“What’s going to happen now?” a tearful Em asked Mrs. Robinson.
“They arranged the funeral for Friday, and your dad bought you a ticket home. You fly out tomorrow.'’ Mrs. Robinson told her. Her heart went out to the young girl, who was as much her daughter as Ali was.
‘Can Ali come?” Em sniffled. Mrs. Robinson sighed, and Em knew she wouldn’t hear what she wanted to.
‘I’m afraid not. Money’s tight, we can’t afford It.’ she answered heavily. At this Ali started wailing, Mrs. Grace had been like a mother to her, and she couldn’t imagine not saying goodbye.
“Do you want me to come?” Brian asked gently. Emily looked up at him, her blue eyes big and hopeful.
‘Really?” she asked.
“Of course, if you want me to.” He replied.
“Yes, I need someone there.” She told him.
”Ok, let’s go make some arrangements.’ Brian and the two women left, leaving a sobbing Ali and Nick. “Come here.’ Nick said softly, and she ran into his arms. He said nothing, but stroked her hair.
‘Why her?” Ali cried out. “She was so wonderful and caring. You know what the worst part is?” she asked Nick, who shook his head.
‘Em could have been in that car.” She whispered, and the tears started all over again.
“Bye Emmy. Say hi to your dad for me, and tell him I’m so sorry. Oh, and could you…give…this to your mom.” Ali hugged her goodbye and gave her a white envelope.
“Ok.’ Emily managed to say. ‘Call me as soon as you can.’ Ali whispered.
“Bye Brian. Thanks for doing this.” She told him.
‘Bye Ali.” He returned her hug and escorted Emily to the gate.
‘I wish I could be with them.” Ali sighed, leaning back onto Nick’s chest.
‘I know.” he told her, rubbing her shoulders.
‘Emily!” she turned to see her father rushing towards her. He engulfed her in a hug.
‘Oh Daddy,” she cried.
‘I know baby. It’ll be
all right.” he soothed. ‘No it won’t. She’s gone, I’ll never see her again!” she reminded him.
‘We’ll get through this, I promise.” He told his daughter. He noticed Brian standing behind her.
‘Who are you?’ he asked, the face seemed so familiar.
‘Hello sir, I’m Brian Littrell.” Brian held out his hand and Mr. Grace shook it. Brian Littrell, the name sounded so familiar…’From the Backstreet Boys?” he asked incredulously. Brian nodded, and he looked at his daughter.
‘How…?” he trailed off.
“It’s a long story Dad.” She sighed.
“I wonder how Em’s doing.’ Ali said for the tenth time. She and Nick were trying to watch a movie, but she couldn’t get Em off her mind. Nick flipped off the TV, trying to distract her obviously wasn’t working.
‘She’ll be fine, Brian’s there.’ Nick reminded her. Ali sighed and began stroking Princess Foxy, who had wandered in.
‘I know, but I wish there was something I could do.” she told him. Nick joined her on the floor.
‘Right now there’s nothing you can do.’ he said gently. ‘There has to be something.” she contradicted him.
‘Actually, there is.” He leaned over and kissed her. She enjoyed it, but pulled away.
“What?” Nick asked.
“It doesn’t feel right. I feel guilty doing this while Em’s in pain.” She confessed.
“What, you don’t think she’s getting some action?” he asked wickedly. Ali laughed and threw a pillow at him.
‘See, there ya go.’ he grinned and kissed her again.
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