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The next weeks and months passed slowly. But after the harsh wait, I went up to Lieghanne’s to spend my first holiday week. The next weekend Nick was taking me out to LA to spend Christmas and New Year. I was so excited. But it would be strange being around his whole family at one time. Thank goodness we’d have one night at Lieghanne’s together before the full Carter household. Brian and Nick would be coming up from Orlando soon!
Through the weeks, school was torture. My mind was everywhere but school! It didn’t help any all my friends would keep asking me what was wrong They asked even more when me and Nick got in an argument. It was over something stupid. I was ill one night because I had a lot of work and Nick wanted to talk for the longest time. I couldn’t keep my temper in check and lashed out at him. Thank goodness our argument only lasted a few days. We didn’t even talk a day or two till I apologized.
Some days, Brian would call and we’d talk for a while. Each time he told me how pitiful Nick looked.
“Anne, what have you done to make Nick so sad without you? He has it so bad! At practice he never talks, just does what he is told.”
I don’t even understand at times. But then other times I could relate perfectly. I had the house completely to myself. My parents had moved away with work, so my loneliness only increased.
Sometimes I would holler at the emptiness, about how not fair it is that I can’t have Nick with me now. I can’t feel his comfort and love. All because of his job! Those anger fits always ended in tears with all five guys voices floating through the speakers.
I had many different things going on. The Miss Teen pageant. I had to prepare a speech and dance to give away my crown. Nick talked me into doing a lyrical piece to his solo “I Need You Tonight.” With all my heart I wanted him there to see it.
“Hey Liegh!” I called from the stairs. “Can we talk for a few minutes?”
“Sure! I’m in the living room.”
“I followed her voice. Their house was huge! Soon I saw her sprawled across the couch. I could have almost promised that there was a tear rolling down he cheek.
“Do you miss Brian?” I asked. It startled her as she quickly turned to face me.
“Yes. What do you need to talk about?”
“That. How do you deal with it? Not being around Brian and then being busy with your won job. Isn’t it hard?” I sighed collapsing on the floor.
“I dunno. I’ve just learned how to deal with it. Right at the beginning and right before I see him are the hardest. Over the years I’ve just somehow gotten used to the separation, but not the loneliness. I only love him all the more and can’t wait to see him.” She explained. I could see a faraway glint in her eyes.
“I can’t take it much longer not being with Nick! And then we only get two weeks together. As soon as I graduate I’m moving in with him!” I exclaimed. Lieghanne smiled down at me.
“You and Nick better stay together. I’ve never seen anyone happier.”
“Sorry it took me so long to get here!” Amanda yelled closing the door behind her. “AJ is ticked off at me for leaving him for one week. Frankly, when he’s tired and stress he’s annoying to be around!”
Me and Lieghanne burst out laughing at her comment. Just like Manda, never realizing how lucky she is to always be with her guy.
“Oh, Brian and Nick send their love. They both look terrible, especially Nick! Man! He’s love struck over his head, Anne!”
I smiled a little embarrassed. I knew I was too.
It was about Thursday, right in the afternoon. All three of us were bored, just wishing time would hurry up and get to Saturday.
“Was that the doorbell?” Leighanne questioned. “Maybe the guys got off early. Anne would you answer it?”
“Sure!” I replied and found my way to the front door. My heart was racing, hoping to find Nick on the other side. But I was wrong.
“Hey!” A teenage girl exclaimed. She was extremely cute as excitement shown through her face. “Oh my gosh, Anne! I’ve always wanted to meet you. My friend will be so mad she didn’t come now!”
“Hi! It’s nice to meet you too.” I pasted a smile on my face to hide the disappointment. “I take it you’re a huge fan.”
“Yes, I just wanted you to know that I fully support you and Nick. In fact, I couldn’t be happier for the both of you.”
“Thanks, that really means a lot.”
“Why aren’t you with Nick?” She questioned confused. “And where is Lieghanne and Brian?”
‘Lieghanne is busy and Brian is in Orlando, working. That’s where Nick is too. I couldn’t go because of school. I’m only a senior. Nick and Brian are coming here on….later in the week.” It’s so hard to not just tell them everything!
“Oh, I get ya. Could you do me a huge favor?” She pleaded.
“Maybe. What is it?”
“Could you get all five guys to sign this then send it back to me. Here is my address.”
I took the picture and address. The picture was her and the guys. Somehow she had ran into them.
“When was this?”
“About a month ago. Why?” She looked at me puzzled.
“Oh my gosh!” I gasped brushing a way my one tear. “Nick looks awful! Did he talk much?”
“Not really. Just starred at the ground, why?”
“Long story.,… maybe I can tell you later. I’ll get them to sign this as soon as possible. I warn you, it will be a long time. I don’t see them all any time soon.”
“Okay! Just whenever! I gotta run.”
I smiled and gave her a huge hug. “Thanks for coming. Maybe we can try to keep in touch, but don’t pass that around.”
“Sure thing! Bye!”
“Bye.” I watched her walk away and soon went inside. Tears started to roll down my cheeks as I looked at Nick. He looked completely worn out. Then I glanced in the mirror. So, did I! I couldn’t believe what this separation was doing to us. Just two more days and I would be with him.
“Hey, baby!” Brian cried throwing his arms around Lieghanne. “I missed you so much!”
“I missed you too!” She sighed relaxing into his arms.
“Okay! Where’s Anne?” Nick shouted looking all around the front part of the house.
“She’s up taking a shower, Nick. Just give her five more minutes.” Leighanne informed.
“I can’t!” he shouted again and dashed up the stairs.
“He looked completely awful, Bri! How long has he looked like that?”
“The past two months! I’ve never seen him that miserable, besides when they had broken up. Poor guy! He has to deal with it one more time after Christmas.” Brian explained holding onto Lieghanne tightly.
“Then she’ll be all his.” Lieghanne smiled as Brian leaned down to kiss her.
“Just like you!” Brian teased and kissed his wife again.
“Hey guys! Sorry to interrupt, but where is my girl?” AJ questioned.
“Somewhere! I don’t know!” Lieghanne cried annoyed. “Go find her!”
“Okay! I’m ready!” I smiled at myself in the full length mirror. A small foot stop sounded behind me. “hey, Leigh. I’m almost ready.”
No answer.
Suddenly I felt someone’s familiar lips on my neck, then his arms pulled me against him. Slowly I turned to face him.
“Nick!” I screamed jumping into his open arms.