Full of Grace
****************************
by: Tina and Danielle
Rated: R (adult stuff, ya know?)
copyright: 1999
This part written by : Tina
****************************

I had been staring intently at the table as I told Nick what happened. Now I looked up at him. He sat there with tears sliding down his cheeks.

"If you hadn't been home, Nick, when I called I'd be dead right now. I owe you my life."

Nick wiped his cheeks with the back of his hand and said, "Don't even say that, Kevin. What if's aren't gonna accomplish anything. You're safe and alive right now and that's all that matters. But can I ask you a question though?"

"Of course."

"You called me so many nights after you were beaten by her. How many nights did you not call me, Kev?"

"I don't know. Too many too count, Nicky. Too many to count."

The silence between us lingered for a few moments. I said, "Call the guys and tell them the story. I don't want them hurt by her. I could never forgive myself if any of you got hurt by her because of me."

Nick said, "Ok, I'll call them. Our food has gotten cold." I said, "It's ok. I don't have much of an appetite anyhow."

I listened while Nick talked to Brian, who was relaying everything to the others. Nick held the phone to me and said, "Brian wants to talk to you." I shook my head no.

"He just wants to make sure you're ok, Kev."

"I know but I can't talk to him. I can't bear to hear the pity in his voice right now."

Nick made a face and tried to explain to Brian why I wasn't up to talking on the phone right now. He then got up and held the phone to my ear before I could react. Brian said, "I love you, Kevin."

I closed my eyes to choke back a sob. I whispered, "I love you too, Brian."

Nick and I spent this warm, beautiful day fishing.



**********************

NEXT CHAPTER