During the next few weeks the whole gang stayed away from each other. Leighanne and Kristin's stomach continued to grow bigger and bigger everytime. The worse was yet to come with the Backstreet Boys and their girlfriends. Since everyone was pretty much occupied except Leighanne and Jennifer, the two of them decided to go out to the park.
That very day Jennifer and Howie went over Brian and Leighanne's house to pick them up for some relaxation in the park. Everything was going swimmingly but Howie was driving alittle boy was riding his bike into the street and didn't see the car coming. And without warning Howie's car hit the little boy. The little boy fell to the ground, his head in terrible shape. Howie stopped the car and jumped out, when he saw the little boy lying on the ground Howie called 911 and within seconds and amblulane arrived. They placed a bandage around the little boy's head and rushed him to the hospital.
"Come on were better get to the hospital" said Howie as he got into the car. The others looked at Howie and wondered why. When they all got the hospital. He saw the little boy being rushed into emgerceny care. His eyes turned sorrowful like.
"Howie, what's wrong you seem like you've killed someone" said Jennifer. Howie turned towards Jennifer and said "No mija..it's nothing" said Howie giving her a fake smile.
Jennifer turned to the Brian and Leighanne and said "I don't know what's wrong with Howie right now..maybe it would be better if we didn't go to the park..I hope you all understand" said Jennifer
"Yeah it's fine but we'll catch a cab home...I wanna make a doctor's appointment to make sure the baby and Leighanne are okay" said Brian.
"Yeah sure" said Jennifer
"Well I guess we will see you all later" said Leighanne
"Yeah..sure" said Jennifer. Then Brian and Leighanne went into the next room. They waved good-bye to Howie. When Jennifer and Howie got back home Howie was totally silent the entire night. He wouldn't touch his food that Jennifer made for dinner and then his eyes began turning dark and gloomy.
Jennifer didn't know what to make of this, she was worried, but she figuresd to handel it on her own before meantioning it to the others. After all everyone was already going through some of the own problems.
Meanwhile at the hospital Courtney and AJ were waiting for the doctor to release Courtney from the hospital.
"Gosh I can hardly wait to get out of this hospital" said Courtney looking at AJ as she layed on her bed.
"Yeah well, it's all the benefit for you getting well baby..you wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for Nick" said AJ as his eyes began getting alittle angry.
"AJ..I don't know what he did..it's like he completely lost it..he needs help....AJ I'm scared of him now..but he is like family to us do you think it was right for us to do what he did, by not speaking to him and stayin away from him for a while ?" asked Courtney.
AJ thought about this for a moment then he said "Yeah I do, I don't want our son to be around someone who is abusive and just has all these emotions that he can't control, I mean Courtney what if we let Lil Alex in the care of Nick for the night because you and I went to a club or play and when we come home to pick up Lil Alex we find him beaten from Nick....we can't have anything like that" said AJ. Courtney nodded her head in agreement.
AJ was right, Courtney wanted nothing to happen to her son. She loved him just as much as she loved her boyfriend.
Soon enough the doctor came out with the release forms and perscribed Courtney some medication for the pains. Courtney and AJ were relieved to finally be released from the hospital. Things were going to be different for AJ and Courtney, AJ would have to attend to his son's needs till Courtney's arm and shoulder healed., He didn't mind he just wanted to see his family well. Kevin and Kristin weren't having too much of a happy moment at their house. Even though they watched over Lil ALex till AJ and Courtney came back from the hospital,Kevin was having an even harder time taking care of Kristin. It was hard to keep her calm whenever she began getting emotional over Crystal's rape, and then making her feel better was another issue. Kevin tried everything he could to get around to Kristin, but unfortunately things weren't working out too well for him. He hoped things would change for Kristin and that she would move on and not blame herself so much for what happened to Crystal.
Back at Nick's house he took care of twins every single day that Crystal wasn't there. He feed them,dressed them, and rocked them to sleep everynight.
When he left the house he asked his mom and Aaron to watch over them.Sometimes he asked his other siblings to watch over them and they were all glad to watch over them. Everyday and night Nick placed Crystal's picture right beside him on a seperate pillow. He kissed the picture before he went to sleep and wehn he got up in the morning. Then one day Nick couldnt stand being away from Crystal any longer, he packed the twins things and then packed his things.
They all headed off to Seattle,as Nick was on his way to Crystal's house he went by a jewelry store and bought a huge gift for Crystal. He than placed it into a golden glass box, he placed it into his pocket.
He drove off to Crystal's place, when he arrived Crystal was inside the house watching Passions. He knocked on the door and Shiane ran to get the door.
"Hi Nicky!" squealed Shiane
"Hey sweetie" said Nick smiling
"Mommy Nicky is at the door and he's got the twins" said Shiane. Crystal sighed deeply and said "Tell him he go back home, there was no use for him coming here in the first place" said Crystal still having her back turned and watchin the TV. Nick looked over at Crystal and then down at Shiane and said "Hey..I think Nicky needs to go talk to mommy for a while, so here you can play with the twins" said Nick as he placed them on the carpet and took our their toys. Shiane smiled with glee and began playing the toys.
Nick walked into the room and saw Crystal who turned off the TV and looked at Nick through the screen. What do you want Nickolas?" asked Crystal with a cold expression.
"I came here to be with you" said Nick
"Why?" asked Crystal
"Because I love you Crys Ann" said Nick
"Nick,I don't know if I really do anymore..I mean it's completely different with the twins and all but actually for you I don't know if it's possible" said Crystal.
"Explain" said Nick
"You lost your temper and hurt someone Nick, that's not who I fell inlove with" said Crystal as she turned and looked at him.
"Crystal I'm still the same person, let me tell you this when you got rapped by Joshua and I wasn't there to stop him...something happened to me..it's like I had a total mental breakdown and you were the only person I could talk to, no one could get a foot to me or anything, you were the only one..I know what I did to Courtney was wrong and honestly I'm gonna try my hardest to make it up to them and apologize...right now it seems like I've lost everyone except for you and I can't lose you now" said Nick, Nick's eyes began to water with tears. As Nick said these words the song "Don't Wanna Lose you Now" by the Backstreet Boys came onto the radio.
Crystal listening to the words,she felt Nick singing to her and telling her how much he truly loved her. When the song was finished Crystal looked up at Nick's face who was red in the eyes began crying.
"Oh Nick I'm so sorry " said Crystal as she got up from her seat and ran over to Nick and placed her arms around Nick and sobbed on his chest. Nick placed his hands on Crystal's head and rubbed it gentely.
"One more thing" said Nick as he went into this pockets. Crystal looked up from his chest and waited from him to speak up.
"Crys..we've been together for the longest time and from the moment Iayed eyes on you I knew it was true love at ht first sight..you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life and I can't live without you...your the best thing that has ever happened to me...and I will do everything I can to make your world whole lot happier and sweeter..Crystal Ann Smith Will you marry me ?" asked Nick he then took out the golden glass box and revealed a beautiful 10K golden diamond ring. Crystal's eyes began fluttering with desire, this very moment she was the happiest she had ever been in her life.
She looked up at Nick who was running his hands through her hair.
"Yes..Yes I will marry you Nickolas Gene Carter" said Crystal as happy joyful tears came out of her eyes. Nick took out the ring and placed it on Crystal's left hand on her ring finger. This was the one thing Crystal had always wanted, she was happy and so full of love. Nick took her hand and they walked over to the children. Nick picked up the twins while Shiane walked with her mother. They were all put to sleep for a while. Nick and Crysta placed themselves into the bedroom for countless hours.This was the best time in Nick and Crystal lives and they were happy to be in each other's arms.
Nick and Crystal had so much work to do before the wedding took place. Fortunately everyone took the news quite well everyone except for JC.
He never wanted Crystal to get married, "I will ruin Crystal's life for good" said JC.
Nick and Crystal made the wedding December 31,2003 Crystal's Mother presents Nick and Crystal with the bed at the big family party, a week before their wedding. He makes a big deal of it, of course, the way he makes a big deal out of everything. "This came from my great-grandfather Daniel," she says, running his hand along the smooth upper bar of the footboard. "He bought it in France and had it shipped here by boat, then carried west on a horse-drawn wagon. The whole Hamilton clan has slept quite soundly on it over the years." I smile politely at my future mother-in-law.
"Thank you, ma'am. It will look lovely in our bedroom." And your daughter will look quite lovely lashed to its bars, I add to myself.
"momma, it's even prettier than I remembered it," Crystal says, and kisses her mother's cheek.
"I had it polished, and tightened up a little, too. I'm so happy for you, honey." He cocks his head.
"Dinner must be almost ready. I think I hear your step-father calling."
"We'll be down in a minute," I tell him. "Crystal and I want to admire the bed for a little while."
"Of course,Nick" he replies, and smiles. The door clicks shut behind him. Crystal and I are alone in her mom's guest room; the gentle din of music and conversation floats up to us from the first floor.
"You know," I say to my beautiful fiancee, "Your mother has no idea what a slut you are." Crystal smiles and shakes her head her long hair shimmers like a waterfall over her shoulders.
"No, of course not." "But I do." I walk over and take her in my arms.
"Come, my precious one. Let's try this thing out."
"Right now?"
"Why not?" I reach into my jacket pocket.
"I just so happen to have some rope with me. It would be such a shame not to use it."
"Leave it to you to bring that along," Crystal laughs. "Always prepared." "So take off your clothes." She glances over her shoulder.
"But what about the party?" "They can wait. They'll hardly miss us." As she slips out of her skirt, I fold it with care and hang it over the back of a nearby chair.
"Besides, who is your master, my dear? Me or them?" She is down to her bra and panties now.
"You, of course, sir."
"Correct answer," I say, and sweep her panties to the floor in one grand motion. Nick binds Crystal's delicate wrists to the headboard. She kneels with her back to me, which provides a glorious view of her creamy derriere. I grab one thigh and pull it toward me, spreading her legs further apart. The motion makes her quiver along that delicious curve between hip and upper leg.
"Is the door locked?" she asks.
"I'd rather not. Wouldn't you love it if your mother came in and saw you like this?" ,p>"No, I wouldn't!" "She would see the true you, my dear. She would see the secret Crystal, the one who is so in need of my loving command." I run my palm down her soft back, and my fingers take a brief detour into her ass crack.
"But if you wish, my dear, I'll lock it." "Thank you."
"Plenty of time to shock everyone after the wedding." Our privacy assured now, I return to the bed and put my fingers back where they belong. I press my lips against her ear.
"Speaking of the wedding, I think your back door needs opening before the big night. Feels awfully tight." She nods.
"I could use your assistance, sir." "I'd be more than happy to help." I tickle the puckered little opening with my fingertips, and it responds by relaxing ever so slightly. Not enough, though.
"Come on, come on, you can do better." Crystal shakes her head.
"No, sir, I can't!" she whispers, grimacing.
"Do I need to spank you?" "They'll hear you! She bites her lower lip as I slam my open palm against her right butt cheek. I deliver an equally forceful blow to her left side, and she moans and falls forward, as best as she can with her wrists still tied. "You make me want more."
"Much better, my dear," I tell her. "In fact, I think you're ready for your wedding present." "Wedding present?" Crystal pants. I return to my jacket and take out a small box, which I open for her.
,p> "Do you know what this is, my dear?" She squints. "It's a butt plug. You showed me a picture of one."
"Very good!" I have remembered to bring a small tube of lubricant as well, and I use this to ready the gift for entry.
"Take a deep breath, my dear, here it comes." Crystal groans, low and deep at the back of her throat, as I push the plug into place. "Oh, my god..." she mutters. "I've never felt anything like this..."
"Do you like it?" She nods. "Yes, yes, I think do..." "Of course you do. You're a slut, my slut, that's why." I start to untie her from the bed.
"What are you doing?" "Put your clothes on. It's time to go back to the party." "With -- with the plug?" "Absolutely. I will enjoy watching you, knowing what's underneath." After putting away the rope, I help her step into her panties, fasten her bra for her behind her back.
"You're going to wear it as you walk up the aisle, you know."
"I am?" She beams.
"Oh, this is going to be fun!" "You better believe it. And just the beginning, too." As I hold the door for Crystal, I look over my shoulder at the bed, so grand and stately in the center of the room. I think about how it will look in our own home where, as in the past, it will hold a place of honor. Then I follow my future wife, imagining how she will feel as she walks up the aisle, penetrated in the way she is now. If I had ever been reluctant to give up bachelorhood, I can say now withconfidence that those fears are gone.
My future mother-in-law stands at the bottom of the stairs, grinning, a drink in one hand. "Welcome to the family,Nick" she says, and slaps me on the back.
"Thank you, ma'am," Nick replies, and smiles. Nick turned off the light, before he touched the switch Crystal stopped him.
"Hey, what are you doing?" asked Crystal. "I'm turning off the light" said Nick smirking.
"You can't..your crazy Nick...there are tons of people downstairs and we can't leave them without us baby...were the guest of honors" said Crystal "Or can we?" asked Nick placing his lips onto Crystal's. They remained in lock-lips for abour 10 minutes when Nick released her Crystal laid herself in bed. Nick was so tempted to make love to Crystal all over again.
It was either love or sorrow for the Backstreet Boys. Everyone was either loving or hurting. Crystal and Nick's engagment had brought them somewhat of comfort.
Courtney's arm and shoulder healed quickly, she wanted to hold her son,but AJ told her to wait till she was completely healed.
"Honey..I have to hold my son...it's killing me" said Courtney as she watched as AJ held Lil Alex in his arms, her eyes began watering up some.
"Baby I'm sorry but I can't risk you hurting yourself even worse and the pain killing you..I cannot ever risk loosing you" said AJ as placed Lil Alex into his crib.
Courtney began sobbing, she didn't wanna lose her life but she so badly wanted to hold her son. AJ walked towards Courtney and placed his arms around her and rocked her back and forth as Courtney cried on AJ's shoulder.
Brian and Leighanne had so much to do before their baby arrived, it was due in the month of November and it was now September.They had to buy a crib, buy clothes and toys for the room. Brian and Leighanne had the best time shopping for the baby. They were expecting a baby a boy. Brian could hardly wait till the baby was born. There was so much that he could when his son was born. He could play all kinds of sports with him and teach him new things. A glee came upon Brian's face. Leighanne laughed seeing how happy her husband was.
Kristin and Kevin did their best day by day to work out the pain with Crystal and Nick. And within the month Kristin and Kevin were much happier. Everyone seemed to be progressing well in their lives.
Howie was getting worse. He always lost him temper, cried a lot and soon enough he became very distant with Jennifer At once Howie almost got physical with Jennifer and this scared her.
"Just leave me the hell alone!!!!" yelled out Howie as he pushed her against the wall. He then left her go and ran upstairs. When he was gone Jennifer's eyes turned in a bloodshot red. She was scared of Howie now. She didn't want to do it, but she knew it was right. So she picked up the phone and dialed the numbers to the entire gang.
When everyone arrived Howie was out of the house. When the gang saw Jennifer's face they began to worry and knew something was terribly wrong. "Jen what it is?..you look terrible" said Brian.
"Yeah...there's something you'all should know...I guess now is the time before matters get worse...before Howie does something he may regret or before something happens to him" said Jennifer as she began pacing around the floor.
"Jen what do you mean?" asked Leighanne with concern.
"Well..Leigh do you remember that day when me, you, Howie, and Brian were going to go to the park?" asked Jennifer
"Yeah.....and Howie stopped the car and rushed to the hospital for some strange reason?" said Leighanne.
" Yeah that's the day..well Howie killed someone......." said Jennifer as she looked at the others who were filled with shock.
"What?.......what happened?" asked Brian
"When Howie hit that bump...it wasn't a rock or some blackhole.........."said Jennifer getting emotional
"Then what was it?" asked Leighanne
"It was a little boy riding his bike...he wasn't wearing his helmet" said Jennifer as she sat down in a chair with tears running down her face. Everyone couldn't believe the news they just heard,Howie had killed alittle boy, but it could've been Howie, not Howie, he would never hurt anyone, especially a little boy. Jennifer the continued "Later on Howie began to get really depressed and not talking to me that much..and now he's gotten physical with me....the parents are punishing us by not accepting an offer from our insurance company and it will pay the money for anything they need..they want us to go to court and settle it there" said Jennifer.
"Can you tell us everything that happened between the two of you" asked AJ
"I guess I should..it's all for the better right" said Jennifer. Jennifer then began telling everyone what happened to Howie that day when they got back from the hospital
"Mijo you've been acting funny since we got home what's wrong?" asked Jennifer as she sat down with Howie. Howie looked at her and said "Jen everything is fine...but I guess if you wanna know the truth then I'm sure it would be better said later on or so" said Howie as he got up from his seat and went outside to towards his small beach. Jennifer sighed and said nothing for a couple of days. Then then phone rang one day. Jennifer ran to pick it up and said "Hello?"
"Yes is Mr. Howard Dorough there?" asked the person on the reciever.
"I'm he's not here at this point can I take a message?"
"Well yes you can" said the person. "Ok what is the message?"asked Jennifer.
"Yes this is Officer Banderas and I'm here to talk about a certain mishap that happened at the hospital a week ago" said the officer.
"Oh well I can probably help I was there too and I'm Mr. Dorough's girlfriend" said Jennifer
"Ah well...there was a terrible accident that day a little boy was killed and from what the doctors say they found some markings on the boy's head that matched your boyfriends car Ma'am" said the officer.
Jennifer dropped the phone and her faced turned white. She couldn't believe it. "Ma'am are you there....?" asked the officer
" Yes Yes I'am here..I'm just in alittle shock that's all" said Jennifer as she tried to calm down.
"Ok well the family was alerted about the tragedy of their son Paul and they are terribly upset over this, and they've informed me to speak with Mr. Dorough as soon as possible to discuss somethings" said the officer. Jennifer explained everything on the day of the tragdey, she also explained how Howie wasn't at home at the moment "Oh well I'm not sure when Howie will be home but I'm sure it will be soon"
"Alright then I shall contact him later thank you so much for your time" said the officer and then he hung up the phone. After Jennifer hung up the phone she knew exactly where Howie was, he was outside on th beach walking up and down the shores. As Howie saw Jennifer coming up towards the beach he saw her expression and knew she found out about the little boy he killed.
"Why didn't you tell me what REALLY happened ? don't you trust me?" asked Jennifer
"I'm not gonna talk about this now" said Howie as he walked away from Jennifer. Jennifer didn't dare to bug him about, but the next day it was beautiful and Howie was at the beach again. Jennnifer found him sitting on thr steps of the house.
"Howie..it's beautiful day outside maybe we go out on the beach and have a picnic" said Jennifer rubbing Howie's back. Howie didn't smile or even look at Jennifer. Jennifer turned her head and walked around and infront of Howie and said "Please......we need to talk about this, it's hurting you and your worrying me...Howie....." said Jennifer.
"I don't wanna go on a picnic..I just wanna be by myself" said Howie coldly
"Well fine, but I'm gonna keep trying untill I get through to you....it was an honest accident" said Jennifer.
Howie turned his head around and sighed. Howie then got up and began walking on the beach. Jennifer left it alone again and the day after that Howie was out some place.
"Umm your little cousin just called and she wants to spend sometime with you..she wants to go out to dinner..and I can't pick her up" said Jennifer
"Alright I'll take her" said Howie. Jennifer then went into her pockets then she gave a sad look on her face.
"Ya know forget it" said Howie
"Why?" asked Jennifer "Because I saw the look on your face Jennifer that's why.......if it was an accident then why are you so damn nervous to let my niece be in a car with me huh....why are you so worried about behind the wheel, you scared I'm gonna kill someone ?" said Howie getting angry.
"Howie that's not true" said Jennifer
"I wasn't going fast Jen...I wasn't going any faster than anyone this could not drive..it was the right speed limit......I didn't him...ok I didn't see him" said Howie as he left the steps.
Jennifer felt as if she couldn't do this on her own. She called of Howie's mom and dad to come over and help her. Jennifer already told Howie's family and they felt terrible for him. Jennifer called up Howie's niece and took her out while Howie's parents stayed with him. When Howie saw his parents and gave an annoyed sigh.
"What Mijo...you aren't happy to see us" said Howie
"No dad if I wanted to talk to you or mama I would've called" said Howie.
"Mijo look it hurts us to see you like this...and Jennifer is right it was an accident mijo...now what are you going to do about the insurance problem?" asked Howie's mother
"I don't know mama...I just don't know..mama just you and dad leave me alone....I can't stand to be around people that hate me" said Howie. Howie's father looked at him in shock and said"Mijo no...no people don't hate you...they all understand it was an accident "
" Dad..what you and mama think I feel sorry for myself...well I don't not at all..I feel sorry for the boy's parents and his brother..." said Howie getting annoyed.
Over the spanish resturant Luchitas Jennifer and Maria Howie's little niece were having dinner. Jennifer's cellphone then rang.
"Hello..is that you officer Banderas...yes....oh no......alright I will tell Howie and see how he wants to handle it..thank you for calling me" said Jennifer she hung up the phone.
"Maria sweetie we have to leave now so I hope you finished?" asked Jennifer.
"Yeah I'am it was yummy" smiled Maria. Jennifer smiled back she paid the bill and drove Maria back home. When she got back to the house Howie's parents were still outside talking with Howie. When Howie's mother saw Jennifer in the door, she told her husband to continue talking to Howie.
"Mija....what is it....?" asked Howie's mother. Jennifer took Mrs. Dorough outside and she pointed to Howie's car. On the car it read :" Thou Shall Not Kill". Mrs. Dorough was in complete shock over this. When Mr. Dorough left Howie alone he walked inside and saw the writing on Howie's car.
"We mustn't show this Howie...or tell the rest of the family this make all matter worse...Howards doesn't need to be around that many people" said Howie's dad
"Yes I agree" said Jennifer
After Howie and the others went to bed Jennifer called up Officer Banderas to find out more about the paintings on the car.
" Hello" "How'd it go?" "Well we had it cleaned up by sun rise..I don't think too many people noticed" said the officer
"Well even if people did see they wouldn't try to get a hold on Howie would they?" asked Jennifer.
Officer Banderas didn't say anything, and Jennifer hung up the phone.
Over at the police station Officer Banderas sat at his desk and began doing some work. Then another officer walked into the room and sat in a chair infront of Banderas.
" Well we found out who painted Howie's house..not that it was too hard to figure out" said the officer.
"The boy's brother Justin?" asked Banderas
"Yeah...yeah....this would be a big story for the media but I sugguest they shouldn't get involved...when does the trial start ?"the officer asked.
" Jurisdiction starts tomarrow and the trial starts on Tuesday" said Banderas
"Why doesn't the insurance company pay ?" asked the officer
"Well first they don't wanna accept the offer.....cuz they should know that no how much money they get..it won't bring their son back" said the officer.
"Yeah well right now I believe things will work out soon enough" said Officer Banderas. "Yeah..of course" said the officer. The officer then left the room.
Back at Howie and Jennifer's house Howie's parents were trying their best to get through to Howie.
"That's it I'm gonna leave this place for a while and frankly I don't know when I'm coming back!!!" yelled out Howie. He ran upstairs and packed his things. When Jennifer saw Howie she had the look on her face that would make her want to cry.
"What are you doing ?" she asked "I'm packing what does it look like I'm doing?" asked Howie as he began giving Jennifer the cold shoulder.
"Howie please...just talk to me" said Jennifer placing hand on his back.
"Leave me alone Jen" said Howie warning Jennifer to back off some.
"But Howie..." said Jennifer.
Before Jennifer could continue Howie lunged at Jennifer and shoved her against the wall. "I said the fuck away from me NOW!!!!" yelled out Howie.
He grabbed his things and left the house. Jennifer was lying on the floor, tears running through her eyes. She began crying. Howie's mother ran upstairs and saw Jennifer on the floor. She ran over to her, and held her.
"It's ok sweetie...it's ok" said Howie's mother.
"And that's all that happened, I haven't heard from Howie since he left" said Jennifer sadly. The whole group has tears in their eyes they were not only upset but they were shocked at Howie's behavior. Howie had always been the sweet and nice one of the group.
"Wow I never expected Howie to be this way and not understand that it was only an accident" said Brian.
"I wish he did....I don't know where he is now...he hasn't called or anything and I'm worried about him..and I'm not sure what the family expects to do about their son's death because they're hurting so much and they're so angry with Howie" said Jennifer.
"I know someone who might be able to help the family" said Kevin
"Who?" asked Jennifer
"It's my brother Harold he's a priest and he deals with things like this all the time...he can talk to the boy's family and then speak with Howie later on...he does a good job..he can probably convince the family to stop the anger and grieve over their son and then punish Howie for the accident" said Kevin.
Jennifer sighed for a minute and then said "Okay..let's do that then..would you all mind staying with me for a little while I could really use the company" said Jennifer.
Everyone nodded their heads. Fortuantely the kids were under the care of their grandparents. Later on as everyone was watching a movie Kevin called his brother and made the arrangements for the little boy's family to talk to Reverand Harold Richardson. Harold agreed to help out.
The very nexy day Harold called up the family and spoke with the little boy's family. They agreed to speak to the Reverand about their tragedy, the date was set for a couple of days later. That very night at Harold's house the doorbell rang.
When Harold answered the door there was the little boy's family on his doorstep. The mother looked somewhat upset whil her husband looked up at Harold. " I-I'm very surprised to see you.. please come in" said Harold as opened the door and let the family in.
"Would you like to sit down?" asked Harold. The parents nodded and walked over towards the couch and sat down, while Harold sat in a chair.
" Well.. I suppose you both came here for some reason... Is there anything that Howie or that I can do for you?" asked Harold
"Were going to accept Howie and his girlfriend's insurance company's offer...we don't think that any amount of money can replace our son..and while we hoped to get more because in our anger.. we wanted to punish Howie and his girlfriend Jennifer ,especially Howie himself... we don't wanna go to court" said the boy's father.
Harold looked up at the family and began getting alittle emotional. The mother began to speak "Paul should've been wearing a helmet..we reminded him always to wear a helmet....but he didn't wear a hemlet..he never wore a helmet when he rode his bike" said the mother as began crying again, her husband held her hand.
"But..wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet didn't seem important, not when we were dealing with much bigger problems with Paul" said the father.
"You don't have to tell me" said Harold showing them he was concerned but serious.
"No...we wanna tell the truth, its the right thing to do...we hope that we can do the right thing so that our other son can do the right thing...Justin.....Justin painted Howie's car,we will pay to have it repainted" said the father as the father was saying these words Harold placed his head on his hands and shook his head no and said "It's ok..it's unnecessary..it's already been taken care of" said Harold showing the family some relief.
"He had a problem with drugs...Paul...the autopsy showed that he was under the influence of drugs"
"I had no idea" said Harold getting alittle shocked and sad.
" So while Howie your friend may have been guilty of not paying attention..our son Paul was guilty too" said the father. "Oh wow I really had no idea" said Harold.
"It would have come out in the trial...but we rarther just let you know" said the father.
"Still you didn't have to.....I didn't have to know the reason why you didn't want to go to court"said Harold as he showed sympathy to the family. "It probably won't help Howie to know this but..we want you tell him...but.." said the mother.
" Howie's still going through alot and more than just a few years...but prolly a lifetime...but that's just the thing..he still has a lifetime" said Harold looking alittle depressed and feeling sorry for the family.
"Our other son Justin...he's a good boy,a good student..a good person...but he had this thing of trying to help his brother with his drug problems..and he thought he was making progress before the accident..and...well now he's got alot of anger directly towards Howie and he's out of control..we had him in brief counsuling with him as a family and we even scheduled some private sessions just for him, as well, but it's not going that well" said the father as Harold heard these words his face began turning alittle red like he was hurting inside.
"We don't wanna want another tragedy on our hands" said the mother.
"Well were thinking.. and you can talk to Howie and his girfriend if they'd like to do it...maybe Howie and them could transfer someplace else to live..because our son had backed out of school and doesn't want to tranfser to any other school...were scared for him....and were afraid that Justin might do something stupid..we don't think that Justin would phsyically hurt Howie, we just don't want take that risk..." said the father. When Harold heard these words he began getting alittle nervous for his friend Howie.
"We don't wanna another event on our hands,we all need to get through this" said the mother.
" Howie's girlfriend and his family have tried to get through to him, but he took off someplace... and right now they're not sure where he went and when he will be back..........we shall figure out some alternative it seems that's the least we can do" said Harold as the family got up from their seats.
"That's all we wanted to say " said the father as they headed for the door.
" Thank you for coming over here and thank you for dropping the court battle and thank you for trying to protect Howie God bless you both" said Harold, the family smiled before the couple left for the door "And I'm again my deepest sympathy I'm very sorry about your son" said Harold as he opened the door for the family and they left the door. The mother nodded her head and her husband took her hand and they walked out of the house. When the door was closed and the family was gone Harold looked up and said "Now could you help me find Howie and help me get through to him....thank you". Harold turned to the phone and then picked it up and called up his brother's cellphone.
"Hello" asked Kevin as he picked up the phone.
"Kevin it's me Harold..I've got some news that you and that gang might wanna hear" said Harold softly. Kevin looked up at the gang with some sympathy.
"Kev...what is it honey?" asked Kristin taking Kevin's hand "It's Harold...he's got some news for us...." said Kevin. He then placed it on speaker so that everyone could hear.
"Well there's some good news and the bad news..." said Harold over the phone.
"Ok what's the bad news ?" asked Kevin
"The bad news is...I don't think it's safe for any of you guys to go off and look for Howie and try to bring him back..the little boy's brother has alot of anger towards Howie....and right now his parents have confirmed to me that their son Justin the little boy's older brother could possibly hurt Howie" said Harold.
"But what does that have to do with us?" asked Brian.
"Brian...he knows who you'all are..your relastionship...everything..." said Harold.
" But what about me Harold..I'm his girlfriend.." said Jennifer getting emotional.
"No...Jen it's not good....I know how much you wanna be with him but truly..but right now isn't the best time to be around him ...if any of you were to get close to him like Jennifer...I have a feeling that would totally lose it and scream and who knows what would happen" said Harold.
Jennifer began crying alittle bit..she was hurting inside,she wanted to be there for Howie, but seeing that Harold has said no was breaking her heart, she knew that Harold was right but she didn't want it to be true.
"Hey bro let me call you back so we can talk about this..it seems that Jennifer is having a hard time dealing with this" said Kevin "Of course...Kev before you hang up I'm going to need directions to this place that Howie is" said Harold.
"Yeah I know man please..I will call you back" said Kevin
"Alright bye" said Harold as he hung up the phone.
As Kevin hung up the phone he turned and looked at the guys who looked up at Kevin with some disspointment.
"Guys I think Harold is right...he means well not just for Howie, but for all of us" said Kevin softly.
"I highly doubt that" said Jennifer sternly.
The gang looked up at Jennifer with alittle shock. Kevin walked over to Jennifer and said "Why do you think that Jen ?" Kevin asked.
Jennifer looked up at Kevin with sad eyes The reason is because I know there's some other way for Harold to let us see Howie as well as all of us being there for him in Everwood"
"How do you know about Everwood?" asked Nick
"Howie told me all about it..so I assume that's where he went even though he left without telling me good-bye and hurting me the way he did" said Jennifer.
"Wait what is Everwood and where is it ?" asked Kristin
"Everwood is where Howie went off to be alone without all of us can't really encourage him to talk about him...it's a place off in the mountains area where we all go at times to be alone...we've all gone someplace in the times where we needed to be alone"said Brian.
"Where is it located ?"asked Crystal
"It's in a breathtaking small town in the gorgeous snowy vistas of the Rocky Mountains in the idyllic small town of Everwood, Colorado" said AJ as he began remebering the little town he went to, when he was getting over his grandmother's death. AJ then began recieving a flashback on his time in Everwood.