'Lemme talk to Nick' Ria demanded a week later, while on the phome to Brian. 'OK, hang on.' he said. 'Frack!' he yelled. A few moments later, Nick picked up. 'Hiya Hunky' she greeted him. 'Back atcha babe' he returned. 'So, how's everything going? How many girls have proposed since last time?' she asked. 'Uh, I think itz about 47 since you called yesterday.' She laughed. 'And everything's fine, I miss you though.' he added. 'Aw, shucks. I'm blushing. I miss you guys too.' 'Me the most?' he asked in a goofy voice. Grinning, she sighed. 'Yes, you the most.' 'Hey, Brian wants to talk to you again, so I'd better go.' 'OK. Love you loads.' 'Love you more' 'Uh-uh. Don't think so.' He sighed. 'Truce. We love each other the same.' 'OK, if you say so.' she laughed. Bye Nick, love ya.' 'Bye babe. Love ya too.' He handed over the phone, and for the next 1/2 hour, she chatted with Brian until he had to go. 'I'll call you again soon. Promise.' he said as he bid her goodbye. 'OK. See ya soon' 'Bye'
*****
'What's up Frick?' Nick asked, just over a week after that, as Brian hung up the phone for the 2nd time with an exhasperated sigh. 'Oh, hey Nick. I can't get hold of Ria.' 'Well she's probably out.' 'For the past 3 days?' 'Oh. Point taken.' he paused. 'Why don't you try your parents. If they're still nearby, they can check on her.' 'I can't get them either. I tried yesterday.' 'Well try them now. You migh get them.' Nick suggested. Brian nodded and picked up the phone, dialing a new number. After a few moments, he spoke.
'Dad? Where've you been?' he asked. ''Hospital? Why?.....With who?.......Ria?' he exclaimed. Nick looked up, shocked and worried from what he could hear of the conversation. 'Uh-huh......OK, I'll leave now....See ya.' he hung up and then quickly began picking some stuff up. 'What's happened?' Nick asked. 'Ria got shot. I'm going to see her. I should be back tomorrow morning. Will you tell the others?' Nick nodded, and as Brian left, he got a pang of guilt for not telling Nick that they didn't think it was an accident.
*****
'How is she?' he demanded, a couple of hours later when he saw his parents sitting in the waiting room. 'She's in a coma, but they think she'll pull thru. The bullet missed her heart and they removed it when she came in.' his dad told him. 'Can I see her?' 'Room 239' As he headed off to her room, his parents looked at each other, and exchanged knowing smiles.
'Ria?' he walked into her room, and pulled a chair up next to her. 'Oh damn. You're in a coma. You can't talk.' he muttered to himself but still directing it at her. 'Oh God Ria. I'm so sorry I wasn't there.' he whisphered. He sat talking to her for another 1/2 hour, before he decided to stay with his parents.
The following morning he called the guys to say he was returning, and a couple of hours later, he was telling Nick how she was, and also Jason's suspected involvement. 'My parents promised to call when she wakes up.' he said. 'Well I'm glad she's OK. I wish I could find that Jason now. I'd knock his teeth out.' Nick repiled, a fierce look on his face. Brian couldn't help smiling at this, but Kevin entered before he could reply. 'Hey, you guys, we've got interviews to do.' he told them, poking his head round the door.
*****
A couple of days later, during a break in a dance rehersal, Brian's phone rang. He picked it up and his exclaimation rang round the hall. 'Ria!' He had to strain to hear her as she was very quiet. 'Hey Brian. I can't talk for long. I only woke up about 10 mins. so I'm still pretty weak.' she said. 'Oh God Ria, I was so scared. I'm sorry I'm not there with you.' 'I know.' she said simply. 'Your parents were sitting right by me when I woke up though. And I know you'd have been here too, if you could've been.' She paused. 'Look, Brian, I have to go, but I'll call when I go home. K?' 'Yeah sure. You're in my prayers. See ya soon.' 'Bye'
A Love Unknown chapter page
Jo's stories
Back Home!!
Chapter 4
