Chapter 18
Nick appeared in her room,his eyes scanning it.In these few breif seconds he had convinced himself,that no matter how much she liked Kwacey he would stand by her side.Everything seems to come into perspective when you realize that someone you're close to may be dieing.Most people didn't have the chance to make up for it,but Nick prayed he would.
He made himself attempt to calm down and slow down his heart.He closed his eyes and searched for her color.He found it and fallowed it,his breath catching in his throut when he opened his eyes.
Kwacey layed on the floor,a hole blown out of his stomach.Blood circled most of his body,and Nick found his feet to be stepping in the sticky substance.You could clearly see his insides from the hole,some of his intestines splattered ontop of his stomach that was still attached.His body went into twitches before he completely layed still.Nick tore his eyes away from Kwacey and over to Ara.She was sitting down,his head cradled in her lap.She was rocking back and forth slowly,one hand on the side of his head,the other covering her mouth.Her eyes were wide,filled with fear,sadness and horror,as she stared up at Nick.Tears ran down her cheeks as a sob escaped her.
Nick went to reach for her,but she jerked back from him.She slid on the floor,slowly moving farther away from him and Kwacey.
Nick swept her up in his arms,knowing that she couldn't physically over power him.She resisted at first,but soon gave in.Nicks arms were around her waist,holding her up.Aras feet were limp against the ground,her arms under his,and her hands coming up to lay palm down on his shoulder blades.Her head was baried into his chest,as her body shook from her sobs.
Nick was all too aware of Tamikas crys and questions to God.He was afraid to look behind him at the group of people there and at Kwacey.
"How did this happen?"Jeff asked Ara softly.
Ara fought to stand on her own two feet.When she did,Nick was about to let go of her,but didn't once she began to tug on his shirt desprately.
"Justin."She muttered into Nicks neck,sending chills up his spine.
Nick fealt his blood run cold once her words sunk in.
"No."He heard Britney mutter.
He had the urge to shake her and smack her,and then go and kill her boyfriend.His thoughts were brought back to what he had to do now as Ara let out another sob.
"Bring her to her room,Nick."Brian said softly.
Nick disappeared and entered into Aras room.He pulled back the covers on her bed,lifted her,and put her in them.He slid off her shoes and than her socks.He took her hair out of the bun it was in,and ran his fingers through it to pull it down more.He pulled the covers up on her half way,but was stopped by her hand.He looked at her hand on his,and then up into her tearfilled eyes.
"Don't leave me again,Nick."
"Again?"Nick asked.
When she didn't answer he figured he would have to wait another time for the answer to that question.
Instead he dropped the blanket,and then took off his sneakers and socks.He stripped off his pants and shirt quickly,and went to turn off the light.He climbed into the bed,and layed sideways,facing her.He wasn't sure of his next move,so he just layed there.
"I'm sorry for what I said earlier.I was just mad.You know how I get sometimes.I stay stupid shit."Nick apologized.
"That's not you Nick.That's men."
Nick laughed at her small attempt at a joke,even if it was degrading to his sex.He timidly draped his arm over her,even though there was still a foot or so inbetween them.
"You don't have to touch me if you don't want to Nick."Ara told him.
"What makes you think I don't want to?"
Ara rolled over and gave him a look,making him feel stupid for even asking the question.
"Oh you know..might catch my herpes."Ara said bitterly.
"Hey..I'm sorry."Nick said,rubbing his hand up and down her back softly.
"I know."She whispered,her eyes filling with tears as the sight of Kwaceys dead body filled her mind.
Nick squeezed his eyes shut wishing that she didn't have that image in her head.Wishing he didn't have that image in his head.
Ara moved across the distance between them,sliding her leg inbetween his two,and pressing her body up against his.Nick wrapped his arm tighter around her,while his other hand searched for hers.He found it and entwined their fingers together.
"My North star,Nick.My North star."
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