to write it down.
Not as thought out as N.I.C., but that’s okay. It was still fun to write. Please email me and let me
know what you think of this one.
I was on my way to work Friday evening and I was more excited than usual. I loved working at
my small town’s movie theater. I planned on being a producer someday so this was the perfect
job for me. I was assistant manager so that meant handling film reels, some of the paperwork,
and of course seeing as many free movies as I wanted.
This was only a part time job since I was still in high school. I was a senior and loving every
minute of it.
Today was going to be special because my favorite group, the Backstreet Boys, were coming to
sign autographs from 7pm to 9pm. It was the opening night for a new movie that featured the
group’s newest single. The Backstreet Boys held a contest around the country to pick one movie
theater to sign autographs in. I felt so lucky to work at the one that won.
Since I was the one who’s idea it was to enter them into the contest, I got to play a big part in
what was going on.
I was nervous and excited at the same time. Obviously I was excited because I was going to
meet and hang out with the BSB, especially Brian. On the other hand I had a lot of responsibility
on my shoulders tonight. Everything had to go on schedule and I was one of the one’s who had
to keep things flowing smoothly.
My other concern was the mass crowds that were going to be there. All the local radio stations
had been talking about it for the past two weeks and Maggie knew it was going to be crazy. I
was pretty confident that nothing would go wrong because local police were cruising the area and
many were going to be present inside the theater. Not to mention that everyone was on staff
tonight.
I pulled into the back parking lot of the theater at 3:45pm, 15 minutes before my shift started.
There was going to be a lot of setting up to do before the Boys got there at 6:30pm.
I saw my best friend, Miranda, sitting in her silver Nissan, waiting for me. Miranda’s shift started
at 4pm along with mine.
“Did you see the parking lot, Maggie?!” exclaimed Miranda, excitedly.
“Yeah, this is going to be one crazy night!” I said, nodding.
“So, what time do they get here again?” asked Miranda.
“Randa! You’re supposed to remember these things. 6:30. And the autograph signing starts at
7:00.” I scolded.
“No, that is your job, Boss.” said Miranda using the nickname she knew I didn’t like. We both
had been working at the theater for about a year and a half, but I was the only one who had
moved up to assistant manager. Usually high schoolers didn’t hold management positions, but I
was responsible and did a great job (according to my manager). At first Miranda was a little
miffed, but she realized that I put way more into this job then she did. I still felt bad about it and
it bothered me to have to boss Miranda around. When I told Miranda that, Miranda started
calling me “Boss” as a joke. When it came down to it, Miranda really respected what I said and
did her job without really hassling me.
“Don’t call me that.” I muttered.
They walked into the building and I went to find her manager. Alan, the manager of the theater,
was running around trying to do fifteen different things at once. When he saw Randa and I walk
in together he grinned and then hollered, “Maggie, get over here!”
I rushed over and had to try to keep from laughing at the expression on Alan’s face. He was
sweating and was bright red. He looked totally frenzied.
“Maggie, sh- , sorry! Whoooo! I’m glad you are here. Okay this is your job for tonight: The
Backstreet Boys are going to arrive in a limo at about 6:45 in front of the theater. I need ropes
set up on both sides going into the theater as if there were a red carpet on the ground. Ya know
what I mean?” He stopped.
I nodded as I was rushing to write everything down.
“Good girl. Okay, there are going to be a ton of reporters here, not to mention, the whole
teenage population of this town and who knows what others around us. I need two long tables
set up in the lobby for them to sign autographs. Uh, don’t forget chairs for them to sit on. Make
sure that the employees are doing their jobs and not just hangin’ around watching all this. The
theaters still need to be cleaned between shows, concessions need to be fully staffed, etc. etc.
You personally will show them to the back office. And make sure this is stuff for them to drink
and eat and get them whatever they want. Stay with them all night okay? Any questions, ask me.
Go on!” he turned and headed towards his office. I turned and headed towards the main lobby
when I heard my name.
“Hey Maggie! Good luck tonight. Have fun!” Alan called. He winked at me, knowing how much
I love the BSB. He was a great manager and I loved working for him.
Once in the lobby I began doling out orders.
“Hey, Maggie! Are the letters for this banner dark enough?”
“Maggie, where are the pictures that the BSB sent us for them to sign? Aren’t they supposed to
be on the table, ready for them?”
“Boss, I need a key on the register!”
“Mag! The rope is too short!! Do we have any more ropes?”
Finally at 6:30 everything was ready and set up. I called everyone together that wasn’t already
watching the crowds or doing the concessions or tickets.
“I just wanted to say thank you to all of you for getting everything done and being so
cooperative. They are going to be here in 15 minutes. Remember your duties and if there is a
problem let me know. Alan is going to be busy with the Boys’ manager and all that good stuff.
Okay, guys have fun!”
Everyone broke up and went to their places. Miranda slipped by me and whispered “Good luck,
Boss!”
The lobby was completely jam packed with teenagers. Mostly junior high and high school aged.
They were talking loudly and getting louder by the minute. I walked out to the sidewalk where
the limo would be pulling up any minute. My stomach was jumping around like crazy. There
were bright lights set up and several big speakers attached to a microphone that I was clutching
nervously. I watched the entrance and at 10 till 7pm a black stretch limo drove into the parking
lot. The crowd broke out into screams and cheers.
It pulled up to the sidewalk and came to a stop at the curb. Police were standing by the ropes
and sidewalks. Screaming girls were all squashed together behind the ropes, reaching their arms
into the aisle where the BSB would soon be walking. The door opened and one by one five large
body guards emerged from the limo. The waited patiently for the boys to follow. The screams
grew louder as a blonde head poked out. It was Nick, flashing a huge grin. He jumped out and
waved to everyone. He was followed by Brian, AJ, Howie, and Kevin. Flashbulbs went off and
microphones were thrust out. The Boys stood by the door of the limo to pose for a few pictures.
That was my cue.
“The Mainplace Theater would like to welcome the Backstreet Boys! Nick, Brian, AJ, Howie,
and Kevin!” I shouted into my microphone. I was relieved that I didn’t mess it up.
The crowd went crazy again. The BSB were ushered in and walked between the bodyguards
into the building. They were told in advance that I would be showing them where to go. The
guards with the help of police cleared a path for the group to get through. I led them to the office
and shut the door. It wasn’t very big so we were a little cramped.
“Okay...” I said breathlessly. “Wow. I can’t believe I am meeting you guys! My name is Maggie
and I am the one who gets to see to your every need. I can’t thank you all enough for being
here. I love you guys to death.” I was pretty nervous now.
Brian spoke first. “It’s great to be here, and great to meet you Maggie.” he smiled at me and my
heart melted.
“So are you in charge of this?” asked Nick.
I nodded. “Well, sort of. Just in charge of getting you guys what you need and stuff and keeping
things smooth.”
“Well so far so good.” complimented Kevin.
I smiled. “Are you guys ready?”
AJ spoke up in his coarse voice. “Lead the way, beautiful!”
I blushed and heard Howie say, “AJ quit flirting with the poor girl! She’s got enough to worry
about with out you!”
“Besides, I saw the way she looked at Brian, AJ. Looks like you don’t stand a chance!” added
Nick, much to my embarrassment. Was it that obvious?
By 7:15 they were sitting at the tables, happily signing pictures, CDs, posters, and even tee
shirts. I was hovering by the table watching the crowd. Some of the girls were really young, but
they got as old as college age. I was talking fans, not moms. The fans were still pretty loud and
some were even crying. I guess the emotional level was high in the room for some of these girls
whose life dreams were to meet the Boys. I found myself watching Brian the most. He was so
cordial and friendly to all of his fans. His grin was so big. Within the next hour I had brought
water and pops to all of the guys. The only problem was that they were running out of pictures
to sign.
“I can run out to your limo and get them if you want.” I whispered to Brian.
“I think I‘ll come too. I have to go to the bathroom.” he whispered back.
“Me too.” Chimed in AJ.
“What about a bodyguard?” I asked.
“Well, the limo is out back right? No one will expect us to go out there now since we still have
lots of time to sign. We should be fine.” said AJ, thoughtfully.
I nodded.
Brian spoke up. “We’ll be right back folks. We’re just going to go to the back a minute.”
The fans started pleading with him and AJ not to go, but he reassured them they would be right
back. I had purposely set the tables up in front of a doorway that led into the back hallway of the
theater. There were employee bathrooms and a door that led to that back parking lot.
I told the plan to Miranda through my walkie talkie and asked her if it was all clear back there. A
few minutes later she confirmed it. AJ got up first and blew everyone a kiss, I followed him, and
Brian went last. We walked down the quiet hallway.
“Wow, I’m getting a headache.” said Brian.
“Me too.” Agreed AJ.
“Me three.” I added and they laughed.
I led them to the bathrooms and they went inside. I waited out front and sighed. So far
everything was going good, but it made me nervous that there weren’t any bodyguards with us.
When they came out of the bathroom we started walking towards the back doors. Brian caught
me looking at him (making me blush again!) and struck up a conversation with me.
“So do you like working here?” he asked.
“Yeah, except tonight.” I said with a laugh. AJ laughed too.
“Actually, I am having more fun than I have ever had in my life. I’m just afraid I am going to
screw up. I don’t know how I let them talk me into being in charge of this.”
“Well, you are doing great. So you like the Backstreet Boys huh?” Brian teased.
“Oh, I love you guys. Not just cause you are all hot, but because you sing great and work so
hard and are great people.” I blurted without thinking. Did I just say they are all hot outloud?!
“So, who’s your favorite?” asked AJ, knowing full well what my answer was going to be.
I shot him dagger eyes and mumbled “Brmphmpsh.”
He laughed. Brian, totally oblivious, asked me again.
“C’mon, Maggie, who is it? Nick?” he grinned at me again.
“You.” I mumbled. I must have been scarlet.
Brian blushed and said, “Awww really?”
“What? He’s such a dork though!” smirked AJ. He knew exactly what he was doing.
I shook my head vigorously. “No he’s not!”
“Oh yes he his! For example, this morning he came out of the hotel room with his shirt on inside
out and one sock was blue and the other one was green!” said AJ. “Then we were walking down
the hallway and he tripped over his own feet and fell flat on his face. I laughed at him and he
tried to punch me. He’s horrible!” AJ was trying not to laugh, but I didn’t notice that. I was too
busy defending him.
“Yeah, right! I don’t believe you. He is absolutely gorgeous and he still would be even if he were
wearing messed up clothes! And he is too sweet to ever try to hit someone.” I shot back.
Neither one of them said anything and I looked over at them. AJ was suppressing a laugh and
Brian was just watching me amused. Then it sunk in.
“AJ! You rat! You did that on purpose! Oh my gosh I am so embarrassed!” I said laughing. That
did it. AJ was roaring and Brian was laughing too.
“You aren’t mad are you?” AJ asked.
I shook my head, still laughing.
We had made it to the door by this time and I opened the door and peered out. No one was out
there.
“Coast is clear.” I said.
We walked out to the limo and got some more pictures that were on one of the seats in a folder.
Brian shut the door and we turned around to head back into the theater. We made it about
halfway when suddenly a huge screaming mob of girls came running around the corner of the
building.
“We’re in trouble! Run!” yelled AJ.
Brian grabbed my hand and we took off toward the back door. AJ made it first and threw it
open. He was standing on the inside of it, holding it open, when the mob surrounded us. They
pushed around the side of the door and blocked Brian and I from getting in. The girls were
screaming hysterically and a grabbing at us. I know they were trying to reach Brian, but I felt
tugs on my clothes and hair.
“We need to get them away from Brian.” AJ yelled in my ear. I could hardly hear him above the
deafening screeches. “He is kind of claustrophobic and this isn’t good for him. It’s going to put
too much stress on his heart.”
Then Brian and I started getting pushed back towards the parking lot, but AJ was pinned to the
door. I could barely hear Brian pleading with the sea of girls to let him through. The mob only
encircled us tighter.
I tried to look over at him and saw that he was starting to panic. The girls were ripping away at
his jacket and shirt. Someone even had a handful of his hair and it was still attached to his head!
His pleading was getting softer and softer and that scared me. I thought he was going to pass out.
I grabbed my walkie talkie and screamed into it for help. It was knocked out of my hand before I
could even get all the words out. I looked at Brian. He was at the mercy of the fans who were
unknowingly hurting him. Another arm grabbed at him and he cried out in pain. I felt a sudden
rush of adrenaline and threw myself at Brian. We both crashed into the ground. He was under
me and I wrapped my arms around him and tried to use my small frame to cover him.
People were grabbing at me and pulling my hair. Trying to get me off of him I guess. The crowd
was like a pack of wolves tearing away at us. I tried to ignore the pain of peoples nails and feet.
Brian whimpered under me. Then I’m not sure what happened next. I felt a sharp pain in my
head and then everything went black.
***********************************************
I woke up with one of the worst headaches I have ever felt. My eyes opened and I tried to turn
my head. That was a mistake.
“Ohhhh...” I moaned.
“Hey, she’s awake!” Came a voice.
“Shhh. Don’t try to move too much.” said another that sounded like my mom.
I blinked a few time to clear my vision. I was in what looked like a hospital room. My mom was
standing at the foot of the bed looking down at me.
“What happened?” I whispered. Even that made my head pound with fury.
“Do you remember anything?” asked my mom anxiously.
I thought a moment. All in one big rush everything came back to me. Going to the limo, the mob
of girls, me trying to protect Brian. Oh my gosh! Brian!
“Brian?!” I said it out loud this time.
“I’m here.” I felt a warm hand slip into mine. “Thanks to you.”
I turned my head slowly to the left and there he was, sitting in a chair next to me. I smiled with
relief. He looked awful though. His face was a mess of cuts and he looked exhausted.
“You probably saved him.” Came a third voice. Leaning against the wall behind Brian was AJ.
He didn’t look a whole lot better, but he did look little better than Brian. “Those girls nearly
trampled both of you. We aren’t sure what exactly happened, but someone pushed into someone
else and you got kicked in the head.”
“That is why you are here, honey.” My mom broke in. “You had a moderate concussion and a
few scrapes and bruises. They want to keep you in here for observation until sometime this
evening to make sure everything is okay.”
“If you weren’t covering up Brian, who knows what might have happened. In the condition he
was in that was a dangerous situation. You handled it perfectly.” Continued AJ.
“I’m sorry I just fell apart like that. I don’t even know what happened. I felt like I was in a box
and couldn’t breathe. I should have been trying to protect you, but you were the one that saved
me.” said Brian. He hung his head.
“Brian, don’t for one minute be sorry. First of all, those girls weren’t after me. They were after
you. Second of all I don’t have my heart to worry about like you do. And third of all, you are
most definitely worth it.” I grinned at him to show him I meant it.
He smiled back. “Well, if it makes you feel any better someone stepped on my ankle and broke
it.” He held his casted leg up in the air for me to see.
He let me be the first to sign it. For the rest of the evening in the hospital the Backstreet Boys
stayed with me and kept me entertained. Miranda came up for awhile too. We all had a blast
singing their songs and listening to road stories.
At 6:00 the news came on. Nobody paid much attention until Nick exclaimed, “Hey Maggie!
You’re on TV!” We turned up the volume.
“Tonight’s top story: An Unlikely Bodyguard. What almost became a potential tragedy tonight at
a small town movie theater ended with only a few injuries. The famous pop group, the
Backstreet Boys, visited the town’s movie theater to sign autographs when two of the band’s
group members went to their limo to get some more pictures to sign autographs with. A small
mob of screaming, hysterical girls surrounded AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, and the theater’s
assistant manager, Maggie Carson.
The mob got out of hand quickly and overwhelmed the three. McLean managed to get inside
the theater and ran for help. Littrell and Carson were not so lucky. Due to Littrell’s recent heart
condition, he was in great danger. Maggie Carson heroically threw herself on top of Littrell to
protect him. McLean and Littrell escaped with bruises and Littrell a broken ankle. Carson is
being held in a local hospital for a concussion and bruises. She is said to be released tonight.
Now for...
***********************************************
Epilogue: From that day on the Backstreet Boys always kept in touch with Maggie Carson.
Especially Brian. He never forgot that one fan that cared so much about him that she threw
herself in harms way to protect him. Maggie was surprised to hear the first hit single of the BSB
fourth album on the radio one day. It was called “Unlikely Bodyguard.” 
