Nick, Billy, and Brianna made it home without incident. However, there was one noticeable problem, Brianna was very drunk and there was no way she could make it to her room without making so much noise she’d wake her parents. For her sake, and Nick’s since he was supposed to be looking out for her, he brought her into the guesthouse where he was staying. Walking through the door of the guesthouse Nick smiled a little, he neglected to point out to John that staying at Brianna’s house meant he slept in the guesthouse.

“Nick,” Brianna tried to whisper. “What are we doing here? This isn’t my room.” She was still unable to walk without support from Nick.

“Nick, I’ll be in the other room if you need me. Night Brianna.” Billy stated before disappearing into the second bedroom.

“Night Billy.”

“Night man. See ya in the mornin’.” Then to Brianna, “We are here because, little lady, you are too drunk to make it to your own room. You’d wake your parents and we’d both be in a world of trouble.”

“Mmmmm. Don’t wanna get in trouble. Um, Nick, I don’t feel very well.” The alcohol was really starting to take effect and she was getting sick. Nick barely got her to the bathroom in time. All he could do was hold her hair out of the way and rub her back while her body repeatedly rejected the alcohol.

When she seemed to finally be past the worst of it Nick took her to the bed and dampened a washcloth with cold water. He sat on the side of the bed gently pressing the cloth to her forehead and flushed cheeks while she drifted off to sleep.

It was then that Nick allowed himself to look at his friend. Now 18, she had finally grown into herself. When he first met her she was still very much a kid, a tomboy, and sheltered. She was still sheltered and in some ways that was good, but in some ways it worried Nick that her parents weren’t letting her explore life a little and learn. He knew she was still somewhat of a tomboy. She played softball and volleyball for her school and was on the city swimming team.

But, he realized she wasn’t a kid any more. He found himself studying her face, now relaxed in sleep. She had cut her long hair. That she had told him over the phone, but he wasn’t prepared for how short it was. Once down to the middle of her back, her golden brown hair was now well above her shoulders. Actually it was so short in the back, part of her hair, underneath was shaved. With her curls the affect was a thick stacked look that while short in the back angled down to be even with her jaw line. If anything, the new style brought attention to her face, wide green eyes, now closed in sleep, tanned skin, and full lips.

Nick shook his head and stood up. This was his friend, his sister; he shouldn’t be looking at her like that. Grabbing the extra pillow off the bed and a blanket from the closet he went to sleep on the couch.

<~ Chapter 3 or Chapter 5 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003