It was the beginning of April before Nick and Brianna managed to work things out. Nick, after hearing the truth about what happened in AJ’s room, had tried to call Brianna the next day, but she wouldn’t answer. Even her answering machine was turned off. For about two weeks every time Nick would call there would be no answer. He thought about calling her parent’s house but decided against it. They would want details about the fight and Nick wasn’t going to do that to Brianna.

It was the first week in March when Nick finally heard from Brianna. She had called while he was on stage and left a message with his voice mail.

“Um, Nicky? Well, I’m taking the chicken way out of this. I know you’re in a show right now. I also know from caller ID that you’ve tried to call me a few times. Sorry I didn’t answer; I’ve been busy. Okay, not completely true, I was still too upset to talk. I really didn’t mean to make you so upset. You’re my best friend, and well, well, I’m sorry. I miss you. I’ve been missing you even if I wouldn’t talk to you. I’ve been silly, getting on the Internet to read about how each show went, instead of just calling you to find out. Classes are tough; I just can’t seem to keep up like I could in High School. My midterms busted my ass and I really gotta crack down if I wanna keep my GPA. So, I guess that means I won’t be able to come see you anymore for a while, not that you’d want me there anyway. Well, just take care, okay?”

Nick looked at the clock; it was too late to call her. He knew he had over-reacted that night. Yeah he was worried about her, but he shouldn’t have blown up like that. They were both guilty that night, and now their friendship had suffered. Nick wanted nothing more than to get things back to normal. Brianna had been the one constant in his life for the past 3 years. She listened to him whine and bitch about girl problems, his family, his work, the road, the guys, just everything, and never complained about it. She never judged him for things he did on the road or held it against him. Maybe he should try and be more understanding with whatever was going on in her life. She was growing up and changing, but that is completely normal; something everyone does. No one ever stays the same. He’d call her tomorrow, even if she was in class, maybe this time she’d have her answering machine on.

‘Hey! Hello. Hello? HELLO? Well, now don’t you feel stupid yelling into the phone? Leave a message and maybe I’ll call you back.” Beeeeeeeeeeeep.

How does she come up with these corny messages? Nick thought but was glad she had turned her answering machine back on.

“Bree? Phone tag sucks, huh? But guess what? Tag, you’re it. Just returning your call, sweetie. Yeah, things got outta hand that night. I think that’s the first real fight we’ve ever had. Tell ya what. How ‘bout we not do it again. I miss you too, okay, and I wish I could see you to give you a hug so everything can be okay again. Call when you can. Don’t sweat the classes, I’m sure you’ll do just fine. Take care little girl.” Hanging up he sighed and ran his hand over the top of his head.

Just then Kevin walked by. “Nick, something wrong?”

“Nah Kev. Just left a message for Bree. I guess she’s at class.”

“So, you two kiss and make up yet?” Kevin smiled. If they were talking then maybe Nick would be more bearable.

“Working on it.” Was all he said before heading out for some interview.

<~ Chapter 10 or Chapter 13 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003