Chapter 7

“I just wish he was here.  It is such a special day in my life, and my two best friends aren’t here.” Dee said sadly.  “Heather was supposed to be here for me…and now that Nick and Katie Lynne aren’t here…it just doesn’t feel right.”

Leighanne stood there, watching Dee place the tiara and veil in her hair.  “Dee, I will be right back…I am going to check and see if anyone has heard or seen from Nick.  I highly doubt that he would miss your wedding.”

Dee nodded and continued to get ready as Leighanne went to find the guys.

*** *** ***

Nick approached the door to the two story Quaker home of Heather’s grandparents.  “Wow…this is a cool looking house.” he said to Katie as he knocked on the backdoor.

He heard someone holler from upstairs,  “I’ll get it mom…I’ll be right down.” the lady’s voice echoed.

Nick stood there patiently as he waited for the door to open.  When the door finally squeaked open, he gazed into the eyes of the lady who’s voice he heard.

“May I help you sir?” she asked, looking at him and the small child he was holding.

“Well, I um…I am…” Nick tried to answer.

“Oh my God.  You must be Nick.  Please, please come in.” she said.

“How did you know?” he asked as he was escorted into the patio area.

“Because your daughter…she looks just like Heather as a baby.” she answered.

“And you must be Kathleen.  She always talked about you.” he smiled.

“She did?” Kathy asked politely.

“Yes, she loved you all very much…and regretted not getting to see you in so long.  I know that she watches over you everyday.” he said sadly.

“Nick, I am so sorry to hear about Heather.  I wish we could have been there for you and her.  When you all got married…Mom was sick and was unable to travel.  Heather was always Mom and Dad’s favorite granddaughter.  She held a very special place in their hearts and I know that they miss her so much.” she said as she heard her mom.

“Kathy, who are you talking…” her mom asked as she walked into the room. “Nick?  Nickolas and Kathryn Lynne?” she looked confused.

“Yes ma’am.  It’s us.” he answered, and then walked over.  “Hello Mrs. Schofill.”

“Nickolas, you can call me Grandma you know.  Afterall, you are part of my family.  And you, sweet little lady, must be our great granddaughter.” she said with a smile as she looked at the two of them.  “But Nick, what are you doing here?”

“Umm, ma’am, I mean, Grandma, I am here because I was hoping you all could let me stay with you for a little while.  You see…I quit…and I need to get away from everything.  I was hoping that I could stay here while I found a job and an apartment.  I need help with Katie…and I didn’t know where else to go.  Heather always talked about how sweet and caring you all where, and if we ever needed anything…that you wouldn’t hesitate to help.” he said.

Grandma and Kathy just stood there with tears in their eyes.  They missed Heather so much, and now that Nick and Katie were here, they felt all the emotions of her death coming back.   Kathy stood there feeling a bit lost, but soon felt at ease when Katie started to talk.

“Kafie!” Katie said as she held her arms out towards Kathy.

“You know my name?” she asked, confused.

“She knows all your names.  I was telling her how to say your names…and that way when we got here, she could say hello to you properly.” Nick smiled, “but she is still learning.”

“Well, that is just too cool!” Kathy laughed as she took Katie into the living room.

Nick and Grandma Schofill walked into the front dining room to sit and get acquainted while Kathy played with her newest niece, as she liked to think.

*** *** ***

Leighanne and Brian stood outside, watching the cars drop guests off.  A hoard of reporters were gathered at a distance, obviously starting more rumors about the whole situation.  Everyone knew that Nick hadn’t arrived, and now, with the press here, it would be all over the news headlines the next day.

Dee sat in the bride’s room touching up her makeup, as she waited for Leighanne, Kat, and Brianna.  She was obviously nervous, despite having more than a year to prepare for this particular day.  She wanted so bad to see Kevin…to make sure that everything was perfect.  She only wanted the very best for this day, for it to be so perfect.

In another room, Kevin was pacing back and forth.  He was growing inpatient, and wanted to hurry and see Dee.  He also wanted everyone to ignore the fact that Nick and Katie Lynne weren’t there.  He figured that if Nick loved them all so much, then he would be there.  If not, then it was Nick’s problem…not theirs.

“Howie, could you go and get Brian.  He is outside with the ladies.” Kevin asked Howie as he continued to pace back and forth.

Howie went off to get Brian while Kevin talked to AJ.  “Dude, I know that Nick isn’t coming…so, since he doesn’t have the decency to show up…I don’t want to hear about him at all today.  Okay?  Can you help me talk to Brian about that?” he asked.

“Sure…but Kevin…I honestly don’t think that Nick is doing this to spite us…he is just confused and lost right now.  You said yourself that I was the one he was mad at…and I was the reason he left.  Please don’t take it personal.” AJ pleaded.

“Yeah…well, the least he could have done is come to our wedding.” Kevin grumbled, but knew that AJ was probably right.

Brian and Howie soon returned and the four of them prepared for the start of the ceremony.

*** *** ***

“Grandma, trust me…I owe you everything.  I can pay you rent and buy food and anything you all need.  Whatever you need…don’t hesitate to ask.  And I certainly don’t plan to sit on my butt and mooch off of ya…so you shouldn’t need to worry.   I promise that me and Katie won’t get in the way…and I hope to not have to stay too long.” Nick rambled.

“Nickolas, now listen to me, you may stay as long as you want…and you don’t have to worry about rent or paying us for anything.  I never let Heather pay for anything…so why should you have to?” Grandma asked.

“I don’t want to impose on you.  I just dropped on your doorstep…hoping that you would take me in…and I don’t expect to do that without giving something in return.” Nick offered.

“Well, the only thing I ask…is that you explain to me why you quit the Backstreet Boys and why you left everything behind.  You had so much going for you…and they way that Heather talked about your friends…they were all very special.  What was so bad that you ran away from it all.” Grandma asked.

Nick, Kathy, and Grandma talked hours, letting out all that was on their minds.   It was the first time in a long time that Nick had felt so safe and comforted.  His friends didn’t see the situation like Grandma and Kathy did.  They could feel the pain he felt…they could understand the fears and confusion Nick had, unlike the four guys he considered his best friends.

“Grandma, please, if you would…would you tell me about Heather when she was little?  I don’t know much about her childhood.  She never really talked about it…and well, even though she is gone…I still feel her with me everyday…and to just get a little glimpse of what she was like…that would mean the world to me and Katie.” Nick asked politely.

“Well, it is a good thing you will be here for a while…because there are so many stories to tell.  Why don’t I make dinner…and then we can talk about it.” Kathy offered.

“That sounds like a great idea hon.  Nick, do you like chicken and fettuccine?” Grandma offered.

“Do I ever!!” Nick said with a smile.

As Kathy prepared dinner…they all chatted and played with Katie.  It was a new part of Nick’s life…and he was glad that he was here.  It was going to be hard to get away from everything…but, he knew that if he put his heart into making a new life…he could do it.
 

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