Abigail spent over an hour on the phone with Dr. Steep that morning and he talked her through everything that she was experiencing. He explained that severe mood swings were one of the unfortunate symptoms she would experience with post-traumatic stress disorder. He assured her that as the anti depressant started to work, a lot of the unpleasant things she was experiencing would start to subside. She hated the thought that she needed drugs to control her mood. To her it seemed like they were just masking the problem.

Kevin spent a few minutes on the phone with Dr. Steep as well, getting some tips on how to deal with her mood swings. Kevin would have to remain firm with Abigail and try to make her see that she could take control of her behavior again. Kevin wasn’t sure how he would deal with another mood swing considering it hadn’t taken much for him to loose his temper with her earlier that morning, but he was determined to do whatever was necessary to help Abigail move on.

To any one looking in from the outside, they would have no idea that Abigail was suffering from panic attacks and mood swings as they were shopping that afternoon. Abigail needed a little normalcy and Kevin thought shopping was a great idea when she suggested it. He took the opportunity to shower Abigail with attention and spoil her rotten.

Unfortunately, Brian became upset when they arrived back at the hotel that afternoon. For someone that was in no shape to leave the hotel just a few short hours ago, she looked fine to him now. He confronted Kevin later that day at the venue during a rare moment when Abigail wasn’t surgically attached to Kevin. . “Abigail sure seemed fine this afternoon.” Brian said with a hint of sarcasm.

“Don’t start Brian.” Kevin warned. He was in a great mood after his afternoon shopping with Abigail, and he wasn’t going to let Brian ruin it.

“What are we supposed to think Kevin? Maybe you’re just dodging your responsibilities and using Abigail as an excuse.” Brian said in an accusatory tone.

Something exploded within Kevin when he heard Brian’s words. “I’m going to forget you said that. You know I’m more dedicated to this group than most of you put together. How dare you say something like that?” Kevin said. He couldn’t believe that his own cousin was questioning his loyalty and commitment to the group.

“I knew bringing Abigail with us would be a mistake.” Brian said as he turned to walk away.

Kevin’s patience had all ready been tested once that day, and he didn’t have the self-control to deal with Brian’s negative attitude. He grabbed Brian by the arm and said, “You have no right to say anything about my situation with Abigail until you’ve watched the woman you love be kidnapped and then struggle with panic attacks and severe mood swings that she can’t control due to a chemical imbalance brought on by everything she has been through. So back off! You have no idea what we are going through.”

“She needs to move on Kevin or she’s never going to get over this. She’s milking this for all it’s worth, can’t you see that?” Brian said, pushing Kevin even further.

“Brian, you have no idea, so just leave us alone. I have enough to deal with without having to deal with your negativity. Just give us some space.” Kevin said as he walked away from Brian, feeling hurt that his own cousin would be full of so many doubts. He had always been so supportive in the past.

Abigail couldn’t help but over hear what Brian and Kevin were talking about as she slipped into the dressing room. She left the room as quickly as she entered and wandered into the backstage area where she could be left alone. There were lots of people rushing around making last minute preparations for that night’s show, so she figured that no one would notice her if she sat down on one of the trunks that was out of the way. She was startled when someone sat down beside her and spoke.

“I hear you’ve been having a lot of problems lately?” the large man said that had sit down beside her.

“I came down here to be alone if you don’t mind. I don’t really feel like talking.” Abigail said. She had never spoken to any of the stage crew before and she wasn’t about to bear her soul to one now.

“I just thought you might like something to make you feel better. Make you feel a little more in control.” The man said, hoping to catch Abigail’s attention.

“Thanks, but I’m all ready getting some help.” Abigail replied.

“Aw, but this stuff will make you feel better now as opposed to later. No more bad moods and fears. This will take all your cares away.” The man assured as he held out 2 little white pills.

“I need to face my fears face on, not take something to mask it all. That will just cause more problems in the end.” Abigail said, as she studied the two white pills. That was when she felt herself loosing control again and she started to wonder if a few of them would really do any harm, just until the anti-depressants started to work, she promised herself.

“You sure look like you’re thinking about it though.” The man said, not willing to give up.

“Will anyone be able to tell that I took something?” Abigail asked, as the unknown continued to take over. She was able to identify that it was the wrong thing to do, but again she couldn’t stop herself from inquiring further. “Kevin can’t know that I took something.” Abigail added.

“They won’t suspect a thing honey.” The man replied as he nudged her and held his hand closer to her. When she didn’t respond, he said, “Come on, you know you want to convince them that there is nothing wrong with you. I guarantee this will work.”

“Do I take both of them?” Abigail asked as she quickly grabbed the two white pills.

“One should do the trick. Give them a try. There’s more where they came from.” The man said as he got up and walked away. He laughed as he made his way through the backstage area. The Backstreet Boys really needed to increase their security. He couldn’t believe how easy it was to walk into the backstage area. He had been questioned a couple of times and he said he worked for the venue. Frank would be pleased to know that he could still get to Alison. He was determined to bring her down, and he was one step closer. He was just out to scare Kevin and Abigail this time, but the next time they weren’t going to be so lucky.