“Bone, what’s wrong?” Kevin asked after Brian.

AJ looked up from the ground, “That was too hard.”

“What was?” Howie asked.

“You were doing great.” Nick added trying to convince his friend.

“No, you don’t understand. I’ve danced with the same person for the past ten years, and I can’t let anyone replace her. It’s just not that easy.” AJ answered looking back down at the floor, “I miss her so much.”

“AJ, I totally understand where you’re coming from. I mean I haven’t lost Kristin, but if I had been dancing with her for ten years and all of a sudden someone has to take her place. I don’t know if I would be able to handle it either.” Kevin answered.

“Guys, can I just be alone please. I have a lot I have to think about.” AJ said looking up, “Like if I should stay or not.”

“AJ, you should stay. Roxanne did tell you that remember. But, we respect your space.” Nick said, “Come on guys.”

The guys and Kristin walked out of the TV room, and into the kitchen area.

AJ sat on the couch, thinking about everything that was going on.

“I don’t know what to do. I wanna stay, but it’s so hard.” He kept repeating over and over.

“AJ, I thought I told you not to worry.”

“Roxanne.” AJ said as he lifted his head out of his hands.

“Yes, AJ.” She said.

“What are you doing here?” he asked.

“I came to tell you, you need to stay with the guys. You’ll do fine. Just don’t think about us dancing to these songs, and having fun. Think about the show you need to put on for your fans.” Roxanne answered, “You need to give your fans what they expect.”

“They expect me to be happy, and having the time of my life.” AJ paused, “I can’t do that though, the time of my life was taken away and it’s just so hard.”

AJ could see her; she was just like he remembered her. He felt her sitting close to him.

“AJ, you’re going to make this harder than it should be. You can do this, if you just try.” Roxanne added, “I’ve told you many times, that everyone is here to help you, and don’t worry about anything. It’s all taken care of.”

“I know, you keep telling me that, but it never seems to work like you say it will.”

“AJ, just go out there tomorrow night, and perform like you would if I was there with you…because I will be.” Roxanne said, “I have to go now.”

He felt her put her hand to his cheek, “I love you Alex.”

“I love you, too.” He said as she slowly disappeared.

AJ slowly got up off the couch after sitting there for a minute or two, and was going to get in his bunk.

“Bone, are you O.K.?” Kevin asked.

“Yeah, I think so.” He answered.

“Are you going to stay with us?” Nick asked.

Brian hit him on the arm, “Don’t push him.” He whispered.

“It’s alright Rok. Yes I am staying.” He answered as he stopped before going into his bunk, “She talked me into it.”

“Well I’m glad you’re staying with us. I mean it wouldn’t be the same with out ‘The Bone’ now would it?” Howie said as he stood up stretching his arms, “Well guys I’m off to bed.”

Howie patted AJ on the back before each of them hopped into their bunks on separate sides of the bus.

***************

“You can do this AJ. Just do what Rox told you, and you’ll do fine.” He said to himself as they got ready to go onstage.

“Ready Bone?” Brian asked as he walked towards the stage.

“Yup.” AJ answered as he felt a hand tapping him on the shoulder. He turned around and saw her standing there.

“I told you I would be here with you. Now go out and have a great show! I’m watchin baby.” She said.

AJ gave a smile, and each of the boys thought it was just an AJ smile, but little did they know that she was there with them.

****************

“…Nights of light so soon become, Wild and free I can feel the sun. You’re every wish will be done they tell me. Show me the meaning of being lonely. Is this the feeling I need to walk with? Tell me why I can’t be there where you are. There’s something missing in my heart…”

AJ sang his heart out to the crowd of screaming fans. He smiled as he finished every phrase.

It was time to go dance with the dancers, he knew she was there watching him. He made every move great.

***************

“Man AJ, whatever she told you…it worked. You were awesome. I think you made a huge improvement from last night.” Nick said.

“Thanks, buddy. You’re making me feel like I was horrible last night.” AJ said as they all got on the bus after doing the show.

“No, you were good last night, but you could tell something was wrong with you.” Nick said, “But you were great tonight.”

Brian laughed, “Yeah last night you were barely AJ. I mean you didn’t live up to your ‘Bone’ name. I think I could count the number of pelvic thrusts you did last night, and how many times you lifted your shirt. Tonight I lost count within the first couple songs.”

“What can I say…the Bones back!” AJ laughed.