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*A little later that night*
Still Alone in her uncle's house, Naomie decided to go visit Nick one more time at the hospital. She did go in the morning but she had nothing else to do since Becky and Ashley were both at their respective boyfriend house for the night. Plus, she needed to see Nick before to fall asleep. The night she had spend with him was engrave in her mind, she couldn't think of anything else... exept the feeling of his strong arms around her...the feeling of his breath in her neck and the feeling to have him close to her. Nothing could ever take this feeling away from her memories. She put a pair of jeans on and a baby blue tank top before to grab her purse and her keys and then leave the house.
In her way to the hospital she stopped by a McDonalds to pick something to eat for Nick and herself. She knew he hated the hospital's food. Once she got there, she opened his room's door slowly hoping he wasn't asleep. She walked slowly in the room when she heard the television.
"Nicky?!" she asked wanting to be sure he was awake
"Oh No!" he said looking up "Again?! What are you doing here?!"Nick laughed giving her a quick hug. He liked her company, he liked everybody company... but he
felt bad for them... he didn't wanted them to think that they had to come and see him, to waste their time.
"Awww I missed ya!" she laughed back giving him a quick kiss on the check
"Oh you were?"
"Of course!" she giggled "So How ya doing?!"
"Oh well! I'm ok! How bout you?!"
"I'm great!!" Naomie replied.
"You look great to!" Nick said looking at her as she smiled and looked down at her feet shyly "I'm mean humm... Why Are you so shy?!"
"I'm not shy!" she answered seating in the chair next to him.
"You're blushing!" Nick said laughing.
"No I'm not would you stop!" she said very seriously.
"Aww I'm sorry!" Nick excused hiself giggling.
"Don't be! Hey I have something for ya!" she said "Are you hungry?"
"Hell yeah!" he exclamed
"I knew it! That's why I brang you this!" she said as she showed him the Mcdonald's Bag.
"No Way!!! Finally!! REAL FOOD!"
"Real...well..."she started
"Well ok... fast food but gooooood fooood!" Nick laughed as he reached for the bag
"You'll never change!"
"Nope!" he replied.
Once they were done with the food, the 2 of them talked and laughed for a good while. It was now late and Naomie had to go back to her place to let Nick rest and sleep. She left after giving him a hug and a kiss on the check.. even if her lips we're screaming
of jealousy she let go and went back home for a good night sleep... for a sweet dream night!
"Sweet Dreams" Nick smiled at her when she left the room. He then closed his eyes and suprised himself having some good and sweet dreams for the first time in a while.
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*The next day*
It was December 24th and everyone had something to do during the day. But they had all decided to meet at the hospital at 7pm. They wanted to celebrate Christmas with Nick because most of them were leaving town or occupied with family during the next few days. Aj and Becky were going to Aj's mom the next day, Carly and Howie were celebrating at Carly's house, Kevin and Stacey were flying to Kentucky and Naomie was leaving Florida to go see her father and brothers in California. Only Brian and Ashley were staying. Brian was going to spend Christmas night with Nick and his family, at the hospital and he was then going to his family's house the day after and was going to stay there for a few days. He didn't really want to leave Nick but this one had assured him he would be alright and his brother and sisters would be there all the time. And he was also going to start his physio on December 27th.
At 7pm, everyone was arrived and they were all sitting and talking in Nick's room. There were tons of gifts laying on the floor, in a corner of the room... most of them adressed to Nick.
"I feel so cheap.." Nick told Kevin and Stacey with who he was talking.
"What for?" Stacey asked.
"I haven't bought any gifts to you guys.."
"Don't worry about that Nick. We understand." Kevin replied.
"And you know, I think our biggest gifts if to see you alive.." Stacey added. Nick just smiled back at her. It made him feel better hearing this.
"Ok.. But thanks a lot for coming. I know it's probably not the best Christmas party you ever had... and hospital isn't the warmest place to celebrate.." Nick sighed.
"Maybe not but don't worry about that Nick! At least, we're all together and we're having fun just being together. Don't feel like you are ruining our Christmas because you're not!" Kevin said.
"Ok, ok... if you say so!" Nick chuckled.
"Anyway, WE decided to celebrate with you... you didn't ask us anything!" Stacey added.
"Exactly!" Kevin nodded.
"You two are so meant to be together!" Nick laughed. Stacey and Kevin looked at each other, surprised, but smiling.
"Thanks. But what makes you say this?"
"I don't know..." Nick answered, thinking. "It's just that you are both so different and so similar at the same time.."
"What do you mean?" Kevin asked with a smile. He was interested about what Nick was saying.
"Well..." Nick started. "You are different in the way that... from what I know about Stace, you are a little... a little childish... no offense, I am like this too.." Nick giggled.
"No offense taken!" Stacey smiled.
"So...you are a little 'crazy' and still leaving your teenage years... beside Kevin who's so.." he paused, thinking about how he was going to say what he wanted.
"So what??" a curious Kevin asked.
"Much more... serious you know. I've seen you jocking but not like Stacey does. I don't know if you understand...I'm a little mixed up myself..."
"Yeah actually, I understand." Kevin smiled. "And in what way are we similar?"
"You both have the same values. The fact the you both told me the important thing tonight was that we are all together... You both know how to make people feel better about themselves.... " Nick explained a little shy to expressed his feelings like this.
"Wow... I've never heard something like that from you ..." Kevin said before Stacey hit him playfully on the arm. "What??"
"You defenitly know how to make people feel better huh???" she laughed. "Now he'll think that he's stupid!"
"No! no! That's not what I meant!"
"Aha! It's okay Kev... " Nick laughed.
They talked for a while and then Kevin and Stacey got up to talk with Carly and Howie. Seeing that Nick was alone, Brian decided to go talk to him but stopped himself when he saw Naomie walking up to him and stitting next to his bed. Nick and her started talking and laughing almost immediatly. Brian stayed at his place, staring at the two. They really looked great together; both smiling and happy.
"Aren't they cute?" Ashley asked, reading his mind.
"What?!" he said surprised. "Oh! Hell yeah!!" he added chuckling.
"They'd be so great together... I know she could make him happy..."Ashley said, staring at them too.
"Are you guys talking about Nick and Nam?" Becky entered in the conversation.
"Yes we are!" Ashley laughed.
"Aren't they lovely together?" Becky exclaimed as Brian and Ashley laughed.
"Yes, yes they are!" Brian replied.
"If they don't end up together, I'll have to do something!!" Becky said.
"Yeah! They get along so great and everything... I can't see what could go wrong..." Carly said, entering in the conversation too.
"Hey, what are you guys talking about?" Stacey asked.
Soon, they were all in the middle of the room, all staring at the little 'couple' who were laughing their asses off about something.
Naomie and Nick haven't even realized that everyone was talking about them. They were too busy talking about what stupidiest gifts they had already got at Christmas.
"No you never got that?????" Naomie shouted.
"Yeah I did... box of condoms ...on Christmas...in front of everyone..." Nick replied as she cracked up again. When she stopped, they both realized the room was silent so they turned and saw everyone watching them with smiles.
"What!!?!" Nick asked confused.
"Uh? Oh nothing!" Becky replied and they all started talking about something else like nothing happened.
Nick lift his shoulders and turned back to Naomie who was blushing a little.
Nick had got a lot of gifts and was feeling happy and loved, surrounded by all those people. The room slowly got empty around midnight and everyone left, wishing Merry Christmas with kisses.
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*The Next Day*
It was a beautiful Christmas day. The sun was shinning brightly in the blue sky. Everyone in the streets were looking happy and smiley. Aj and Becky were riding to Aj's mom house, both all smile. When they arrived in front of the big brown old fashioned house, Becky couldn't help but gasp.
"You bought this huge house for your mother???" she asked Aj, wide eyes.
"No my dear...I made it built for my mother!" Aj replied with a grin.
"No way!!!!" she shouted. "Wow!!! It's beautiful!!"
"Yes! And you didn't see the inside yet!" he smiled as they both got out of the car.
"I can't wait!" she said excited.
As they walked up the stairs to the front door, Aj's mom opened the door and smiled.
"Hey you two!!!" she greeted them with a hug.
"Hey mommie!"
"Hi Mrs. McLean." Becky smiled.
"Oh come on, call me Denise!" she laughed as they walked in the big house. The inside was even more wonderful than the outside. At their left was a huge living room, where the walls were all in dark brown wood. The forest green couches were matching perfectly with the little table in the middle of the room. There was a huge shelf were douzains of books were laying. Aj showed her the rest of the house and Becky couldn't believe how beautiful it was.
"Baby, you look amazed!" Aj laughed, seeing her with her jaw dropped.
"But... I am!!!" she exclaimed. "This is amazing! It's like the house I've ever dream to have!"
"Really?"
"Yeah!! It looks a little like the house I've grown up in... " she said looking all around. Aj couldn't help but smile. She was looking like a little girl. He wrapped his arms around her and they walked in the kitchen where Denise was cooking.
"So, how are things going for you Becky?" Denise asked.
"Oh well... pretty great. Except that the tour is cancelled. I don't know what I'll do during this time!" she giggled.
"You'll stay with me darling!" Aj said rubbing her thigh. She smiled at him.
"I will...but I know I will miss the stage... "
"You won't be the only one..." Denise said looking at her son. "After 2 weeks he's jumping everywhere because he misses being on stage!"
"Yep, I become like a little hyperactive 5 years old boy..." Aj laughed.
"Oh great. I can't wait to live this!" Becky jocked as Denise laughed.
"And what about Nick? Will he be okay?"
"Yeah I think so! It will take time...and we'll give him time... but it won't necessarely be time off for us...I think we'll do some promotional stuff...or record for the next album....or write...I don't know." Aj said.
"I can swear Becky is thrilled about that...." his mom said laughing at Becky's face whom was pouting.
"Well I love to hear what they are writting and stuff like that but... I need to move... I'm a little hyperactive myself..." she chuckled.
"You're meant to be together!" Denise smiled. She really liked Becky. She knew she was only good for her son. She didn't know what was making her think this but it was just a feeling she had inside of her.
"Do you need any help??" Becky asked.
"Well... yeah maybe a little bit with this..." Denise replied showing her the vegetables.
"Oh great! My speciality!!" Becky exclaimed standing up. She started cutting the vegetables as she talked and laughed with Denise like they were to old friends. Aj was feeling really happy to see that they were getting along great... well, really great! The evening was really nice and they all had a really good time.
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*Meanwhile, at the hospital*
Brian and all the Carter family was sitting all accross the hospital room. Nick was laying on his bed, talking with Brian and Aaron.
"I'm so tired to lay on this bed!!! I can't wait to get up... or move... it's so boring, I can't even stand up to walk to the bathroom!" Nick whined.
"Well, in 2 days buddy!" Brian said.
"Yeah I know...but it's gonna be hard... "
"Do you feel your legs?" Aaron asked worried about his brother.
"I feel pain...but nothing much... so I guess I don't really feel them..." Nick replied sadly.
"But you will! Of course you will have to work but... we all have to do it once in our life... if it's not physical work, it's a psychological one..." Brian said.
"Yeah I guess!" Nick sighed. "But I feel like playing basketball... "
"I think you'll have to wait a little bit for this..." Brian giggled.
"I know..." Nick whined. "Anyway..."
"But you know... you can take it as your advantage... I mean... you'll have tons of girls around you .... even more girls I mean..." Aaron laughed.
"Yeah maybe but ... they all are around me because they have pity for me..."
"Not necessarely... " Aaron replied.
"Yeah...that's not true.. look at me and Leighanne..." Brian started. "Ok...it's not the best example... but we've been together for a while..." he added.
"Hum yeah maybe... " Nick thought out loud.
"And you know...it's always good to have someone who really care for you during this time... and I know that someone who's there for you right now..." Brian smiled talking about Naomie. Nick just smiled back, knowing of who he was talking about. Aaron stared at them with a puzzle look.
"Who???" he asked.
"Just someone..." Brian grinned.
"I wanna know who!!!"
"Why??" Nick asked laughing.
"Because... it will be my sister-in-law... I wanna know who it is!" Aaron jocked.
"Don't go too fast bro..." Nick chuckled.
"Well, I know you and you won't be single too long..." Aaron said with a grin as the two other laughed.
"And I know someone else who won't be single too long..." Nick giggled.
"Who?? Me??" Aaron shouted.
"Nah..." Nick grinned over at Brian. "You buddy!"
"Me?!?" he asked surprised.
"Yeah... you kinda got back with Leigh...am I wrong?"
"Yes you are! We're not back together... we're just... friends..."
"Yeah that's what they all say!" Aaron jocked.
"Nick... look at the model you are for your brother!!!" Brian laughed. "Aaron, stop listening to Nick!"
They continued jocking all around the room like this with Nick's family. Nick had never felt so good since the accident. He loved being surrounded like this and it was giving him strenght for the start of his work out. He knew he had to work hard and everything but he was feeling enough strong now.
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*The Next Day*
Nick was laying on his bed watching tv and really bored when a familiar face came in the room.
"Brian is not here.." he exclaimed jocking.
"Hahaha!" Leighanne laughed sarcastically. "What's up funny boy?" she added before to plant a kiss on his cheek.
"Nothing... thanks for coming. I'm really bored!" he said yawning.
"Oh great I'm here to cheer you up?" she asked with a laugh.
"Exactly!" Nick shouted. "Well, at least, to make some conversation in here!"
"Ok...sounds fun!" she chuckled. "So, how are you doing today?" she said sitting on the chair next to the bed.
"Hum... I'm okay. I'm just bored and tired to be between those 4 walls. I can't wait to get out of here!"
"I can understand that!"
"Yeah...but it will take time... "
"I know you'll be able to do it! You know, there will always be someone with you...I know that!"
"How?"
"Well I was there when you got your accident...I was the one who told Brian about it...anyway, I was here and let me tell you that everyone got here really fast. They won't leave you alone... they care for you a lot!" she said. "Brian and this girl... Naomie, they spent every day and nights here, waiting for any little changes!"
"I know.." Nick said with a smile.
"You are a very lucky person. A lot of people are hospitalized and never have visitors!"
"I know I know!" Nick laughed. "I'm lucky!"
"Good!" Leighanne smiled.
"You know... I kinda feel stupid..."
"Why ??"
"I never really... you know, forgave you for what you did to Brian... but... I kinda did the same thing... it was even worst!" Nick sighed.
"Don't worry Nick...it's past now. I can understand you were mad at me... I mean, I was mad at myself too!!! The last thing I wanted was to mess up our relationship!"
"Then why did you let him go??? Or should I say, pushed him away?? He didn't want to break up...he wanted to forget about that!!!"
"Because...I knew he wouldn't trust me as he used to... I can't blame him on this... but it would have changed our relationship and would have end up sooner or later..." she said.
"Yeah..I guess you're right... " Nick sighed. "But you two kinda got back friends now aren't you?"
"Yes, I think we do. And it's great!" she smiled.
"Do you think he will trust me again?" Nick asked. "Like he used to?"
"As I know Brian... you're his little brother and your friendship is really strong. I know you did something big but... we both agree it was a mistake right?"
"Yeah of course it was!! I was so damn drunk!!! I'll never drink with the girlfriend of my friend!! Never!" Nick giggled.
"I can understand!" Leighanne laughed. Nick smiled and looked up and saw a face grinning behind the wall.
"For how long have you been here??" Nick asked. Leighanne turned around to see with who he was talking. Brian was standing there with a big smile and his face.
"I just arrived..." he lied. In fact, he had heard most of the conversation.
"Hey Brian! How are you doing?" Leighanne asked standing up to give him a friendly hug.
"I'm great! What about you?" he smiled.
"I'm fine!" she smiled back as they both sat beside Nick's bed.
"I just came by before I leave the town... are you sure you'll be alright Nick? You know, I can come back earlier or leave later... " Brian said.
"Come on Bri... I'll be alright!" Nick giggled. Even if he would have loved to have his friend with him during this time, he knew he had to leave town a little, to forget about things and have some time alone. He was living most of his time in hospital and he already had passed a lot of time in those because of his heart surgery. He thought he'd just be the best if he'd see his family for a while. "And your family misses you... I'm sure they were expecting you for Christmas ... They certainly really want to see you... go, I'll be okay! And you can call me!"
"Yeah I guess you are right...." Brian smiled.
"Speaking of your family... are they doing alright? Are they sad you didn't go for Christmas?"
"Hum...they are doing great! Well, they were a little deceived but... they understand..."
"They've always been really understanding!" Leighanne smiled.
Nick looked at the two talking together and it brings back in him a lot of great memories. He had been really good friend with Leighanne before. He had always a lot of fun around Brian and her. She was really nice. When they were together, he had never felt like a weight when they were hanging out the three of them... well except for right now. He could see they still liked each other. It was obvious.
"Yeah they are..." Nick said entering in the conversation.
"I'm sure they will be really happy to see you again... " Leighanne smiled at Brian.
"I hope so!" he laughed. "You know what, the other day, when I called my mother, she told me she misses you and your delicious apple pies a lot!"
"Oh really?" she giggled. "That's great. I miss her a lot too. I never had the chance to give her the recipe of those pies! Recall me about it... I could give it to you..."
"Yeah she would like this..." Brian said softly, looking into her blue eyes.
"You know...I don't want to push things or anything but... why don't you invite Leigh with you for a day or two in Kentucky...I mean, you could make some of those delicious apple pies instead of giving her the recipe..." Nick proposed with a huge smile on his face.
Leighanne looked at him with a questionning look. She didn't know what to answer to that. Brian smiled and looked at Leigh.
"Yeah! It'd be great!! Come on...only for a day or two..." Brian asked.
"Oh well...um...I don't know..." she replied really surprised.
"Come on...say yes!" Nick begged. "You'll make his mother really happy!"
"It's not that I don't want...but...um... I'm not sure I can.. um... it's been a while..." Leighanne said trying not to show how shy she was. She didn't know if it was a good idea or not. She really wanted to be with Brian for some days and see his family again but...there was nothing between them right now.
"Please!! I swear, you'll only be there for your apple pies..." Brian laughed. "And for my mother who misses you a lot..." he added. It was also for him, because he really wanted her with him but he didn't want to say it, because she was looking embarassed. "Pleaseeeee!"
"Oh well... Okay..." she gave up with a laugh. "But only for a day or two!!! No more!"
"No prob!" Brian smiled. "The plane leaves at 7pm tonight!"
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*Later that day*
Brian and Leighanne talked all their way to Kentucky, in the plane. Leighanne was feeling really nervous because she didn't how Brian's parents would react, seeing her there with him. It's not like they were dating again...well...maybe a little but it wasn't really official and serious and she wasn't even sure if she wanted them to be back together. She still had feelings for Brian but...she didn't know if they were meant to be together. Plus, she didn't know if Brian had told his parents that she was coming with him. And if yes, did they know there was nothing really serious going on? She was really nervous, like the first time she had met them. She loved Brian's parents because they were so nice and kind people... she just hoped they still liked her too.
The plane landed and they got off quietly. Leighanne was feeling more and more nervous.
"Leigh, are you alright?" Brian asked.
"Hum..yeah I am...why are you asking?"
"You look..nervous..." he giggled. She didn't answer and kept walking. "Are you??"
She sighed and nodded.
"Why? Why are you nervous?"
"I don't know...." she sighed. "I guess I'm scared of what your parents will think of me...do they know I am coming?"
"Yes they are... but don't worry, they were really happy to hear that you were coming..." he comfort her.
"Good... but... do they think we are...I mean...like... back together?" she asked with difficulty.
"No... don't worry about it...I told them there was nothing going on..." Brian replied. He wished he could have told his parents that he and Leighanne were back together but he knew it wasn't official yet. He could feel something was going on but he didn't know if that's what she wanted. It was great be friend with her again though... but he wished he could have something more...like they used to have. Would she want it? "Oh look! Here they are!!" he exclaimed running to the two warm smiling people standing there and waving them.
"Hi mommie!!! Hi Dad!!!" he shouted hugging them.
"Hey, how are you doing sweetheart??" his mother asked him.
"I'm doing really good. It's great to see you!" he smiled hugging them again.
"Hi Leighanne! It's great to see you again!!" his father said before to hug her too.
"Hi Harold. It's really great to see you two again..." she smiled warmly before to take Jackie in her arms.
They continued talking all their way to the house. It was like she had never left their lives. It was exactly like before, except that her and Brian weren't touching each other. But beside that, it was the same thing. When they got to the house, it was a little late and they were all really tired so they al headed to bed, Brian and Leigh in two seperate rooms.
Chapter 48
Back at home