Chapter 5

“Well, the wedding is in two days…and none of us know if Nick is coming out of his house.” Kevin said as he looked at AJ.

“Damn Kevin, and you are still blaming me, aren’t you?” AJ asked.

“I am not blaming you AJ…it’s just that we need Nick too, and we have lost him.  None of us can get through to him, not even his own family.” Kevin replied.  “I mean, Katie turned 1 year old two weeks ago…and we didn’t even see her or celebrate with them.”

Everyone shook their heads…knowing full well that the situation was not good.  Management had been asking if Nick was coming to rehearsals, the fans were starting to talk, and now even his closest friends were beginning to doubt that Nick would recover.

“Well, we will know where we stand in two days.  If he shows up at the wedding, then I think it will be fine.”  Dee said.  “If not, then we know that this is really serious.”

“Yeah, but right now…the only thing we can do it concentrate on our own lives.  We can’t let this get in the way anymore.  I care about Nick just as much as anyone…but we have to pick up our lives and move on.” Kevin said.

“Well, Leighanne and I,” Brian said, squeezing her hand gently, “we will continue to try and visit Nick.  He will eventually let us in…”

“I sure hope so, Brian…cuz it just isn’t the same without him.” Kat said.

“And AJ, what is going on with Brianna?”

“Well, she went to stay with her grandparents in Michigan for a while…we will work it out.  I guess.  I just wish she would answer my calls.” AJ said sadly.

Everyone looked at him.  “You mean AJ is actually heartbroken?  Is that actually possible?” Dee said with a laugh.

“Oh yeah…go ahead, laugh.  I seem to recall a similar situation last year…when you decided to marry that pretty boy over there.” he answered as he pointed at Kevin.

“Watch it Mister.  You are already in hot water as it is.” Kevin snapped.

AJ just pouted and walked away.  They all knew the seriousness of the situation.  All they could pray for was that Nick and Katie showed up at the wedding…in just over 48 hours.

*** *** ***

“Okay, fine…talk to me.” Brianna said into the receiver.

“Bria…I know that we had a bad fight…but I just….I can’t see….ummm, Dee needs you…you promised to be in her wedding.  And now that Nick is gone…she is really worried that everyone is going away…and well, to be honest…I…umm,” he stuttered.

“Yes, AJ?” Brianna asked.

“I need you.” AJ stammered.

Brianna held the phone away from her and she gasped.  She knew that AJ loved her…but how strongly?  She wiped tears from her eyes…some fresh and new…other dried on her cheeks.  She was lonely without him…lost in a sense.  She didn’t know what life had in mind for her…but if it involved AJ…then it certainly would be wonderful.

“AJ…I’m coming home.” she said softly.

“Brianna…please…listen to me…I know that you hate me…but if you would just come home…we could work this…” AJ rambled.  “wait…did you just say you were coming home?!”

“Yes, AJ.  I need you just as much as you need me.  I will be on the next flight.  Will you meet me?” Brianna asked softly.

“Of course…I will be there for you…always.” AJ said and then whispered, “I love you.” into the phone.

*** *** ***

“Well, Katie…that’s it honey.  I got your bottles, your pampers, and all your favorite stuffed animals in this bag…and over here I’ve got all your stuff that mommy gave you.”  Nick said as he put the last of his personal belongings into the back of his Durango.

Katie just watched him curiously as he put the cooler and the diaper bag in the back seat.  “Dada?  Go?” Katie asked with confusion.

“We are leaving Katie.  We are going far away to stay at mommy’s grandparents and auntie’s house for a while.   They haven’t met you…and well, to be honest…I have only talked to them on the phone.  But at least it is better than staying here.”  Nick said as he picked his daughter up.

Katie was getting some new words out.  Nick figured it was because she had heard his talking about the guys.  Katie was more than just a fast learner…she was also very talented and bright.  Dr. Christine figured that Katie would be in the top of her class…and would excel easily in school.  Everyone figured that by the time she was 3 years old…she would already be writing and reading.

“Bwi-an?  No see Yee-ann?” Katie stammered.

“No honey, we won’t be seeing them for a long time.  Maybe someday we can all be together again…but not right now.” Nick said sincerely.

Katie started to cry…for such a young child, she understood.  She knew that Uncle Brian and Auntie Leighanne were going to be far away…as well as Auntie Dee, Auntie Kat, and Auntie Brianna.  Uncle Kevin and Uncle Howie were going to miss telling her stories…and Uncle AJ’s craziness would no longer fill the house.

Nick packed up his belongings and the moving company locked up the doors on the semi.  The house was finally empty.  Nick slowly turned to take one last look and then whispered…

“I am sorry Heather.  I love you…I hope you will never let go of that.  Please forgive me.”

With that, he closed the door behind him…and locked it.  The real estate agent was standing close by to collect the keys.  He handed her a note, to give to his friends and family.  No one knew where he was going…not even his mom and dad.  The note was just something to let them know that he would be okay, but please don’t try and find him.  He would keep in touch, as best as possible, and he hoped that everyone could continue on with their lives.  He wished Kevin and Dee a happy marriage…and he thanked everyone for all that they had done.

“Come on Katie…it’s time to go find our new life.” he said as he placed her in the car seat and then looked back at the house.

Minutes later, Nick was driving on his way up Interstate 95, on a two day journey to Rhode Island.  He had put his past behind him, and was ready to start a new life…one that didn’t involve anything but his daughter and his privacy.

*** *** ***

“Come on Leighanne…I have to try one more time.  If only I could get through to him.” Brian said as he pulled up in the driveway.

“That’s funny, Nick’s truck isn’t here.  Do you actually think he got up the nerve to get out of the house?” Leighanne said.

“I guess so, or maybe he just parked it in the garage.  Let’s go knock on the door.” he replied.

The two of them made their way to the door, but soon found something out of sorts.  As they approached the door, they noticed that the wooden sign that had been carved for Nick and Heather before their wedding had been removed.  Brian also noticed that the curtains in the front window had been open.

He looked at Leighanne with confusion.   “Leighanne…what do you think is going on?”

“I don’t know Brian…but wait…there is something here on the doorstep.” Leighanne said as she bent down to pick it up.

“To all my friends…” she read aloud.

After reading the entire letter…Leighanne turned pale.  Nick had left, without any warning, and was giving up everything he had in life.  He didn’t want to be located, he didn’t want anyone to know where he was going.  He just wanted to be alone…and not have to worry about making other people’s lives miserable.  He promised that he and Katie would be fine, and not to worry.

“Brian, you have to call the guys.” she said, now very worried.

Brian immediately called Kevin and Dee, and spread the news.  AJ and Brianna, and Howie and Kat were then notified.  The eight of them were soon standing on the front doorstep of Nick’s former house, shocked, nervous, and scared.   However, more importantly, worried about their friend.

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