Later that evening Nick exprienced an even greater amount of change and loss. It occured when the rest of his family had returned home.
"Hey, Aaron, wanna' play Nintendo?" Nick asked as he finished his dinner.
"Nah." Aaron said clearing his plate. "I think I'll read a comic and go to bed."
"Bed? It's 8:00."
Aaron started up the stairs. "Well, I've got interviews in the morning."
"Probably some damn tennybopper magazine," Nick mumbled. He turned to BJ. "Beej, wanna' watch a movie?"
"Sorry. I'm doing an online chat tonight."
He sighed. "Leslie, we could play some music together."
Leslie picked up her plate. "I don't really feel like it."
"You barely touched your dinner," Nick stated.
"Do I have to remind you?" She said rolling her eyes. "I don't feel well." Leslie cleared her dishes and stromed off.
Angel grinned trying to cheer Nick up. "I'll play Nintendo with you."
"Thanks, Angel. Why don't you go wait for me. I have to talk to Mom and Dad."
"What is it, son?" Mr. Carter asked after his youngest daughter left.
"What happened to the kids?"
Mrs. Carter cleared her throat. "What do you mean?"
"They're not having fun. BJ's a business woman, Aaron is all work no play... and Leslie -- she seems sick as hell."
"Don't swear," Mrs. Carter warned raising her voice.
BJ stood and ran upstairs.
Mrs. Carter shook her head. "Now you've upset your sister."
"I did not!" Nick shouted.
Mr. Carter rolled his eyes. "Is this about that interview your mom gave?"
"No, it's about my brother and sisters."
His mother sighed. "Hon, if they were in trouble we'd know."
"She's right," his dad added.
Mrs. Carter tried to hug her son. "I'm sorry if I hurt you, sweetie."
Nick moved away. "Why don't you go tell the National Enquirer you're sorry, Mom?"
"Nick---"
"I was a fool to come home!" the 20-year-old hollered and stromed off.