You know how I feel right now? I feel cheated. Like God put me in this situation just to tease me and mock at me. I must have done something really, really bad in the past, I can't remember what, but this must be some kind of a retribution. That explains everything, don't they?
HE placed hope on a platter and serve it right in front of me and even before I get to touch it, he took it away. Tease.
What's the point of having me go Live and explain everything and let the fans and everyone else know the truth when it's not gonna last? Whoever this person who claims to have the video of AJ being kidnapped, he's God's sent to punish me yet again. So tell me, why all these troubles? Why must HE made me do all these stuffs when he could just slam it all in my face? Let me answer that for you. Tease.
Just like HE teases me with all these pills. He sent in the doctors, promised me that these stuffs will save my life. I have to force down five different pills, each medication at least 2 pills at a time and three times a day. For what? I don't know. Coz it ain't working. The pills will not save me.
"Is any of them following us?"
"Two of them. One in a car, another in van."
"Damn those paparazzis!"
"What do we do?"
"Risk it, it's not a choice anymore, we have to get to the hospital!"
Right. Get to the hospital, get me fixed again. Probably give me more medications and then take it all away from me. I know the drill. Damn this is getting routined.
"I need a towel, or a tissue, just give me something, I can't just let it stain like that!"
Hey, here's a suggestion. Maybe, HE could just send his angels here and take me away now. I mean, if I die, then the kidnapper has no choice but to free Brian coz he's no longer useful to him. Then they could just tell the whole world the truth and if HE has his way, he'll sent someone else to crack this damn case. Maybe he could make Justin get out of his closet and do something I never get to do. Like finding the damn bastards who started all these.
"Nick, take deep breath buddy, come on, you have got to!"
"Hello? 911? Yeah, I'm in a van and we're heading to the hospital but I don't think my brother will last that long and I need your help."
You know, it's gonna be a great parting gift for the fans. I believe it's the best way to end it. Nick Carter, Live on TRL, last interview ever, who would have thought? Perfect. They'd be airing that same interview for months.
"What? Oh yeah…he's coughing blood and he's not breathing right."
"Come on Nick, breath, please?"
What if I don't wanna? You think this is easy for me? Try being in my shoes. I can't do anything about it even if I want to. I tell you, if HE sets his fate on you, nothing you do can change that. For now, he doesn't want me to breath properly, so deal.
"Yes. He er…he just had one of his kidneys removed and the other one is rather weak…yes, he's under medications."
"What's taking so long? Why is he asking so many questions!"
"Cool it AJ, it's just normal procedures."
"This is not normal Tony!…Come on Kev, do something!"
"He's siting straight up. Hold on…Is he still coughing?"
"No, but he's not breathing well!"
"If it helps, there's a wheezing sound to it."
"He's not coughing anymore but his breathing, they kinda give out a wheezing sound."
Talk, talk, talk. Maybe you guys should pray and ask God to save me. Maybe HE'll listen to you. Good luck anyway.
"Nickolas, don't frighten me like this man, come on, hang in there…Are we there yet! Why are you taking fucking damn long!"
"AJ, you have got to relax, you're frightening the kid!"
"Look, just tell me what I'm suppose to do, should we do CPR or something?…okay then, what should we do?…great…hold on…how much longer till we get there?"
"Ten minutes tops."
"Ten minutes…okay…are you sure about this?…okay, thank you so much."
"What? What should we do?"
"He said there's nothing that we can do. Just let him sit straight so he won't chock in his own blood and keep him awake."
Not sure about that last part bro. There's only so much a guy in my situation can handle. I really, really, need to sleep.
*****
What did I tell ya? I'm alive right? Got me to the brink of death and then give me life again. Fun game. Gets a little annoying at times but fun. I've skipped the part where I woke up and find myself in the hospital bed again, coz I opted to use my 'skip' card, I just thought you'd be bored with the same old details.
So here I am, sitting right up on my hospital bed, looking mighty fine than I did a few hours ago with Mr. Irwin looking at me. Only HE knows how many tests they made me went through and after all that blood coughing episode, they still need to draw more blood for tests. Can you believe the things they do here? But you know what? I'm don't give shit anymore. Do what you want with my body, I don't care. I lost everything when they stole my kidney that day anyway. It's all downhill from here. I think he's about to tell me something important. How come I know this? Well, what else do doctors say to patients? Always important stuffs. The only difference is whether it's good or bad.
"Nick, your friends told me that I should wait until you wake up and tell you of your condition first and that they trust you to tell them when you're ready to. Is that okay with you?"
Err…
"You mean, they don't know what happen to me? You're telling me first?" This is new.
"Yes. They said it's your right to know this first before them." Aww…that's sweet.
"Are you ready to hear it?" Like I have anything else to do?
"Sure."
"We've done some tests which include blood tests and CAT scans and as you already know, your kidney got some infection the last time you were warded in. And we've prescribed some medication for you to take." Yeah…
"There's a very slim coating of mucus coating your kidney and if we don't get rid of it, it will only grow and eventually your kidney will collapse. And I regret to inform you that the mucus has indeed grow and are getting thicker." That's not good. And gross.
"So it's not good. Where are you getting with this?"
"Nick, chances of your kidney gaining full recovery is almost to none. It will only get worse but medications will slower the pace but there's no curing it. It will collapse."
And I will die.
"And I'll die."
"Unless we find you a donor in time."
"Like a transplant?"
"Yes. We've already put you on the waiting list."
I'm going to die.
"Okay."
"Nick, as your doctor, I'd like to keep you under observation for the time being. It will help me understand your condition better and help you in any possible way that I can, besides, I believe you need the rest."
No way. I've wasted too much time already. I have…what day is this?
"Is today still Tuesday?"
"Oh no, you slept your way through. It's Wedneday."
Great. I have four days left. How the hell am I ever gonna find these bastards.
"No. I'm sorry, but I just wanna go home. Just give me the medications, I'll be okay." For now.
"Nick, you do realize that the pills will only slow down the process, not cure you. And if you don't get the rest that you need, the pills are useless." I will try. It all depends on what HE has in store for me really. I can't really promise you anything.
"I do."
"Okay then, I can't force you to stay here. But promise me that you let your friends in on this. This is not the time to be pushing friends and family away."
"I won't doc."
And so that was the end of the story. AJ and Kevin, who were waiting outside, helped me with the discharge process. Can you believe it? I can walk on my own like as if nothing bad had just happen. I also found out that Tony and the gang had a fun time harassing the two paparazzi and confiscating their roles of films. It won't last long but at least for now, we're safe.
The ride home. Do you want me to tell you what happen in the van or do you want me to use another 'skip' card? How about a little summary? Okay, that will do.
I saw my blood soaked shirt strewn on the floor of the van. Kevin said that they had me changed into a new shirt before arriving to the hospital to avoid reporters' suspicions. AJ is surprisingly in a state of shock. Come to think of it, I think it was the first time he saw me like that. Poor guy. I wish I could tell him that it's no biggy but I really am in no mood to be assuring people that everything will be fine when I know it's not. I don't think I'll be telling them that I'm dying anytime soon. That will just ruin everything right? We have to focus in getting Brian back. And suddenly, the nightmares are very important to me. They might just be the only clues I have.
"You okay J?" I asked finally. I can't stand the silence in that van. Or the fact that the foul smell my blood had done to it. I wonder why they didn't throw away the shirt or clean up the van after that. I mean, it's been a day…
"I'm…okay." AJ replied, not looking at me.
"Kev, are we still gonna be staying over at your house?" Normal conversations, I thrive on those nowadays.
"Yeah. You don't wanna?"
"I just don't want to overcome my stay."
"You kidding me? It's like the old times. Except that we have girls living with us now." Kevin chuckled.
"And the fact that Brian's missing." I replied.
"But not for long." Kevin replied.
"Definitely."
"Four days and he'll come back to us." Sure.
"Oh, don't forget, there's a baby on the way." I cheered.
"Man, I really envy that guy. I told Kristin that I wanna be a father too."
"Jeez Kev, don't pressure the wife!"
"I know, I know…I can't help myself."
I was about to answer something smart but then AJ started crying. Like, where the hell did that come from? Even Tony who was driving was stealing glances over the rearview mirror. And it's not just sobbing people, he was really crying. When was the last time I saw him cry like that? I don't think I ever had.
"AJ? You okay bro? Are you sick or something?" Is his shoulder still hurting and he didn't tell us? Is he going to die? No, wait, that's me. Okay, so what's wrong with him?
"AJ, what's wrong?" Kevin asked.
AJ looked at me, his eyes red and swollen. I wish I could turn away and not meet his gaze coz I find myself trapped in emotions long hidden.
"Are you really okay Nick? Are you really gonna be okay? Coz I swear to God the guy who nearly died in my arms yesterday was you."
Damn these tears, it's making my eyesight blur. No, do not drop now. Damn it, stop quivering lips. And stop feeling, put a warning sign or something, just stop feeling or you'll crumble.
"AJ, we promised that we're gonna give Nick time to tell us." Kevin said.
"Time? What if he's hiding something really important and when we find out it's gonna be too late? What then?" Can you read me any better than this?
"Come here." I pulled him in a hug and whoa, he cried on my shoulder. That's a first people! Ah man, wish the rest of the guys could see this!
"I'm gonna be okay J. I'm gonna be okay." I whispered into his ears. Damn it Nick, don't cry now!
"Don't…you ever…do that…to me again!…ever!" Sounds like I've just hurt my girlfriend and she's forgiving me. Wish that was the case, it'd be much simpler than this. What do I tell him? I have no words of comfort. I have nothing.
"Shh…calm down AJ, I'm not going anywhere bro." Liar, liar, pants on fire!
"I can't see you like that Nick, I can't see you suffer like that…why didn't you tell us? Huh?…why didn't you?" Too much excess baggage, too many information, how do I consume all these?
"I'm sorry bro, I wish I have the answer but I don't. It just happen, I have no control over it." I pulled him away from me and his eyes kept glancing on the floor. I know he was feeling stupid for his outburst and I wish I could tell him that it's okay to cry like that. It's okay.
"J, look, we're all gonna go through this together, hear me? We will find the bastard who took Brian and we will find whoever did this to Nick. Is that right Nick?" Right Kevin. I hope so. Thanks for the pep talk though.
"Yeah, Kev's right. We will get through this together." Did you hear of the boy who cried wolf? Well, he didn't have a happy ending.
*****
I came back 'home' and went straight to 'my' room, claiming that I need my rest. The truth is, I wanna give Justin a call. So what if people saw us together? Everything will be cleared once I find the culprits and get Brian free. Time is against us, we have to act now.
So much for planning, I have to put my ideas on hold. Maira was sitting at the edge of the bed, looking out at the golf course through the wall length glass window. She had drew the curtains back, emitting sunlight to light up the sparsely decorated room. It's a beautiful color when white walls meet orange-y lights. It felt royal.
Her back was facing me and yet I believe she knew I was in the room. Her head had turned back a little, but not enough for me to see the expression on her face. I miss her so much. I kept thinking all these time when it happen, she had distant herself away from me just so I can work things out with my brothers. She knew I depended a lot on them when times are rough. I'm used to it. And I think somehow, she felt that she's incompatible to take over their place. I told her many times that she's never that, but a woman's heart is a very sensitive place to touch, and I have yet to do so.
I approached her and rested my left hand on her shoulder, giving it a little squeeze. She looked up at me and I bent down to meet her lips. Just a brief kiss coz I can't bend down that long.
"Wanna play golf?" I asked, joining her at admiring the beautiful greens.
"Boring. Never like it." I smiled. Trust her to slam the truth in your face.
"It could be a very intimate game for two." I replied.
"Come here baby." She patted the empty space next to her and I went over and sit next to her.
"Something troubling you Maira?" Stupid question, I know.
"A lot has been troubling me lately, but the one thing that really bugs me is that you didn't tell me how serious this condition you're having are." I'm lost. What did I do now?
"I don't understand." Girlfriend, your boyfriend is blonde, live with it.
"Sarah just told me that your kidney had caught some infection and you need the pills in order to live." I didn't tell you that? Oh well, it doesn't seem to be that important.
"I'm sorry-"
"Wait hun, let me finish." Okay then. "I don't understand what's going on in you. I watch you survive all these and in times you look well and then suddenly you're fighting for your life again. And you know what scares me most?" What? "You didn't say anything about it. You didn't tell me or any of the guys how you feel. Or that you're hurting. That scares me. You keep everything to yourself, you always have. Do you have any idea how miserable I was to be in France and to be so far away from you knowing that you're hurting?"
But you didn't even call…
"I thought okay, Nick wants he's space, lets give him some, maybe he'll call me when he's ready to. But you never did. And then I found out you were stabbed. How does that makes me feel Nick? You're my boyfriend, I love you, and I can't do anything but watch you keep on falling. When you vomit in front of me like that, how do I help him? How do I make him know that I understand when I don't? And you've been coughing blood for quite some time now aren't you? I saw the stains on your sheet and even in the shower. I went in to check every time you come out from your shower coz I know you don't want the guys to find out about it. I clean up after you and just wait. I have faith that you will tell me one day but you never did. And then I realize something."
"What?"
"That all this while, I was thinking about how I feel, about how unfair you made me feel. It has been all about me when it should have been about you. Why did I wait for you to call me in France? Why didn't I make the first move and call you? I'm not the one struggling to understand the things that have been going on, I'm perfectly healthy, why didn't I call you? Why did I wait for you to open up your heart to me when all I have to do is ask?"
"I don't blame you Maira. I can never do that."
"I know, and that's why you're the greatest. But there's more that I need to tell you."
This is gonna be awhile. And I really appreciate what she's trying to do but I'm not sure if I'm strong enough to stand all these. But of course, all I did was nod and motioned her to continue.
"Then something hit me. Something made me wake up and realize. That guy I saw on TV yesterday. He's putting up a facade for everyone to see. He answered questions truthfully but his smile was forced. Nick, the guy I saw on TV begging his fans to remember the Nick Carter who is walking and talking is actually crying out for help. And I am help."
Can you believe she said all that and still have time to cry? I thought I'm not gonna be able to understand her in between all that sobbing but I actually did. I heard every single word and it hurts to know that she's hurt. But touched me so that she's there to help. Yes, I need help.
A million words could be said to express how I'm feeling inside. I could sing all the songs I've sang to show her how much she means to me. But could it heal her aching heart? I'm not sure. At the end of the day, they are just words to represent how I feel inside. It isn't the real deal.
I wish I could tell her to stay. That I really need her to be with me through all these. I would have said it in a heartbeat if it was two days ago. But not now. I'm not gonna play with her heart anymore. What's the use in holding on? I'll be giving her false hope to stay with me coz I'll be gone before she knew it. You can love a dying man, yes. But you can't be with him forever.
I took her in my arms and let her rest on my lap. " I love you Maira, please remember that. Just forget everything else." She fell a sleep not long after and I grabbed the phone by the bedside table. I have to make a call.
*****
It fits in just perfect. I hope HE made it this way not to tease me again, coz I really need this to work out as planned. Howie was suppose to go for his medical check up today and I told him that I wanna accompany him, reason being I wanna spent some quality time with him. It took a lot to finally get a nod from Kevin and AJ. Maira just didn't argue with me anymore. She's letting me do anything that I want to, she's there for the support and I wish I could carry her in my arms, back to the room and make endless love to her. I wish.
Tony and Drew drove us to the hospital and at 2.30 sharp, when Howie was scheduled to be in the doctor's room, Justin would appear with Johnny, going for his routine check ups. I swear to God that guy went to more check ups than I do and he's not even dying. Maybe there's something he wasn't telling but I'm not one to pry so I let it be.
The guards would start chatting and we would have conversations of our own. And then- oh wait, I have to roll the dice- there, it says, tell people about your conversation with Justin. Okay then, let's hear it. (Life is a fun game to play).
"We need to get to the surgical department, I have a feeling we might just find something there."
Well, that's a news flash! I know that already damn it!
"Let me guess, you got that from your dream?" I asked.
"You know that stuff already?"
"I know how much it means to you to feel special, but I'm sorry to tell you it ain't new." He nodded.
"Nick, I have a feeling that this lady I've been…we've been dreaming about is the head of the surgical department. We have to see her, maybe then we'll know if she's the one."
"Damn Justin, you sound like you're looking for Cinderella."
"Are you in this or not?" Curly is annoyed. Heh.
"Chill will ya? We're suppose to be happy." I said, eyeing the guards.
"I'm nervous alright? For all I know, there's a spy in this building waiting to get our picture together." Justin shivered.
"Come on, enjoy the attention. Things will clear up once all these are over."
"Easy for you to say."
"Easy? I'm the one still waiting for news from KC about this whole damn threats! What if the bastard really sell the tape to a TV station? Then everything I did on TRL would be useless, people will call us liars. Then they'll want to know why they wanna kidnap AJ and then this whole kidney thing will get out of hand and you my friend, will be drag into it. Tell me I'm taking it easy." There you go, in your face!
"I'm sorry. Let's forget about it alright? You wanna do this or not?"
I nodded.
"Are you thirsty?" Wow, that's loud enough Justin.
"Yeah, are you?"
"Yeah. Wanna get something at the vending?"
"Why not?"
You think we can make it to Hollywood?
"Guys, we're going over to the vending at that corner over there, want anything?" Tony looks suspicious. Darn it. Oh wait, he ALWAYS looks suspicious.
"I'll go get you something." Johnny said, already standing up.
"Johnny, please, I'm not a kid. I can walk and it's not far from here."
"Plus, this is the hospital, we'll be safe." I added.
"Okay, five minutes, and not a second more." I look like a five year old standing next to Justin. Does Tony have to do that?
"Can't promise you anything man. We might find some very interesting nurses along the way…"
"Okay, we have to get going like, right now, come on Nick, I just saw one going that way." So we left in a hurry and I thought I overheard them asking if we were really seeing someone.
"That was cool."
"You're okay." I said.
"Okay? I'm just OKAY?" what does he wants me to say? You're excellent? Hell No.
"Live with it Justin." He rolled his eyes and we moved on.
The surgical department was situated at the far end of the empty corridor, right next to the mortuary. Wonder why…
"This is creepy." I muttered.
"Oh yeah, you know that Backstreet's Back video you guys made at the haunted castle?" What's this?
"Yeah…"
"I dig that one." Aha! Confession from an Nstink! Woohoo!
"And…"
"Nothing. This creeping around business just reminds me of that." He replied. See, his weird.
The room was empty so we walked in like as if we own the damn place. It was dimly lit so it was kinda difficult to see our way around.
"What are we suppose to look for?"
"I dunno…maybe records to see what's the stuffs that's been taken out from here…see who authorize them or something." I said.
"Don't you think they might have just steal it?"
"Justin, lesson number one- if you steal again and again, soon people will see, but if you alter some documents, get an authorized signature, you can practically bring it out in broad daylight and they won't hold you back." Geddit?
"Ohh…good point."
"Of course." I said.
I turned away from him, a piece of paper lying on a table caught my eyes. Under the authorization section, the name 'Amanda' was written on it. I thought it sound familiar and tried real hard to recall if I've heard anyone in that motel called out that name. Amanda…
Oh crap, maybe I was thinking about Willa. Okay, seconds wasted people!
"You know, I don't thi-"
Is it just me or did I just see Justin struggling to stand up? What the hell?
"Justin, you okay man?" He was holding on to one of the tables and he was perspiring.
"Huh?…I'm okay…dizzy." Oh no, not you too! Argh!
"Come on, let's get out of here."
*I can't do this anymore. People are asking questions!*
"Shit! Someone's coming in, we need to hide!" I saw a small wall divider at the back of the room, enough for the both of us. Thankfully, it was also a dead end, so there's a very slim chance of having them even come anywhere near there. We made a run for it.
Little rays of light illuminate the room, footsteps walked in, door swung close and lights vanished again.
*People are suspicious, they are asking questions and everyone is pointing at me.*
*We will clear everything up for you, don't worry.*
*Worry? I'm going crazy! I sign those documents, I authorize the whole damn thing, they will never believe me!*
*Relax will ya? I will get this sorted out. Besides, you're not the only one authorize to sign those documents, for all we know, there's someone else.*
Justin looked at me, as if contemplating should we take a look at who were talking. I shook my head. It's too dangerous. We have no reasons to be here in the first place. And if they're the people who did this to us, we're welcoming them to kill us. Very convenient.
Justin didn't seem to agree and peek his head out a little for a view. It seemed forever just to wait for him to hide his head back. When he finally did, he moved back so fast and sudden that I almost fall back on my butt.
"What the hell is wrong with y-" I whispered but didn't manage to finish my sentence. Justin was trembling, hyperventilating. Slowly, he slid down the wall and sat resting his back against it. I brave myself and took a peek. There's a brunette woman arguing with a guy. From the side, she looked like the woman who had shown me the knife in that motel.
Shit!
I moved back to our hiding place, squatting down to see Justin. He was in shock or panic, I don't know. It seemed like he's having both. If it's true she is who we think she is, we just saw our enemy's face for the first time.
"I know what you're thinking but you have got to stop hyperventilating." I whispered as loudly as I could. Justin wasn't buying any of that crap. He rolled over and clutched his stomach in pain. What the hell is going on?
*Excuse me, I think I'm lost, could you help me?*
Hey…that sounds like…
*Er..sure Sir, come on, let me help you.*
*Em…I have to get going, see you later?*
*Yeah, sure*
Howie!
I peeked out again. The coast is clear.
"Come on Justin, we have to scram! Get up!" I shook his shoulder a bit, that seemed to get his attention. He pushed himself up and we ran out of that place. Before we turn to the corner where Johnny, Drew and Tony were, we stopped to catch our breath.
"What was that all about?" I asked.
"She's that woman. I swear it's her!" Justin cried. I kinda get that part already…
"Yeah, I kinda get that part. But wassup with you? Are you sick?"
"It's nothing." And I have two kidneys.
"Don't pull that kind of crap on me! What's wrong with you?"
"It's just an infection okay? Now will you back off?"
"Is it serious?"
"No. It's just temporary discomfort, or so they said." Justin replied and started to walk off but I hold him back again.
"What?"
"Did your doc say anything about your kidney developing some kind of mucus?"
"Yeah, but they detect it early so I'm on medication…how did you know this?"
"Don't take it lightly Justin, you have to take care of yourself." Did I just said that?!
"Look, I can take care of myself alright? We have more important things to do, we have to tell the police about this!"
"Tell them what? All we have is a woman who looks like the one in our dream! Look, we have to think this through before we tell the police, right now, I suggest you go home and take care of yourself. You have to rest."
"What's wrong with you Nick? Suddenly you're so concern about my health. Just take care of yourself alright, you look much worst than I do anyway. So that doesn't give you any rights to order me around!"
"Fuck it Justin, listen to me! If you don't take care of yourself you WILL be like me and then you will DIE! You will die!"
Oops! Too much information, isn't it?
*****
The ride back home in the van was as casual as I hoped it would be. Tony was driving and Drew was siting in the shotgun. So we kinda have the entire back seats to ourselves. Thankfully, Howie's broken ribs are just minor splinters so they give them only minor discomforts.
"I'm sleeping over at Kev's today."
"Really? Great! We can share room if you want, Maira's sleeping over with Leigh."
"That'd be cool. I'm feeling kinda left out coz I everyone else is getting a girlfriend to come over. Look at you, my little brother finally in love. I thought I was the Latin Lover." Ha, funny bro. You still are.
"You still are. She'll come when the time is right."
"I'll be waiting. Till then, I think the best thing to do is hang out in our room and play some video games. What do you say?"
"I'd like that bro." Ah, finally something normal that I could do.
"And Nick,"
"Yeah?"
"I don't even wanna know the reason why coz if you want me to know you would have told me, but er, the next time you and Justin decided to play detectives, make sure you guys have back up plans."
Shit.
"You knew?"
"You shouldn't have call him with Maira sleeping on your lap. Between the two of you, she's not the heavy sleeper in the relationship."
*****
For once, the gates to Kevin's pad isn't crowded with fans. I think they've finally tired down. Or that the police are growing in number and are getting a little impatient with girls screaming out our names. That just sucks. I wish I could do more for them.
Once we entered the house, I couldn't help but embrace the intense situation that seemed to have settled in it. Brian. Where is Brian. Time is ticking by and I have nothing. Should we just go to the police and tell them about the woman? I mean, Justin went into shock when he saw her and I kinda felt the same way. Maybe if we could get Ashley to see her and see what his reactions are…maybe we could do that. I'd do anything as long as Brian's safe.
The kidnapper hadn't call since. I really miss Brian. Why did he let Brian call on TRL? To let us know that Brian's safe? Or was it a warning to remind us that we have only 4 days to go? Is he really gonna kill him? He can't kill him, I'm gonna die anyway so he won't be punishing me. But he didn't know that I'm dying…shit, what do I do?
Hey, KC's here…
"Hey, wassup man?"
"Something's always up when he's around." Howie joked, referring to KC.
"It's always not good news. More photo shoots people, more interviews guys, AJ stop drinking, Howie stop being too sweet, Kevin stop frowning, Brian stop goofing and Nick, JUST STOP." I mumbled.
They laughed. I'm still funny.
"He never shuts up, does he?" KC mused. Oh I will man, and when I do, it's gonna be forever. You guys will miss me then. You will beg for me to talk.
"Okay, so what's really up?"
"This is serious Nick." KC said, changing the tone of his voice. It's all business-like now. Hate that.
"Let's hear it then." I said.
"Before that, where's Brian? I thought he went with you guys." Oh oh…
"He's…not here?" I asked. I looked at the others, they were shrugging their shoulders, telling me they have no idea what to say to him either.
"Okay then, so, anyway, I went over to your house this morning to check on the police guards there, and I found this in your mail box." He handed me a black case.
"What's this?"
"I think it's a tape."