A few minutes later Nick had quelled the crying all the while Brian had been trying to clam him down. Nick pulled back to look into the four faces he had missed but he still felt empty inside. Gladness, happiness, love, and gratefulness were all emotion's that played on their faces as they stood there.
"So how have you been Nick you had us worried something fierce" Howie stated as everyone took seat's all around Nick.
"I was hurt someone took me in and nursed me back to health that's really all that went on" Nick replied not really sure if he should tell them about Kate or not.
"What about the gun shot wound Nick how did you get that?" AJ asked.
As if on cue Nick's doctor came in saving Nick for answering the question.
"Good you're awake how do you feel Mr. Carter" Dr. Valentine asked coming to stand next to Nick's bed.
"OK a little sore but other than that I feel great" Nick replied.
"Good sent that was all you had wrong you should be able to get out of here tomorrow afternoon at the latest will that be good for you" Dr. Valentine stated.
"Yes that will be great I need to go pick up my thing's anyway" Nick replied.
"Will then you need some rest I'll be back to check on you latter then" Dr Valentine exclaimed leaving.
" Uh Dr. can we talk to you for a few minutes please?" Kevin asked.
"Sure let's take this outside shall we and please call me Charles" he answered.
"Nick we'll be right back OK don't go anywhere you got that" Brian stated.
"Yes Dad I understand it's not like I can not in this grown anyway" Nick replied.
"That's a good boy we'll be right back" Brian stated in a fake fatherly tone.
"So how is he really Dr.?" Howie asked once the door was closed.
"Physically he's fine the wound on his shoulder should heal up nicely the bullet went strait though so no problem there. He might have some trouble remembering short term thing's for the next few weeks so you might want to watch him other than that he's fine" Charles replied gaining four breaths let out.
"So do you know were and or how he got the bullet wound?" Brian asked.
"Not sir I really don't you would have to ask hm that one I'm sorry I must go I have rounds still to make" Charles answered then left.
"So what do we do now and does anyone know why management didn't send Jason with us?" AJ questioned.
"I don't know what we do next but I can tell you that before we left I had informed the police and this hospital that if he showed up to call me so the press didn't get word of it and blow it out of the water" Kevin explained.
"Smart move Cuz you may have just saved our tail's so do we take him home to Tampa or let him come home with us tomorrow would be very good for me" a voice exclaimed from behind them.
"Jane Bob what are you two doing here and were are the Kids at?" Howie asked a little shocked that they were there.
"Kevin called us late last night we couldn't get a flight here until this morning the kids are at the hotel we got for the night so how is he" Bob replied.
"Good the doctor said he should be fine the only problem is we really don't know all of the fact's to what happened and I don't know if he's even going to talk to us" Brian exclaimed.
"Well I can't say much to that Brian but all we can do is try maybe in time he will come around" Jane offered.
"You're probably right who know' he has been though a lot" AJ put in.
"Why don't you two go in and see him we'll stay out here and wait" Kevin stated hanging back.
"Why don't we all go see him it's been to long and I know how much you guy's missed him" Bob answered motioning for everyone to go.
"Hey Nick how are you?" Jane asked coming to his side.
"Fine just sore like I've worked out for hour's with no rest but what about you how's Angel, BJ, Leslie, and Aaron doing are they here. What about Dad were is he?" Nick answered sitting up but wincing when the pain shot though his arm.
"I'm here Nick Aaron, BJ, Leslie, and Angel are back at our hotel settling in for now. So what happened to you all those months Nick you had us worried?" Bob replied sitting down next to Nick on his left.
"Well the plane crash someone pulled me from the plane, a woman she was nice enough to take care of me. The gunshot wound was from someone hunting it missed me and almost hit her the first time and well the second hit me. So that's what brought me here" Nick explained trying to convince them it was the truth.
"That was very interesting anything else happen that we should know about?" AJ asked he was sitting by his feet in a lounge chair. Howie next to Jane on Nick's right Brian on Nick left, and Kevin sitting at the left of him next to the door.
"Yes that was it AJ why I would tell the truth if there was more" Nick replied.
"I know bro. I'm just worried about you is has been a long time thing's have changed I'll tell you" AJ stated.
"Well do tell what did go on?" Nick questioned.
"Well let's see at first the search for the plane went by fast. They found it and the co-pilot the pilot unfortunately pasted on leaving behind a wife and son. So then everyone focus all the attention on finding you of course finding nothing. So eventually the search had to be called off because of the snowfall. From then on we worried and pried for you're safe return the fans sticking by us every step of the way" Kevin explained.
"So how did Black and Blue do I mean really did I do OK?" Nick asked.
"Yes very well blew Nsync's record by what at least a million copy's (I know that really didn't happen but hey this is fiction so I can do what every I want right)" Howie replied.
"So anything else happen while I was gone Bri did you get married yet?" Nick asked.
"Uhmm yea I did bro. You OK with that" Brian replied softly.
"Yes of course I am Bri I'm happy for you did everything go OK no mess up or anything right and did you bring her with" Nick retorted.
"Nope everything went smooth as silk and yea she here too" Brian responded glad that Nick wasn't mad.
"Good so Kevin how's Kristin doing and specking of her were is she?" Nick asked turning to Kevin.
"She good at the hotel as well we wouldn't to make sure it was you and not some prank she was very worried about you as well" Kevin answered.
"Well then why don't you guy's go get something to eat and get them I need to talk to Mom for a while if you guy's don't mind" Nick stated.
"Yea that's fine with us I'm starving to begin with" Brian stated.
"Bri man you are always hungry" Nick laughed a sound that everyone was glad to hear.
"So I'll see you leave Nick OK I'll bring the kid's with me when I come back. Oh and Nick I love you son you know that right" Bob stated before he left.
"Yea Dad I do I'm glad you came and thank you for not giving up I love you to" Nick replied.
Before the guy's all left each one gave Nick a hug and told him how much they missed him. Surprised Nick when Kevin was the one who told him that he loved him but he knew Kevin meant it and was truly worried before he showed back up.
I wish I may, I wish I might
Be that certain someone you wish for every night
"So honey what was it that you need to talk to me about?" Jane asked once everyone left.
"Well AJ was right there is more to this story then I told you all it's just that it's really hard for me to say" Nick confessed.
"Nick you know you can tell me anything right" she saw him shake his head yes then went on. "So if you need to tell someone of just need to talk I'm here for you" Jane finished.
"Well if my backpack is here can you bring it to me please?" Nick asked.
"Yes of course here you go" Jane replied handing it to him.
Jane watch as Nick rummaged though looking for something once he found it Nick gave it to his mother to look at.
"Who is this Nick a friend I haven't met yet?" Jane asked confused.
"No and yea she was the one to save me she took me in and nursed me back to health. If it wasn't for her I don't know if I would have ever gotten my memory back. In the process we fall in love now she's gone" Nick explained.
"Well does this girl have a name?" Jane asked.
"Yes it's Kate that's all I know really she never did tell me her last name but I know everything else about her. Like where she would love to go a vacation, her favorite movie, everything but all she left me with was a note Mom I don't know what to do" Nick exclaimed.
"Honey I don't know what to tell you maybe she didn't feel the same, or maybe she's I don't know on the run from someone. All I can suggest in that once you are out of here that you try to find her" Jane offered trying to help but not knowing what to say or do.
"I know and I will do that but I just miss her so must I love her Mom I really do she gave me this for my birthday God I just only hope nothing will happen to her" Nick exclaimed.
"I know honey I think I better go you need you're rest we'll be back later Bob and me and bring the kid's with us as well" Jane stated getting up.
"All right then I'll see you later Mom I love you" Nick replied hugging his mother.
"I love you to son rest well" Jane retorted then left.
"Uh excuse me sir I know I shouldn't be bothering you but you're mother asked me before she left is I saw anyone come into you're room last night or this morning" a red headed nurse stated entering Nick's room.
"Yea did you see anyone that looked like her?" Nick asked showing the Nurse Kate's picture.
"Yes I did she came here gee I guess around five in the morning it's was a little weird I mean the hospital visiting hour's end at eight. Anyway she was carrying two bag's she spilled in and about fifteen minutes later she left crying" Nurse Calder stated.
"How did she look, do you know were she went?" Nick asked hopeful.
"No sir I do not she didn't say anything to me just walked right pasted she did look terrible her eyes were red like from crying all night. I am sorry sir I must go" Nurse Calder exclaimed then left.
Nick sat back watching blankly as the snow fell out the window all alone is what he felt inside totally alone. Not five minutes later he heard the door open and close again.
Waving his arm as if to tell the person to go away then stating "Please leave I don't want anyone here right now thank you".
"I can't go Nick I need to see you one last time I'm sorry I shouldn't have come I'll leave" a soft voice stated.
"Kate no please don't go stay, stay by my side please" Nick pleaded with her.
If you knew what I knew, you wouldn't say what you say
If you knew what I knew, we'd be together instead
Of you breaking my heart, with all the thing's that aren't true
My lady yes, if you knew what I knew
"I can't stay Nick I have to go I'm sorry I came it only hurts you more I was hoping you would be asleep by the time I got up here" Kate replied backing away.
Nick slowly rose from the bed trying to get Kate to come near him.
"Nick please get back in bed before something else happens please" Kate begged as she watched Nick come closer to her.
"I can't Kate I love you to much to lose you please say you'll stay" Nick begged once again eyes pleading.
"I can't… that was all she could get out before Nick crushed his lips to her's trying to convey everything that he was feeling. Once the kiss was broken they both were breathless.
"Nick please I need to go I'm sorry" Kate exclaimed turning away so he didn't see she truly loved him.
"OK then tell me this tell me you don't love me that, that kiss didn't mean a thing to you tell me that look me in the eye and tell me that. Then and only then will I let you leave" Nick stated challenging her.
'Fine if that what it take to let him live his life so be it I can do this' Kate thought to herself turning back to him.
"I don't love you Nick I never have the sex, that kiss it mean's nothing to mean you mean nothing to me. You just dropped out of the sky and in to my life nothing we did meant anything to me" Kate stated trying to convince him that it was true.
"You're lying I know it I see it in you're eyes I know you love me please don't do this let me take care of you" Nick exclaimed.
"No I don't love you Nick I never did I was just using you to get what I wanted now the time is up don't you get it. Man are you that blind I told you I DON'T LOVE YOU now I must go Jason is waiting on me" Kate yelled trying to get him to believe her.
But before he could say anything else she turned and left the room she run and run until she made it to the elevator's once inside she dropped to the floor crying when it stopped she managed to pick herself up off the floor and walkout. She looked back up at were she knew his room was praying to God that he believe her but at the same time hoping that maybe after this was all over they could be friends if not more in the future.
Time passes by, the only tears I cry
Are filled with disillusion, fears I have inside
Like a lost soul, I feel like I'm all alone
If only I could feel your pain, within your heart of stone
Back in Nick's room he had managed to get back in bed before bursting into tears for the second time that day. However in the back of his mind he knew she didn't mean it she still wore the locket he gave her for Christmas he knew that, the kiss meant as much as everything to her as it did to him. The only thing he didn't know was why, why was she pushing him away, why she wanted him to leave her alone. They were the questioned he asked himself as he drifted off into a fit fill sleep images of Kate lying dead in his arms never returning to him. He folded his arms around himself like in a hug wishing and praying that she would come back to him one day.
I wish I may, I wish I might
Be that certain someone you wish for every night
Chorus
Then you wouldn't have to go away
If you knew what I knew
Then you would be here to stay right by my side always
Chorus
If you knew what I knew my baby, you would never have said what you said
If you knew what I knew my baby, we would be together instead
Repeat to fade.
BY: AJ Mclean, Billy Chapin, and Bryan Bennett
Off the CD single (IWITW)
Over the next hours or so Kate sat out side by the hospitals park area watching everything as it moved around her. Yet, not really watching she felt sick and knew something wasn't right but shrugged it off as nerve and lack of sleep the night before. Finally she picked herself up off the bench and hailed a cab.
"Airport please" Kate stated sliding into the hard seat.
She saw a piece of paper in her purse pulling it out she notice that it was Nick's handwriting and wondered when he had put this is there. She unfolded it and read what he had written.
Dear Kate,
p>
If you are reading this then one of two thing's happened I either left without saying goodbye, or left you crying at the airport. God I hope you aren't crying you know how much that hurt's me baby please dry you're tears I'll be back I promise. You know I would never go back on a promise just keep on going. I'll be back soon so soon you won't even miss me too much. I know we have been though a lot and just know that when I get back I'm going to take you with me. We can be together again and maybe forever. Oh I put down my address and phone number just in case you wanted to fly out of call. Remember Kate I love you with all my heart and soul see you soon.
Love
Nick.
Silently a single tear fell for her eyes she wiped it away with out even acknowledging that it was there. Kate folded the piece of paper back up and placed it in her purse along with the picture she had of Nick. The ride was a short one once paid for the cab she walked slowly in her backpack slung over her right shoulder and her small suitcase in her left hand. She had packed and was ready to try and move on with her life no matter what. At that time she really didn't care if James found her she felt empty inside to begin with so I didn't matter to her what he did if only to leave Nick out of it and not hurt him anymore any he was already. She walked silently and quickly up to the counter.
"A one way ticket to Dallas Texas please" Kate stated pulling her wallet out of her purse.
"That'll be 350 Mama" the cashier stated booking the ticket. After paying for the ticket she walked off down to the gate and to a life on the run never looking back to what maybe would have been the best part of her life.
Meanwhile back at the hospital.
"So how have you guy's been without me?" Nick asked as his family entered his hospital room.
"Good but worried were where you Nick I missed you so much" Aaron stated walking over to him.
"I missed you Airboy so how was touring, did anything bad happen, everything go OK?" Nick asked.
"Listen why don't we all sit down and talk it all over it will be better for you Nick" Jane offered as they all sat down.
After three four hours of talking laughing and getting back with each other things were going good.
"So I think we're going to go I know the fellow's wanted to come see you tonight as well. We'll see you in the morning hon have a goodnight I love you son" Jane stated before everyone left.
However, not before Aaron gave Nick a big hug and told him how much he loved and missed him all his sister did the same. Tears pricked his eyes but he wouldn't let them fall he loved his family dearly and he would never hurt them and he knew it was good to be back. After everyone had left Nick pulled out a scrap book of photo everything he had every done or went though their was picture even Kate he had picture's of. He remember the day he woke up for what every he was in seeing Kate in the kitchen fixing what ever it was. He remember everything they did together he one thing he remembered the most was his birthday the day they made love or that night really. He remember it like it was yesterday like she had never left looking over the picture he felt someone out side his door he knew someone was there but didn't know who. Hell he wasn't even sure how he knew there was someone there to begin with. What Nick didn't know was the person he send was the one who shot him and took the only woman he ever loved away from him. Later the night the guy's came be with Kristin and Leighanne like they promise both lady's were happy to see him, glad he was OK, and back with them.
"So how do you feel I know by now you're probably tried of getting asked but I would like to know?" Leighanne asked sitting down in a chair next to Nick's bed with Brian behind her.
"It's OK Leigh really I'm tried it has been a long day but other than that good just a little sore in the shoulder. What about you everything going good?" Nick replied.
"Yea everything is good I'm working on a new movie I got the next two weeks off sent I taping is moving to Italy for the next seen" Leighanne replied.
"That's good what about you Kristin what's been up with you?" Nick asked looking over at her.
"Not much I'll be on the next Cher tour if she ever goes back that is and I've got a lot of calls to do Broadway show. I don't know right now" Kristin answered.
"That's also good so anything else new?" Nick asked as everyone got comfortable.
They spent a good two hours talking getting to know what happened while Nick was gone find out what all took place with the record and how the sell were going.
"So when is the tour going to start?" Nick asked with a yawn.
"Well that depends on you whenever you are ready to get to work we are as well" Howie answered.
"Good I was think about two three week I should be back to normal we can start practicing after two week. I think I'll be able to do most of the stuff" Nick replied.
"Good so I guess you could say we'll start the tour around March the fourteen that sound about right wouldn't you say" AJ offered.
"Yup but I think it's time were get back to the hotel it's been a long day and Nick need his rest if we are to great this tour and record off the ground" Kevin commented getting up.
"Yea Kev's right we'll see you in the morning don't forget we have that small press conference in the morning. I think we should get back home around mid-after around there" Brian exclaimed.
"Well see you guy's tomorrow then have a good night" Nick commented stretching slightly.
"Yea you to Nick goodnight" Howie offered then left.
Nick watched as everyone filed out of his room silently settling in Nick pulled out the one picture he had of Kate kissing it lightly then felling into another fit fill sleep dreams of Kate and him.
Meanwhile Kate had boarded the plane that would take her away from the man she loved. Slowly she left yet never looking back never giving into that one part of her that kept telling her to go back to him and stay. After about three hours the plane finally landed in Dallas what Kate didn't know was the James was there as well. However with the crowds and mass of people he lose her in it all.
'So this is what it's going to be like on the run never knowing when James will catch me that's if he really can catch me' Kate thought to herself as she hailed a taxi.
"Holiday Inn one closest to the airport please" Kate stated after the cabby put her thing's in the trunk.
"You got it Miss" the cabby shot back driving off.
'Nice place we got here' Kate thought to herself dropping her bag's down in her room.
She wasn't sure if she was even going to be staying in Dallas for very long. The night proved to be a restless one dreams of Nick dying in her arms just like her mother had haunted her. To top it all of she missed Nick so much it hurt inside slowly her heart was braking into a million piece. The next morning proved to be a tuff one for the both of them even though they weren't together.
"So have you made you decision on where you will be resting up?" Jane asked.
"Uhmm yea I think I'll be going home to Tampa I'm sorry Mom but I have a lot to get done there. Tour will be starting soon I know the other's have got a lot done as far as how the set will look and all but I still need to go home" Nick answered packing up.
"I understand but only if you let us come with you please" Jane stated turning to her son.
"You got it Mom beside it will be lonely with out you guy's there to begin with I knew you would ask" Nick replied.
"Excuse me I don't mean to intruded but could we have a few minutes of you're time Mr. Carter" a tall African American woman asked walking in followed by three other women.
"The press conference will be held outside in a few minutes lady's if you mind waiting until then that would be very appreciated" Jane stated.
"Mama we are not the press this has to do with something else" a blonde hared woman stated.
"It's OK Mom really humm wait for me outside I'll be out in a few minutes." Jane nodded then Nick went on "So lady's what do you need from me?"
"Do you know this woman" a brownish black hared woman asked showing Nick a picture of Kate.
"Yes I do why is she in some kind of trouble?" Nick asked worried.
"Yes she is you see Mr. Carter we are the FBI Celeste DePalma, Krissy and KC Cole, and Corrine Adams. We protected Kate up until a few months ago when some very horrible thing's took place. We really can go into specify all we need to know is where she went do you know?" Celeste stated.
"No I don't she left yesterday she didn't tell me where she was going" Nick replied sadly.
"All right then if you know of anything that will help or if she comes to you give us a call" Krissy stated as they all arose.
"I will and please tell her if you do find her to come back to me and that I love her" Nick stated excepting a card from KC.
"We will sir now we must go have a good day and don't worry we'll find her and bring her back in one piece" Corrine offered as they left.
Afterward Nick sank back into his seat worried that something might happen to Kate and fear he may never really see her again.
"Nick we need to go I hate to brake you're train of thought but the press is a waiting" Kevin stated pushing the door open.
"I know Kev I'm coming" Nick replied getting up.
"Here let me help you with that" Kevin offered grabbing Nick suitcase.
"Thanks" Nick commented as they walked to the elevator.
It was a quit ride down Kevin really didn't know what to say to Nick he knew there was something's the younger man wasn't telling him. However if and when Nick felt it was time to tell him or anyone else he would. Slowly that walked to the front of the hospital they were met with the loud noise of the press and many fans that showed up that day.
"OK Nick will make a short statement about what happened it is up to him of he will answer any questioned" Kevin stated to the gathered press.
"So the famous Nick Carter back from the dead where have you been" a bald headed reporter asked.
"The new of my demises was and is greatly exaggerated I was hurt after the plane crash a kind older woman found me nursed me back to health. I had amnesia for the last five months I didn't regain it totally until about three maybe four day's ago" Nick explained.
"There's was rumors going on that you and the rest of the Backstreet boys were just don't this for recorded sale's is there any truth to that one" another reporter questioned.
"Sir that was a lie we would in no way do such a thing it would be a disgrace to even think of such a thing. Now if you'll excuse me we all need to be on our way and I would like to extend my thanks to all the fans out there who suck by our side though this hole thing. We will be going on tour in March again thank you from the bottom of my heart we love you all" and with that Nick, Kevin, Brian, AJ, and Howie left.
Of course not with out hundreds of reporter wanting to know more.
"Nice to see you are back to you're old self Nick" AJ comment once everyone was safely inside the black van headed to the airport.
"Yea well I'm better still a little sore but better I just want to get home is all" Nick replied looking out the window as the trees, cars, and building flow by.
"It'll be good to be home again maybe thing's well look up for you Nick you never know she might comeback" Jane whispered to Nick.
"I don't think so Mom I think she's gone for good" Nick replied still staring out the window.
Meanwhile in Dallas Kate had awoke with a sickening feeling she rushed to the bathroom just in time to throw up. She spent at least a good ten minutes in there before finally giving up everything she had eaten the day before. She wondered why she was sick then a feeling over took her she rushed to the nearest drug store, bought a pregnancy testing kit, and went back to her room. Ten fifteen minutes later Kate found out what she had knew down deep she was pregnant with Nick's child. However, she need to make sure so a trip to the hospital proved to be that the whole thing was the truth. Hour's later Nick was back home comfortable resting in his own bed his Mom, Dad, sister's, and brother were getting settled into the new house. Thing's were going smoothly however, even with everyone around him Nick still felt alone without Kate there with him. He was worried that who ever was after her would get to her and hurt her before the FBI would. Sighing Nick got up rubbing his sore arm a little as he went down stair for something to eat.
Day's pasted and Dallas proved to be a bit of a challenge for James to find Kate in he gave up and flew to Tampa he had a gut feeling that she would be going there soon. As for Kate she felt bad only in the morning, never really having to many weird food cravings but missing Nick terribly. She felt out of place in Dallas so opting for drive to Houston for a short visit and then it would be on to Orlando and maybe a life with Nick after James was caught. She rented a F-150 Ford truck green in color which just happened to be her favorite color. The drive was beautiful; the sky was cloudless and bright blue which only reminded Kate more of Nick then ever. However, she kept going four hour's later she was home the home she thought she never would seen again. Walking slowly up to the front door she noticed that everything was as it was a year ago. Sighing to herself she walked in met by dust and darkness walking around picking up the sheet's that covered the furniture sneezing when the dust blew up her nose. After two hour's of opening the whole house up and letting fresh air in it finally felt like home to Kate. Absentmindedly she rubbed her stomach she knew the baby would be fine.
