Chapter 1: Grief


Nick is on the floor of the waiting room being cradled by his mother. "I want to go home."


"Okay Sweetie we'll go home." says Jane.


Nick sits up. "No, I mean I want to go home. Mine and Rachel's home."


Jane looks at Bob. "Alright." he says.


It's late at night now. Jake goes home, BJ takes Leslie and the twins to the Carter home. Bob, Jane, Claude, Dawn, and Lydia go with Nick to his place.


"The guys will be here tomorrow." announces Jane.


"Okay." says a zombie-like Nick. "I'm going to bed." Once in the bedroom he takes off his clothes and goes to the closet. He pulls out the green negligee Rachel wore on their wedding night and many other nights. He climbs under the covers on her side of the bed clutching the negligee and cries himself to sleep.


He dreams about Rachel. He is sitting on the floor playing Nintendo. Rachel sits on the sofa behind him. She begins kissing his neck. "Baby you're going to make me lose."


"Well if you play my game Mr. C I'll let you win."


"You're on Mrs. C." He puts down the control, turns around, and begins kissing her passionately. He stands up, lifts her in his arms, and heads for the bedroom. He wakes up. "It shouldn't be a dream Rachel. You should be here." He looks at the clock and sees that it's past noon. He goes into the living room.


"How'd you sleep?" asks Dawn.


"Fine. I'm starving."


"I'll fix you something." says Jane.


"Nick maybe we should make plans for the funeral." suggests Claude.


"Yeah I guess."


"If you all would like we can make the arrangements." says Bob.


"No Dad, I have to do this. I've already decided what dress she should wear." He remains quiet for a few minutes. "We were going to have a baby."


"What?!" ask everyone.


"Oh no, she wasn't pregnant. We were going to try after the tour and her assignment were over. I could see it all, her belly growing, the birth, everything. I think I would be a good dad and everybody knows she would've been a terrific mom. I miss her so much."


"Nick, Rachel told me that she was the only person you felt really comfortable showing your weaknesses to. We know what you're going through now, let us help you." says Lydia.


"She was different than anyone I've ever known. The kind of love she gave me I didn't know existed, it was so strong yet gentle. She showed me what real, true love is. One minute I'm in excruciating pain. The next I'm empty, I don't feel anything." It's like losing a body part only I think worse. She was literally a part of me. What I'm I going to do without her?"


Everyone just looks at each other not knowing how to answer his question.


After Nick eats and showers he goes with Rachel's family to make the funeral arrangements. When the get back the guys are there. "Hey Nick." they all say.


"Hey guys."


"We're sorry Man." says Kevin.


"This just isn't fair." states Howie.


"Rachel was one of the greatest people I know." announces Brian.


"How you holding up Kaos?" asks AJ.


Nick chuckles. "That's what this is."


"What?" asks Brian.


"Chaos, that's what this is." He starts crying.


"Come here Buddy." Kevin hugs him.


They go sit in the living room. "Is there anything you need us to do?" ask Howie.


"We'll do whatever we can." adds AJ.


"Actually there is something."

 

Chapter 2