Chapter 13
Nick had been drivin for half an hour. Where culd she be??? He thought out loud. Just then his cell phone rang. Hello? he said suddenly upbeat hopin it was Kylie. Nick, it'z B. WHERE R U? I'm drivin down 55 and Main. Why? Cuz Rissa was murdered by Karmen. SHE DIDN'T COMMIT SUICIDE. Holy Crap!! Yah, we gotta find Kylie and get outta the country. I'll explain later. Have u found her? NO, B I haven't. Does she have her phone with her? I'm not sure! Here, lemme call it and see if I can get anyone to answer, k? Ok, and when u get off, Nick call me. Yah, B. If u find her gimme a call. Talk to u in a few. Nick quickly hung up with Brian and shakily dialed Kylie’s cell number. After 20 rings he gave up. He dialed Brian back. Hello, B said. She won’t answer her cell Frick, I’m startin to get worried. Nick was on the verge of tears. He had never gotten to tell her that he was the friend from Tampa or show her the picture he had of them. He had lost her once and he wasn’t gonna loose her again. Brian, I think I have an idea of whre she mite be. Where Nick?? They had been in Tampa two weeks now, and Kylie spent lots of time at the beach. The beach, Brian. She goes there to let go of everything. I’m not too far from where she ususally goes, so I’m gonna head over there. I’ll call u if I find out anything, ok? Ok, Frack. And Frack? What, I said Be careful, not just for ur sake, but for ours and Kylies. Ur shoulder is still bothering u and u don’t need to rehurt it, ok? Sure Frick, I’ll be fine.
Kylie stepped out of car and ran tword the ocean. Why why why! She screamed. Why is all this happening? How did Karmen find me she thought I was sooo careful to cover up everything I did. Why did I even get mixed up with him? God I’m sooo stupid! Nick doesn’t know the truth. The only people that do are me and Karrissa and Kassidy and now Karrissa’s gone. Either Kassidy or me will be next I said a loud. That’z right a voice behind me said. I quickly turned around to see who it belonged to and it was Karmen’s. Karmen! What r u doin here? Kylie didn’t hear him answer though, the cholorform had already knocked her out. Now, Karmen said as they passed by Kylie Mustang, I’ll leave precious Nicky a little note explainin about all this.
As Nick drove up to the parking lot of the board walk he immediately saw her car. Good, he thought she’s here. But, as he approached her silver Mustang, he began to get worried. He could tell that she wasn’t in it, but he could also tell that she wasn’t up on thier rock. The place that she ususally went to when she was upset about something. When he gor directly upon the car, his worst fear was confirmed. She was gone. He noticed a piece of paper on the windshield. He picked it and shakily opened it. Oh God! Nick screamed. The letter read. Dear little preciouse Nicky, Kylie is gone and I have her. U mite see her again, u mite not. I’m not sure rite now. I will call ur house at 7:30 tonite, u better be there, cuz I won’t call back if ur not! Karmen Pickerings. Oh God, oh God, please don’t let anything happen to my baby. Please please, Nick said over and over again. A few minutes later, Brian pulled up beside her car. Oh no, he said to himself, she’s gone, she’s gone. Nick, he said as he jumped out of his Jeep and began running tword him, she’s gone isn’t she? Yah, B, she’s gone. Karmen has her. Brian looked at his friend and culd tell he had been crying. Nick, we’ll get her back, don’t worry. Just don’t worry about it. B, what time is it? It’s 6:30, why? Karmen is gonna call me at home at 7:30. Here read this, he said in between sobs. Brian took the letter from him and read and reread. Nick, come on. Lets get to the house before we miss the call. Do u wanna call the police now, or wait for him? Lets wait for him I said. There’s no tellin what he’ll do if he finds out we called the cops before we talked to him. Brian, I can’t loose her! I’ve not had the chance to tell her about the picture and everything that happened so many years ago! Don’t worry Nick, we’ll get her back. Brian sure hoped he was right. He didn’t know what he’d do if he wasn’t. He couldn’t stand to see his bestfriend in the much pain. Nick slowly got up slowly and reached for the mustangs door. No, Brian said. It culd have fingerprints on it and then they’d think that we kidnapped her. U’re rite, Frick. Thanks. I’m just sooo messed up right now. Nick, head back to the house and wait for me there. I’m gonna call the guys and have them meet us there too, ok? Yah, I said. Still not wanting to believe what Kylie’s fate may have brought her.
Chapter 14
Karmen, I pleaded with him, please don’ t hurt me. I’ll do anything u want me to. All u gotta do is name it! Oh, Kylie, I wuldn’t ever wanna hurt u, but this time u’ve forced me to he said with an evil grin. Oh, god. I thought. Please, dear God let me b ok. Please. And don’t let Nick worry about me, please. Kylie, come on we’re here. No, Karmen, take me home. Please. Kylie, I was tryin to be nice, but now u’ve forced me to do this. Karmen reached back and slapped her as she cried out in pain, he doused the rag in choloroform again and placed it over her nose and mouth. Once she was out, he got out of the van and walked to her side. Good, he said, she’ll be out for at least 2 hours. That’ll give me time to call Nick and make my demands. It’s already 7:15, by the time I get everything settled, it’ll be time to call.
Nick drove into his driveway at 7:20. Brian wasn’t far behind him. He noticed that Kevin, Howie and AJ were already there. Good, he thought the whole gangs here. He got out and waited for Brian. They walked up to the house together. B, how much time do I have to trace the call? Nick had gotten a tracer on the house phone and his phone due to an obsessed fan named Kiara. She called and alwayz threatned to kill anyone Nick ever went out with. Needless to say, she’s in jail now. Nick, u’ve got 2 minutes to activate both of them. They walked in and AJ looked at them and said laughingly, we already activated ur tracers. Don’t worry Nicky, we’re gonna get her back. Thanks guys. Here’s both the phones. Nick had a cordless phone for his line, as well as the house line. I’m sure Kylie will give him my line’s number. Well, Nick looked at the clock, it’z 7:29. He better not have been lyin to me. If he was I’ll go after him. No sooner had Nick said those words did the phone ring. Nick let it ring twice, so the tracer culd pick up as soon as he heard the tracer beep he answered. Hello? He said. Trying to act and seem as though he was calm and hadn’t been crying. The guys sat there patiently. Brian saying a small prayer to himself. Precious little Nicky, I presume? Yes, this is me. Is this Karmen? Yes, now here’s the deal! Before we deal, lemme know that Kylie is ok. Ok, he said. He looked at Kylie, but she was still out. I’m sorry Nicky, but all I can give u is my word. She’s still out cuz of the chloroform. But other than that, she’s fine. Ok, I said shakily, I guess I’ll trust u. That’z good, Nicky, u’re a smart one. Ok, I siad. I heard the tracer beep again, knowin that he was traced. Brain immediately picked up the other line and called the Tampa Police Station. Ok, whats the deal. Oh good, we’re back to that. For the safe return of Kylie, I want 2 million dollars. Made in installments to my bank account in France. 1 million dollars at a time. Ok, Karmen anything u want. I want one installment tomorrow and the next one Friday. No sooner did he say this did Nick here the cops say “Freeze, or we’ll shoot.!” Nick , u double crossed me. Kylie’s gonna pay for this. Before Nick, or the cops culd say or do anything, Nick heard a gun shot. NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed. Then he heard another one! Oh God, no!!! Mr. Carter? This is Detecive Matthews, u better get to the hospital. U better get there fast. Nick heard the phone go dead. He slowly hung it up and began to sob. Nick, Nick, what happened? Brian said anxiously He, he, he, he, he said between sobs. He......Shot......Kylie..... Gotta....get....to.....the....hospital.....now! Well, come on! Brian screamed. The guys ran out the door and tword AJ’s Yukon.
The guys were at the hospital in about 20 minutes. Nick was still sobbing uncontroably and their was nothing Brian or any of the rest of them culd do about it. Once in the elevator, Nick finally spoke. Guys, he said, what if she doesn’t make it this time? What if I’m to late? Nick, Kevin said, Kylie’s strong. She’s pulled through so much already. She’ll make it. I promise u see will. The elevator stopped and they stepped out of it. Nick ran to the nurses station. He didn’t have to say a word because Stella (the nurse from the last visit) was working. Nick, Nick, it’z bad. Stella, where’s she at. Rite now hunney she’s in surgery. He shot her in the chest. Nick, he meant to kill her. Where is Karmen? Oh, Nick he shot himself too. Nick began to cry harder. He culdn’t bare to think about loosing his only love. Oh, babey come here. Stella said as she wrapped her arms around Nick. She’ll pull through, I know she will. Nick, babey, u mite as well just go into the waiting room. Dr. Hanoford is once again doing the surgery, so he knows what Kylie can and can’t handle, ok? Ok, Stella. Thank you. Anytime, hun.
Nick went back to the elevators where he had left the guys. Well, I said, she’s in surgery. Dr. Hanoford is preforming it again. Stella thinks she’ll pull through. But, she also said it was really bad. She said that we mite as well just go in the waiting room and wait. It’z gonna be awhile. Nick wasn’t sure how he comtained his composure throughout all of that, but somehow he had managed to. He was thankful for that, too.
Chapter 15
It had been a long two hours. Nick had told everyone his and Kylie’s history of living beside each other when they were little. He also told them, painfully, about how Cheryl had been Kylie and Karrissa’s sister. Nick culd barely stand to think about the time he had with Cheryl, let alone talk about it. Even though it had been 3 years since the accident, Nick still coped with it. She was his first real love.
The door to the waiting room opened and in walked a young Dr. He looked to be around 25 or so. Mr. Carter? Yes, Nick said as he rose from his chair I’m Dr. Hanoford, I preformed Kylie’s surgery. Is she gonna be ok? I asked nervously I can tell u this, she’s not completely out of the words yet, but she will live. I’m not sure what the extent of the brain damage will be. It could be a great deal, or it could be none. Where was she shot at? She was shot in her back. It barely missed her spine. If if had gotten her spine, she probably wouldn’t be with us right now. Kylie’s very lucky to be alive at this point, Nick. Very lucky. Does Kylie have any immediate family here? No, her only family is us. Her parents were killed a while ago. Well, in that case all of you may see her, 1 at a time. Starting in an hour. I suggest you prepare yourselves. She’s not the same Kylie as before. She was severly beaten before she was shot. It’s possible that she was also raped. We haven’t ran tests yet, but they will be scheduled to be ran tomorrow. Ohmigod, Nick said under his breath. Nick, if u want u can tell Kylie that she was possibly raped. If u want to tell her, I won’t. Yah, please let me tell her. Ok, u can tell her. I’m gonna go now and make sure everything is ok. But prepare for the worse. She doesn’t look like the Kylie I’m sure u guys last saw ok? Yah, Dr. Hanoford. Act positive with her as well. She needs her friends. If she was raped and if she becomes pregnate due to it, she’ll really need her friends. Good day guys. Thank you Dr., for everything. No problem whatsoever Nick. Goodbye he said one more time before leaving the waiting room.
Ok, guys, Kevin said Dr. Hanoford said to act postive ok? So I expect us all to do that. She’s made it this far, as long as we’re here for her, she’ll make it the rest of the way. 5 more minutes and they culd finally see Kylie for the first time. Everyone decided Nick shuld go to see her first. It had been 6 months since they first met. In 6 months this much tradgedy had happened. Sometimes Nick believed he was just dreaming. But he knew he wasn’t. How culd he b? Kylie was the best thing that ever happened to him and now he was in danger of loosing her He culdn’t bare to even think like that. Nick, Nick, he heard Brian say Yah, Frick. Nick, u can go in now. R u ok goin by urself? Dr. Hanoford said we culd go two at a time if we wanted. Yah, B. I’m fine don’t worry. But really Nick didn’t know if he was gonna be able to make it or not.
Nick slowly walked down the corridor to where Kylie’s room was. He though he was prepared, but when he walked in the room he knew he wasn’t. Nothin culd’ve prepared him for this. In a mass of tubes, machines and other things lay Kylie. She was in fact severely beaten. Nick culd barely tell she was there in the bed. Nick walked closer to the bed b4 he said anything. Kylie? Kylie? Can u hear me? Kyle opened her eyes and in her barely audible voice said, Nick? Is that u? Oh Kylie! Thank god u’re alive. Yes babey , I’m here. R u ok? Yah, Nick. I’ll b ok. Don’t worry about me. I can make it. R u ok? Yah Kylie, Nick said with a little laugh. I’m fine now that u’re ok. There for a while I thought I was gonna loose u. Nick, u know I wuld never leave u without sayin goodbye. U know that. Nick, I wuld never leave u anywayz. Kylie, I love u. Oh Nick, I love u too. Kylie, I’m gonna go and let the rest of the guys come in, ok? Yah, Nick. Don’t worry about me. I’ll see u in the mornin Kylie. Ok? Yah, Nick. Bye. Nick bent down and lightly kissed Kylie on the lips. Bye Kylie. Bye Nicky Poo Kylie said laughing.
Nick walked out of the room still slightly laughing. Well he said to himself, I guess she’s gonna b ok. I’ve got to tell her about the pictures of me and her though. As he rounded the corner to the waiting room he saw the guys standing there laughing. Nick, Brian said still laughing, how is she? She’s gonna b ok, I said. She looks a little rough, not like herself, but she’s gonna make it this time. I told her u guys were comin in. She’s ready for u. Guys, she can’t talk very well at all. She may have fallen back out of conciousness to. Ok, guys Brian said, lets make it short and sweet.
Since all four of the guys had decided to go together, Nick was on his own. He still couldn’t believe the events that had happened in the past 6 months. He had almost lost this girl for a 2nd time. It’s time he said to himself, time I asked her to marry me.
Chapter 16
Guys, I said, I need to talk to u. Bout what Brian asked while eating a piece of bacon. It had been two days since they had first saw Kylie in the hospital. Today she was getting out. Well, I started, I’ve been thinkin about me and Kylie........ Uhoh AJ said, he’s been thinkin! AJ, Kevin said this must b serious for Nick to have been thinkin. Ok, ok, Howie said, let the man finish. Ok, well I wanna ask Kylie to marry me. I’ve almost lost her twice and I can’t afford to loose her again. Nick, Kevin said, this is a very big, huge responsibility here. U realize that rite? Yes, Kevin, I realize that. This is what I want. I want to spend the rest of my life with Kylie. If I can’t have her, then I don’t want to live. Nick, Kevin said, I support ur decision 110%. Whatever u decide to do, I’m rite behind u. Thankx Kev, that really means a lot. I’m with ya to, Frack, Brian said Don’t forget me, AJ said Well, Howie, what do u think? Nick, I hate to b the bearer of bad news, but I really think u shuld wait. Why? Nick said, beginnin to get a tad angry. How culd Howie do this to him? Nick, u’re the youngest of us, the one that get’z most of the attention. All I’m sayin is, wait to get married. Go ahead and ask just don’t tell anyone besides us rite now. Nick, we’re the best in the world. I just don’t want this to jeopordize us. You know? Yah, D, I see where u’re comin from. But I’m gonna go ahead and do it. I didn’t plan on gettin married rite way. I just want her to know, I’m her’s and she’s mine. That’z all. Nick, Howie said, u have my blessing. Thankx D. Thankx a bunch!!!!
2 hours had past since Nick had first mentioned marrying Kylie. He culd tell the guys still weren’t too sure about the whole thing. But, he had decided it was his life, not their’s and he culd do whatever he wanted to. Nick walked back into the living room. Brian, r u goin with me to get Kylie? Yah Nick. R u ready to go? Yah, let’s go. I need to talk some more. Alrite, lemme get my shoes. The rest of the guys had went back to their own places to get ready for Kylie’s return. They were gonna throw her a bit of a surprise party tonite. Not a very big one, but one to make her feel a part of them again after so long. Brian had barely made it into Nick's prowler before he started in. Bri, do u really think Kylie will marry me? Of course I do Nick! She really loves u man! I know she does, but what if she doesn't wanna spend the rest of her life with me? Nick, if I didn't think she wanted to, I wuld have told u that. U know that. Frack, this is basiclly ur call. If u love her, I mean REALLY love her and only wanna be with her, then go for it. But if there's any doubt in ur mind a bout u and Kylie bein together, then it'z better left undone, bro. Brian, I love her soo much. I've alwayz loved her! Then u better go for it and not let her get away!!!
The guys slowly pulled into the hospital drive. Nick, do u want me to go in with u to get her or not? Yah, Bri, come on in. I'm not askin her here. I've got everything planned out. Ok, come on Nick. Lets go get Kylie. Nick punched the button for the 8th floor. Why am I so nervous he thought. I have nothin to b nervous about. She's mine. Noone else's. Nick, Nick? NICK! Huh?? What? O, we're here. Sorry, Bri. I was just thinkin. I can tell, Nick Brian said laughin. Now come on!!!
I wonder what's wrong with Nick, Brian thought as he sit down to wait for Nick and Kylie. It's probably just the whole marriage thought. I really do hope they get married. Nick loves her soo much.
Nick turned the corner and went into Kylie's room. There she was. She was looking out her window. God, she is soo gorgeous. I can't believe she's mine. Kylie........ Are u ready to go babey?? Nick? Oh my gosh, u're here! I said I was gonna be here babe, didya not believe me? Of course, I just can't believe we get to go home!! I know, Ky, I'm soo excited! I've got soo much planned! Nick, I am still supposed to keep a down profile, I'm not completely better yet. I know babe. We'll go slow don't worry! Thanks Nick. Well come on Kylie, lets go. Bri's waitin.... U brought Bri? That's soo sweet! Yah, I thought u'd be pleased, Nick said with a hint of agitation in his voice.
Kylie sat in the front of Nick's prowler, while Brian was in the back. Nick and Kylie didn't speak to each other on the way home. This scared Brian. He really wanted to just come right out and ask what was wrong,but he knew better.
The ride was agonizing for Nick. Does she really have feelings for Bri? The question kept going through his head. Of course she doesn't she's mine. But still. No Nick don't think like that she's yours.
Do I have feelings for Brian? No I can't do this.. Kylie thought. I love Nick so much. But Brian. Brian's just great... No, I love Nick.. Not Brian.. Or is it the other way around?
Chapter 17
Nick pulled the prowler up the driveway. Kylie, he said, I hope u don't mind, but the guys are here to see u. Oh Nick, that's great! I'm anxious to see everyone! Come on! I said as I jumped out of the prowler. I didn't realize that I still wasn't that strong. Before I knew it, I was on the the pavement. Kylie? R u ok, Nick said as he ran over to me. Yah, Nick.. I'm fine.. Just a little weak still. Don't worry about me. Kylie, I've almost lost u twice.. I think I'm gonna worry just a little bit!! Nick, babe, I'm sorry.. I'm just very tired that's all. Come on lets go in. I said as I started walkin tword the door. Nick, Brian said, is she gonna be ok? I sure hope so B. I guess I need to show her the pic and stuff... And Brian, I said as I walked up the concrete steps. Yah? Do u have feelings for Kylie?? Nick, u know me better than that!! Me and Kylie are only friends. Brian, I think she has feelings for u.. Beyond ur little friendship. I quickly opened the door before Brian had a chance to answer.
When I walked in, Kylie was passing her hugs to all the guys.. I culdn't belive I had just told Brian all that. How culd I think that Kylie had feelings for someone besides me? I know that Brian doesn't feel anything besides thier friendship.. Or at least I hope he doesn't. I guess I need to sit down and talk to Kylie about all this. Brian walked in behind me, glumly.. So, AJ said, how's my girl? I'm better AJ, much better. Are u sure? Yah, J, I'm sure...Ok.. If u're sure.. I am.. I promise I said asd I gave him a kiss on the cheek.. Nick, can we go put my stuff up? I'm awfully hungry for some of that food over there! Yah, Kylie, come on. I'll carry your stuff upstairs. We got to my room and I opened the door. It's just like I left it I said to noone in particular. Nick, just set that on my bed, please. And babey, can I ask u somethin? Yah, Nick said as we both sit down on the bed. Nick, do u think I have feelings for Brian? Kylie, I can't lie to u.. Yes I do. And I need to know before I make a huge mistake.. Do u have feelings for Brian? Nick, I don't know how to tell u this, but Idon't know for sure.. What do u mean u don't know for sure Nick said get angry.. I don't know if I have feelings besides our friendship or not I said.... I more or less yelled at him. Kylie! Don't u dare do this to me.. I'm not gonna let u play with me anymore Nick said storming out of the room. Kylie as far as I'm concerned... Me and u are through! Nick slammed the door shut and left me there crying.. I heard him yell at Brian and tell him to never speak to him again before he slammed the door of my house.. I then heard him squeal his tires as he left my driveway.
Chapter 18
I immediately broke into choking sobs.. I culdn't believe what had just happened.. The most important person in my life was gone.. Because I made a stupid mistake. I heard the door to my room open, but I didn't turn around.. I was afraid it mite b Brian. Please, please let it b AJ I said to myself. Kyl, are u ok? To my relief it was AJ. AJ, what am I gonna do? I said as the tears began to roll again.. Kylie, come here babey.. Everything will b ok.. I promise. How I said? I don't know babey.. Give Nick some time to think. But u also need to think. U need to decide who u care about more and what u're goin to do. AJ, I already know the answer to that question.. It's Nick.. I've always cared about Nick. Brian's a great friend, but that's it.. All I want is my Nick.. That's all I want.......
I can't believe her! I screamed Why did she do this to me! Now of all times! Nick looked at the ring and tossed it into the back of his Durango. I can't believe her. We've been through so much together. Why did she have to tell me she had feelings for Brian? Dangit! I care so much about Kylie. She means more to me than anyone ever has. Why why why? I've gotta get her back. I've gotta tell her I love her more than anything. I just hope she'll listen!
AJ, you've gotta help me. I just want Nick back. Please get him back. Kylie, calm down babe. We'll get him back. I promise u we will. Just calm down. Everything will be ok. Lemme go get Brian. No, J, I don't wanna see Brian rite now. It's to hard. Kylie, u need to find out if Brian has feelings for u or not. Before this all gets into a huger mess! Ok, J. I'll talk to him. But will u please call Nick's cell phone and tell him to come back. Please? Of course, Kylie. I'll send Brian up here.
How culd I have been so stupid! Nick screamed I shuldn't have walked out on her! I shuld've told her how I felt. I shuld've listened to her side of the story. I can't believe I'm such an idiot!!! *Ring* Hello Nick said. Nick, it's J. Kylie loves u. She wants u and only u. She's not in love with Brian. Please come back and talk to her. She's about to go nuts! I don't know how long I can deal with it! Alrite J, I'll come back Nick said. It's gonna be about an hour before I get there though. I gotta get something to eat ya know!? Nick, how can u think of food at a time like this?! U know me. Yah, Nick.. Just hurry, ok buddy? Yah, J. I'm on my way!
*knock* Come in, I said, still teary eyed.. Kylie.. it's me, Brian.. Can I talk to u? Yah, Brian, come on in. Kylie, I'm so sorry.. I never meant to come between u and Nick.... Brian, I said, I shuld've confronted these feelings a long time ago.. When I first began to wonder if I had feelings for u or not. I knew better than to keep them hidden. Now that I've thought about it, I know that I don't have any feelings besides our friendship. But I needed to know that Nick had feelings for me and me only. You know what I mean? Yes Kylie, I know what u mean. There for a while, I thought I was falling in love with u to.. But I know that I culd never do that to u or Nick. It wuld be too damaging for the band and our friendships. Yah, Brian. I know. Brian, thank you.. Thank you for bein so understanding. I love u. As a friend I said laughing. I love u too, Kylie, as a friend!
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