They had me on oxygen mask the whole time that I was asleep coz I woke up feeling absolutely restrained form the strap that held it together to my face. I reached up and pulled it down, resting it on my neck I waited for a few seconds, adapting myself to breath independently again. No problem. I can breath on my own. Cool.
I think the guys are tired of hanging around, waiting for me to wake up coz I didn't find them staring down at me. I was alone again. I don't blame them though. I mean, if I were them, I would have left me too. Boring, ya know? What would I do? Sit around and stare at me, hoping that I'd open my eyes? Might as well get back home and play some Nintendo.
So, what do I do now? Should I call for a doctor or something? She still owes me an explanation for all these. Shouldn't there be a button where I can call of assistance? Or should I just shout? Nah, don't think I have it in me to shout right now.
I realize something new. They had practically wrapped my entire upper body with gauze. My arms included too. Was my burn that bad? I saw the bandage on my arms and it felt like I've been mummified. If I could stand and walk out of this room, I'd look like the character I played in `Backstreet's Back', at least there, I still had girls lusting for me, now, I don't think I'm looking very much attractive. Isn't it ironic?
I really need to stretch badly. No, what I need is to go home.
"When did you decide to wake up?" I looked up and saw Kevin standing at the foot of the door, a wary smile plastered on his face. He's not been sleeping.
What have I done? People are losing sleep because of me. That's not right, we're supposed to have our two weeks vacation right now. Two weeks is not that long if you think about it and they've spent most of the first week just worrying for me. Maybe next time when I got kidnapped, I should just let the bastard fuck me and wait for a ransom. Money is everything in this world and I, fortunately have enough of those to get me out of trouble. Yes, I will loose all self- respect or even self worth to that motherfucka, but at least the problem stops there for the guys and my family. They don't have to sit around sleepless waiting for me to wake up. I'll have a minor (okay, major) emotional breakdown but that will go away eventually, that is something I'll have to deal alone, it won't really affect the guys directly and our career won't have to stop because of me. But now, everything's changed. I have everyone worrying about me and I'm still in the dark as far as what really happen is concern.
But looking on the brighter side of things, now I have someone to talk to. Maybe I can convince him to let me out of here.
"Hey." Okay, that's good enough for starters right? I'm still trying to find my voice. I hope I didn't look sick or pathetic right now. I hate looking lost and helpless. I'm 21 damn it! I can take of myself.
He had this frowned as he approached the bed, as if he was trying to read me. I can only be thankful that it wasn't Brian right now. He would have see right through me. He could read ANYONE like that. You think he bought it?
"Want me to get the doc?" For what? Do I look sick? I've been here for four days or maybe five if I've slept the whole day of yesterday. Or today. Argh! I don't know what the hell I'm talking about!
"No, I'm okay." I blurted out. I've found my voice! Yay! He still looked unconvinced. Crap. He took the seat next to my right and still studied me. I am a freak on show.
"You had us worried yesterday." Okay, I slept the whole day. I know that now. So, it's been five days doing nothing in this hospital. Great way to start my vacation, don't you think?
"Sorry." I whispered. Why the hell am I whispering? It's not like there's a rule saying that I can't talk in my own room. I'm not sharing it with anyone else, so there's no need to invade on other people's privacy now, would I?
"There's nothing to be sorry about Nick." Kevin sighed, shaking his head. I know. I just don't know what else to say. I nodded.
"When can I go home?" Why beat around the bush right? Straight to the point and get the damn answer.
"You have to ask your doctor that." True. Not the answer I wanna hear but true. And while we're on that, I think that they should have known better than to give a gorgeous doctor to handle me. I might not wanna go home when I see her. Hmm...maybe that's the whole idea! They wanna keep me here and they know I'm not gonna like that, so what better way than to bribe me with a doctor sent from the pin up of Playboy magazine, right? I'll show them who's boss.
Where did I get all these thoughts? Why must everything have conspiracies about them? Too much movies, that have got to be it.
"I want to go home. I'm bored." I pouted. Yeah, very grown up of you Nick. Kevin chuckled and shook his head. Well, at least it's better than that frown.
"I'll call the doctor to check you up and then we can ask her that, okay?" I nodded. He got up and went off again. I wonder what happen to my family and Maira. And where are the other guys? Probably still asleep or something. It's morning right? What makes me think that? I don't know, wild guess. Shoot me.
Something else is troubling me now. If they let me go, where should I stay? Back home? Who's gonna take care of me? I mean, ya know, I'm very sure I need some assistance in some things and some of those, I'm not asking Maira. It's a male thing ya know? But if I go back to my parents, my dad's gonna have to look after me. That'd be weird. Oh man, I'm feeling the pain again. What had he done to me?
"Mr. Carter, glad for you to join us back." My doctor has arrived. Always cheerful. Yeah, rub it in my face lady. Why am I being mean? She saved me! I think I'm having one of those mood swings again.
"I'm glad that you're glad." I replied with a smile. She went straight for the monitor next to my bed, studied it for a few seconds, nodded her head and told me that my heart rate is normal and I'm breathing just fine. She asked if I feel any pain, I said no. Yes, I lied. Can't help it, I wanna go home.
"When can I go home?" I asked. She turned back towards Kevin, who was observing us from a corner in the room. He smiled.
"I heard you've been pestering Mr. Kevin here about that too." She's avoiding my question. Smart.
"I feel fine. I really wanna go home." I replied.
"Don't you want to know what happen to you?" She asked.
"I was there when it happen, I'm sure I know." I replied. It's true right? I was kidnapped, I should be the one telling them what happened. Kevin didn't agree though. He gave me one of those dirty look when he's annoyed with me.
"You know what I mean." The doctor just smiled. Did she even tell me her name? "Okay Nick, here's the deal. I have to keep you under observation for at least one more day. Besides, there're two detectives outside waiting for you. They want to get a statement from you. Once that is done, I'll check you up again and if you behave, I'll let them discharge you tomorrow morning." It's a fair deal. Why not? I nodded. She left and Kevin came up to me again.
"Where are the others?" I asked. I just suddenly remembered them.
"We came this morning but you still didn't wake up. Leighanne was here, she wanted to say goodbye coz she's leaving town for business. Brian had to leave to drive her to the airport and the guys are down at the cafeteria taking their lunch. Your family and Maira were here too. They'll be up soon."
Great, I missed everyone.
"Bad timing huh?" I mumbled.
"Your family really like Maira. That'd make you cheer up right?" Kevin said, smiling at me. I felt myself blush. Wow, that is great news.
"Sorry to interrupt." I looked up towards the door again and two men in suits approached us. My bet was they're the detectives. I felt Kevin's hand on my bandaged arm and I looked up to meet his gaze. He gave me an assuring smile to say that everything's okay and I turned my attention to the detectives again. Somehow, the sight of them scares me.
"Nickolas, I'm detective Marlon and this is my partner Mr. Cameron." Not even a smile. Serious.
Seeing that I didn't respond, he continued. "We would like to take a statement on account of what happen. You understand that it's important to get everything while it's still fresh." Reminds me of Marlon Brando. He's an actor right?
"Privately." He added.
I felt kevin's hand left mine and I looked up to him again questioningly. Don't tell me you're leaving me with these two men in black!
"I'll wait outside, I'm not going anywhere." Kevin assured me. I am not assured. I can't do this alone! The detectives looked at me annoyed. They must probably be thinking wassup with this big baby?
"Mr. Kevin can sit at the corner back there, if it makes you any better." Mr. Cameron said suddenly. I looked at the empty chair standing right next to the door. He would be facing me all the time then. That's assuring enough right? I nodded. Kevin gave a little squeeze on my shoulder (which only encouraged the burn to flare but of course, I didn't tell him that), smiled and then walked over to his seat. I kept my eyes on him, making sure that he didn't make a detour for the door instead. Of course he wouldn't. He had always been there for all of us. Being the oldest made him responsible, I don't think I can ever be like that. Being responsible I mean, not old. Everyone gets old sooner or later.
He looked up at me and give the good thumb's up. I smiled.
"So Nickolas, could you tell us everything that you know, starting from what happen in your house?" Detective Moron, er, I mean, Marlon, asked.
I'm not about to argue with this guy. I figured, the faster I tell them, the faster it will all end. I skipped the part about my intentions to have a shower with my missing girlfriend, figured that was unimportant and too private anyway. I skipped the bit about Brian's call and my conversation with Angel but I told them about leaving the house to visit my parents and how I had stopped by the kitchen to turn off the stove.
Then I told them of how I saw the bastard from the reflection on the kettle and my not so smooth getaway. How my escape was stopped short from the boiling water bathing my back. I took time out to steal a glance over at Kevin this time and he was looking back at me with this horror, shocked expression on his normally expressionless face. Priceless.
I didn't give him any look coz I don't know how to top that expression he gave me and glanced back to the detectives. I told them of how I woke up and found myself in a tub buried with ice cubes and my attempt of another escape. I told them of my discovery and they nodded knowingly. I think the doctor must have told them the extend of my injuries. So I continued to the part where the bastard caught me halfway and how he dug his filthy hands on my wound and stabbed me twice. My statement was cut half way when I saw Kevin started to get up from his seat. He approached the open door and my heart skipped a beat. He is not leaving me now, is he?
He leaned his body against the doorframe and stared outside, where the passage way was empty. I think he couldn't take anymore of what I was about to say. Lucky for him, my story is about to end. I ended with the part where I dropped unconscious in an empty parking lot somewhere.
You know, for someone who is still traumatized by all these, I sure am damn excelled in this re-telling thingy. I didn't even shiver at the thoughts of what my body had gone through. The trick here people is to block all emotions out. I'm sure it's gonna come back with a vengeance later, and knock all calmness out from me, but for now, I'm good.
"That's good enough Nickolas. Your statement has help us a lot. But, you have no ideas what they did to you in that motel?"
"What do you mean `they'? I only said `him', there's only one." I asked. Had they been listening to anything I've said? Didn't I make myself clear enough? What kind of detectives are they? Yes, I am mad! Wouldn't you?
"My apology," Yeah right. "So, did you get a good look at this man?" You bet your ass I did!
"Yes."
"You think you can describe him to our sketch artist?" I could draw him myself if my arm wasn't hurt. Bet I could even draw him with my eyes close. I see his face everywhere I turn. It's that scary.
"Yeah."
"Great. We'll send someone over tomorrow." Detective Marlon said. He wasn't asking or informing me, he was telling me. For someone who wants something from me, he sure ain't polite.
"We'll be in touch, for the mean time, please don't go anywhere alone. You escaped, he might want to find you." Like I can go anywhere else? And thanks for the last bit of information. It really helps my nerve to work overtime. I mean, it only makes my over imaginative brain scare me shitless, nothing to worry about.
"Wait. Aren't you gonna tell me what really happened? What's with the stitches? How did I get them?" I asked. I can't believe they're not telling me this. Even the doctor had been trying to run away from it.
"I think it's best that your family tell you that. They've requested to tell it themselves." Mr Cameron replied. What's that suppose to mean? They knew what happen to me? And I'm still in the dark? When are they planning in telling me this? When I got chocked up on my own breath again?
The detectives didn't wait for my response. They left the moment they got all they need. They remind me so much of girls who dumped their boyfriends after they've got want they want. Er, okay, too personal, let's move along now shall we?
I looked at Kevin, he had this guilty look on his face. Damn him! He knew and all these time he said nothing! How could they?
I wanted to scream at him. It might not be his idea, I mean, it could be my parents' suggestion or Brian or Howie or AJ; okay, scrap AJ, he wouldn't think about pulling something like this. He's too straight forward to do this. So anyway, I don't care who's idea it was, Kevin's here, he's available for the screaming at this moment. And don't tell me that it ain't fair, since when has life been fair in the first place? If it is, I won't be here right now.
Like I've said, life ain't fair. Before I could even holler my anger, Howie, AJ, my parents and Maira trotted in. I saw Kevin sighed in relief and I slumped my head back to my pillow.
But the anger was gone in a few seconds when I realized that these are all the people I treasure in my life, in one room with me. There's nothing else I could have ask. There must be a reason why they had decided to keep it from me right? Maybe it's best not to know. Less painful that way ya know? Maybe I could just concentrate on getting better and go on with my life. We were supposed to start recording in two weeks time anyway.
"Nick?" I didn't realize it but I had my eyes strayed to my fingers all these time. I looked up to find my mom looking down at me, studying my face. I felt my eyes glistened and I know I was on the verge of breaking down. Lord, I can't cry in front of these guys!
Reality check Nickolas, you practically cried your eyeballs out on National TV when they interview the BSB about AJ's rehab thingy. Shit!
"Thank God you're alright baby!" I saw her bent down and gave me a hug. I wish I could hug her back but my arms are kinda restricted right now. All wrapped up and heavy. But the feel of her hug made me feel secure. Like in old times when I got scared of the boogey man under my bed (aww come on, everyone goes through that phase! What are you? Freak?) She would hug me to sleep. She sang lullaby too but that would be too much to ask now right?
"Honey, come on now, he needs room to breath." My dad said at the back. I really need to get in touch with my own body coz it seems like I'm catching on real slow. I can't even tell that I was almost chocked until my dad said it out loud. Mom pulled away in shock, her eyes swollen and apologetic.
"I'm sorry, I hurt you. Are you okay now?" How could she be sorry? She just gave me a hug!
"I'm okay...mom...don't sweat..about it." Oh yeah, real smooth now Nick.
I couldn't stand looking at my mom like that, I need to focus on someone else. Which is also not a good idea since the next person my eyes laid eyes on was none other than the angel of my life. She stood at the foot of my bed, her long dark hair let free, her green eyes glistened, her full lips trembling, with her floral blue dress...she's a sight to capture. One of these days, I'm gonna be behind the camera and shoot her instead.
I need to tell her that I'm okay. That there's no need for her to cry. I smiled. She can read my expression, there's no need for words with her. She smiled back and went forward, reaching out her hand for me. I forced my burning arm to lift up a bit and reached hers.
"How are you hanging on?" I asked. That got her laughing.
"That should be my line." She smile in between sobs. That smile. Yes, one more of the little things that made me fall in love with this girl. Sends flutters of butterflies in my stomach. But not right now though, right now, it's just pure pain. I made a mental note to tell her that when I get better. Maybe go out for a little picnic and tell her of the little things in her that made me fall for her. Like the way she smile, or how cute she looks when she's furious or how she had that little sashay going on when she walks.
"Nick, are you okay? You looked spaced out." Maira asked. So much for romantic thoughts.
"What? No, I'm okay. Just glad to see everyone. Where's the others anyway?" I asked, looking at my dad.
"Aaron had to get back on tour and we made the others go with him. Your uncle's with them."
"That's good. There's no need for them to worry." I replied, although frankly, I was kinda disappointed they're not here. I miss my sisters and brother.
"They'll call once everything get settled." Mom replied, as if reading my thoughts. I nodded.
"Did I miss anything?" Brian. Great entrance as always. Now everything's perfect.
"Days of our lives, down to the last details." AJ joked. Everyone laughed. Finally, something to cheer them up.
"Is this place crowded or what?" Mom said. "Look honey, I'm so happy you're okay now. But I see you need a lot of catching up to do with your friends. Your father and I will get going now. We'll see you again tomorrow okay?" I understand. I nodded. She bent down to kiss my cheek. "She's a great girl. I like her." She whispered in my ear. Now that, really blow me away. If I could do the chicken dance right now, I would. Euw, haven't I been an ugly sight enough? Scrap that last idea.
"Thanks mom."
"I'll see you out Jane." Maira offered. Mom nodded her approval. They have really bonded. I think we just skipped phase one of the meet the parents thingy.
"I'll be back in a few okay?" She said, letting go of my hand. I nodded and smile. I've been doing that a lot lately. Nod and smile. I should have keep track on the number of times I did it. Could enter the World Guinness Book of Records. A guy can dream. Lay off.
The room fell silent again. Only me and my brothers looking at each other. I knew they're just about to drop the bomb on me. I can tell these things. Not because I'm psychic or anything but because we've been up each other's asses for 10 years, there's nothing we can hide for long.
"Okay, just spill alright, I'm not gonna have a heart attack." I spat. Didn't mean to sound so mean, just hurt a bit. Oh well, I don't give a damn about anything anymore, if they don't tell me now, I'm gonna blow.
Howie looked at me and I know he was hurt. Didn't expect Nicky to burst out all of sudden, did he? He had eyebags that matched the ones I've spotted on Brian and Kevin. I'm not sure about AJ though, still hiding behind those shades. I don't think any of them had much sleep for the last five days. They must've been worried sick. I know I would if one of them went missing. I think I won't have survived five days. I think I'd kill myself. Okay, we'll reconsider that last part later on shall we?
"Well, is anyone gonna tell him or should I?" AJ blurted out. "You know it's not gonna be nice if I said it."
Somehow, that sounds funny. I chuckled, but the guys remained silent. Guilty even.
"Guys, I'm okay. What's done is done. Just tell me what it is you've been hiding from me coz I really need to know." I said again. I hope I sound forgiving enough.
"Go ahead Kev." Brian said, urging Kevin.
"Why me?" Kevin begged. They looked so funny but still, I see nobody laughing. I mean, come on, Kevin is begging! He's normally the one giving out orders.
"Er...you're the eldest?" Brian asked. I had to laugh.
"That's okay Kev, just tell me, I won't bite ya." I said.
"He will, only that he can't. Considering his current condition." AJ joked. Brian shot him a look.
"What? Joking!" AJ stressed.
"It's funny J, I believe ya." I mocked.
"Let's just say it guys, it's unfair to keep Nick in the dark any longer than he already had." Howie voiced out. Good old Howie, always thinking about others before himself.
Kevin looked at me and sigh. He took the seat to my right with AJ standing next to him while Brian took the seat to my left with Howie standing behind him.
Positions ready? Now spill!
Kevin cleared his throat. "Remember when Brian called and said Management had an emergency meeting for us?" He asked, looking at me straight in the eyes. I just realized how his bushy eyebrows actually compliment his whole face. And his green eyes, they really sparkles when he's serious. They somewhat demand respect from the listeners. I wish my eyes have that kind of a power towards people. What they see when they look at me are...anything but that. I really observe things a lot more after my abduction, don't I? Is that good or bad?
"About the Nysnc thing? Yeah." I replied. What's the relevance to all these?
"Well, it turns out, the guys had to stop their touring and all coz Justin had some major complications." Kevin replied.
Complications. Hmm...so I feel sorry for the guy, but I'm still not finding any relevance to what I've been through.
"I don't think I follow, but please continue." I said. Did I just say please?
I saw AJ massaging his goatee. He always does that when he's nervous. Why is he nervous?
"You see, two months ago, he went missing." Kevin said and then paused, looking at me to search for any changes. Sure, I get the `missing' part loud and clear. It kinda strike a chord in me. But I'm still not sure. Seeing this, he continued. "The other guys received a call from a hospital in LA where they were touring and Justin was found." Hmmm...getting there.
"And?" I asked. I give this 8 out of 10 for suspense.
"And the doctor said that the paramedics received an anonymous phone call saying that there's a man who needs medical attention fast. They were given an address to a motel." Kevin added.
"He was kidnapped?" They nodded.
"He's kidnapper is funny." I said. "Why would he call the ambulance?"
"That's not the only thing Nicky. The paramedics arrived and found him in the bathtub, with ice cubes covering his body."
That can't be right. I think Kevin got mixed up. That's not Justin, that's me! He must have been really tired from the sleepless nights, he's hallucinating or something! How come the guys aren't saying anything about his?
"But Kevin...that's me! Not Justin." I managed to say. Kevin's expression didn't change. He shook his head and buried his face in his palms. He was crying! Damn, that's something new!
"Nick, what Kevin's trying to tell you is that, Justin went through the same thing as you did."
Shocking words coming from Brian. Am I registering it all right? Did he really just say that? Justin was kidnapped? He was buried in ice cubes in bathtub too? What? He burnt him too?
"And the bastard burnt him too?"
"What? No. He didn't burn his back." Brian replied, somewhat surprised.
"Then why was he in the bathtub with ice cubes?" I asked. " I had burns that's why he put me in one. So what happen to Justin? And why is this of any relevance??"
Howie shook his head. He rested his hands on Brian's shoulder and looked at me. "Nick, he didn't put you in that tub full of ice because of your burns," Howie said. What then? "He did that because both you and Justin had just underwent an operation and to keep you two alive while waiting for help to arrive, you have to be buried in ices."
Operation? Is that why I had this long, ugly stitch along my right ribs? Someone had cut me open? But I was kidnapped! Why would a kidnapper operate on me? They're not doctors. They're supposed to call for ransom, not the fucking paramedics! What the fuck are they talking about?
It's you that I need Nicky...You have it IN you...
Somehow, that kinda makes sense when I think about it. But it's still not a comforting thought. I think I've had enough for one day.
"I need another sleep."