Part 277

As Julie’s place disappeared from sight, Sarah and Howie both heard Nick’s uncontrolled sobs. Sarah moved to sit beside him and took his hand in hers. Nick looked at her, tears flowing like a waterfall and Sarah’s heart was breaking in two. She knew that a similar scene was probably unfolding at Julie’s about now but she couldn’t worry about that right now. Julie and Lynne would handle that. Right now and for the next week, Nick was her responsibility…she’d promised Becca.

Sarah pulled Nick to her and he lay his head in her lap. As she held him, she ran her fingers through his silky blonde hair. Speaking softly, she said, "I remember the very first time I met you at Kevin’s. You were so clumsy but at the same time, so damn cute."

Nick continued to cry, not saying a word.

"And then Becca did the exact same thing when she met you. I knew then you two were meant to be together…to save the world from the two of you…if you didn’t kill each other first."

"You…you really…thought we were…meant to be together?" asked Nick in disbelief.

"God YES! No two people could POSSIBLY be that clumsy and NOT be together."

"But we’ve had so many problems?"

"Yeah, and your point it? Nick, every relationship has its problems and you two have gotten through them…TOGETHER."

"With A LOT of help. Sarah, I can’t stand the thought of being away from her for one show! How am I gonna make it through a week?"

"You got through five months, didn’t you? A week should be a piece of cake…and this time, YOU KNOW WHERE SHE IS! You can call her, email her…and get answers this time…instant message her. You’ll never realize she’s gone. And I didn’t tell Bec this, but I left our digital camera with LOTS of disks with Julie. She and Lynne can take TONS of pictures of EVERYTHING Becca and Garrett do each day and send them to us. You won’t miss a thing."

Nick sat up, wiped his tears and then hugged Sarah. "You’re the greatest! Thanks, sis!"

"Nick, it’s okay to miss them and I know how you feel. Howie and I BOTH went through it whenever we were apart. We just found ways to deal with it and TRIED not to dwell on it."

"Yeah? What were some of the ways you dealt with it?"

Howie spoke up for the first time. "I wrote songs…for Sarah. Where do you think ‘How Did I Fall In Love With You’ came from?"

"We kept journals about what we did while we were apart."

"We focused on our work. It was easier for me because of all the stuff we have to do with the tours and Sarah made it easier for me knowing how important my career is to me but there were still the down times. I use to go shopping with AJ buying things for Sarah that I thought she’d like…clothes, stuffed animals, and little things from the different places we went. Just find things you like to do..."

"Things you like to do WITHOUT Becca," corrected Sarah anticipating Nick’s next comment.

"And remember…if you need someone to talk to, Sarah and I are always here…just choose your times better. DO NOT call or come knocking at our door at two in the morning."

"Thanks, you two. You’re the greatest!"

"Yeah, and don’t you forget it," said Howie winking at Sarah.

 

* * * * *

The rest of the morning passed in a blur for Becca. Small talk and breakfast with Julie and Lynne kept her mind occupied until Garrett was down for his early afternoon nap.

The silences began to lengthen and no one knew quite what to say.

Becca sighed and looked at her friends. "I'm really all right you know."

Lynne laughed. "Nice try. You're a lousy liar."

Becca sighed again and closed her eyes. "Is it next week yet?"

Julie grinned. "Almost …"

"You suck."

"Yeah, but only-" She stopped in mid-sentence, realizing what she'd been about to say, and blushing when Becca looked up at her and smirked. "Stop it! I forgot, okay? It's just a little bit hard to remember who you are, okay?"

Lynne was dying laughing, knowing that Julie had been about to make her standard online comment about Nick. "So," she said, in between giggles, "when are you going to tell the list?"

"I started writing the letter last night," Julie said, "but I wanted Becca to read it first. You know, kind of give her final approval."

"Julie, you don't have to do that. We told you to go ahead and handle it," Becca frowned.

"I know, but I'd feel more comfortable if you took a look first. You know, the list mailbox is going to explode by tonight once I post it."

"Did you tell them anything?"

"Only that I'd heard from you and Sarah and that you were both all right and would be back on the list soon."

"Show me the letter before Garrett wakes up." Becca stood, stretching her back and groaning.

"And then you're going to rest, got it?" Lynne was emphatic.

"Did Sarah give you lessons before she left?" Becca looked closely at Lynne, who grinned back with no remorse whatsoever.

"No, I just need to make sure you take care of yourself. If not, I'll have Nick after me as well as Dr. Anthony."

Part 278        The Dance Index(3)