Thanks

When I started this story, I had read very, very few fan fiction pieces. I knew that I liked the Backstreet Boys and that I liked to write, and I knew that I wanted to have a story in which a sarcastic best friend turned Nick around. However, I can tell you right now that the story I started is EXTREMELY different from the one on the site today.

I rewrote this story numerous times before I ever posted it, and I continued to rewrite the plot in my head as the chapters continued to come. Alli's future with Nick has changed many times over the course of the past year, as has my own future, but I can honestly say that I'm happy with the way things turned out. I'd like to think that they are too. However, as always, the end of this story is the result of a lot of encouragement from various people, and I'd like to take a moment to thank them for everything they've done for me.

47 chapters. 400 pages. 20 characters.

If you read this story, and if you're reading this right now, congratulations. The first in a long line of thank you's goes out to you. :) You ARE the reason I finished this story. And now, to the people that know me for more than Alli...

Amy ~ chica, I owe you BIG for this story, and I know you know what I mean. Without your encouragement, Alli and Nick and their tale would've never been posted, and without your ability to stay up with me into the wee hours of the morning, Alli's infamous breakdown chapter never would've been written. Thanks so much for everything you've done for me, not only as a fellow writer, but also as a friend. :) You're one of the most incredible people I've ever met, and I know that you'll help musicians change the world one day. :) "Music of Her Heart" was a beautiful story...but if I know you, you'll be giving Amy a run for her money before you know it. I just hope we continue to stay in touch so that I can watch you make the world smile. :)

Brit and J, my best friends ~ you two are the ONLY people on this list and reading these stories that know me outside of this Backstreet craziness, and your support in this endeavor means more to me than you will EVER know. This semester was ridiculous for me, but thank you SO much for sticking by me and letting me get comfortable in my own shoes again. Thanks for the late-night talks, the cheerful feedback, and the ever-present kindness. J, your feedback and your smiles have been more than awesome. Brit, your last pep talk is the reason this story was posted tonight. Thank you both for giving me a swift kick in the butt when I needed it and a shoulder to cry on when the occasion called. You two are the best friends a girl could ask for, and I hope you know just how special you are to me. :)

Sam and Rachel ~ you both were the drive behind this story. :) With every email, I got fired up to write, and countless updates were the fruits of your labor. I miss talking to you both, but I hope you still know how awesome you are. :) You guys have been there from day one, and I'm SO glad that you've stuck around to see the story through. :)

Kimmy, Jess, Darby, Sandra, Ebony, and Veronica ~ my writer friends. :) Meeting you ladies has definitely been one of the finer points of making this little site of mine, and I'm proud to know you all. I'm even happier when I notice updates, lol. Thanks for the emails and the encouragement...I just hope you all know how incredible YOU are. :) We're all the better for what you've shared with us.

Daphne, Amanda, Luvia, and Colt ~ the people who I continue to write back and forth with. :) Thanks for your extensive feedback and your continued encouragement. Also, thanks for letting me get to know you people. :) You're all tons more than wonderful for responding to my ramblings...hope you know it. :)

Marisa, Praajya, Erin, Melissa, Stephanie, Astrid, Alyssa, Noelle, Xiomy, Sarah, Em, Amber, Jennifer, Rae, Ducky, Ann, Joanna, Lynsey, and all of the nameless email addresses that ever sent me feedback, lol. :) (I know for a FACT that I got all of your names down, because I make sure to save all of my messages. THAT'S how important I think you guys are!) THANK YOU for writing me, regardless of whether or not you knew me, to tell me what you thought of the story. All of the wonderful messages, be they one page or one sentence, made me giggle and smile and do all kinds of wonderful girly things. :) I appreciate the fact that all of you took the time out of your day to not only read my ramblings, but to let me know that you enjoyed my ramblings. :) You're all awesome just for writing. :) And, for those who wrote recently, you WILL get a reply. I'm working on the inbox. But, then again, I'm always working on the inbox, aren't I? ;)