"What is Nick's code?" Brian thought to himself as he stood outside Nick's door. He paused, but quickly remembered. He knocked three times twice in a row.
Nick recognized the pattern and opened the door. "Brian! What are you doing here?"
"May I come in?" Brian asked unsteadily. Nick's appearance had distracted him.
Nick looked worse than he had a few days ago. His skin and eyes appeared gray. "Of course," Nick replied stepping aside. "Have a seat."
"Thanks," Brian said sitting down. "How are 'ya?"
"Tired, sore and afraid--- I mean awaiting a speedy recovery.
"Afraid?" Brian repeated with a rise of his brow.
"I didn't mean to say afraid, Rok, really."
"Nick, what is going on?" Brian demanded to know.
"I had an appointment today," the blonde answered nonchantly.
"And?"
"I got some bad news, that's all."
"What news, Nick?"
Nick set down. "I have to go in tomorrow morning for a simple procedure."
"How simple?"
Sweat mounted Nick's forehead. He spoke slowly. "A biopsy."
Brian hung his head low. "To get tested for--"
"Hodkgins Disease."
"Cancer," his friend muttered to himself. "Oh, dear God." Tears flooded his eyes. "Nick, I'm so-oo sorry. I---"
"Calm down, " Nick interjected, "It's just a test they don't now for sure."
Brian saw the fear hidden within Nick's shell. "Do you need me for anything?"
"Can you stick another around day?"
"As long as you need me here, " Brian quickly agreed. He paused. "Have you told your mom or the other guys?"
"No. I won't tell anyone until necessary. We can keep it secret right, Bri?"
"Sure, pal."
Nick clutched his head.
Brian knelt beside him. "You okay, bud? Should I get some help?"
"No," Nick whispered giving way to a slight moan. He looked up. "Would you mind helping me upstairs? This is too much to handle in one day."
"Of course," he replied grasping his friend's arm.
"What did you come for anyway?" Nick questioned as they reached the top of the staircase.
Brian stopped. His mind had wandered away from the reason in which he even came. "Uh-- well. Just to let you know we decided not to tour. We kinda' suck at four part harmony. It wasn't the same without you there."
"What about the fans?"
"Don't worry Aaron'll take over they'll be more than pleased."
Nick opened his bedroom door. "Is Kev pissed?"
"No, no one is, but just focus on you now."
Nick laid down. "Brian, you're such a worry wart.''
Brian gazed at Nick once blue eyes. All of Nick's childness had faded. "With due cause." He thought to himself.