Nick arrived back at the hospital two hours later. He was unable to just sit in the hotel and do nothing. He simply grabbed a sandwich and a soda, took a quick shower, changed his clothes and then started to tell everyone else to hurry up so that they will be able to get back to the hospital. When his patience ran out, he got a separate car and told everyone else that he will meet them there.
"How is she?" he asked when he saw Jen, Jess, Angela, and Stacey sitting in the waiting room. They all looked up at the sound of his voice.
"Still no change," replied Angela. "But Nick, what are you doing here so early? Did you even rest?" she asked.
Nick shook his head, "I couldn't, the thought of going to sleep scared the hell out of me," he replied.
"Why?" asked Jen.
"Because every time I closed my eyes I saw Julie in that hospital bed when they pronounced her dead, I won't be able to sleep until I know that she's going to be okay," he answered and sank into a chair.
"Do you know that you'll probably scare Julie when she sees you?" asked Jess letting out a small laugh. She was right, Nick looked horrible. His blond hair was sticking out in all directions, there were bags under his eyes, and it was clear that he was exhausted beyond belief.
"I don't care if I scare her, I'll just be glad that she'll be able to be scared," replied Nick wearily.
"I guess you're right," said Jess.
"Guys, you're not gonna believe what's going on out there," said Brian rushing into the room. He was accompanied by Kevin, AJ, Howie, Rachel, and Justin.
"What happened?" asked Jess coming over to his side.
"There are hundreds of fans gathered outside. Somehow, someone found out that we were all here and the next thing we know, we can't get inside," said AJ.
"What are you talking about?" asked Nick confused. "I got in just fine."
"That's because you got here earlier than we did, and I bet you didn't use the main entrance," said Kevin.
"You're right I didn't," said Nick thoughtfully. "Do you think we need extra security in here?" he asked.
"I don't know, so far nothing happened, but I don't know what it's going to be like in a few hours," replied Kevin.
"Well, in a few hours the only thing I want to know is if Julie is okay," said Nick getting up and going to find Dr. Feldman.
"I'm worried about him," said Brian after Nick left.
"You're not the only one," said Rachel.
"Rach, you didn't see Nick after Julie had died a few months ago," said Kevin shaking his head. "He was so out of it that no one could get through to him, not his family, and not any of us. He retreated into this shell and wouldn't come out of it for anything or anyone. The only time I saw the real Nick come out was when he was singing "Watching from Above" but that's it."
Justin whistled, "Wow," he said.
"Yeah we know, if Julie dies again, Nick might go into a shock that he might not be able to come out of…ever," said AJ worriedly.
"Well, you heard Nick, he seems very sure that Julie will wake up," said Rachel trying to look on the bright side.
"And we really hope that he's right," said Howie.
About fifteen minutes later, they saw Nick coming back to the waiting room.
"Well?" asked Angela.
"Dr. Feldman said that there's still no change," replied Nick sadly. He then sat down, leaned against the wall, and closed his eyes.
"She'll be okay," said Brian comfortingly and Nick felt his best friend's hand on his own shoulder.
"I hope so because I don't know how much longer I can stay strong," said Nick without opening his eyes, his voice was breaking.
"You just gotta hang on for a little longer," said Kevin trying to reassure Nick.
"I'll try, but I have to tell her how sorry I am and that I forgive her for everything and I want to slide that engagement ring back on her finger," said Nick no longer being able to hold his tears; they ran down his cheeks in two straight streams. Brian pulled Nick into a hug and Nick sobbed into his friend's shoulder. Everyone else in the room was getting tears in their eyes too. The guys and their girlfriends' stood embracing each other for support and Jess came over to Nick and Brian and joined their hug.
An hour later everyone was still sitting in the waiting room anxiously waiting for some news on Julie. They saw Dr. Feldman approaching and Nick immediately jumped up from the chair.
"Mr. Carter, may I speak to you in private?" asked Dr. Feldman. Nick paled; speaking in private could only mean one thing…bad news.
"Sure," he said softly and followed the doctor.
"Now, I'm not exactly sure what I can tell you," began Dr. Feldman when he and Nick reached his office and the doctor closed the door.
"What do you mean?" asked Nick genuinely confused.
"There seems to be no change in your fiancée, she remains stable, however, she doesn't seem to be getting better," said the doctor sitting down. He gestured for Nick to sit on one of the chairs.
"But she's not getting any worse right?" asked Nick as he sat down.
"Yes, we were able to repair her internal bleeding and that alone should've caused some change in her condition, but it hasn't, for now, we're all hoping for the best," said Dr. Feldman.
"Can I see her now?" asked Nick.
"Yes, maybe you can help her come out of this coma," said Dr. Feldman. They then walked out of his office and went to Julie's room. The doctor left and Nick took his place right next to Julie's bed.
"Hey, it's me again," he said taking Julie's hand in his. "Well, they fixed your internal bleeding so come on Julz, you gotta get better now. You have no more excuses to just lie there peacefully and do nothing. I already told everyone that you were going to wake up so please wake up and prove me right. You wouldn't want your fiancé to look stupid in front of his friends would you?" asked Nick with a crooked grin. "Okay, don't answer that, actually you know what, do answer that so that I can see that you're okay," pleaded Nick and looked at Julie's face, nothing. He sighed, "How about this, if you wake up, I will give you the biggest, greatest kiss you've ever had!" he offered smiling. Something then caught Nick's attention. He looked at Julie's other hand, the one he wasn't holding, and he could've sworn he saw her move her fingers. "Come on Julie, you can do it," he said the tension building inside of him. A few seconds later, he saw her fingers move again and this time he was sure it happened. Then Julie's eyelids fluttered and her eyes opened.
"Where's my kiss?" she asked weakly but she was smiling.

chapter 11 chapter 13