Epilogue
3 days later.
Nick and AJ were sitting in the hotel restaurant having a late dinner. That was the way it had been for the past few days. So much was going on ever since they had found Ali, even more than it had been when she was still missing. There were still many unanswered questions and lose ends that needed to be tied up. Ali had a lot to tell, but she was still very weak and Granger didn’t want to rush it. Nick was overprotective when it came to Ali, and spent all his time with her, only leaving her side when it was time for dinner. They had breakfast and lunch together, but when it was time for dinner, Ali was already asleep, exhausted after spending the day catching up with Nick.
The first night after Ali was found, she had been given a room next to Nick’s, but as soon as he left her to sleep, she came after him, begging him to stay with her. And so, that’s what he had done. He spent every night, rocking her to sleep and making sure that she was ok. He didn’t mind though.
“How is she?” AJ asked as he sat down opposite to Nick, picking up the menu and reading it slowly.
“Weak… but fine. Thank god.”
“Weird having her back, huh?”
Nick nodded his head. “Yea… I still can’t believe she’s really here. You know, I can’t even sleep at night cause I’m afraid that I’ll wake up and this is all going to be a dream. I keep finding myself staring at her, or smiling just because she made a sound in her sleep, or something like that.”
AJ smiled, shaking his head.
“What?”
“I wish I knew what kinda relationship you guys have. Or I mean, I do know, but I wish I knew what it feels like to have a connection like that with someone.”
“I wish I knew what to tell you, but it’s weird, you know…”
AJ nodded and the two friends continued to look through the menu.
“I don’t think I ever thanked you for coming with me.” Nick said after a few minutes of silence.
AJ shrugged. “No need to thank me. I know you would’ve done the same for me.”
“Yea.”
“Ok, so maybe you wouldn’t have taken a bullet for me, or spent days and nights without any sleep whatsoever, but well…”
“Hey!” Nick said in a high pitched voice, pretending to be hurt.
“Just kidding.” AJ laughed.
The two boys ordered their dinner and spent the rest of the night talking about the past few weeks and what they had been through, but how it was all worth it.
“I’m gonna head off to bed.” Nick said after almost two hours.
“Are you sleeping in the same bed as Ali?” AJ asked, curious to know what was happening between the two friends.
Nick nodded. “Yea. She keeps having these nightmares and if I leave for more then a couple of hours, she freaks out. I don’t mind spending as much time with her though. I think I need her just as much as she needs me right now, to be honest with you. It’s good to get some closure. I just can’t wait to get home and start over again.”
“Yea, I know what you mean. I’ll talk to you tomorrow then.”
“Sure thing.” Nick said as he stood up and walked out of the restaurant.
A few minutes later, he entered the room he shared with Ali. It was dark and a little chilly. The Siberian nights had become even colder since he had brought Ali back.
Nick took a few steps into the room and let his eyes rest on the bed. Sobbing sounds could be heard, and he instantly knew that Ali was having another one of her nightmares. Quickly, he kicked off his shoes, and walked across the room to lie down next to her. He could feel her whole body shaking as he gently pulled her close to him.
“Ali, wake up.” He whispered soothingly while stroking her hair. “It ok, it’s just a bad dream. Everything is ok.”
She jerked out of her dream, and slowly turned around to face Nick.
Nick sat up a little, bringing her with him and cradling her while he continued to whisper comforting words in her ear. It was an intense moment for both of them. To Ali, it was a feeling of being safe and protected by someone who loved her. To Nick, it was the feeling of relief and closure after finally having his best friend back in his life.
After a while, Ali calmed down a little.
“I’m sorry for taking up so much of your time Nick…” She said. Her voice was weak and soft as she spoke.
“Hey…” Nick lifted her head to make her look at him. “Don’t say that. I got my best friend back. I would do it again if I had to. The most important thing is that you’re ok.”
Ali sighed and rested her head on Nick’s chest.
“I’m scared Nick…” She whispered as she felt tears welling up in her eyes again.
“Why?”
“I don’t know… Everything’s chanced so much since I’ve been gone. I don’t know if I’ll fit in anymore. I’m scared of being left alone, scared of the dark, and every time I close my eyes, I see myself struggling to get away from something that I don’t even know. What if he comes back, Nick…” She was trembling now, and Nick placed his arms protectively around her.
“He’s not coming back Ali. He’ll be in jail for many years, and even when he does get out, I’ll be there to protect you. I’m never going to let anything happen to you. I promise.”
Ali sighed, and looked up at him again. “Thank you.” She whispered, as her lips formed a small smile.
“Everything will be alright.” He leaned down and gently kissed her forehead.
Everything will be alright.
THE END
Author's Chapter Notes:
Sooo... the epilogue is up, which means that this story is completed. I'm kinda sad that it's over, cause I've really been enjoying writing it.
For those of you who wonder; YES, there will be a sequel. I just need a few weeks off from writing first, and after that I will definitely start the new story.
So, check back for a brand new story about Nick and Ali.
Before I let you read the final contribution to this story, I just want to thank all of you who's given me so much great feedback. I really appreciate it, and it truly makes writing so much easier.
For those of you who wonder; YES, there will be a sequel. I just need a few weeks off from writing first, and after that I will definitely start the new story.
So, check back for a brand new story about Nick and Ali.
Before I let you read the final contribution to this story, I just want to thank all of you who's given me so much great feedback. I really appreciate it, and it truly makes writing so much easier.
