There was a knock at the Carters' door early the next afternoon. BJ answered. "Howie!"
"Hi, BJ. Is Nick home?"
"Yeah, come on in."
"Nick," BJ said. "You have company."
Nick glanced up to see Howie. "Hey, thanks for coming. I realize it was our break and all."
"Don't worry. I'm gald to help. My family understood why I left. How's your sister?"
"Sick as hell, but what else is new?"
"Should I go see her now?"
"If you don't mind, D."
"That's what I'm here for."
Nick led Howie to the staircase. "First door on the right."
"Thanks," Howie replied as he made his way up the stairs.
"What's Howie doing here?" BJ asked.
"Hopefully talking some sense into Leslie."
"Why did you get Howie to talk to her?"
Nick grinned. "I noticed at Leslie's 13th birthday party the way she gawked at Howie. The girl was obviously in lust."
"Some sister I am. I didn't even notice. I thought she was dating that Jesse guy."
"Nah. Howie's superior through her eyes."
BJ turned on the radio. "So, you're hoping Howie will convince her to follow the doctors orders?"
"Basically, since I've gotten nowhere with her."
BJ patted his arm. "Remember at the hospital-- she wanted to talk to you only?"
"Uh-huh."
"She's attached to you, Nick. She loves you. You're a great big brother."
Nick shook his head. "I'm not, trust me." As Nick finished speaking, Howie and Leslie walked downstairs. Howie handed Leslie her jacket and turned to Nick. "Leslie and I are gonna' go grab a burger, and catch a movie. I'll have her home in time for dinner."
"I'd hate to miss Mom's chicken," Leslie commented.
Nick smiled. "Cool. Have fun."
"Bye," BJ said waving as they left. "Oh, she is good. Getting a date with a guy who's like 12 or 13 years her senior."
"Yeah, I guess," he chuckled.
BJ breathed deeply. "Did you hear the part about the burger and dinner?" She paused. "Thanks to your observation, our sister is eating a burger right about now. You're a great brother, Nick. And I love you for it." She then hugged him impulsively.
Nick returned her hug. "I love you, too, sis."
BJ stared at him with teary eyes. She smiled. "Nick, I hope you start coming home more often."
The End