Chapter 9

“I can’t believe that he didn’t make it.” Brian said.  “I really thought that he would at least try to be there.”

“Look, it’s not your fault sweetie.  If Nick wasn’t ready, then that is fine.  Don’t worry.” Leighanne tried to comfort him.

“That is easy to say, but harder to follow by.  Nick is my best friend, and I have no idea where he is or what he is doing.  I thought he would at least trust me to know.” he told her.

“Well, don’t give up faith, Brian.  Nick will call or something, I know.” she said as she leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips.

*** *** ***

“Grandma, I got the weeds cleaned out of the garden, but, where do you want me to put them?” Nick asked from down the driveway.

“Just put them in that barrel, and Grandpa will put them up on the hill.” she hollered back down to him.  “Now, come on, it’s time for lunch.”

Nick grabbed Katie, who was playing in the grass.  “Come on Little Bits, it’s time to eat.” he said as he scooped her up onto his shoulders and walked up the drive.

Nick, Grandma, Katie and Grandpa sat at the dining room table eating sandwiches and chips for lunch.  “You know, I think these are truly the very best sandwiches I have ever had.” Nick commented.

“And to think that you could never tell that they are virtually non-fat and cholesterol free.” Grandpa spoke up.

Nick’s jaw dropped to his feet and he just stared at Grandma.  He couldn’t ever begin to tell that he was eating probably the healthiest food on the planet.   Unknown to Nick, their health wasn’t really good…and they had so many restrictions.  However, Grandma always had a way of making things taste so yummy.

Katie ate all her food, and was given a teething biscuit.  For some strange reason, she loved them…and Nick was forced to drag around boxes of them.  After she finished, Nick put her down for her afternoon nap, and then decided it was time to go and talk to Grandma and Grandpa.

*** *** ***

Howie and Kat had been trying to decide on what to do for the afternoon.  With all the parties and stuff lately, Kat was just up for a movie and dinner or something of that sorts.  She was tired from being out at the clubs and parties, so, she plead with Howie to take her the newest movie.

“Come on Howie.  You can take me to see ‘Dinosaurs’.  I heard it is really good.” Kat begged.

“Kat, do you realize what will be at ‘Dinosaurs’? he asked.

“Yeah…dinosaurs!” she remarked.

“And…who is fond of dinosaurs?”

“Umm…me?” she giggled.

“Other than you…think about it.  There will be TONS of children there…how will I keep from getting recognized?” he asked, trying to make his point.

“Well, we could take an evening show and sneak in after they turn off the lights.” she said hopefully.

“I don’t know…’Dinosaurs’?  I mean…isn’t that a kiddie movie?” he questioned, trying to discourage her.

“Gee, I can take a hint Howie.  You just don’t want to go.  Fine…but, I am NOT going out clubbing tonight.  I am tired.” she said as she went to sit on the couch.

She soon flicked on the television and surfed through the over 125 channels she had.  “All these channels, and there is NOTHING on!  What the heck are we paying $100 for cable for!?” she hollered down the hall to Howie.

He knew she was frustrated, but he wasn’t in the mood to go out and be recognized by his ‘adoring’ fans.  However, he did think a nice evening eating a candlelight dinner sounded wonderful.

*** *** ***

“Dearest Nickolas and Katie Lynne,

I know the time has come for me to say goodbye.  Please be strong and don’t be afraid.  I love you both will all my heart.  Don’t forget about me, and Nick, tell all the wonderful stories you can about us to Katie.  You are a wonderful father.  And she should be proud to have you as her daddy.  Be there for her, to guide her.  Katie, stay with your daddy, and help him.  He needs you just as much as you need him.  Grow up together.  Help you daddy find someone to help make him happy in his life.

Nickolas, please promise me that you will be fine.  Please promise me that you will go on and you will have other children, and you will raise them as you will raise my own.  Please promise me that you will find happiness again…and will not dwell on me.  Please.  I can’t go knowing that you will never be happy again.  You have made me the happiest woman in the world.  You gave me life when I thought there was no reason to live.  You showed me love and happiness that I never thought could exist.  God is calling for me.  Pray that he takes me to his heavenly country.  I will be watching you.  I love you both…and never forget…You’ll Be In My Heart.

I love you both always and forever…never let go of that.
Heather Lynne (Mommy)”

Nick finished reading the letter to Grandma and Grandpa.  Tears welled up in his eyes as he realized that those words were the only thing he had left of his precious love.

“Nick, if I knew Heather well enough, I would venture to say that she is probably rolling over in her grave right now.” Grandpa said, being very blunt.

Nick was stunned.  “How can you say something like that?” he questioned with a nasty look on his face.

“Now Nick, you promised her to remember her and treasure her, but you also promised that you would be okay.  Heather wouldn’t want you to be so sad.  She was a beautiful and sweet woman, but she was just as stubborn and steadfast as you are.  And I know that she is probably angry at you for throwing your life away and giving up.  Did she ever give up?” Grandma looked him in the eyes.

Nick turned away, knowing the only true answer to her question.  “No.”

“Well then, why should you give up?  She never gave up on anything…it’s just that her body gave up on her spirit.  But, you made a promise…and you ought to honor it and respect it.” Grandpa said.

The three of them sat in the living room, just thinking about all that had been said.  Nick knew in his heart that he had been wrong to leave…but he didn’t know what else to do.  And now, he felt even worse for missing out on his friend’s wedding.

“I have to go back.” he said softly.

“Nick, give it some time.  You are just upset…and personally, if I were you, I would give your friends a call first.  They may all be mad at you for leaving…but, yes, in the end, you should go back.” Grandma finished,

“I will call them, but after I take a nap.  I am exhausted, and my emotions have just completely drained me.  I don’t know how else to feel, other than exhausted,” he said as he smiled at them, and then went up to Kathy’s apartment to take a nap.

*** *** ***

The telephone rang four times before Kat could catch it.  “Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Leighanne.  Have you heard anything from Nick?” she asked.

“Nope, nothing at all.  I hate to say it, but I think he really is gone for good.  It has been several days…and with him not showing up at the wedding…I think that was a sure sign that he wasn’t coming home.” she answered.

“Yeah, I know…but we are just trying to be hopeful.” Leighanne replied and then said goodbye.

*** *** ***

Nick was asleep on the couch, finally getting some much needed rest.  Katie slept peacefully next to him.

Grandma went into the kitchen and pulled out a small address book, one that hadn’t be touched in a couple of years.  She then picked up the phone, and dialed the number, unsure of what to expect.

“Hi, this is Mrs. Schofill, Heather’s grandmother.  There is someone here at my house that I think you need to know about.  Can you come over as soon as possible?” she asked softly into the phone.

The person on the other end graciously accepted the invitation and then Grandma hung up the phone.

She then prepared a late afternoon snack, ready for when Nick and Katie woke up.  Grandma smiled, it was nice to have Nick and Katie Lynne around.  She reminded her so much of Heather, and it was finally a pleasant feeling around the house again.

Nick soon woke up, feeling quite refreshed and ready to take on the next set of tasks that he had.

“Good afternoon Grandma, thanks for letting me sleep.  I feel a lot better now…may I use your phone?” he then asked.

She nodded her head, and lead him to the bedroom where he could make a private call.

Nick sat there for a moment, wondering what he would say, what he would do.  It had been several days since he ran off and left everything he knew behind.  Not much time to get over his problems, but certainly enough time to cause more.

He pondered for a moment, then picked up the phone and dialed a number.   After several rings, there was an answer on the other end.

“Hello, this is the Littrell residence.  May I help you?” the woman’s voice asked.

“Umm, Leighanne?” Nick said softly into the phone.

“Yes, this is Leigh…Nick?  Nick?!  Is that you?!” she yelled into the phone, very excited.

“Shhh, yes, it’s me.  May I please speak to Brian.  It is really important.” he answered.

Leighanne screamed down the hallway to Brian, who immediately picked up the phone.  “Frack, is it really you??  Where are you?  What are you doing?”

“I am okay…and so is Katie.  We are somewhere safe, and we have others watching out for us.  Please, just listen for a moment.  I know I did the wrong thing by leaving.  But, I didn’t have much of a choice.  Things were really bad for a while.  Now, I want you to know…I want to come home…” he said, leaving Brian in silence.
 
 

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