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“I really hate saying goodbye, but here I go again!” I complained to Brian, Lieghanne, AJ and Amanda. Me and Nick had to hurry to catch our plane and I was faced with separation again. At least this time it didn’t have to do with Nick. I knew I couldn’t take that again yet.
Quickly I made my rounds and Nick and me were in the car driving towards the airport.
“Ya nervous?” he asked.
“Can ya tell?” I shuttered.
“Just a little, baby. Your hand is shaking and you haven’t said a word!”
“Sorry.” I half laughed.
“There ya go! It’s nothing big. You’re only meeting a few members of my family. I’m sure they already love you! Just relax!”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
“Well, guess what.” Nick exclaimed as he parked the car.
“What?”
“We’re here!”
“Oh my gosh, Carter! I’m not that blonde.” I exclaimed punching his shoulder.
“Ow! You hurt me!”
“Good!” I smirked and jumped out of the car to get my luggage.
Me and Nick hurried to get our luggage checked, not knowing how long the baseball cap would hold up. It’s kind of hard not to recognize someone that is 6 feet tall.
Finally we were on the monorail, waiting for our stop. I was leaning back against Nick as held onto the pole. Quietly we talked about different odds and inns.
Carla was still in the picture trying to cause trouble. I had decided that her goal in life was to try and ruin others happiness. She sure was trying hard with me and Nick. Luckily it wasn’t working.
I sighed when we got to our stop and grabbed Nick’s offered hand. We walked towards our gate till about five girls ran up to Nick jerking him away from me. My face couldn’t hide my disgust. They also didn’t hide theirs for me.
All of the girls were throwing themselves on Nick and doing almost anything they could think of.
“Flight 521 to LA California is now boarding first class passengers only.”
“Crap!” I mumbled walking over towards the group, which Nick now had under control. His talents never cease to amaze me. “Hey, Nicky! They just called our flight.”
“Girls, I have to go.” He hurriedly said signing the last paper. “It was nice meeting you.”
I smiled at his look of annoyance he showed when his bask was turned. It was just like the one he gave me the day we met, when he heard all the screams. I still remember the day we met clearly. That day was now over a year ago. Silently I tried to figure out how long me and Nick had been together as we sat on the plane.
“Nick, we’ve been together for a year and one month.” I told him,
“I know.” Was his simple reply.
“You did?”
“Yupe! I kept up.” He explained grabbing my hand.
Through the rest of the plane ride, we talked, read, listened to CD’s or just slept. Overall it was an enjoyable and relaxing ride. I wasn’t looking forward to the hurried departure from the LA airport.
I was right. Nick dragged me everywhere to get our luggage and a rental car. Of course Nick got my favorite, a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
My nerves started to get the best of me as we neared his house. I almost couldn’t take it.
“Baby, it WILL be alright. I promise. My house is your house, just like in Tampa.”
“I know. I’m just still scared!” I exclaimed tightening my grip on his hand.
“Let go! You’re gonna kill me!” Nick shouted trying to yank his hand away.
“Sorry,” I mumbled embarrassed.
In a few more minutes we pulled up to Nick’s house. It was huge! But then it needed to be to hold his entire family and company and times.
“Okay, here we go.” Nick smiled opening the front door. I didn’t reply, just grabbed his hand with both of mine. Shouts of joy reached my ears as Nick walked in the door pulling me behind him.
“Nick! You’re here!” One little blonde girl yelled. She ran up to him and Nick reached down to pick her up.
“Hey Angel. How are you?” he asked hugging her. Soon his whole family surrounded hum, welcoming him back. I felt out of place, like I was invading . This was his family, I knew I shouldn’t have come.
“Anne!” Aaron yelled running over to get a hug.
“Hey AC.” I smiled messing up his hair. The room got quiet as all eyes were on me and Aaron. Slowly Nick walked over to me slipping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on the top of my head.
“Hey, everyone.” Nick smiled. “This is my Anne, whom you’ve heard so much about.”
“Hi.” I meekly smiled.
“It’s so awesome to finally meet you.” BJ yelled.
“Didn’t we see you for like two seconds at Nick’s apartment this simmer?” Leslie inquired.
“Yes, that was me.” I blushed.
“Don’t be shy around here, Anne. You’re practically family here.” Mr. Carter welcomed embracing me tightly in a warm hug.
Through the rest of the evening I talked with everyone till dinner. My family never had meals altogether, so it was very uncomfortable. Nick’s hand rested on my leg comfortingly. He knew this was strange for me and I needed all the support I could get. Never has he failed to provide it.
“Sweety, ya need to talk or eat,” Nick whispered to me.
“I don’t know what to talk about. And I’m not hungry.” I replied. We had been at the table for close to 45 minutes. Hardly ever was there one quiet moment. All of this was so new to me. This was what a real family was like, something I had always wanted but never got.
As dinner finished I heard Nick whispered something to his mother. Quickly he walked back to me and led me outside. I looked all around the backyard. It was gorgeous. The pool was dull because of the cover, shadows from plants created its own intriguing effect. Without realizing I had, I had retreated into my own world of safety.
“Anne, baby. Are you okay?” Nick asked pulling me in his arms.
“I’m okay. Just all of this is strange. Families that talk a lot, and show their love is new to me.”
“It’ll be alright. You’ll get used to it. I promise.” Nick assured.
“Can we just stay out here for a little while?”
“Sure.” Nick sat down in a nearby chair and pulled me in his lap. I snuggled closer as a cold wind wiped around us. The air didn’t feel the same as the salty sea air I had grown to love in Tampa. The silence around us felt so peaceful. I absolutely loved it. We starred up at the stars, awed by their beauty.
Tiredly I leaned my head against Nick’s chest. Before I realized it, I had fallen asleep.