Brianna made it to Nick’s house in Apollo Beach in about 3 hours with traffic and stop time. Immediately she turned on the A/C and began opening curtains and wiping things down. She even went and changed the sheets on the bed cause they had been sitting for a while and put a fresh comforter on the bed as well. As she figured, there really wasn’t much in the house as far as food and drinks. Thankfully, once she had gotten close to his house she had stopped and grabbed a few things. It didn’t take her long to put away the few things she had gotten. She’d worry about getting anything else after Nick was settled.

Everything done that she could think of she sat on the couch and waited for him. She wondered how he was gonna be when he got there. She thought about how long she would stay. She all ready knew the answer to that- as long as he needs me here. She’d worry about classes later. Stressed and tired she fell asleep on the couch with all sorts of thoughts running through her head. She didn’t even hear the door open or Nick come in.

Nick looked around. Brianna had definitely beaten him there, and by the looks of it did some cleaning. He also noted she must have opened every single blind or curtain in the house letting the late afternoon summer sun warm the house. Walking further into the house he actually smiled a little when he found her asleep on the couch.

Sitting on the edge of the couch he gently touch her cheek. “Brianna.” His voice was still raspy.

After opening her eyes she had to blink a few times to focus on Nick. Once her brain processed that he was sitting there she immediately sat up and pulled him into a hug. “Nick. Oh God. I was so worried about you.” He didn’t answer; instead he just returned her hug. They sat rocking back and forth for a long time.

Finally she leaned back to look at him. He was pale with dark circles under his eyes, which were red and puffy. His clothes were wrinkled and over all he looked tired and haggard. Sighing she lifted her hand and cupped his cheek in her palm. “Do you want something? Hungry or something to drink?”

“No, I just want to take a shower and go to sleep.” He hoped she didn’t mind. He wasn’t up to talking. Not tonight. Not yet.

“That’s fine. Why don’t you take a bath instead? It’ll help relax you more.” She was combing her fingers back through his hair and he closed his eyes.

Taking a deep breath then blowing it out slowly, “Yeah that does sound good. Sorry to leave you alone as soon as I get here.”

“Don’t apologize Nick. Go upstairs and I’ll come up a little later and bring you something cool to drink, okay. Water? Mountain Dew? Juice?”

“Doesn’t matter. I’ll drink whatever. Thanks Bree.” He gave her a quick squeeze before grabbing his suitcase and heading upstairs.

<~ Chapter 24 or Chapter 26 ~>

In the End

Karina 2003