It was weird, but after I had gotten dressed and came back downstairs, I felt more alive than ever. Maybe it was just that I was glad that AJ had walked in when he did. He had saved my life. If he hadn't came by then well... I didn't even want to consider the possibility of where I'd be. Bottom line was I felt like I was being reborn in a weird way. AJ had made some sandwiches for lunch and we basically just sat around eating and talking for a while. Not about what had happened of course. In fact all touchy subjects *cough*Nick*cough* were left undiscussed. We just enjoyed totally innocent, carefree conversation.

"So, are you really serious about the tattoo?" AJ asked.

"Yea, I think I'm ready," I answered with a grin.

"Did you decide what to get?"

"I'm not totally sure yet," I honestly replied. "I have a few ideas, but I guess I won't pick one until I get there."

"Take your time to look through the books with the designs in them. It's important to pick one you like considering it's permanent," he advised.

"I'll choose wisely," I reassured him as we made our way to his car.

The whole ride there I trued to psych myself up. Did I really want to do this? Yea, I wanted to, but I was still nervous. It reminded me of how scared I'd been to get my belly button pierced. I'd wanted it for so long, but I was a little nervous about getting it done. Afterwards I felt like such a dork because it really wasn't that big of a deal. That's how I figured I'd feel about getting a tattoo.

I wish Nick was here with me, I thought wistfully. I love AJ, don't get me wrong, but it's not the same as how I I feel about Nick. I couldn't help but recall how hurt he sounded when I announced that AJ was taking me to get it done. What was I thinking? Nick and I were through and I had spent enough time harping over it. Now I needed to do something for myself and what could be better than getting a tattoo? It would be like my silent rebellion to the world.

"Here we are," AJ announced as he parked the car outside the tattoo parlor. "You sure you want to do this?"

"Of course," I told him confidently as I got out of the car and entered the building. I had already decided that definitely wanted to get something on my pelvis. That way nobody would really see it but me. (Well ... and whoever I wanted to show it to.) I liked the idea of it kind of being hidden away like that. I just hadn't decided what kind of design I wanted.

I didn't have to worry though. I sort of stumbled upon the perfect design like it was fate or something. The first book I grabbed flew open to a random page. As soon as my eyes gazed upon the butterfly I knew that was it. Butterflies were a symbol of life right? A symbol of rebirth. What could have been more perfect for me after my brush with death earlier that morning?

"I want this," I told AJ, pointing to the design.

"Good choice," he agreed with a smile. "I can picture you with that."

"It's settled then," I said a little nervously. "Now let's get this over with before I lose my nerve!"

10 minutes later I was laying back in a chair, nervously awaiting for it all to start.

"Nervous?" AJ asked.

"Yea, kinda..." I admitted.

"I'll hold your hand the whole time," he promised. "You can squeeze it if you're in pain."

"Thanks," I said dryly.

"Just focus all your pain onto what you are going through with Nick and everything else that is bothering you. It's a great release," he advised.

I nodded. What he said did make sense. Don't they say that physical pain is nothing when compared to emotional pain?

So from the moment the needle hit my body, I gritted my teeth and thought about Nick and wondered exactly what he was doing just then?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What I didn't know was that Nick wasn't exactly out celebrating over our breakup. In fact, he felt guilty. He hadn't intended in breaking up with me when he first saw that Katie had dropped by, but the more he thought about it and the more angry that I had gotten ... it had just seemed like the best thing to do. I think that deep down we both knew in our hearts that it probably was a good idea to put things on hold until he straightened everything out with Katie.

His mind had been preoccupied so much last night between feeling guilty for breaking up with me and wondering exactly what Katie wanted, that he barely had gotten through dinner with his parents and Aaron. It was a very awkward night and Nick was glad that it was over. Now he could devote his time to other things. Like figuring out why the fuck Katie had came to Florida.

He didn't have to wait long. He was barely up and dressed when Katie arrived again. As soon as he heard the knock on the door he knew it was her. He wasn't expecting any company and who else would just drop by like that at that hour?

Nervously he made the way to the door trying to decide how to act and what to say. The situation was rather awkward. What was he supposed to say to somebody that he assumed he'd just sleep with once and never hear from again?

He opened the door and stood there rather stupidly for a second or two before finally speaking, "What are you doing here?"

"Now that's no way to say hello Nicky," she purred. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"

"Come in," he muttered as he opened the door for her and plopped himself onto the couch.

"Guess your girlfriend didn't tell you that I stopped by yesterday huh?" she asked him as she sat next to him o the couch.

"Actually she did," Nick replied. "We're uhh... not involved anymore," he said simply.

"Aww, what a shame," Katie tried to sympathize even though by the expression on her face you could just tell that she was screaming with happiness inside.

"Yea, she told me all about it and I just want to know what gives you the right to come into my home when I'm not around and harass my girlfriend?"

"Ex girlfriend," she reminded him.

"That doesn't matter Katie! Yea, I gave you my address and number, but I didn't think you'd try to stay in touch or just pop up to visit me unannounced like this."

"I called. You weren't home and your cell was off," she interrupted him.

"Look, after that night in Sweden I explained to you that there was no way that we could have a relationship," he reminded her, ignoring her interruption. "I'm cool with being friends, but other than that it was just sex. I don't mean to sound like an asshole, but that's all it was to me."

And what does Melissa think about all this?" Katie challenged, her blue eyes flashing with anger.

"What Melissa thinks about it is none of your business Katie. We have our own problems to work out and we don't need you trying to complicate things even further," he paused to take a breath. "I think it'll be best if you left and didn't come back."

Nick expected Katie to get up and leave then or at least get mad, but he wasn't prepared for her reaction to his order. She did what struck him as the strangest thing. She laughed.

"What's so funny?" he demanded. "I asked you to leave and I expect you to do what I say."

"You think you can get rid of me that easily Nick?" she chuckled.

"If you're not out of here in 5 seconds I'm calling the cops," he threatened.

"You won't wanna to do that Nick. It won't look good for you. Besides you should be thankful that I'm willing to negotiate and not blab about our night together to every tabloid under the sun."

"Negotiate? What the fuck are you talking about?" he asked a sinking feeling in his stomach.

"I'm pregnant," she announced in a voice that was completely void of any emotion. For all it sounded to Nick she could've been talking about the weather in the same tone of voice.

"What?" Nick asked in disbelief, not quite sure he heard correctly.

"I'm pregnant," she repeated. "So, you see you can't just throw me out because if you do I'll make sure every single tabloid knows. It'll ruin your career. So, the way I see it you have no choice but to listen to what I have to say."

"Are you positive Katie?" Nick asked her feeling a little sick to his stomach.

"Of course I am. I can even show you my test results from the doctor's office," she confidently replied.

"And you're sure it's mine?" he suspiciously continued to interrogate.

"Are you implying that I sleep around all the time?" she asked him, pretending to sound hurt.

"No," Nick answered, trying not to dig himself into a deeper mess. "I just have to be sure Katie."

"Why? You've had this problem before?" she asked him curiously.

"No! Just that it's incredibly easy for you to make an allegation like that against me because it's convenient for you."

"If you don't believe me I have no problem with a paternity test. I have nothing to hide," she told him looking him dead in the eyes.

Nick sighed, not knowing what to do or say next. Never in a million years did he think that one drunken fling could lead to this. It was a nightmare. If what Katie said was true ... it could ruin his career. Hell, it could ruin the rest of the guys career's too. All he could think about just then was how bad Kevin was going to kill him when he found out.

Just then the doorbell rang interrupting the tense moment. Please don't make that Melissa, Nick prayed as he excused himself and opened the door. He wasn't sure if he should be relieved or frightened to find Izzy on the other side.

Izzy had decided to drop by because after much deliberation and calming herself down, she decided that she did owe Nick an opportunity to tell his side of the story before she did any permanent damage to him. So, she decided to stop by and get the scoop.

"Damn, doesn't anybody know how to use a phone anymore," he muttered as he opened the door.

"Okay, let's try it again and maybe you could say 'Hello Izzy. How are you today?' this time. All right?" Izzy answered sweetly.

"Hello, Isabelle. How are you doing this fine morning? To what do I owe this gift of your presence?" Nick answered back sarcastically.

"Eww, what crawled up your ass and died?" she replied. "Could you at least invite me inside?"

"Uhh... Now's not a very good time," he tried to tell her. The last thing he needed was Izzy getting involved in this mess.

"Well, I can say exactly what I came here to say outside if need be. I want to hear what exactly your excuse is for cheating on Mel."

Nick groaned. He did not need to hear this right then. "Iz, not now," he protested.

"No, I think now is the perfect time," she argued raising her voice. "Melissa wouldn't even pick up her phone last night! She only does that when something happened that she doesn't want to talk about. You were the last person to talk to her... What happened?"

"Iz, I can't talk about this right now," he whined, trying to close the door in her face.

Iz stopped him. "You're hiding something Nick. I know you. What's going on?"

"Nothing!" he insisted.

"Nick hon, who is it?" Katie called from the living room.

Fuck. He was busted. Katie probably chose that moment to speak up just to piss him off.

"Hon? Who the fuck was that? That's not Mel's voice!" Izzy asked him angrily.

"I'm Katie," Katie spoke up as she approached Nick at the door. "And you are?"

"Isabelle Richardson. Nick's best friend. I'm also very close friends with Melissa, his girlfriend," she announced.

"Oh, you mean his ex-girlfriend," she corrected.

"Ex-girlfriend? What is she talking about?" Izzy asked Nick, her face in total disbelief.

"I'm going to go now Nick. I'll be in touch and we can make further arrangements," Katie told him, giving a quick peck on his cheek. "Nice meeting you Isabelle," she said as she stepped out the door.

"Further arrangements?! Nick, what the fuck is she talking about?" Izzy screamed as she followed him inside.

"I don't want to discuss it Iz," he told her as he made his way into the kitchen.

"You have a lot of explaining to do! You fucking broke up with Mel for THAT cheap slut? After I hooked you two up because I was convinced you two were like soul mates? God, you don't know the fucking mistake you are making. Mel loves you and you act like it's not a big deal-"

"If Mel sent you to make me feel like an asshole you can leave," Nick interrupted, rubbing his temples.

"Mel didn't send me! I came on my own! Because I know the big mistake you are making! Do you fucking realize what she was feels for you? Do you want to know what she had planned tonight just to keep you?

"Iz..." he warned, about to blow his top any minute.

"She was going to fucking have sex with you!" she spilled out. "All because she was afraid that was the reason you cheated on her in the first place!"

"You think that I fucking wanted Katie here?" he whirled around, losing his cool. "I would've loved just to never see her face again and go on with life-"

"I'm sure Nick," Izzy responded, rolling her eyes.

"She's fucking pregnant! Are you happy now?" he blurted out.

Izzy stood there for a second or two in shocked silence. She's been prepared to hear something like she had came back because now that I was out of the picture, she and Nick could be together, but never in a million years did she think that something like THIS would happen. "Are you sure she's not lying Nick?" she asked a little uncertainly.

Nick just sighed. "She told me that I could talk to her doctor if I didn't believe her."

"But that doesn't mean anything! She could've gotten pregnant by any old dirt bag and decided to blame it on you because you're rich and famous," Izzy pointed out.

"She had no problem with having a paternity test. In fact she seemed very confident that the results would show me as the father."

"That still doesn't mean anything. It might just all be an act," she insisted.

"Izzy, what the fuck am I going to do? I never thought that something like this would happen to me. I never cheated on any of my girlfriend's before this and I thought it would be easy. I mean everyone talks about how if you're in another country the other person will never find out. I figured that if I just took that one chance with Katie that there would be no way that Melissa would find out and I'd never have to see Katie again. Boy, was I wrong," he spilled out.

"Didn't you guys use any kind of protection?" Izzy delicately asked.

"I don't even remember. I was too drunk to care," he admitted in a choked up voice.

Oh, man, Iz thought as she heard how close he sounded to tears. Nick never cried. This was just way too much. She couldn't stand to see a guy cry. All of a sudden all her anger at him melted away. Yeah, she was still pissed at him for cheating on me, but Nick was one of her best friends and right then he needed her. Besides, she had the feeling that he was definitely sorry for what he'd done.

"Aww, Nick," she leaned over and hugged him. "You can't let this get you down. Especially when you have no proof. It's just as easy for her to say she's pregnant as it is for those fans on the Internet who claim that they've 'messed around' with you. You can't let this ruin your life until you know more information. Maybe it's just a ploy for her to get some money out of you."

"And what if it's not? What if she really IS pregnant and it's mine? Then what do I do? The tabloids will have a field day with that one and I don't want to even THINK about what Kevin is going to say," he retorted.

"We'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Izzy promised. "In the meantime there are other things that I think you should be more worried about."

"Like?"

"Well, first off you said you don't remember if you used protection or not. You should get yourself checked out just in case. Who knows if she could have had something."

"You mean that I could have an STD?" Nick asked his face growing pale.

"It's possible," she answered honestly. "You might be fine, but these days you never know. I'd rather you be safe than sorry."

"Thanks Iz. Now not only do I have to worry about getting Katie pregnant, but now I also have to worry about having AIDS," he grumbled. "Don't thank me. Thank yourself. You're the one that got yourself into this mess," she reminded him. Nick sighed. She was right. He had nobody to blame but himself. "Well, if I could go back in time I would've did things much differently. I think I've learned my lesson never to cheat again. I only wish that I hadn't completely fucked things up with Mel. Our relationship got a little weird before I left and then with the distance and all..." "It's not too late Nick. She loves you," Izzy told him. "Yes, it is. Even if she totally forgives me how am I supposed to tell her that Katie could be pregnant with my child?" Izzy sighed. "I don;t have all the answers Nick. All I know is that if it's really meant to be she'll accept it. You seem like you regret it and you've learned your lesson." "Boy, did I," he agreed and paused for a moment. "Uhh... Iz? Were you just trying to get me angry when you said that Mel planned on having sex with me tonight?" Iz hesitated, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to betray my trust, but she felt that Nick needed to know exactly what lengths I was willing to go through to keep him. "No," she answered honestly. "Melissa really was about to. She thought the whole reason that you cheated on her was because she wouldn't sleep with you right away. I tried to talk her out of it but, you know Mel. Once she gets an idea in her head, forget it." "God, I'm an asshole," he muttered. "Don't beat yourself up Nick. Why don;t you come over to my place for a little while and we'll all leave for Mel's party together? You, me, Ashley, Kevin, and Melanie..." "No thanks. I don't think I'm even going to show up. It'll be too weird," he declined. "Come on Nick. It's her birthday! Besides maybe you guys can talk things out," she suggested. "Okay, fine," he agreed. "On one condition though. Don't tell anyone about Katie being pregnant please?" "No problem. As long as you don't let Mel know that I told you about her 'plan.'" "Agreed," Nick nodded at her. Maybe the party wouldn't be so bad after all.