Chapter
6
A couple hours later, the phone rang in Brian's room. He had been
trying to sleep, but couldn't.
"Hello?" he said.
"Hey B-Rok! This is Johnny. Johnny No-name," AJ said, talking
in a British accent.
"Shut up, AJ," Brian said, annoyed.
"Sorry. What's up, man? My mom said it was important."
"It is," Brian said glumly.
"Well, what is it?" AJ asked impatiently.
"I just found out this morning that I have cancer," Brian
said. The tears threatened him again, but he forced them down. He really didn't
want AJ to hear him crying.
"What!?" AJ cried. "Seriously?"
"Yeah," Brian replied softly.
"Oh, no," AJ murmured, shocked. "Where are you at?"
"Orlando General," Brian replied.
"Are you okay?"
"I am for now," Brian said.
"Well, do you want me to come down there? I can be there in a few
hours if I can get a flight."
"No AJ, I don't want you to have to cancel the rest of your shows.
You can come see me when the tour's over. How many concert's do you have
left?"
"Only three," AJ said. "But Bri, I want to come
down."
"No, AJ. It's okay. My parents are here, and Nick's coming. You
come when your tour is over. I'll be fine," Brian insisted.
"Well, ok, Rok. If you say so." He paused. "I just can't
believe this is happening. Have you talked to the others yet?"
"I called Nick, but that's it. I don't have the number for Howie
and Kevin's hotel in Cancun. Do you have it?"
"Yeah, I have it. Howie called me the other day," AJ said.
"Listen, I know you must be tired. It's gotta be about 11:30 there. Why
don't you let me call them. That way you can get some sleep."
"Ok, AJ. Thank you," Brian said gratefully. "I'm just
sick and tired of telling people. I had to call my parents this morning, then I
tried you, then Nick, and then Leigh. I'm exhausted."
"I bet," AJ said sympathetically. "Well, I'll let you go
now. You get some rest, and take care. How 'bout I call you tomorrow, ok?"
"Sure, Bone," Brian said. "That'd be great."
"Ok then. See ya, Brian."
"Good-bye, AJ." They hung up. Brian lay back against his
pillows and tried to sleep.
***
