Chapter 37
Nick wandered down to Brian's room and knocked on the door. He waited patiently for Brian to answer. A very groggy Brian answered the door.
"Hey Frack, what's up man?" Brian asked.
"Can we talk?" Nick asked, looking very weary.
"Yeah sure, come on in." Brian offered.
"Thanks, and sorry I woke you." Nick apologized.
Nick sat and talked to Brian about his concerns with me. I never knew that Nick was that concerned about me. He tried not to let his fears show when he was around me.
"Dude, I don't know what is going on. I am really worried about Heather. She wanted desperately to come and see me. She says we need to talk. When I asked her, she told me that she had to see me face to face to find out how I really felt. What do you think she meant by that? I mean, I have always tried to show her how much I love her. And now, with the baby, my love has grown even more. I just don't understand." Nick sighed.
"Hey, look. Maybe she is just worried. You know that she has been planning the wedding virtually by herself. Maybe she is feeling a bit apprehensive because you haven't been able to be there. Maybe she doesn't want to disappoint you." Brian tried to rationalize things. "Or, maybe she just really misses you dude and wants your body!" he joked, trying to cheer up Nick.
"Let's just hope that's all it is." Nick smiled.
"I am sure it is." Brian said.
"But you know, there is something that bothers me. She and I have not really talked about what happened that night that she was attacked. You see, she isn't coping like I expected. You know what I mean?" Nick said.
"Umm, no, not really. I thought she was doing well." Brian said, confused.
"Well, you see, she hasn't really broken down, or cried, or been nervous, or anything like that, other than that day in the hospital. I mean, I figured that she would grieve or break down or something. What makes me even more nervous, is that the police haven't found Scott yet. I am afraid that he is going to come back for her, and I won't be able to stop him." Nick spoke, with extreme concern in his eyes.
"Look, Nick. Heather will grieve and handle this in the way that is right for her. You have to understand, she is carrying your child, and that is tough enough. And, then, she has to be escorted all around by a security guard. Maybe that is enough stress for her and she is holding it in until she feels it is right to let it go. She eventually will, and when she does, you need to be there for her. Just let her deal with it in her own way and don't try to push the issue. She will talk when she is ready." Brian tried to comfort and advise his best friend.
"Yeah, I suppose you are right. Well, I will just see how she is tomorrow. Her flight arrives at about 9:30 tomorrow morning. I guess I will go and head to bed. Thanks Brian for your help." Nick said as he said goodnight to his friend.
Nick walked down the hallway to his room, when he ran into Howie.
"Hey Howie, how's it going?" Nick questioned.
"It's going okay Nick. Are you okay? You are looking a little stressed out." Howie replied.
"It's just that I am worried about Heather. She has been through so much in the last month, and I haven't been there to help her. She and I haven't really talked about what happened that night at the house. I am just scared and worried for her." Nick said, tears beginning to form in his eyes.
"It's okay Nick. Heather is okay." Howie said.
"Have you talked to her recently? I mean, you and her are good friends. Maybe she has said something to you." Nick hoped.
"She really hasn't said much to me. Actually, she has been pretty cheerful when we have talked. However, Dee did mention something the last time she visited. She said that Heather was looking stressed out and tired. She was feeling well, but she seemed like she has something on her mind." Howie replied.
"Oh…okay. Well, she is going to be here in the morning, so I guess I will find out what is going on." Nick said. "Goodnight Howie, see ya tomorrow, man."
"Nite Nick. Try and get a good night's sleep." Howie responded.
The two of them went off to bed. Nick laid on his bed, deep in thought. "I know she loves me, why can't she just tell me what's the matter? I only want her to be happy. I will give her anything she wants. All I want is for her to trust me with her heart." he thought to himself.
After about an hour of staring at the ceiling, he finally dozed off.
He stirred the whole night, not sure what to expect in the morning.