Later on in the evening, they all sat around in the living room watching old home movies of when Monica and Steffany were younger. Nick sat next to Monica and Brian respectfully sat next to Steffany, with his arm slung around her shoulders.
"Mommy, Monica is playing with my Barbie's again!" A younger Steffany yelled.
"Give Barbie a kiss Steffy, come on! Giver her a kissy-wissy." Monica cooed.
Nick and Brian couldn't get over the difference in both of the girls. They were obviously physically different, but their faces were exactly the same. Well, except for the two front teeth that used to be missing from Monica's mouth.
"Who is that woman? She is beautiful." Nick said as he reached over Monica and turned up the volume.
"That's my……mother."
"Wow, she is beautiful. I mean, I hope you don't mind me saying. But, it's obvious were you got your looks from." Nick said sweetly.
Monica watched the screen as haunting memories of her mother and father came into play. How god could just take them away from her like that, it was heartless. Tears started to blur her vision, and then a young infant came onto the screen. It was her baby sister, Taylor.
"Who is that cutie? Oh my gosh, look at the head of hair on her." Brian said as he kissed Steffany on the cheek.
"That is Taylor, Monica's baby sister." Steffany said with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I would love to meet that cutie." Brian said.
That was all Monica could take. She got up and ran out of the apartment. Almost falling down the flight of stairs. She quickly slipped out and headed into the courtyard.
"Was it something I said?" Brian asked.
"No…you guys. I take it, she didn't tell you about her parents, or Taylor? Did she?"
"No…I mean, the first day of school she was hinting towards something. But, she didn't want to get into it." Nick said as he began to get uncomfortable.
"Guys, there all dead. They were murdered. That is why she is here with me, in New York." Steffany said as tears crept up into her eyes.
Brian and Nick sat there quietly not really knowing how to react or what to do. Steffany stood up and Nick put up his hand as if motioning her to sit back down.
"Steff, I'll go find her!" Nick said as he quickly grabbed his coat and ran down the flight of stairs. His first thought was the courtyard.
*****************************************
Monica sat on the cold bench. She sat there silently as she watched the leaves fall from the trees. It was dark out, and she was a little scared, but she needed to get away from those haunting memories. She heard the sound of footsteps and she quickly turned around.
"Who's there?"
"Mon? It's me, Nick." Nick said as he sat down with Monica on the bench.
"Gosh, Nick! You scared me. I thought it was someone else."
"Nah, it's just me. Hey, are you all right? I mean, you might feel better if you get it off of your chest." Nick said as he handed Monica some tissues.
Monica sat there quietly. She knew Nick wouldn't hurt her, or make fun of her for the feelings she was having. She honestly trusted him and Brian. She realized he made the effort to see what was wrong with her, so she mine as well fess up.
"My parents, that little girl. She was my baby sister Taylor. They were all taken away from me, Nick." She said as she turned to look at him. "They were murdered. God took them from me! She was just a baby. I was in dance class when it happened. It is my entire fault. I called my parents and asked them to bring me a water bottle to dance class for me. They went into the store and there was a man with a gun. He took them all. If I hadn't called for water, they would still be here!" She cried.
Nick placed his arm around Monica. He felt that she was freezing, he watched as her teeth chattered together. He slowly took his coat off and slung it over her shoulders.
"Mon, here! You're freezing. Listen, too me! None of this could possibly be your fault. None of it! I know this must be hard on you, watching those videos and all. But, you need to face it. You need to see it again. You can't just forget something like this. You will never forget. If you forget the ones you love, it will be harder for you to go on with life. Please, Mon! Don't cry. I'm here." Nick said as he pushed her closer to him and wrapped his arms around her.
"I know, I know! Nick, I honestly don't know what I would have done if you weren't here right now! I mean, I know that sounds corny. But, you really are a true friend. I'm glad you transferred here, even if it is only for one year." Monica said.
The two of them sat under the stars in the courtyard. Just sitting listening to the breeze and the crisp fall air circling them.