As soon as they stepped into the airport they both wanted to yell for joy. Well, after a very long world tour they deserved it. Nick looked up at his tattooed pal and smiled with relief, both thankful to be back home, to enjoy the Floridian sun and shine. It was defiantly better than the continuous rain, smog, and hail that they had adapted to over the past few months thanks to the places centered around Europe. They’re two blocky and strong body guards, Tony and Jet led them to A.J’s to provide shelter from the mob of teenage girls that were starting to pile around them. They plopped into the van and waved goodbye to the fans as A.J’s new 2001 Mercedes took off out of the airport driveway.

“Oh my god I’m so glad the tour is finally over!! How long we got until we start recording again?” he asked his younger brother.

“I don’t know, Kevin wants to have a meeting soon over it, so we’ll see.” Nick rolled his eyes at Kevin’s over- organization skills. “What are you planning on?”

“Not much, enjoying the sun, time with the girlfriend and spending some time with the family, in fact, mom’s having most of them over tonight for barbeque and a little get together, want to go?” he asked as he signalled some kids to cross the road.

Nick shrugged. “Why not, who’s going to be there and what time should I get there?”

“Around 7:30. It’s only Mother, the guys are going to be there, some of the family, Gabriella and my cousin Leigh-Anna with her brothers I think. Some good food, drink, music, good conversation, should be a fun time.” He explained turning a corner, entering yet another highway.

Leigh-Anna? I’ve heard A.J mention her a few times before. I wonder who she is? “Who’s Leigh-Anna?”

“My first cousin. Her mother and my mother are sisters.”

“I realize that. I mean, what does she look like, is she nice, pretty, smart?”

A.J sighed, hoping that this question didn’t come up. “She’s blonde, but she has highlights, blue eyes, with a little gray in them, about 5’4, pretty smart, but she’s...troubled.” A.J struggled to find the approbate word.

Nick looked confused, trying to hide the semi smirk that was sneaking upon his lips, picturing A.J’s cousin. “What do you mean by troubled?”

A.J tapped his fingers on the steering wheel in annoyance as he stopped the car, pulling into Nick’s driveway before stepping out of the car. “Nick, I’m only telling you this because you’re one of my closest friends, but I swear, if you tell anyone I told you I’ll beat you to a pulp, got it?!”

“Whoa! Yeah I got it I got it. Shit, you must love her a lot.”

“I do, I never had a sister and she was the closest thing that came to it. Getting back to what I was saying, her mother and father are having some problems in their marriage and she knows it, I could tell it from her voice the other night on the phone that it was taking a toll on her. I was talking to her mother on the phone the other day and I’m very worried about her.” A.J said, entering Nick’s kitchen, catching a coke that was tossed at him.
Nick nodded his head in agreement, understanding what family strain meant, his mother and father were having enough problems of their own, so he knew where Leigh-Anna was coming from. After they talked about her, the weather, girls and sports a little more, A.J left to get ready for the get together that was taking place later this evening.

He took his bags upstairs and unloaded all their contents onto the bed, picking out his attire he wanted for the evening. Jumping into the shower after feeding the dogs and answering his messages felt good on his skin. It felt good to be home, back in his house, with no fans mobbing him and the boys, no management from the firm annoying the hell out him, it was just him in his bachelor pad, and that’s the way he liked it, for now anyway.

As he stepped out he turned the water off and wrapped a towel around his waist. He went into his bedroom and dried off, throwing on hid desired outfit for the night. Gelling up his hair and placing his shades over his eyes he was ready to take off. Getting into his new Cadillac and taking off into the bust Floridian street, hoping to get a glimpse of A.J’s troubled cousin.

Her eyes remained on the pool as she listened to every word that her cousin talked about. Ranting on and on about the tour, his relationship with Gabriella, and the break that they were planning on taking. She smiled sometimes and nodded her head when it was needed. She rested her head on A.J shoulder and tears stung in her eyes as she watched from the other side of the yard. Her parents were fighting again, not physical, but verbal, it had never blown out of proportion but the space between her father and her mother was more than evident. A.J put his arm around her shoulder and pressed her lightly against him, trying his best to ease her pain.

“Don’t worry Leigh-Anna. Everything will be okay.” He soothed, kissing her temple lightly.

She laughed softly and shook her head. “No it won’t Jay, I know what’s coming next for them, I just know it. Oh lord god, I can’t go back there tonight, I can’t stand listening to another fight between them, would it be okay if I can stay with you and Gabi tonight?”

“Sure Leigh-Anna Banana, when you get ready to leave just get your things and come on down, you can stay for as long as you need.” He said, smiling at her.

She returned with gratitude and they remained silent watching the people interact with each other. Until the screen door opened and Nick waltzed through the door, looking hot in blue jeans, a black leather jacket and a red T-shirt. Leigh-Anna’s eyes nearly popped out of her head, how on earth can somebody look that beautiful? “Whoa!”

A.J sighed, hoping that this is only and see and go meeting, hoping with all his soul that Nick and Leigh-Anna would never show interest in each other. “Don’t waste your breath Leigh-Anna.”

“Why not?” She asked, her defences building and the evidence in her voice.

“For one, your 16 and Nick’s 20, so the age difference alone is a good enough reason and, Nick has his own problems to deal with right now, the last thing you need is more on your plate.” He explained.

“I’m not even saying anything, I’m just admiring the looks of the hot blonde band mate, and I’m not planning on falling in love with him or anything.” Leigh-Anna countered, finishing her sentence with a chuckled. “Like someone like him would ever fall for a girl like me.”

Alex looked at her strangely. What happened to her? Her self esteem was never this low. I’m gone for a couple of months and this happens! God damnit I should’ve taken her on tour with me when I had the chance! “Leigh-Anna, why wouldn’t someone fall in love with you?”

“There’s lots of reasons, I’m not attractive, I’m not smart enough and guys will just get tired of me and toss my ass out on the grass when they get tired of me.” She responded glumly, looking at the sparkling blue water.

A.J grabbed her shoulder and made her face him. “Leigh-Anna, listen to me, alright? You’re in the top three of your class, so saying your dumb is a pile of bullshit. You’re gorgeous, and don’t think or let anyone tell you otherwise, got it?!”

Leigh-Anna sighed and nodded her head, not in the mood to bicker with her cousin about herself, especially since he just got home. They remained quiet for a while and Leigh-Anna’s eyes wandered back to the blonde, who was still talking to Brian and Leigh Anne, he had a smile on his face that made her melt inside, she thought he was perfect. Sandy blonde hair, gleaming blue eyes, boyish good looks, a smile to die for and a pretty nice body. Why am I even trying to brother, a guy like that probably has a girlfriend.

She watched him for the while that she and Alex were silent, his eyes were intent on the conversation, but every time his eyes would scan the crowd, her eyes dropped to the pool. Leigh-Anna witnessed him excusing himself from the conversation and went back inside her aunt’s beach house.

“Earth to Leigh-Anna? Are you alive?” A.J joked, poking her with his elbow.

“Wa...Yeah I’m here, just having a day dream I guess, sorry.”

“That’s alright, we all have day dreams sometimes. Now, I don’t know about you but I’m starving, let’s go get some food. Shall we?” He stood up and held out his hand, she looked at him and shrugged as she took his hand. He helped her up and they began to walk towards the doors. Once they were inside, Leigh-Anna took off with Gabriella as they raided the shrimp ring.

Alex was talking to Denise when Brian dragged him out into the hall. “What the hell man?!”

Brian’s eyes looked serious and concerned. “How is Leigh-Anna?” He asked first, warming up to the big problem. He was concerned about her though, they were close, Leigh-Anna was always the little sister that Brian never had.

“She’s good...why do you ask?” Alex asked warily.

“That’s good to hear, but I couldn’t help but notice her constant staring at Nick for the last twenty minutes.” Brian commented, making A.J’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets.

“How did you see that we were all the way across the yard?!” A.J whispered quickly in a hushed tone, as he and Brian walked deeper into the hall, entering the coat room.

“The only way I know is because Nick was looking at her when she wasn’t looking at him! I think we have a problem on our hands!”

“Ya think?! Jesus Christ the last thing that I want is for them two to get involved with each other! The age difference alone is enough but all the shit that happening and what going to happen! Jeez, this isn’t good!” A.J paced around the tiny coat room.

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Leigh-Anna was talking to her father, he gave her the okay to spend a few nights with A.J and Gabriella. Soon after she joined Gabriella, one of her best friends, as she entered the kitchen with two bottles of icy cold sprite.

Leigh-Anna watched as her dad wander off and he and her mother pierce solid cold glances cold glances towards each other. Leigh-Anna shivered shakily, Gabriella sighed and looked at Denise. They both nodded and Gabriella put a comforting arm around Leigh-Anna’s back. “Come on, lets get some clothes for you, then we’ll go back to the house and have a girls night, how does that sound girl?”

Leigh-Anna smiled with gratitude. Gabriella always knew how to cheer her up. She nodded and they said their goodbyes to mostly everyone and began to make their way to Gabriella’s car. Gabriella stopped dead in her tracks, slapping her head a little. “Shit, the keys to the car are with A.J, if it’s open you can get in and relax a little, it’s the Red Jaguar.”

“Ok, thank Gabi.” She said, Gabriella smiled and hugged her before taking off to find Alex.
Leigh-Anna sighed and spun around, going a little too fast to actually observe her surroundings, and not seeing the tall blonde that held her interest for this evening that was walking out of the sitting area, resulting in them both smashing into each other.

They were both in shock. Both on the ground. And both heads thumping from the collision with each other not two minutes ago. He quickly stood to his feet and held out his hand to help her to her feet. She gently took his hand, his hand was soft, and he gently helped her stand. Her face was tomato red from embarrassment. “I-I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She chocked out, looking at his beautiful smiling baby-face.

He chuckled a little. “No need to be sorry, it was my fault. I wasn’t watching either. I’m Nick.” He held out his hand again for her to shake. She generally took it and smiled shyly.

“I’m Leigh-Anna.”

Hot Damn! That’s Leigh-Anna! Damn, she a hell of a lot finer than I thought she was! Nick’s smirk crept across his face once again as he gave her a speedy quick look over. She had a nice body, great curves, her breasts looked like they were going to burst out of her green thin strapped tank top, just as A.J described her, but better. “Nice to meet you. So, where do you live?”

Leigh-Anna opened her mouth to answer his question until Howie came up to the twosome. “Hey guys, are you alright?”

“Yeah we’re fine D. Just talking to this pretty lady right over here. What’s up D?” He said, making Leigh-Anna giggle lightly. Howie sighed and smiled at Leigh-Anna, happy to see her.

“Not much. But I do need a hand outside, we need some help to take in the tables and stuff, but if your busy...”

“No, that’s quite ok, I’m going home now anyway. Don’t strain yourself, you may need a strong guy like Nick with you.” She said, smiling. “It was nice seeing you again Howie, sorry for bumping into you again Nick.”

Leigh-Anna quickly exited her aunts home and into the parking lot. Howie and Nick left to walk back to the backyard but Leigh-Anna’s face couldn’t erase from his thoughts. There was something about her that made the hairs on the back of his neck stand tall. But what it was, he had no idea. He helped Brian lug the lawn chairs and tables into the house one by one. And he couldn’t help but notice Howie darting over to A.J’s side and spilling the beans on his and Leigh-Anna’s encounter. The look in A.J’s eyes was the same as his tone earlier today, cold, edgy and protective. But the question was, why? Why was everyone dead set against him and Leigh-Anna? When nothing even started yet?

Later that night when everyone went their separate ways. And once they were all cozy at home, Leigh-Anna was just that. Chilling on the sofa with A.J, munching on Doritos, and watching an old 1980’s slasher movie. She craned a handful of popcorn and threw some in her mouth. “Where did Gabi go again?”

“She had to go to the store for a little while, there’s not a lot of ice cream and junk in the house.” A.J joked, popping a piece of cornel in his mouth.

“Good. You can never have too much junk food!” She laughed, they continued to watch the movie for a bit, Leigh-Anna jumping at some parts when someone would die unexpectedly or the killer would just jump out randomly. Of course, A.J would get a kick of it.

“Glad to see that my misery brings you joy!” She snapped, jokingly.

A.J was going to shoot her back with something but the phone started to ring, making Leigh-Anna jump. A.J laughed at her and walked over to the phone. Picking up the cordless and holding the receiver to his ear. “Hello?...Oh hey Jed, hang on a second ok?”
He took the phone away from his ear and looked at Leigh-Anna. “Leigh-Anna, I gotta take this, it’s someone from management, do you mind?”

She shook her head. “No, not at all, go ahead, have fun!”

A.J nodded and strode away into his studio he built a
year ago. Leigh-Anna sighed and flicked the movie back on, she threw the furry, fluffy hot pink blanket over her shoulders. Examining the dramatic images on the screen. When her attention was deeply into the movie it was quickly cut short by the ringing of the doorbell.

“Leigh-Anna?! Would you get that please?” A.J called from his studio.

“Sure thing!” She called back. Turning off the movie this time, she made her way over to the door and looked through the peep hole. Nick? I wonder why he’s here?

Leigh-Anna turned her hand along with the handle letting the door open full way. Letting the calm and warm night air fill the room, the night was quiet, dead even all you could see was the front of the lawn and the lone road. And there stood Nick, looking as fine as ever, dressed still in his jeans but this time he wore a black wife-beater that showed off the tats on his arms. Nick’s eyes widened seeing her again. “Hey Leigh-Anna, what are you doing here?”

“Hi Nick, just spending a night or two here. Come on in!” She stood aside and he walked in slowly smelling the sweet, light perfume that radiated off her body. Leigh-Anna followed him into the kitchen and tossed him a coke.

“Thanks, so what are you doing tonight?” He asked, taking a swing out of the red can.

“Not much at all, relaxing, watching a couple of movies with Gabi.”

Nick looked around the room and saw no sign of A.J‘s girlfriend. “Uh, where is Gabi?”

“At the store, not enough junk food here.” She chuckled walking right in front of him, bending over to retrieve something in the cabinet. Nick couldn’t help but stare at her backside, raising his eye brow at her nice booty. God Damn!! Holy Fuck she’s amazingly HOT!! I’d so tap that!!

She rose up with a new package of popcorn, smiling sweetly at Nick. “Wanna join me?”

In bed? Defiantly! “With what?” He asked curiously, hoping it was the idea that was placed in his head, continuing to examine her body up and down, her long, tanned legs showing, her boobs nicely propped up in her yellow pyjama tank top.

“Well, if Gabi is at the store, there’s a good chance she’ll stay at the mall for a couple of hours, A.J’s in his studio ever likely for a couple of more hours, so since you’re here might as well not have it go to waste, wanna watch a movie with me?” She asked quietly, finally working up the nerve to ask him.

Nick smirked at her shyness, she looked at him with her big blue, and before he knew it, the words just automatically rolled out of his mouth. “Sure thing. It’ll be cool.”

She quipped up and skipped over to the microwave, unwrapping the plastic wrapper and placing the packet into the microwave. Nick was surprised that a person who was going through so much could be that strong and beautiful. It utterly amazed him. She amazed him.
About a half an hour later they were both comfy on the loveseat watching I still know what you did last summer. Popcorn placed onto the coffee table with their drinks. “Um, Leigh-Anna...can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“A.J was telling me the other day that your parents were going through...a tough time, was that true?” He asked her, trying to find the words that didn’t come off to harsh.

She swallowed hard and shut her eyes, Nick read it off her automatically that this bothered her
tremendously. “Hey...if it’s too hard on you, you don’t need to say anything about it.”

Nick took his hand a gently placed it on the middle of her back, his touch alone sent shivers down her entire body, she took her elbows off her knees and looked at him dead in the eye. His stare was smouldering.

“No, it’s alright, I can talk about it. I thought that my parents had the perfect marriage, I thought nothing would tear them apart, nothing. But six months ago, I started questioning that theory severely. They just started slipping away from each other, they were never home when the other was. Mom questioned dad about having an affair with one of the nurses at the hospitals, dad thought mom was sleeping around with one of her patients. Nothing ever turned the physical, but with some of the arguments I’ve heard over the passing months it was just as bad. I know the only reason why they stayed in the same house as long as they are is because of the smaller siblings, but from what I’ve seen, they’re barley clinging to that cause.”

Nick slowly snaked his hand and placed it below her shoulder, pulling her into him for a minute, not caring that they’ve only known each other for not even a day, but there was something about Leigh-Anna, something that stumped him, something.

Over the last three days Leigh-Anna remained at Gabriella’s and A.J’s home, not even bothering to spend an hour in her own. And over that three day period, her mind stayed on Nick, his face stuck in her mind like glue. Every chance they got, to be alone to talk, they took. Weather if it was just for ten measly minutes, every minute would count. She felt so connected with him, he was such a great guy, so kind, funny, smart, good looking, and he was defiantly someone she could see herself dating, much to A.J’s and the others dismay.

She was in a peaceful sleep for once in long time, until her phone rang underneath her pillow, she grumbled her face into her pillow and dug her hand into the fluffy head protector. “Hello?” She said groggily, looking at the glowing digits of the clock that read exactly five minutes after four.

“Leigh-Anna, he’s gone.” Her heart nearly pounded out of her chest when she heard the weeps of her little sister, Daisy. “He’s gone and he’s not coming back.”

This alone was enough to wake her up, she sprang up into the Indian style position and put a hand on her forehead, hoping nothing got out of hand when she wasn’t there to protect her younger siblings. “Daisy, honey, listen to me, what happened?”

Leigh-Anna heard little Daisy sniff back tears over the phone, it broke her heart to know she was the only Roberts in the house who wasn’t there, other than her two older brothers who were busy with university. “It was a little after midnight, I woke up when I heard yelling coming from their bedroom, I crept over to their door that was almost closed and saw the usual bicker, but this time it was worse, mom threw her ring in dads face, the next thing he did was stomp out the door and leave the house with a slam. Mom won’t leave the room, Leigh-Anna, please come home, we need you here!” She pleaded over the phone.

She could hear the overwhelming desperation in her ten year old little sister’s voice, she closed her eyes for moment and sighed, her breath shaky and scared. “Alright, Daisy, stay calm, ok? I’ll be there as soon as I can, ok? Just stay calm and tell Liam, Andy, Cici and Marsh the same thing alright?”

“Ok, but please hurry!”

“I’m on my way.” She assured the desperate girl, she sprang off the bed and jogged into A.J and Gabriella’s room, her heart pounding against her chest as she abruptly shook her older cousin awake.

“Leigh-Anna?! What the hell is going on?!” Alex asked, still trying to wake up, he turned the lamp on and seen the look of worry and guilt in Leigh-Anna’s face.
“We need to go down to the house, I’ll explain on the way! Come on we gotta go!”

About twenty minutes later they finally reached the Roberts house, nice house, two story, big and expensive, nice front and back yard, hedges, and a stone walk way leading up to the front patio. The two cousins ran into the home and looked around, sitting on the couch were all of Leigh-Anna’s siblings, her twin sister Cici, her two little siblings Marsha and Daisy, and the two little trouble makers, the youngest two brothers, Liam and Andy. As soon as Daisy saw Leigh-Anna burst through the door she stood up and ran into her, wrapping her arms around her older sisters waist, crying into her chest as she sank down to the floor, holding the young crying ten year old.

“Guys, what happened?!” A.J asked, half of the Roberts siblings ran over to them, while the other half went over to Leigh-Anna.

“Dad left, he’s not coming back.” Cici explained short and sweet, her arms crossed and her face hard. She always did care about their marriage, but over all her siblings she was the most rational.

Leigh-Anna looked up and her and shook her head. “We don’t know that yet, ok guys, I want all the little ones in bed and asleep alright? Four o’clock in the morning is no time for kids to be awake.” She instructed, the younger ones put up a little fight at first, but eventually sleep won the battle and they trudged into bed, briefly giving Leigh-Anna a loving hug and kiss before going into their sleep chambers. The people who were left in the living room was Cici, A.J, Leigh-Anna and a sleeping Daisy, who was sound to the world in Leigh-Anna’s arms, Daisy always sought out to Leigh-Anna for everything she did, her big sister was her confidant, and Leigh-Anna took extreme pride in that.

“Ok, um, you guys try talking to dad, I’m going to send this little one off to dream land. I’ll join you in a few minutes.” She said quietly , walking silently out of the room, and into the hall, in sight her little sisters dimly lit bedroom. Leigh-Anna knew the night was going to be vary long, but she did have the slightest shred of hope that her parent may work out their issues, but unfortunately, she was sadly mistaken.

Eleven excruciating hours passed. Eleven filled with intense emotion, filled with sad tears, harsh words and many sighs of worriment. It was now three in the afternoon on a Friday, the sun was shining bright, the sky was that cheery blue color that everyone loves seeing, but for Leigh-Anna, it might as well be dark black clouds, thunder and lightning.

“How is she?” A.J asked, studying Gabriella’s face as she gently walked out of the room that Leigh-Anna automatically claimed every time she stayed there.

“The same. She won’t say word, won’t drink anything, eat anything, she won’t leave the room. Wow, this divorce must really be affecting her.” Gabriella responded, remorsefully, saddened by her friend’s want of aloneness at this time, but deep down, both A.J and Gabriella knew that if there was anybody in the world that could get Leigh-Anna to open up, it was Nick.

As if on cue the sharp zing of the doorbell split their thoughts and rang all through the house. “Is that Nick?”
“Yeah, he’s coming over so we can write some stuff for the album, will you keep checking up on Leigh-Anna?”

“Of course I will.” Gabriella promised, determined to get Leigh-Anna’s spirits brighter and back to her usual self. They were half way down the stairs when Gabi spoke again. “Hey, maybe it wouldn’t be so horrible if maybe, Nick speaks to Leigh-Anna about this, she seems to be fancying him plenty.”

A.J shook his head, the determination was clear in his dark brown eyes. “There’s no way in hell that Nick’s returning the fancy.” He said lowly.

“We’ll chat about this again later.” Gabriella shot back quietly as they opened the door, letting Nick inside their home. “Hey Nick!” Maybe he’s just what she needs?

“Hey guys, what’s up?” He asked casually, walking through the hall and into the kitchen, Gabriella shot him a ‘there’s something you should know’ look. Gabi had to do something, she knew deep down in the pit of her stomach that the only person that could get Leigh-Anna to talk was Nick, and she always talked about him, much to A.J’s constant rolls of his eyes and his snorts. He was always a good friend to Nick, but why he was so dead set against Nick and Leigh-Anna even being friend, she had no idea.

So she took action, ‘accidently’ knocking over a big twenty-four case of canned coke, making most of them explode onto the floor, Nick and A.J’s mouths gaped open, trying they’re vary hardest not to burst out in a fit of laughter. “You shut up, and you! Mr. Mclean go to the store and get more coke, we need that here for your survival! Nick and I will clean this mess up.”

Alex nodded, still trying hard not to laugh, and completely blindsided to Gabriella’s plan, he nodded to Nick and fetched his keys, walking quickly out the door, so his laughter wouldn’t be heard. Gabriella turned to a laughing Nick, as soon as he saw the look on her face it was an absolute giveaway. “Gab, what’s wrong?”

“Leigh-Anna’s upstairs, she’s not the best right now and she’s not talking to anyone, would you mind going up there. I really think you have a good chance of getting her to open up to you, I really do.”

Nick’s eyes turned from a concerned color of blue and a sigh escaped his lips, nodding his head and spinning around.

“Nick!”

“Yeah?”

“You really care about her don’t you?” Gabriella asked tenderly, beginning throwing cans in the trash.
He didn’t answer, just turned around and walked up the stairs, wanting desperately to comfort Leigh-Anna and tell her whatever the problem is, she could count on him.

He inhaled deeply, looking deeply at the dark oak door, trying to find the right words to say, the right things to do, and the right movements to make. He took a deep breath and gently pushed the door open after a little knock to let her know someone was coming in. She was sprawled over the bed, lying on her stomach, her face nestled firmly into the pillow. His manly urge won over his brain, causing his eyes to roam her body, the perfect opportunity while she wasn’t looking. With a pair of light blue boy shorts and a black bikini tank top covering her body it was hard to keep his self restraint. Whoa?! Is that a tattoo? HELLO! His eyes grew wide when he saw a red Tinkerbelle tattoo on her very lower back. Making his enthusiasm grow even more.

“Who is it?” She muffled through her the furry neon green pillow, her voice sounding scratchy and cracked, ever likely from crying.

“It’s only me.” He said in a gentle whisper, all the dirty thoughts vanquished when he heard her voice, her head snapped up, Nick walked over to her bed and sat down on the neatly made Blue comforter. Her hair was messed up, strands of black ran like a dried river on her face, that was also read from what looked like, constant crying. “Are you okay?”

She huffed. “Do I look okay?”

He chucked stiffly and looked at her intently. “No, I guess I should’ve known that answer when I asked it, wanna tell me what happened?”

Leigh-Anna looked up at him at found herself, once again lost in his blue attention holders. She found herself nodding, not even knowing why she’s even mumbling to him. “Alright.”

“Okay, why don’t you start off from the top?”

“Well, um, I got a call from my little sister, Daisy, it was about four o’clock in the morning and she told me that my parents were ending everything, of course she was full of fear and panic. I hung up the phone and grabbed A.J and went over to my house. After every one of the younger sibs were gone to bed and fast asleep, my twin sister Cici, Alex and I went in my parent’s bedroom. We found mom weeping on the bed, we asked her over and over again why it happened, we must’ve been in that room an hour.” She explained the first part quietly, bringing a hand up to her face, rubbing her tired eyes.

Nick nodded and placed a hand on her smooth knee cap, her face darted towards his perfect one. “What else happened?”
She looked at him intently. “Why are you so curious about me? We’ve only known each other for what, a grand total of what, four days?”

Nick smirked at her growing agitation toward him, but it was too late now, he wanted to know the truth and how he could help her. “Actually it’s been three and a half days, and the only reason why I want to know is so I can help you, so proceed.”

She drew a deep breath, filled with emotion and annoyance, annoyance toward herself, why was she opening up to Nick? Who she didn’t even know a full week? “Basically, when mother finally started talking, she finally told us what the hell happened to their marriage, and as it turns out.” Leigh-Anna took a moment to gather herself, looking out the window for a moment sucking in another deep breath. “My dad had an affair with one of the nurses, mom said she hated, flung the ring in his face and the rest is sheep skin.”

Nick sighed and rubbed his hand on her knee, the intense tingled surged through her body like an electric shock, there was something about him that made the words roll off her tongue like hard candy. Leigh-Anna let a few tears escape down her face, her couscous was heavy and full. “I feel so guilty, I should’ve been there for my brothers and sisters last night, but no, I was too much of a wimp and a chicken to actually go back to that house. I was always the one who was the most damaged about the problems in their marriage, I was the one who was affected the most and always had to run whenever they did fight, all the others stayed home and listened to their arguments, why couldn’t I?”

She was hysterical now, sniffing and crying, the only crying like this he was used too, was when he was dumping one of his ex-gold diggers. He took his hand and brought it to the bottom of her chin, cupping the bottom of her beige coloured face, her eyes shimmered with fresh tears as she mouth gaped open vaguely, he scooted himself right in front of her and smiled warmly, the expression on his face was pure concern and care. Nick brought his hand up to her cheek and pulled her into his chest, it surprised him how much he wanted to be there for her, and it surprised her how easily she gave into him. “Listen to me, none of this is your fault alright? There’s no way in hell you could’ve known that your parents were going to spilt up before hand, and everyone handles different situations differently, I bet some of your siblings stayed over at other peoples places when you were there.”

“But why couldn’t I stay there, I’m one of the older ones, and therefore I’m supposed to be one of the stronger ones!”

“Even the strongest of us are weak in certain situations, ok? You’re going be okay Leigh-Anna, you really will. You and your siblings got through the worst part, you’ll get through the rest. Ok?” He said gently. Leigh-Anna couldn’t find any words to even tweak out of her mouth, instead just nodding her head in his chest, she couldn’t believe someone could be that kind to her.

When she pulled away, though she didn’t want to, she smiled at him with gratitude. “Nick, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, anything.”

“Why are you so concerned?”

“I don’t know, all I know is there’s something about you that needs protecting. A hero maybe?”

You can be my hero any day. Leigh-Anna nodded and smiled. “I don’t know why, but there’s something about you that makes me want to stick around.”
She smiled at Nick. He immanently smiled back, they found themselves looking deep into each others eyes, they’re lips not even two inches apart.

They were both stuck in a moment, their eyes were soft and their expressions matched, Leigh-Anna smiled lightly and leaned in just enough for their lips to touch, Nick’s warm lips covered hers quickly, an invigorating rush whooshed over them, resulting them to get more aggressive with other, Leigh-Anna kept his sent, his touch and what he was wearing, a simple white T-shirt and blue sweat pants that made him look even more mesmerizing, she kept everything engraved in her memory as she slinked her arms around his neck and he draped her back gently onto the bed, a soft moan escaping her lips, both of them thoughtless and hanging by the moment.

“Gabi, do you know where Nick is?!” A.J called from right outside the door, making them both jump, resulting in their heads butting against each other. Their alerts went up and they quickly jumped off the bed.

“Oh shit, I gotta get down there, he thinks I’m here to record!” Nick explained, in a hushed, alert tone.

“That is the reason why you’re here isn’t?” She questioned, scrunching up her right eyebrow, smiling smugly when he didn’t answer.

There was a sharp knock at the door. “Leigh-Anna, honey is it okay if I come in?” A.J’s husky voice called from the other end of the rectangular dark oak wall.

“Just a minute!! Okay, Okay, just give me a second.” Leigh-Anna spun around her room, looking for possible areas for Nick to hide in, immanently spotting the open and tidy closet. “There, in the closet!”

She didn’t even give Nick time to reply, she pushed him into the tiny den and shut the door behind. “Just, stay in there for a minute, I’ll make up something and get A.J out of here!” She whispered and hurried over to the door, stopping enough to grab his grab both of his shoulders and crashed her lips onto his for a quick kiss. “Just a little something to keep you hanging on.”

Nick smirked as Leigh-Anna mirrored his action, she shut the door and hurried over to the door, only stopping to haul a pair of sky blue short shorts, finding herself with the need not to advise her not to go around the house in her underwear, she slipped into her shorts and opened the door, granting A.J access to her temporary room.

“Hey Leigh-Anna Banana, how are you feeling now?” He asked, studying her face carefully, noticing the color back in her face.

“Yeah I’m feeling a lot better thanks, how are you?” She asked, as she wearily observed A.J walk into her room and sit down on the bed. Leigh-Anna walked over and sat on the corner of the bed.

“I’m good, a little worried about you though, but I’m glad to see you’re better, damn, it took you what, about an hour?” He chuckled at the observation and looked at her deep in thought. “What happened?”

Leigh-Anna shrugged and smiled beamingly. “Well, even though you and Gabi were trying to drill it in my head all along, someone just made me realize that I weathered the first and hardest part, and if I got through that I can sure as hell get through the aftermath.”

Alex nodded. “Wow, this guy must be pretty smart, do I know him?”

Leigh-Anna pursed her lips together to keep herself from laughing, she sharply nodded for her answer. “Oh believe me, you do!”

A.J nodded and walked over with her to the door. “Well, then, he must be smart if he knows me! Listen, do you know where Nick is?”

Nick watched from the closet, impressed by her tactic, this girl was smart, and hot. Two points for her. Another word out of her mouth and he was ready to ask her on a date. Why was he so welcoming to this girl? Usually he’d be suspicious and questionnaire, but when he was with her, it just all fell into place. And the scariest part of it all was, he’d only known her for about a week. He heard the door shut and he opened the door slowly, peering thorough the room, no sign of A.J, just Leigh-Anna sitting Indian style in the middle of her bed. “He’s gone, but you have five minutes to get your ass down the stairs and into his studio before he comes back.”

“What did you say to him?” He asked impressed, sitting on the edge on the fluffed sleeping item.

“I told him you were gone for a quick moment to a friend that lives near here, I sent him to the seven eleven at the end of the block to get me a slurpie.” She explained, standing up and walking out the door, with Nick following her behind. “Nick, can we do this again?”

Between the sheets, any day of the week honey, just holler and walk that fine little ass over my way! Nick shook his head off the naughty thoughts of her, trying to get her body out of his head. “Do what again? Kiss?”

“Well, maybe! I’m talking about getting to know each other more?” She asked, entering the kitchen, Leigh-Anna tossed him a water bottle and took a long swig of her own.
“Yeah, I’d like that, maybe, next Friday?” He questioned.

Leigh-Anna nodded, smiling cheerfully, showing her pearly whites. “Next Friday, at Rosario’s?”

“That new restaurant place?”

“Yeah, they have a good name already, the place is supposed to be real nice.”

“Next Friday at Rosario’s it is then.” He flashed the infamous half-smile and winked.

“Awesome, hopefully, I’ll see you before then.” She said, pecking his cheek before shrouding into the backyard to spill everything to Gabriella, for once, talking, interacting with a guy seemed natural with him, Leigh-Anna wanted to know him so much more, and that was just her intention with him before she embarked on her journey to University in September. Maybe that was the part she most feared?

It was bright and early on a Thursday morning, the sun easily shone through the red and orange drapes with ease, illuminating the room, filling it with the bright luminescent glare of the sun. Weather it was from the voices downstairs, the shower running, or the bright inferno in the sky, nothing could wake her in the wee hours of the morning, all except for her alarm clock, the annoying, loud beep’s filled the room, disrupting her comfy dream, she groaned in a very loud and agitated scream, slamming her hand down on the button to silence the alarm. Wiggling out of her red, orange, pink and yellow striped comforter. She opened her mouth wide, letting a loud yawn come from her lips, she stood up and stretched, trudging into her personal bathroom.

Walking out from the hot waters heaven, she glanced at the big glowing blue digits, 7:20, she had another half hour to get ready before she stepped into Lake Bridge High. Her fantasy would be to just skip off until graduation, but thankfully, she had other plans for herself in this world. Dropping the towel on the hardwood ground, she walked over and dressed in a black short skirt and a deep blue tank top. She towel dried her hair for a good five minutes, then taking her hair dryer and letting the rest of her blonde and dark brown locks dry with the intense heat flying out of the hair instrument.
She waltzed down the stairs, carrying her bag down into the living room, eyes darting from her little brothers fighting over the last bowl of chocolate cereal, her mother fixing Daisy’s hair, over to her sister Cici talking to her boyfriend over the telephone. Leigh-Anna tried to put on a smile, looking at the togetherness of her broken family, but the only thing that would drill onto her mouth was a half-smile.

“Morning honey!” Her mother greeted when she saw her daughter walk into the room. “Nice outfit!”
Leigh-Anna put her head down and let out a chuckle, the one of many things she loved about her mother, was that she let her wear whatever she desired. “Thanks mom.”
“You’re welcome honey. You’re going to kill yourself in those heels!”

“Ha, no I won’t, I got my poise from you! When are these guys going to school?”

“Well, Liam, Daisy and Andy have a teacher development day today, so they don’t have school, Cici’s getting a ride with Dean and I’m dropping Marsha off in about ten minutes, do you need a ride sweetie?” Her mother asked her sweetly, looking at her with her sapphire blue eyes, the one of many things that Leigh-Anna harnessed from her mother.

“Nah, that’s okay. I think I’m going to walk, there’s a coffee shop along the way so I’ll stop and get something to eat there.” She explained, walking over to the closet and slipping on her strappy black shoes, she turned back and looked at her mother, who was holding her little sister in her arms. “What’s wrong guys?”

“Nothing, just my two oldest girls are growing up, I can’t believe it!” Her mother emphasized sadly.

“Mom, we may be growing up, well I don’t know about the other ones, but I’ll always be your little diva.” Leigh-Anna said smiling, little diva was a name her mother stuck onto her when she a child. With that, Leigh-Anna nodded and slung her bag over her shoulder and walked out the door, her heels clicking against the well cemented side walk, she kept her head up high as she glided her shades over her eyes. Hoping that her parents’ divorce wasn’t the talk of the school.

Word must get around quickly, her worst fears were confirmed as she received some stares from some freshmen’s and sophomore’s as she clicked through the halls. Thank god she only had one more class left before the day ended, the day seemed to blur by, finally, she stepped into the cafeteria and was greeted by her two best friends, Amanda Wallens and Darcy Rylan.

“Hey girls!” She squealed, they both ran over to her, pulling her into a group hug. Leigh-Anna had many acquaintances, but Amanda, Darcy and herself just stuck together like super glue ever since eighth grade.

“Leigh-Anna, honey, how are you? We heard about your parents I’m so sorry baby girl, we should’ve called you sooner.” Amanda conveyed, looking at her best friend carefully with her exhilarating brown eyes.

“Yeah, as soon as we found out we wanted to call you.” Darcy added.

“Thanks okay girls, I kind of needed some alone time to get through it, and well, this guy I met.”

The three girls didn’t eat all that much around school, usually when lunch time snuck around they went over to the vending machine and picked something from there, as they walked back to their table the questions kept dumping in, who is he? How old is he? Is he hot? What does he look like?

“OK! Calm down for a second!” Leigh-Anna announced, as they say down, swinging their legs underneath the table, she grinned from ear to ear, ready to spill the beans on her love interest, but she wasn’t intending on giving away his identity. “His name is Nick, he’s super hot, nice, kind, funny, quirky, and last but certainly not least, a superb kisser! But there is one thing.”

“And that is?” Darcy said impatiently, whirling her hands around in circle, waiting for her announcement.

“You’re not going to tell us he knocked you up right?” Amanda added in a silly pretence.

“Oh yes, for sure!!” Leigh-Anna laughed and took a swing from her coke. “The thing is, he’s kind of older than I am.”

“How much older?” They asked automatically, with excitement in their voices, hoping that their friends new beau wasn’t that much older than she was.

“Well, I’ll be seventeen in December and he’ll twenty-one the following month, so, do that math.”

“Leigh-Anna’s got herself an older man!”

The threesome squealed like little schoolgirls once more, they were trying to get a last name out of her, but she wouldn’t crumble, promising them. “If something good happens out of it then you’ll meet him, you know my policy on men.” Like A.J would even let me date Nick, if he had it his way I’d have to stay a hundred feet away from him, oh well, sorry A.J, you can’t always get everything you want in life!

They joked around for a while longer, until the bell rang for final period, sighing to herself as she eased into her seat, third seat in the third row, relieved that the day was finally over, well, almost over anyway. Thank goodness History was her favourite class, all throughout the lecture she listened attentively, with her hand on her cheek writing the notes that were needed, rolling her eyes at the annual delinquent that the teacher sent to the principal’s office for misbehaving.

Humming to herself as she exited the coffee shop with her iced late in her hand she turned the corner and saw a strange car in her driveway, a Cadillac, it wasn’t her fathers, but it was new and fancy, scrunching her brow trying to figure who it was, she opened the door and slung her bag onto the floor, Daisy was running across the hall when her head turned, her feet squealing to a haul like a tire against the hardwood floor, giggling expectantly at her sister.

Leigh-Anna looked at her strangely. “What’s up Dais?”
She giggled. “There’s someone here for you! Mom’s talking to him in the living room, he’s cute!”

Leigh-Anna’s eyes bulged out of her sockets, her heart beat suddenly becoming more rapid. Oh fuck! Tell me Nick’s not here, if he is I’m screwed altogether! Daisy trotted up the stairs and up into her room while Leigh-Anna ran into the living and as expected, there was Nick, he looked fine though, dressed in black addias shorts and a red wife beater, damn that boy looked good in red. Leigh-Anna eyes locked onto Nick’s and hung in there for as long as she could, unlike his expression, Nick’s eyes bled sadness and helplessness. Leigh-Anna’s heart sank.

A.J, looked royally pissed off with his arms crossed over his chest, Leigh-Anna broke their eye contact, slammed her eyes shut tight and cleared her throat, letting them know she entered the room, her mother’s, and A.J’s head whipped towards her. Nick’s expression looked intimated yet scared, almost unreadable, A.J’s eyes turned into a piercing coal color that would make the coldest nerved person shiver.

“Hello baby, how was your day?” Her mother questioned smiling.

“It was good, how was yours?” Leigh-Anna said slowly, the situations strangeness clearly shown in her voice.

“It was magnificent, I was just having a little chat with Alexander and from what he told me on the phone this afternoon, your new friend.”

“Oh really? Did you and Alexander have a nice chit chat?” She asked defensively, crossing her eyes, narrowing her blue daggers over toward her cousin.

“Yes it was, very eye opening, we gotta go though, Kev wants us in for a meeting, we’ll see you all later.” A.J said, the hardness in her voice clearly evident, and he wasn’t making any effort to hide it at all.

It all happened so fast, A.J practically dragged Nick out of the house, not even giving him the chance to utter a goodbye. Once the car’s slick engine reared out of the driveway her mother turned toward her, the determination in her narrow eyes as the pierced through her young daughter. “Young lady, we need to talk, in your bedroom, now!”

Leigh-Anna wearily followed her mother into her bedroom and sat down on her newly dressed bed, all clean and made up, was soft and comfy to sit and chill on. Her mother sat down, in front of her, staring into her soul, Christine sighed and looked at her daughters hands, which were now in hers. “Sweetie, I’m not so sure about this Nick.”

“What’s not to be sure of, I don’t even know the guy vary well, after all we’re just friends.” She sugar coated her response for her mother, leaving out the fact that Nick took her into a deep and passion filled kiss.

“You’re just friends with a man you don’t know very well?” Christine retorted, her eyes narrowing.

Leigh-Anna sighed, raking a quick hand through her highlighted locks. “Mom, you know what I mean.”

“Yes, darling I do, and that’s why I want you to stay away from him.”

“WHAT?!” Leigh-Anna shouted in question.

“Well, Leigh-Anna, Nick is four years older than you are, and the only reason why he’s spending time with you is probably because all he wants is sex, I would feel so much better if you wouldn’t associate with him dear.”
Leigh-Anna looked at her blankly, shocked more like it, it killed her to lie to her mother, but she had intentions to stay around Nick for the last couple of months she was home, damn it, I have to lie, she’s been through too much, I’m not stopping from seeing Nick, but I just won’t tell her, what’s the worst that can happen?. She nodded and muttered. “Alright mom, I won’t talk to him anymore. Now if you excuse me, I have homework to do.”

Christine nodded and stroked her daughter’s cheek before shutting the door. Does she really think I’m going to leave him be just like that! HA! That’s funny! Now that her mother’s admission was on the table, and she thought Leigh-Anna would stay clear of Nick, she had a bone to pick with A.J.

Her heels stomped onto A.J’s patio as she pounded her fists against the tall, black door, her anger becoming more and more intense with each passing nano-second. She groaned annoyingly and peered through the curtain that circulated the two stripes of glass, seeing a care hall way but A.J’s sneakers in the entrance floor. Fuck it, I’m just going in!

Leigh-Anna grabbed the door handle and swung it open, looking around the warm house, closing the door behind, slowly making her way throughout the house, her steps grew quieter when she heard, what it seemed like, a severe argument, between A.J and Nick? She quietly tip-toed over toward the den, quietly sticking a small portion of her eyes out into the doorway, peeking into the ruckus.

“Carter, what the fuck is the matter with you?!” A.J roared.

“What the fuck is the matter with me?! That’s not the question to ask, the question is what the fuck is the matter with you?! You’re the one who’s watching her worse than a security guard!”

“I do not! Carter, do you even know how old she is?!”

“A.J I don’t give a damn how old she is, Leigh-Anna and I are just friends, that’s all we are and that’s all we ever will be!”

I hope he doesn’t mean that. Leigh-Anna quietly hoped to herself.

“By the way you were talking about that kiss the other night I beg to differ! Jesus Carter do you realize you’ve planted this idea in her head now, she just a little girl for crying out loud!”

Leigh-Anna reached her boiling point, she slammed both her fists against the door and walked in like thunder pounding against the clouds. “A.J, stop it! I’m not a little girl okay! Stop watching over me like I’m a criminal or something, alright?! I know you mean well but seriously A.J stop treating me like a kid!!” Leigh-Anna screamed.

Nick looked at the furious lady, his brow raised but he was proud of her, it took a lot of guts to do that, finally she caught up with him in that subject. A.J looked stunned, his expression changing from pure hardness to a bewildered and an utterly shocked expression. “Leigh-Anna Banana, I’m only doing this because I care about you.”

Leigh-Anna sighed hard and ran another hand through her locks, she shut her eyelids for a moment and sighed again longingly. “I know you care about me Alex and I love you for that, but I’m not a child, I can make my own decisions, when I need you, you know I’ll always come to for advice but I’m not a stupid teenager who can’t make her own decisions, I’m better than that A.J and you know I am too.”

Nick studied her thoroughly, his eyes running wild, she still had her black short number on, and the blue tank that made her boobs stick out nicely, Nick once again got the naughty thoughts inside his head, and seeing her mad only got him, and Nicky junior down under more excited.

Alex sighed. “Leigh-Anna, I know you’re not a child, but I’m just afraid that...”

“She’ll end up like all my other backstabbing, gold digging, and slutty ex-girlfriends?” Nick finished for A.J, his voice clearly offended and full of hurt. “Thanks for having a lot of faith in your friend, and your own cousin!”

Leigh-Anna watched helplessly as Nick stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Leigh-Anna’s head snapped over towards A.J. His face was a lot softer now and clearly guilt filled from his recent charade. He stepped forward toward the door, but Leigh-Anna raised her hand, halting him. “Stay here, I’ll go talk to him.”

With that, she walked out of the room and into the hall, peeking out into the patio, seeing Nick’s back against the post, one leg lifted up and the other one lay flat as he stared out into the deep blue coloured sky, he’s perfect features glistening into the soon coming darkness. She gently opened the door and knelt down to his level, his eyes flicked toward her for a brief moment, a small smile flicked across his lips, before returning to the darkened Floridian sky. Leigh-Anna took a very deep breath and reached across his waist, taking his hand into hers, she used her other free hand to guide his chin to look her way, his electrifying blue eyes bolting into her own.

“Nick, I’m sorry about the way Alex acted, it’s just that, he’s always been there for me and he’s done so much for me, I’ve done the same for him, he’s just very overprotective over me but he knows I don’t like it, he just has a problem with letting go. But Nick, the only reason why he’s acting so overly hostile about you and I is because he thinks you’re going to hurt me, and I know that you’ve been hurt many times, I know that neither of us are going to hurt one another, Nick, I really like you and I trust you with everything I am, and the part that’s so scary about it is, I don’t even know you that well, but there’s just something about you that makes me want to try.” She explained in a soft tone, the words seemed to spill out of her mouth like a waterfall, becoming more and more deep and beautiful with each passing word.

Nick looked at her with that look that made her melt on the inside, he studied her intently his eyes narrowing in a soft and caring way, he opened his mouth to speak, but nothing would come out, instead he gripped her hand a little, making her breath in because of his exhilarating touch, he pulled her into him, making her body collapse against the straight piece of wood, putting his arm around her, pulling her close. Letting his senses absorb the moment, feeling this girls warmth against his skin. He released her, but he put a tender hand on her cheek, looking into her. “Thank you Leigh-Anna, and, to be completely honest, I feel like there’s something in you that I wanna know more about. But, it seems that everyone thinks that I’m only hanging around you for sex.”

She smiled.”Let them think what they want, that isn’t the reason why is it?”

He shook his head, hoping to hide the slim bit of truth to her countered question in his response. “Of course not, I’m not saying, you’re not attractive, because if I did, I’d be lying. The reason why I’m hanging around, is, well, obviously I live here, and, you.”

Leigh-Anna gasped, maybe he did want something out of their friendship? “Wow, Nick, I wanna see you more, but, how can we if everyone is so dead set against it?”

By this time they were both sitting upright, her question made Nick think for a bit, he sighed and turned his head, looking at A.J’s front yard. “Maybe, if you’re open to it, we can see each other in private, like, tomorrow night could be our first secret meeting, only if you’re open to it.”

Leigh-Anna smiled, biting the right corner of her lip. “So, you’re saying, we should keep each other a secret?”

“Yeah, basically, but if something deeper amounts in this, then we’ll tell everybody, front and center.”

“I think we should, I want to see where this goes Nick, I really do.” She looked up at him as he stood up, Nick helped her up, they were looking deep into each other’s eyes, Nick making no effort to release his hand from hers.

“I want to see too Leigh-Anna.”

She smiled, Nick mirrored her action. “I also think you should talk to A.J, he knows he went too far.” He turned his head, looking at the door, breaking the eye lock. “But first, I want to do something before I go back in there.” He smirked.

He took a piece of her air and folded it behind her ear, she smiled as he took her lips into a wanting lip lock. Leigh-Anna kissed him back with no hesitation, wrapping her arms and resting them around his neck. Neither of them wanted to part away from each other, but they knew they would have to at some time, Nick parted away from her perfect lips and looked at her smiling face, mumbling the only words he could find. “Wow.”

“I know, you’re a great kisser Mr. Carter.”

“You’re not so bad yourself Mrs. Roberts.”

She smirked and pecked him one last time before she had to take off for the night. “I guess I have to get going, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Do you need a ride home, I can come back here later?”

“No, I can walk, thanks though, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Leigh-Anna kissed him once more, getting another irresistible craving for him and his lips, both of her palms on his upper chest, near his shoulder blades, when she parted away she walked down the stairs and began out of the driveway, Nick watched her, as her head disappeared from the hedges, as she walked home, what the hell was happening to him? What the hell was he feeling?

Leigh-Anna anxiously walked out of her bedroom and through the hall, her imagination working overtime over tonight’ events may occur, there was something that gave her a bad taste in her mouth, something she didn’t want to do, tell Nick her age, she was a very mature young woman, but there was this feeling in the very core of her stomach that told her that he may not take to the news as well as she would like. Leigh-Anna shook her head, vanishing all the bad alternatives of tonight out of her memory, only tonight will tell. When she finally reached the end of the hall she was taken aback at the scene, Nick, who was looking as handsome as ever, was have a one on one chat with her father. Thankfully, he didn’t look scared and confused like he did with his previous chat with her mother, he looked relaxed, like he was watching a football game with a bunch of friends.

“Good evening everyone.” She greeted politely, coming into the living room, smiling beamingly, the excitement clearly visible in her walk, her talk and her smile.

“Good evening princess, you look beautiful.” Her father complimented his daughter, he looked at Nick and he nodded in agreement. “I was just talking to Nick, getting to know him a little bit more.”

“I could see that, how’d it go?” She asked casually. Her eyes quickly darting toward Nick, when his did the same to hers, she automatically looked away, blushed and the butterflies in her stomach starting to fly in by the hundreds.

“Really well, actually, he’s a very put together young man!” He said, his review positive, Leigh-Anna sighed in relief, Nick did the same, he assisted Leigh-Anna as they both watched as the older doctor checked his watch and nearly jumped out of his shoes. “Holy shit I’m going to be late, I’ll see you tomorrow princess, now Carter, keep your vehicle 85, have her back before midnight, and no funny business, got it?”

“No problem Mr. Roberts, she’ll be safe with me.” He assured him, he nodded and quickly left out through the door, waving good bye, the twosome watched as he hoped into his car and the engine roared sleekly and off he went, on his way to the hospital. Leaving Nick alone with the bodacious girl, he smirked and made his way toward her, kissing her lightly on the cheek, she closed her eyes slightly and savoured the moment of how close the sweet scent of his cologne was to her body. Without saying a word, he took her hand and led her out to their ride for tonight, Leigh-Anna took in the moment as the warm summer air went through her, studying Nick’s perfect features, even from the back he looked amazing. Wearing a pair of blue jeans, and a black button up shirt, that formed a V at the neck line, his hair was spiked and with the traditional watch and even a little beaded Hawaiian bracelet that a fan made him, it absolutely mesmerized her. He opened the door of his Cadillac, she turned to him and smiled as she got in.

“Thank you.” She complimented smiling. He smirked as he shut the door and walked around to the drivers side of the car, he opened his own door and got in, starting the car and turning on the radio, he put his arm on the back of the passengers side and looked out as he drove out of the driveway. He reared the classy car into the street as they drove to the restaurant. Maintaining to steal a glance at her every now and again as she looked out the window. She looked like a million dollars, dressed in a shiny turquoise dress that cut off at the knee, with matching heels and some jewellery, she looked like a movie star. She looked perfect.

“How was your day so far?” He asked casually, not wanting to add in the word ‘school’ , he knew he was on a date with a younger woman, but the question that stabbed him was, how old was she exactly, hoping that the only school she went to was the Floridian University. But he was sure she wasn’t fourteen or thirteen, so that zone he was cleared from, thank god.

“It was good, a little slow but other than that it was good, how was yours?”

“Good Good, we had a meeting today with the rest of the guys, we’re thinking about taking a break.”

This news was new, hit her like a ton of bricks. “What do you mean a break? Are you guys disbanding?”

He chuckled at the alertness in her voice. “No, we’re just thinking about it, at the Grammy’s will announce what we’re doing, it’s just a clean and healthy break, don’t get excited yet, nothing is green lit yet.”

She nodded in agreement, a break would so them all some good, after nine years of solid touring they sure as hell deserve one. When they hauled up into the restaurant, Nick gave his car to the parking valet and escorted her into the beautifully decorated and lit restaurant. The design was unique, the whole entire room was lit dimly, but you could see the people and tables finely, dark browns mixed with orange lit lamps made the whole place look like an Indian palace. So clean and relaxing.

“Wow, this place is really nice!” Leigh-Anna said, as she walked inside deeper, Nick linked arms with her, she automatically snapped her head towards him, his smile made her melt on the inside all over again, every time his perfection looked at her she melted. Once they were shown to their table a waiter came their way automatically.

“Good evening, what would you both like for tonight?” He asked politely in his uniform, beige pants and an burgundy T-shirt, something out of the ordinary but suited the restaurant attire perfectly.

They both skimmed through their menus quickly, looking over the array of food choices they had. “I think I’ll have the Indian styled steak, medium rare.” Nick said to the waiter.

“Very good choice sir, and for you madam?” He asked politely, turning to Leigh-Anna.

“Um, I think I’ll also have the Indian styled steak, medium rare as well.” She said, Nick chuckled, quite impressed, they both handed their menus over to him, the waiter, who, according to his name tag, had the name of Ling, tucked them underneath his arm. After scribbling their orders down onto his little notepad he looked at them both once more.

“Also a good choice, and for your drinks and appetizers?”

“I’ll have a beer, she’ll have a coke.” Nick said bluntly, Leigh-Anna was shocked when he placed her order for her, but the expression on her face was the exact opposite, she was impressed, he actually knew what she wanted for an refreshment, this one was a keeper. “How about we share something for the appetizer? That way, it’s more...intimate.” He smiled.

Leigh-Anna smirked. Intimate with you, any fucking day! “Sure, that sounds like a really good idea actually! How about the fish platter?” She suggested.

“The fish platter it is.” He said, he looked at the waiter, his eyes and expression screaming go away so I could be alone with my female friend! The waiter nodded and scribbled the rest of their order onto his note pad and left them be. Promising their drinks shortly.

“Aren’t you a little too young to drink?” She teased about his drink order, smirking wickedly. “I may just have to tell someone about this Mr. Carter, if you play your cards wrong.”

He chuckled, as his eyes burned deep into hers, both of them envisioning their own naughty escapes with other. “Well then, I guess I’ll just have to deal the right hand.”

After they finished dinner, they had a new sense for each other, the look was much more smouldering, the sexual tension was much more visible as Nick’s Cadillac screeched to a halt, he assisted her out of the car as they took of their shoes off and took a stroll along the sandy haven. Nick’s arm was draped behind her neck as they lightly strode along the beach, the oceans waves whooshing sound against the rocks, making the air even more fresh, the sky was pitch black but the starts twinkled by the thousands making the sky almost look like a disco ball.

Damn she’s so perfect! She looks so amazing tonight, I want to so much more than kiss her! Nick swiftly took both of her hands into his and looked at her romantically underneath the twinkle of the moonlight. Leigh-Anna didn’t dare to speak a word, his stare was captivating, made her not able to utter a word. Nick slowly leaned in, his tender eyes looking at her soft face, his lips covered hers. Leigh-Anna closed her eyes and found her arms sliding up his torso and slowly sliding them to his back, pressing him against her body, this was their moment, Leigh-Anna moaned when she felt Nick’s tongue flicker across hers, just when she wanted more and more he pulled away.

“Why did you do that?!” She asked, her voice high and disappointed.

Nick sighed and pressed his forehead against hers. “Because I need to know the truth.”

She knew it was coming, her hearts pace quickened. “About what?”

His forehead was still firmly pressed onto hers. “How old are you?” He whispered.

Leigh-Anna sighed deeply, her nervousness abundant in her deep breath, before she decided to tell him, she gently placed both of her hand onto his perfect cheeks and drew him in for a short but meaningful kiss. “Nick, whatever happens after this I want you to do one thing for me, remember that kiss, remember everything about it, the way it felt, it way it tasted and the way it made you feel, please just remember that for me.”

“Oh you don’t have to worry about that!” He answered her modestly. “Baby, just tell me how old you are.”

“Oh you’re not gonna like this but Nick...I’m sixteen.” She answered hastily.

He looked at her blankly, hoping to god that she was kidding, when he seen it in her face she wasn’t he released her and ran a hand through his locks. “You’re sixteen?! What the fuck, how in the hell could you be sixteen! You look so much older, but sixteen!! Holy fuck A.J was right, you’re too fucking young!”

Leigh-Anna froze dead in her tracks. “I hope you don’t mean that, I really don’t.”

“Damn it Leigh-Anna, yes, I really mean it, I mean since you’re sixteen there’s no way we can get involved, you can’t drink, you’re not old enough to go into clubs, and, now that I think about it, I have only reason to believe why you only started talking to me, is because...”

“Because you thought I was one of those stupid sluts that used you time and time again, that only wanted a piece of you for your money, and to get noticed by the camera’s!! Well your sadly mistaken, I wanted to see you more because I was actually stupid enough to believe that you wouldn’t care about the age thing, and that you liked me because of me and me alone, but I guess that’s what I get when I trust a pretty boy like you. Take me home right now.” She said, through sobs, she couldn’t control it, after that recent accruement from Nick, her heart sank and then snapped in half.

Nick’s eyes were the coldest shade of blue she had ever seen in her life. “You’re already going.” He growled.

The ride home was quiet, no one bothering to utter a whim, when he reached Daniel’s house, he felt Leigh-Anna staring at the side of his face, he refused to look at her, she quickly exited the vehicle and he could’ve sworn he heard her sniffing when she ran toward her father’s newly bought home, the porch lights weren’t on so there was an automatic clue that he wouldn’t have to deal with him until tomorrow.

For what seemed to be forever, he finally collapsed into bed, his hand holding the back of his head in the dimly lit room, he sighed and the same thoughts ringing around in his head. I can’t mess with a teen...she’s too young...this is wrong...but why does she make it feel so right?

Fourteen days. Fourteen incredibly long days. And over those two weeks, Nick did everything he could possibly do to get Leigh-Anna out of his mind, he tried everything, walking the dogs multiple times a day, playing backseat ball game after basket ball game with the boys, even cleaning his house! The only thing that probably swept her out of his mind for a few hours was the constant clubbing he was doing, usually heading to the bar somewhere after eight and waking up to some girl he didn’t care for. But no matter how hard he tried, nothing worked. The spelled she cast over him, wouldn’t go away.

He missed her, there was no doubt about that particular statement in his mind, he missed everything about her, her warm touch, her hot and sultry curves, her breasts, her ass, the was his arms wrapped around her waist, the way her body felt against his own. Damn it!! Get out of my head Leigh-Anna! But it was no use, everything about her lingered in his mind, her narrow, perfect lips that formed into the comforting smile, her vibrant personality, the way she laughed, hell, even the way she cried, he wanted her, mind, body and soul. Which could be one of the very reason he found himself calling her name when he was sexing up the faceless and meaningless girls.

Of course, there were negatives, big negatives, for one, her age, sixteen, sixteen fucking years old, what would people say to a twenty year old messing around with a sixteen year old. Damn the laws with a adult and a minor! On the good end, she was very mature, he would’ve never guessed she was sixteen even if his life depended on it. And the worst part, the part that chewed away at his soul, he hurt her, he yelled at her at the beach, there were a million better ways to handle that situation, a ton that was better than the road he took, but instead, he flipped out at her, hurt her, hurt himself.

And of course, there was A.J, damn him, if it wasn’t for his assertiveness over her, and the little argument that happened between them both, things probably would’ve been different. So many people were against this, her mother, who really scares him, management, over the past two or three meetings they spoke vary poorly of her and what would happen if a relationship bloomed, as if anything could happen now anyway. God damn it, why is she still in my head?! There are plenty of fish in the sea, but there are none as vibrant as she is, damn, I need a drink!

He pranced around his house throughout the day, striding over to the mini bar, thank god he had that built in there when he made the renovations for the house, poring a glass of smooth whiskey and mixing it with coke, all it took was a few crisp ice cubes to make the drink whole. Taking a good gulp of it, letting the smooth liquid run down his throat, taking the drink into his hand and walking into the living room. Flicking on the television, hoping a couple of hours of mindless television would destroy the brain waves that involved that short, five foot four, little beauty just thirty minutes away from him.

Finally, he found something to watch, a nice two hour horror movie by the name of Friday the 13th, maybe that could take his mind off her, it would at least bring him to eleven o’clock, that way the sky could be black and maybe he could turn in, hoping to have a Leigh-Anna-less sleep. Half way through the movie there was a loud knock at the door, scaring the shit out of him, he jumped as he sprang to his feet, hurrying over toward the door, peeking through the peep hole, eyes almost spearing out of his head. What the fuck?! I can’t get this kid out of my mind and now, she shows up at my door, dear god this is too confusing!

He slowly opened the door, allowing his eyes to feast his eyes on the hottie before him, dressed in a black camisole and a pair of dark shorts, with black pumps on her feet, made her look sexy as hell, giving him a tremendous struggle to maintain his self control. They took a minute to stare at one another, not really knowing what to say. Nick stood aside for her, indicating for her to enter, she walked into his home, following him into the kitchen.

“Leigh-Anna, what are you doing here?” He asked after a short while, breaking the killing silence that was between them.

“Nick, I came here to say I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? Why are you sorry?” He questioned, sitting on one of the kitchen tables.

“For what I said to you two weeks ago, I shouldn’t have yelled at you.”

Nick didn’t know what to say, but something automatic kicked in, before he could analyze what he was about to do, he grabbed her hand and crashed his lips onto hers, covering them quickly, getting the full taste of her warmth, Leigh-Anna blissfully gave into him, his kiss, his touch, everything about this man was so captivating over her. One of Leigh-Anna’s arms pressed against his perfect head, intermingling her fingers into the course of his sandy blonde hair, the other one laced onto his side, not wanting to let him, or the kiss go anytime soon.

“Leigh-Anna, I’m the one who’s sorry, I never meant to say that to you.” He whispered still holding both of his hands firmly against her waist, keeping her pressed to his chest.

“Does that mean...you’ll give us a try?” She hoped, the sparkling coming into her eyes.

Nick shut his eyes and shook her head dimly, still keeping his eyes pressed shut, dreading the look on her face. “I’m sorry Leigh-Anna, but no, that kiss, was goodbye, I’m not saying that in a couple years from now things, we could start something, but for now, if you really want what’s best, you would just leave.”

Nick let go of her waist and she stepped back, two long forms of black trickling down her face, she opened her mouth to speak, but no words would flow through, only a short and sharp weep. She took a moment to gather herself. “Okay then, I’ll go, but if you need anything, you know where I am.” She whispered, her voice barely audible.

Nick stood there like a statue when he nodded, he looked at her face, sheer heartache and turmoil, their eyes locks for a brif moment, Leigh-Anna gently but quickly walked out of his kitchen and to the door, little did she know, this was hurting him a lot more than it was hurting her.

Damn Trig homework, who the hell needs to learn this stuff anyway?! Leigh-Anna asked herself as she circled around her room, sighing hard, her arms crossed and her mind in twenty different places at once, she tried thinking about every little thing, her school, her friends, what she was going to do on a Saturday night, but every single time the boomerang in her mind always circled back to Nick. Everything from last night remained in her mind, what he looked like, sounded like, how warm is lips were against hers, how complete she felt when she was with him, and, what he said, she couldn’t come to terms with it, no matter how hard she tried, but he did say something that gave her the greatest hope, the multiple words echoing in her mind. I’m not saying that in a couple years from now things, we could start something.

Nick I hope to god we start something, just not in a couple of years. She hoped silently, smashing her books into her bag, she threw the bag against her dresser and collapsed on the bed, sighing longingly as she looked thoughtfully and hopelessly at her ceiling, a million thoughts running in her head about the tall blonde she loved? Was she falling in love with Nick?

“Leigh-Anna Banana!” Her thoughts were interrupted by Amanda clouding into her room, looking great in her red short shimmer mini skirt, and a black tube top, obliviously ready to hit the town.

She looked at her best friend strangely, wondering what the hell she was up to. “What’s up girl? I have a doorbell you know!”

“I am very well aware of that, but seriously, it’ll be a rare event when I’ll knock on your door!” Both of the girls chuckled at Amanda’s comment, she looked over Leigh-Anna carefully, her hair was shiny and sleek, so that was a good thing, they didn’t have to wait for her to get a shower. “Come on, put on some sexy clothes, we’re going out.”

“We’re?”

“Yeah, Darcy, Sean, Zack, Anthony and I are all going to Club Element, and, it wouldn’t be any fun if you didn’t come along! Please?” Amanda begged her.

“Uh, isn’t Club Element 21 and over?”

“Yes, but that’s what these are for!” She said, popping out fake ID’s, the square pictures on the cards matching both Leigh-Anna’s and her own.

Leigh-Anna’s eyes almost popped out of her head, fake ids? Going to a club? 21 and over? She never did that before in her life, and from her understanding, neither did her friends, there were so many situations circling in her head, what if she got caught? What if something got out of hand? What if one of the guys was there? “Amanda I don’t know, what if we get caught? What is AJ’s there?! I’m totally fucked altogether if he sees me there five years shy of twenty-one! And I’m pretty sure you guys have done this before!”

“That may be correct, but nothing will happen, there’s nowhere else fun for us teens to go on a Saturday night, come on it’ll be fun, and if any of us see AJ, we’ll be the first to sly out of there, besides, maybe it might get a certain jackass of you mind.” Amanda referred to Nick, letting out a disgusted snort when the thought of him came to her mind, Leigh-Anna was first to tell her, everything, she wanted to find out where he lived and meet him at the door with a metal bat, but Leigh-Anna made her take an oath to keep everything a secret, and, reluctantly, she agreed.

“Amanda I know you’re...not his biggest fan right now but please, for my sake, don’t jump on him and strangle him if something does happen between us.”

“I can’t you make any promises.” She contradicted, Amanda looked over her shoulder and locked onto the clock, reading eleven minutes past nine. “Come on girl, forget about him for a little while, let’s go out, have some drinks, dance a little, and have fun, if anything gets out of hand, we’ll all go home.”

Leigh-Anna thought for a moment. Ah, what’s the worst that can happen? Dad’s gone for yet another night shift at the hospital, there’s no one in the house, I’ll just leave a note, and again, what’s the worst that can happen? “Alright, just give me a minute to change.”

Amanda let out a loud squeal, jumping up and down as Leigh-Anna disappeared into her bathroom, she splashed her face with water and looked at herself in the mirror, it only took her a couple of minutes to apply her desired shades of make-up and all she needed was another couple to get into her desired club attire.

Meanwhile, Nick stepped into the club that recently opened on Madison Street, the speakers were booming, letting the energetic and vibrant music swoon over all the clubs inhabitants. With a fat wallet and killer style, he didn’t even need to show the door guard his ID, and besides, how would it look if to the tabloids if he wasn’t granted access to one of the hottest clubs in town. Looking at the strays of light going every which way a smirk formed across his face, looking at the array of women dressed all sexy and next to nothing. Leigh-Anna’s face flushed away from his memory every time when he went to a club, maybe it was the presence of other women that made him lose all thoughts of her for the very short time he was there. His eyes fixed on his table in the VIP section, his buddies spotted him and shouted his name loud, waving their hand toward him, gesturing for him to enlighten them with his presence. Walking over to the table there were his friends Chris and Mike. Chris the clown, dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt and Mike in dark jeans, a red t-shirt and a black tux jacket. In his opinion, he looked better than both of them combined, dressed in a pair of blue jeans, brown shirt and a deep sandy coloured jacket, the ladies would be all over him, and him alone, before the night was over.

“Sup guys?” He asked, entering the table sitting on the edge, still scanning the crowd for a hot girl.

“Not much bro! Care for a drink?” His friend Chris asked, pushing a beer toward him, Nick blissfully took it and drowned half the stained brown bottle in one long swig.

“See any girls out there?” He asked, finishing the beer two swigs later.

Chris and Mike scanned the crowd and eyed a bunch of people coming in at once, half of them girls, and the girls were fine, one dark brown brunette, one hybrid and the other chick, blonde with dark highlights. “Hot damn Nick, look over there!”

Nick’s smirk came back full force, but his expression soon shifted into utter shock. What the fuck?! How the hell did she get in? It’s 21 and over! Why was this kid showing up wherever he went? Everywhere he turned she was there, just like a ghost haunting an enemy after death. Lord what did I do? What?!

Chris noticed the expression on Nick’s face, he turned to his pal and studied his face thoroughly. “You know one of those chicks?”

“Yes, the highlighted one in the middle, she’s AJ’s cousin.”


“Holy shit! That’s his cousin! You’ve known her for how long?” Mike expressed.

“About a month, we’ve kissed a couple times but that’s it.”

“That’s it?! Nick, please tell me, you tapped that by now! Damn man, I’m going to go get us some girls, sit tight and drink, try and get that blonde off your mind.” Without another word Chris took off down into the sea of women, dragging Mike along, in search for some beauties that’ll take Nick’s mind off that girl.

If she wasn’t sixteen than I would’ve tapped her on that date to Rosario’s! I could’ve had her in the bathroom for crying out loud! Damn it, life reeks! Nick sighed and sank back in his seat, agitation taking over him as they watched Leigh-Anna talking to some guy, with looks exactly opposing to his, this dude had dark brown hair and eyes to match, a little shorter than him, but by the way they were dancing with other and sipping drinks while they doing it, it didn’t look like it made a difference to Leigh-Anna. Jealousy, the type of jealously he didn’t know could brew inside him, was quickly coming to its boiling point, he was ready to take out his phone and call Alex. Nah, I can’t do that, that’ll push her away from me more than she already is and of course, it’ll be my own fault, once again. Damn it, what the hell is happening to me?!

Nick studied her actions as she and this guy he didn’t know, grinded against each other, her hips moving and their bodies dangerously close, and drinking on top of that!! How the hell did she get in and was able to drink? This bewildered him, blown him away. What completely pissed him off was when they’re lips starting to join. Before he knew what he was doing, he was already up in her face and had her arm dragging to the other side of the club before he could even harness his and her own actions.

“Nick?! What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”

“I could ask you the same question! What the hell are you doing here Leigh-Anna! This is a 21 and over club, and look at you!” He gestured to her clothes, she was wearing a very short and sparkly dark purple dress that barley covered herself, and with the heels she was wearing, it made a hooker look decent. “You’re drinking, partying underage and on top of that, you’re dancing with some guy you barley know!”

Leigh-Anna’s face grew dark, anger surging through her veins, one time he’s saying he likes her, then he’s pushing her away, and the other night he said something may happen between him, but before that, they had no chance, and now, he’s all in her face lecturing her about the activates she takes part in on a Saturday evening? “Nick?! Stop making assumptions you have no clue about, I do know him, he’s only my friend Anthony and the only reason why I’m here is to get my mind off you, what the hell is up with you Nick?!”

“And the fuck do you mean by that?!”

“One minute you’re kissing me, then you’re telling me goodbye, and now, you’re on my ass when I’m trying to have fun!” She shouted at the top of her lungs, spinning around to walk back to her friends table, who were all watching Leigh-Anna handle her new blonde friend, Amanda’s hand clutching the side on the table. Nick gripped her arm and hauled her back to him, her crystal eyes staring into her electrifying blue ones. “Nick, let go!”

Leigh-Anna jerked her arm away and stomped over to her friends, joining their table and taking the strawberry alcohol filled drink and drowning it. Nick watched in extreme shock, he blew his top once again, had he lost her? For good this time? Fuck this, and fuck her, I don’t need her anyway. Did he need her?

Confusion was the only emotion that would cloud his mind, like a tornado about to strike him, he felt like a stupid little teenybopper, who drooled over someone and thought about them every single day. Every time he looked at her, and he would never admit this to someone, he seen a life with her, and that’s what scared him, a twenty year old picturing a life with a woman four years his junior, it scared the living shit out of him how easily he could picture himself with this girl, he could picture everything, holding her, kissing her, loving her?

Nick slowly raked a hand throughout the course of his messed up hair, a million different things surging through his mind about last night, and hell, the whole time he knew her, since when did a woman have such an effect on him this way? In this context anyway. He watched her silhouette breeze up and down, her make-up a mess and her hair knotty. He sighed and looked at the clock, the disappeared glow of the clock faded since the room was filled with light, exactly ten-thirty. What a long and eye-opening night it was.

She looked like an angel, glowing a wave of sparkling, golden dust while she slept, she was laying on her side, facing him, one hand on the pillow, a small smile gleamed across her face as she slept, Nick took his hands and brushed it gently across her smooth chin, the loud and disrupting ringing of his cell altered his thoughts, snapping out of the daze he dug into his jean pocket and took out the black technology device, pressing the green talk button and bringing the cellular device up to his ear. “Ello?”

“Morning Frack!” Brian’s loud cheering voice boomed into his eardrums.

Nick hissed a hush over the phone, so slick like snake, hoping it didn’t wake the sleeping beauty next to him. “Dude, not so loud so early in the morning! I had a long night last night!”

Brian stiffed a chuckle over the phone when he heard that, Nick rolled his eyes as his laughing became more rapid. “Ok Nick, what’s her name this time?”

He instantly tensed up, recalling the events of the night before. “Yeah...well...you see...you already know her.”

“I do?!” He questioned, laughing slightly. “It isn’t my fiancée is it?”

“No you dumb moron! But, it’s A.J’s cousin, it’s Leigh-Anna.” He wearily responded.

“What?! Nick, are you crazy?! A.J is going to murder you for this!” Brian’s shocked voice vibrated across the phone, the unbelief clearly visible in his tone.

“I know man, I know, but I can’t help it dude, it feels like I’m drawn to her.” Nick said quietly, his eyes darting to her.

Nick’s eyes widened when he heard Brian chuckle a bit over the phone. “Dude, what are you, in love with her or something?” Brian automatically knew the answer when Nick didn’t respond, his sigh filling the speaker, a thoughtful one. “Oh my god Nick, please tell me you’re not falling in love with her!”

Nick spoke in an urgent and hushed tone. “That’s the thing Bri, I think I am, I mean she’s a great person, she’s smart, she’s hot as hell, and, she doesn’t treat me like, Nick Carter the Backstreet Boy, but, Nick Carter, the human being who needs someone to have an actual conversation with.”

It took several long seconds for Brian to even choke out a response. “Wow Nick, I can’t really say much, but you and Leigh-Anna are very close to me, and so is A.J, so don’t expect me to get heavily involved if this over escalades, just be careful ok?”

“Don’t worry I will. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Alright man, I gotta go, wife to be is calling, and don’t forget the wedding is in two and a half weeks!” He reminded his best friend and best man. Brian hung the phone up and Nick pressed the end button, sighing to himself as Leigh-Anna scuffled amongst the sheets on the bed, he observed her when she slowly began to open her eyes, muffled moans starting to get louder and louder from her mouth as she lifted her body into an upright sitting position, Nick started laughing to himself knowing what was going to hit her like a ton of bricks, the worst thing possibly about drinking way too much, a hangover. Being the kind and regarding person he is, he stretched his arm out and cupped a glass of water into the palm of his hand, and intermingling a small thin bottle of aspirin into his fingers, handing the glass and popping two pills into his hand, Leigh-Anna gulped the water and pills down at a slow rate, letting the situation sink in, as far as he could tell, until she realized she wasn’t wearing any clothes, in nothing but her black bra and matching bikini bottoms she gasped in total shock and looked at him, half naked, with no shirt and only a pair of blue board shorts.

“Jesus Christ Nick, tell me we didn’t...”

He slowly shook his head. “No, but we came damn close!”

“Then, explain to me this, why the hell am I in your bed, and, half-naked?!” She countered, putting two hands on her throbbing head.

“Well you see, it all started when I decided to take you home...” He said, building up the truth behind the story.

”Nick, take these clothes off of me.” Leigh-Anna demanded, piping up her elbows onto his bed looking at him, he returned her with a look of bewilderment, what else should she possibly do to make him more aggravated tonight? She was already loaded, drinking way beyond what he would’ve imagined a sixteen year olds body could handle, which could explain her throwing up twice on the sides of the street, and him having to carry her all the way from the club, to his car, to his house and up to his bedroom. “Jesus Nick, control you’re cock for crying out loud, I just need to get these clothes off me, I can barley breathe right now, and I’m way too loaded to even attempt at it.”

He drew a deep breath and tugged at the bottom of the dress, praying the dress would just slide off her, but no such luck, he knew what he had to do, and it would take every ounce of will power in the world just to just say ‘screw it’ and go down on her. He slowly harnessed himself on top of her, scissoring the two straps of her dress and slowly removing it from her arms, having to take a moment to take a deep breath, trying to control himself after removing her dress from her thighs, his eyes feasting on her toned body, her breasts, a C-cup mostly, perked up and nice, just the way he wanted them, her flat stomach and her perfect legs, Jesus this girl! Once the dress was officially off her body she attempted standing, only resulting in an absolute failed attempt, she tripped up in her own toes, her body falling toward his own, Nick’s arms starched out and caught her just in time.

“My hero.” She smirked, looking up at him, Nick’s head shook in a swift and removing motion, vanquishing all thoughts of her from his brain, he quickly scooped her into his arms and carried her to his own, king sized bed, her arms still linked firmly around his neck when he glided her to the sheeted and comfy mattress, her arms wouldn’t let go either, she brought her down with him, his frame crashing against her, their noses touching.

He didn’t even realize he was doing he was doing it, first thing he knew he was assisting her into his bed to get a good night’s sleep and sober her up, and now one of his hands was firmly planted on her thigh and the other gently placed on the length of her neck, kissing her hard, whimpers of fiery passion exploding out of their mouths, what the hell was he doing? Him and a minor, hell no, but damn her warm figure against his own felt so warm, his lips and her own were in a battle against each other, but he knew it was wrong, as much as it killed him, he groaned so loudly and pulled away, pouncing off her, both of his hands pressed against the top of his head, his eyes slammed shut like a rail.

She looked at him in disbelief. “Wow Nick, you really didn’t do it last night did you?”

“No Leigh-Anna I didn’t, I wouldn’t take advantage of you like that, hell, I can’t take advantage of you like that!” He jolted, looking into her blue eyes, her face softened and she leaned in, her lips brushing against his own swiftly and warmly, he looked at her surprised.

“Thank you Nick, but I kind of need to get something off my chest.”

“If you have to go vomit please run for it to the bathroom, I’m sure you got some of that sick mixture on my car.”

“Shut up Carter!” She giggled highly. “Um, basically all I’m trying to say if that, and this may make you want to run and hide but, no matter how hard I try, I can’t stay away from you, you’re everything I think about.”

He didn’t what to speak, he wanted to kiss her endlessly and hold her tight, there were so many plus sides to this, and so many down sides as well. “Leigh-Anna, I’m not running anywhere.” He spoke softly, he pulled her into his side and rubbed her shoulder, hoping that whatever negative was sure to fall their way, they could overcome it, but the question was, how big was the negative load?

Sadly enough, the day had to come to an end, much to Leigh-Anna’s dismay. After her heart warmed up to him 150 degrees more to her ‘secret boyfriend’, after he oozed to her he didn’t take advantage to her, they spent the whole entire Sunday together, had lunch on the patio, watched a couple of DVD’s and played a couple of rounds of pool, and, giving them another shot. He took her home, giving her one last fire filled kiss before she went into her house, coaxing her mother, her father and her whole family, lying telling them she spent the whole night at Amanda’s, luckily enough they fell for it. But A.J on the other hand, took a lot more convincing, he believed them both when they were screaming at him, ranting on about how much they hated one another and would never see one another ever again. Pity A.J actually believed them, with a smug grin of self-satisfaction.

Well, it was Thursday, four days later and the final bell at Lakebridge High came to a ring, dismissing them for another weekend, at least for her anyway, she gathered her book and shoved them quickly into her bag, slinging it over her shoulder and walking out of the building, meeting up with Mrs. Clearwater, her History and Geo teacher, lightly clutching her arm as she made her way towards the opened doors, making Leigh-Anna look at the young educator oddly.

“So sorry Leigh-Anna, I didn’t mean to startle you, just to let you know, there’s a man out there in a car for you, he says he knows you personally.” She said, pointing towards a shiny and fancy new Blue convertible, No freaking way. She looked at the driver, shades and a sandy blonde head of beautiful hair, yup, there was no question, that was Nick.

“Thanks for the concern Mrs. Clearwater, but I do know him, he’s a personal friend, but why do you ask?”

“School policy.” She stated simply, noticing the over excited smile on Leigh-Anna’s face as she anxiously looked at the new car in the schools view. “Have a good night Leigh-Anna.” She said kindly, Leigh-Anna nodded and they both went their separate ways, Leigh-Anna neared the shiny car with the top down, her mouth agape as she pushed passed some students who were circling around Nick and the car.

She shoved passed a couple of guys, drooling over the shined up and pimped up Blue ’58 Mustang with its top down. What a beauty it was, she tossed her bag into the back and literally hoped into the car, refusing the open a door when the gateway entrance to the car was so easy. Nick chuckled and smiled at highlighted hottie as she hopped in, he started the engine and it gave a nice, clean roar, breezing out of the awed teenagers, faster than lightning. “How were classes?”

“Good, Chemistry was great as always, I got a ninety-eight on my test!” She smiled, gleaming at her latest accomplishment.

“Great job baby!” He congratulated, something she could get used to, him calling her baby, Leigh-Anna rested her head against the comfy white leather and looked at him, with a grin from ear to ear.

“Thanks, it was hard but it paid off, anyways, what did you do today?” She questioned.

“Not very much, just finished a meeting with the guys, officially confirming the break and all that yadda, yadda, so after that, I was getting ready to go to MacDonald’s so I figured I’d pick you up and bring you along.” He said confidently, Leigh-Anna kept looking at him, lost into his perfect features, the way the sun gleamed against his face, the way the blue sky’s complimented everything about him, the way he smiled at her as they stopped at a red light. Nick slowly leaned in, getting closer and closer to her, lightly pressing his lips against hers.

“Now what was that for?”

He shrugged. “Just missed you.”

Leigh-Anna laughed, rolling her eyes as they pulled into the drive thru at Mickey Dees, Nick voiced their orders into the voice box, ordering two chicken caesar wraps, a coke for him and a sprite for her, he drove into the order booth and the young woman gave him their bag, he tipped her a nice ten and reared out of the place, cranking the radio on blast when Here I Go Again blared over the course of the speakers. Leigh-Anna smiled to herself, enjoying her time with Nick, her new flame, her secret flame, but still, a flame all to its own. Leigh-Anna clamped her knees onto the dashboard and let her down, letting it blow in the wind. Nick laughed to himself at the freeness and beauty of the woman right next to him. Sadly, the feeling left as Nick pulled into Leigh-Anna mothers parking lot, they both sighed and Nick slowly walked her to her door, taking both his hands and snaking them around her waist.

“Are you sure your mother won’t just pull into the driveway any moment, busting us, after all, we supposedly ‘hate each other’” Nick said, chuckling at the last four words.

Leigh-Anna smiled, biting the corner of her lip playfully. “I’m positive she won’t. She’s away on a business trip remember? She won’t be back until late Saturday, but Daisy and the other little angles will be home any minute, I’ve gotta get going, would you like to come over tonight?” She asked, hope circling in her icy clear blue eyes.

Nick sighed and looked at the Florida sky, making the hope fade in her eyes, but he whipped his head back to her and laughed. “Now how stupid would I be if I turned down that offer?!” He said finally, pulling on a goofy grin.

“Very!! I’ll see you later, maybe then when the little ones are tucked away we can watch a movie, fool around a little, and, talk about our little trip tomorrow.” She whispered in his ear, nibbling his ear lobe, tracing her kisses down all the way over his neck and to his perfect and warm lips, Nick kissed her back and couldn’t protest.

“Sounds good.” He said pulling back, noticing that the big yellow school bus was making it’s stops, dropping little kids off at the designated stops. “I’ll see you tonight!” He kissed her one last time and jogged to his car, Leigh-Anna waved at him as his car took off down the road, suddenly, her anticipation was growing for this evening, and even more for tomorrow.

Nick strode along the stoned walk way trail. Leading entry to large oak door as the Floridian sun started to set, for, yet another day to come to an end. He lightly tapped onto Leigh-Anna’s door and waited for the door to swing open, but oddly enough, no one answered, he tried knocking again, a little harder this time, wrinkling his eyebrows when no one answered yet again. Nick slowly placed his hand onto the knob and turned it a full three-sixty, sliding into her classic style home, he slowly looked around the house, everything was in check, dishes cleaned and placed on the kitchen counter, ready to put away, his eyes scanned the whole rooms as he walked throughout the house, finally peeking out the kitchen doors, that led to the huge backyard. His eyes stayed on the scene that played in front of his eyes, a sight that made a smile creep across his face. On the other end of the patio, at the end of the driveway, exactly where the huge garage reached, Nick watched Leigh-Anna’s younger sister, Daisy, playing basket ball, trying her best to shoot the ball into the net that was attached onto the garage roof, but sadly, the ball wouldn’t go in. He was going to go over there and show her better ways to dunk the ball, but something stopped him, did she even know about him? What if she got scared? He was almost positive that this ten year old hadn’t seen him in her life.

“Leigh-Anna!! There’s a stranger in the house!!” Someone screamed from behind him, he whipped around and his eyes locked onto a scared little boy. Clearly and utterly scared of his presence, he tried to coax the little light brown haired boy but he bolted into the kitchen faster than he’d seen any little tyke run in the longest time.

“Don’t worry, that’s just Andy, he gets a little...on edge, when he sees someone he doesn’t know, especially in the house, you must be Nick, I’m Daisy.” The ten year old extended her hand, she looked just like a mini version of Leigh-Anna, only this little one had no highlighted dye in her hair, she was going to be a major find one day.

“That’s me, nice to meet you Daisy, are you sure you’re only ten years old?” He questioned, astounded at her politeness and mannerisms.

Daisy giggled and nodded. “I’m eleven in two months, I’m a July baby!” She quipped, grabbing three of his fingers and wrapping it into hers, leading him into the beautiful kitchen, the kitchen was big and roomy, and, filled with an atmosphere, tons of cherry, burgundy, and a dark oak shade, every kitchen appliance was either built in or placed with care wherever it was placed, much like a floor plan. Wow, Leigh-Anna wasn’t kidding when she said she loved spending time in her kitten.

Then all of the sudden, Leigh-Anna emerged from whatever she was doing, it seemed that she was in the shower, her wet hair looked like it was towel dried, but she looked so fine in a simple yellow camisole, and a black pair of sweat pants, she looked hot, very, very hot.

“You know! Whoever you are, what gives you the right to barge into my house, there are laws against this shit you know!!” She yelled, her sharp voice filling the room, the yelling continued until she was fully in the kitchen, her ramblings automatically stopped when she seen him. “Nick, how did you get in?”

“The front door was open.” He stated simply, Daisy giggled, but the little boy that clutched Leigh-Anna leg from behind.

“Andy it’s alright, this is my...uh, friend Nick, he’s helping me with some homework.” Leigh-Anna stammered.

“Should this ‘homework’ be kept from mom?” Daisy asked, keen eyed.

“If you both know what’s good for you, it will be.” Leigh-Anna retorted, Andy trotted over toward Daisy, Leigh-Anna clapped her hands together and looked at the clock, the digits on the microwaves clock read eight-thirty, the sun almost down fully, making the colors of orange, pink and light purple stretch across the sky. “Okay! Time to get ready for bed, I promised mom I’d have you in bed in an hour, go get ready, I’ll be up later to tuck you all in.”

“But I don’t want to go to bed!” Andy complained.

“Too bad, go get ready, I didn’t say you had to fall asleep, you can watch TV or something!”

Nick folded his arms and leaned against the countertops, watching the way Leigh-Anna interacted with her younger siblings, very impressed with her, once they all trudged out of the kitchen to the bathroom, ready to brush their teeth, she looked at his smirking face, her eye brow raised high. “What are you thinking?”

He chuckled and waltzed his way over to her. “I think that you’re siblings are very much like you!” He laughed, Leigh-Anna rolled her eyes and hugged him, wrapping her arms around his neck affectionately, lightly pressing her lips against his, closing her eyes, savouring the moment. “Wow. Miss me?” She nodded, Nick smirked and before he could even decipher what he was doing, he snaked one of his arms around her back and used the other one to buckle her legs back, making her fall into his arms, Leigh-Anna’s laughing screams filled the air as he carried her over to, what looked a lot like, the living room.

“Okay Carter, what exactly are you planning on?” She laughed as he crashed on top of her, kissing her again.

“Can’t a guy just kiss his girlfriend whenever he pleases?”

“Hum, well...when you looks like yours, it’s hard to say no.” She laughed, pecking his soft lips once more.

“Likewise Mrs. Roberts, I thought you had a full house here? Where’s the rest of them?” Nick asked, finally getting off one another and sitting on the sofa properly, he looked at her intently, studying her sun tanned face, it was a rare moment of silence in her house.

“Well, Liam and Marsha are staying at a friend’s, and my sister Cici is staying with her boyfriend’s house, my mom wanted me and the rest to stay with my aunt but I think I’m doing a pretty good job!” Leigh-Anna took a breath, letting the sweet harmonic exhale escape her lips. “So, are we still on for tomorrow?”

“Hell yeah, but, I do have one question, how are you going to skip off, and convince everyone else you’re sick when you’re not?”

“It’s simple really, I’ll get up tomorrow, usual time, get the kids up and ready for school, make my calls to everyone that needs to be called, and I’ll meet you around eight?” She explained, looking at him intently.

“Sounds good, where would you like to go tomorrow?” He asked.

“Wherever the wind takes us!” She giggled. “I’m a simple girl Nick, it doesn’t take much to please me! But right now, I think I need to be pleased in another way.” She added, wrapping her arms around neck, attacking his lips fiercely, Nick fired back as he wrapped his arms around her waist, both heavily into their goodbye make out session, and for Leigh-Anna, she hoped this was only a prelude to what could happen tomorrow.

Ah, Fridays. A god send in most ways, it’s the beginning of the weekend for the kids, and for some adults, well, in Leigh-Anna’s case, she was on a high, her hair was blowing freely in the warm wind, her knees rested against the dashboard, listening to the radio as Nick drove along the dusty road, she rested her head on the leather headrest and studied his face calmly, and lovingly, with a smile on both faces. He was perfect, in every single sense of the word. From his personality, the caring, loving, funny, realistic person that he was made her proud to be with him. Even if they were hiding it from the world.

Nick looked over to her direction, the sun hitting his perfect face from an angel, letting his already tan skin shine and his white teeth glisten, the black shades covering his eyes from the suns rays. “You okay?” He asked.

She smiled and nodded her head. “I’m great, I’m kind of shocked we actually get to spend an entire day together though, but, it’s a great kind of shock.”

Nick tilted his head, mirroring her smile as he turned back to the road, making his pose look like a model, his words rang in her head like the sweet sound of a harp. “Eh, tell me about it. I’m very satisfied to have you alone and all to myself.” He smirked, she laughed in response, a giggly, sweet one, turning her attention to the road, Leigh-Anna prayed that this date would turn out amazingly perfect, maybe it could follow up to something even more later on in life.

After an hour and thirty minutes, which brought them up to ten o’clock in the morning, Nick put his sleek, purring engine to a stop, yanked the keys out of ignition and got out of the car, slowly walking around the front of the car, Leigh-Anna’s sight lost in awe of his togetherness style, a deep purple T-shirt with some golden logo starched across the shoulder blades, showing his mussels in his chest and arms, with a simple pair of blue jeans and Nike sneakers he looked amazing, resembling today’s newest top model, only better and a better personality.

He opened the Mustangs door with one of his hand and took hers into his free hand, gliding her freely out into some dusty parking lot, she looked around at the place strangely, the parking consisted of no pavement, just white dust and powered rocks, in the lot there wasn’t a lot of cars, only about fifteen or so. All that was in sights reach was an old station and a map station. Nick chuckled, making her snap out of her wondering minute.

“You don’t know where we are do you?” He chuckled.

“Not a clue.” She responded sheepishly.

“Well, you’re about to find out!” He said, taking her hand tightly, but, comfortingly into his. Walking toward the station, the big sign with bulky letters starting to get more and more visible. The big white and green sign read ‘Scott’s Animal Park’. An animal park, Leigh-Anna smiled broadly, she loved animals, it was a bright and warm sunny day, her date with Nick to an animal park with tons of the little cuties. They checked into the station and were given the maps of the reserve and a pamphlet about some of the species that were kept there, some cute and furry, and, some scaley and dangerous.

“You look so beautiful and sexy today by the way, have I told you that yet?”

“Once or twice.” She laughed, she didn’t feel like she was wearing anything special, just a neon orange tank and a black pair of shorts with matching heels, her usual date attire.

“Ready to go through?” He asked, looking at her, keeping his hand within hers.

“Hell yeah!” She replied, he chuckled and they began walking hand in hand, on the board walk, into the huge animal jungle.

The park was amazing, all the cute little animals were so cute, the owls, bunnies and birds were adorable, even the caged bear, alligator, and crocodilians were enjoyable, everything about that time they spent in the mini forest getaway was amazing, Nick was the perfect gentleman, he wouldn’t let go of her hand, every time they stopped to observe the surroundings he’d hug her from behind, and lightly peck her temple every chance he got. “So, did you like it?” He asked, as they walked back toward the car.

“It was so amazing, and, being with you made it all better!” She gushed, linking both their into each others, Nick pulled her into a sweet kiss in the middle of the parking lot, Leigh-Anna gladly gave into his lips and intermingled her mouth to his. Propping her right up and sneaking her arms around his neck. “And that, I missed.” She laughed, stealing another quick one from him before they hoped into the car.

“Where to next babe?” She asked, fiddling with the radio stations.

“Scoopers ice cream.” He stated simply before giving the engine a sleek, clean roar.

“Of course!” She laughed as they took off, leaving a cloud of dust behind.

About an hour later, they pulled up into Bowering Beach, a huge sandy beach, just outside of busy Orlando where people would go to, to walk their dogs, take a stroll on their own, or quite simply, just have fun at the beach and go for a dip. They took their ice cream cups and sat down on the sand, breathing in a relaxing sigh Leigh-Anna rested her head on Nick’s shoulder. Staring at the glistening ocean. “You okay?” He asked her, kissing her temple.

“Yeah, yeah I’m great, this day has been perfect Nick, thank you so much for taking me away, I sure as hell needed it.” She explained, smiling at him, but her smile soon faded, she tossed her empty cup into the nearby trash can and linked her arms around her legs. “But, I have to be honest, I’m very impressed that you don’t seem to mind what people think about you seeing me.”

“Look Leigh-Anna, I like you a lot, and to be frank, I really give a damn about what the others say about us.” He told her.

“Then why do you have to sneak around to see each other.”

Nick sighed and mirrored her actions. “I know babe, but it’s only for a little while, I promise. I promise nothing is going to hurt, you or me anymore, not A.J, not you family, not my own. Anyone.”

Leigh-Anna smiled and threw her arms around him, colliding on top of him, laughing against his lips and she kissed him hungrily. Nick slithered his arms around her waist and rolled on top of her, attacking her lips with his own, getting the taste of his lips fully Leigh-Anna was truly and defiantly in heaven. But she couldn’t help but freeze for one second when she felt Nick’s hand slide up her top and rub her side, but, she felt, whole, when she was with him, no matter what she was doing, she didn’t even know she could kiss him harder than she was already doing, but she was, Leigh-Anna tugged at the bottom of his shirt, a pigeon flew down, and landed on Nick’s head, taking his beak and tugging on his perfect hair.

“What the fuck?!” Nick said in disbelief, mouth open, trying to shake his head, to get the gull off.

Leigh-Anna chuckled at the sight. “I think even the birds want a piece of you!” She giggled, standing up and shoeing the pigeon away from his perfect locks.

“Am I that irresistible?” He joked.

She giggled. “Yes you are. Damn that gull, I guess we better get going huh?” She said, the sadness abundant in her voice, and her actions, as she played around with his warm fingers.

Nick glanced at his watch, one thirty. “Yeah, you need to get home the little ones at a decent hour don’t you?”

Leigh-Anna didn’t respond, just nodded, Nick stood up and she extended her hand, refusing to look up at his perfect face, afraid she would let a few tears slip down her face, picturing them spending time away from each other. She felt a big jerk on her arm, and then she was pulled into the air, she legs rested beneath one of Nick’s arms, Nick had her scooped up like she was a feather, she giggled loudly, all her negative fears were washed away while he carried her to his car, both of them laughing are joking around the whole way, Nick refusing to let her feel touch the ground. He put her into the car and jogged around to the other side, hoping in himself and letting the engine purr to life. Nick reached back and drove out of the parking lot, the date had almost come to an end.

“Okay, were here.” Nick’s sad words rang in her ear, this day was perfect, and she didn’t want it to end, at all, ever. She was so great with him, he was so great with her, his eyes were so soft and loving all throughout the whole entire day, there was no doubt that there was something between, some connection unlike any other. They slowly exited the car, she was making her way to the steps when Nick pulled her arm back and geared her into his arms, he spun them around so her back was rested against the blue metal pain as he kissed her. Leigh-Anna smiled as she slipped her tongue into his mouth, nothing could go wrong today, until a car pulled into the driveway.

“What the hell is going on?!” A.J’s roaring voice boomed throughout the driveway, making them both part away from their lips.

“A.J! I-I can explain!” Leigh-Anna stammered, the fear in her eyes starting to grow as well as the fear in her voice. She looked toward Nick, his eyes were confident, but the fear was there to, and it was clearly noticeable.

“Explain what? Ditching school and sneaking off all day!!” He yelled.

“Whoa, A.J man, clam down man, Leigh-Anna’s a big girl she can take care of herself!” Nick stepped in, stepping in front of the shorter backstreet.

A.J’s eyes and expression grew darker than it ever was before, it made Leigh-Anna’s insides flip with fear, she prayed nothing would happen between them because of A.J. It couldn’t. He wouldn’t. “Fuck off Carter, I’ll deal with you later.” AJ spat, pushing him out of the way, Nick clearly wasn’t taking that lying down, he bounced back and shoved A.J away from Leigh-Anna before the yells of disappointment would head her way.

“A.J stop it!! Why can’t you all just back the fuck out my life?! I don’t need you, my mother, my father or anyone else bitching at me, telling me who I should see and not see. Why is it so god damn hard for you to see that Nick and I are dating!!” Leigh-Anna screamed, stepping in the middle of the two hard faced men, her own blue eyes icing over, the clear resentment and utter disgust toward her older cousin very evident.

“Yes you do Leigh-Anna!! You beginning to act like a stubborn little girl, you’re sixteen years old for crying out loud, I don’t want to hear this anymore, we’re going inside so maybe you’ll stay out of trouble then!” A.J spat, grabbing her roughly by the arms.

It all happened so fast after that.

Nick suddenly broke the two apart, Leigh-Anna stumbling back and bumping her spin against the metal rear view mirror of A.J’s car, Nick socked A.J right in the jaw, making the tattooed one stumble backward, he looked up at his younger blonde band mate and tackled him to the ground, both of them wouldn’t stop, they wouldn’t stop punching each other, Leigh-Anna screamed her head off when A.J delivered a mighty bloody wiles to Nick’s nose, causing it to bleed. Leigh-Anna used every ounce of strength she had in her body, pushing her cousin off her boyfriend. “Will both of you please! Stop it! A.J please just go home and leave us be!” She begged, turning her back, turning her attention back to Nick, pressing her forehead to his.

“Not a fucking chance in hell, you’re going inside!” A.J roared, getting a tight grip on Leigh-Anna’s arms, with an unbelievable force he started dragging her into her home, she wept as she struggled against her cousins grip and the pulling force, she peeked her head around and watched as a helpless and stunned Nick watched them both, before A.J hauled her inside.

He sighed deeply as his foot tapped against the smooth, brown oak floor, thinking about...everything. It had been exactly fifteen days since he’d seen that sixteen year old goddess he couldn’t help but think about. He never spoke to anyone, not a single person, not even Brian, he needed time away, away from everything and everyone, even her. He needed time for himself, he needed to think things through, every single aspect of this whole entire knotted situation he needed to think about, what he felt when he was with her, the way her body pressed against his own, the way her eyes told her emotion before it spattered all over her glowing face. God damnit Leigh-Anna, you’re like a beautiful curse, do you know that? No matter how hard I try, and no matter how much it pisses me off, you’re stuck in my head. Fuck!! Everything he needed to course through his brain, over the past fifteen days, whooshed through him like a tidal wave.

She was too young for him, at least for now anyway, her sixteen to his twenty it wouldn’t be accepted until at least another two, maybe three years, possibly even more now that he wasn’t on the best terms with the guys and her family about this. He knew it was wrong, he knew it, but he didn’t want to admit, every feeling he felt when he was with her felt so right, she had her speculations, so did he, this wasn’t supposed to happen, funny how fate works itself out. Wow, what a predicament they were in, as much as she was in, he was too, six feet under.

He trudged down the stairs and looked at the clock, only ten pm, the night was still young, well, that was until the doorbell rang. He looked strangely at the large oak door. Damnit I hope it’s not one of those girls from before! He silently prayed to himself, walking over toward the door, placing his palm onto the silver handle, turning it, secretly hoping to see the girl, his once secret girl, instead, he was shocked to find an extension of the Roberts family on the other side of the door, his older brother, tattooed bad boy A.J, with a hint of wonderment and guilt in his eyes?

“A.J?” Nick questioned bewildered, astonished that he would be the first to come, especially after their most recent encounter.

“Yeah it’s me, can I come in?” He asked, looking at him, his expression quiet.

“Sure, sure thing, come in!”

He stepped aside and A.J tarried inside, Nick closed the door shut and followed him into the living room, the two men sat down on the sofa, A.J looking intently at his hands, palms clamped shut against the other. The situation was awkward, there was no doubt about that, it was probably even more awkward than if Leigh-Anna had shown up. Finally, after what seemed to be, five killing minutes, A.J sighed and spoke out. “Koas, you haven’t given us any signal whatsoever that your even alive, are you okay?”

“Yeah I’m fine, I’ve just been thinking, about everything.” Nick said.

This made A.J eyes open wider, head snapping over to his younger brother. “Well that’s good, I sure as hell hope you have it all figured out and are making the responsible decision about this. Nick, you need to stay away from Leigh-Anna, and I know that your both sick and tired of hearing this but at least for now Nick, this fling between you and Leigh-Anna can’t happen, maybe in two or three years all power to you both, but as for now Nick, no, this won’t happen, it’s just to exhausting, for each and every person involved.”

“I know.” He said, his voice small, almost whisper like.

“You do?” Asked a blown away A.J, the shock clearly evident in his face as they entered the kitchen.

“Yeah, I do, she’s four years younger, though it’s hurting me to say this, I can’t see her anymore, like you said, maybe in a couple of years, but, for now, I have to let her go, no matter how much it hurts me.” He said quietly, that last part of the sentence, A.J strained to hear.

A.J sighed and walked over to his brother, placing a hand on his concerned and caring hang on Nick’s shoulder. “I’m proud of you Nick, I really am. I’m sorry for fighting with you the other day.”

“Don’t mention it.” He nodded, A.J returned the nod, and made his way to the door, getting ready to call it a night.

“A.J!”

“Yeah bro?”

“How is she?” He asked, he couldn’t resist, he at least had to know how she was doing.

“She’s coping well, she misses you a lot I’ll admit, but, she’s gotten real close to Christine.”

“Has she?”

“Yeah, it’s kinda scary actually, but Nick, I gotta get going but I will tell you this, forget about everything that’s happened in the last few months, get yourself a girl, and please, for your own sake, move on.” A.J said, in his most caring voice yet.

“I know, I have to move on.” He said quietly I just don’t want to. AJ sighed and nodded his head, making his way toward the door to go home, Nick waited until he heard the roar of the engine until he gripped the whiskey bottle behind him, pouring a nice big of the smooth liquid into the glass, drinking it straight. God damnit, this may be a lot harder than I’d expected! He thought to himself, reaching into his back pocket he pulled out his wallet and slipped out a picture of a newly taken pic of him and Leigh-Anna, it was one of their secret meetings they shared, both of their faces were pressed against each other, his lips against her cheek, while he was looking at the picture, he said something that he never thought he would say ever in his life.

“Since when is falling in love this complicated?”

“I’m very proud of you honey.”

Her mother’s soft and loving voice filled her train of thought, breaking her concentration from the little white sheet of paper that was pressed on the table, her eyes broke the papers and she looked at her mother, smiling at the woman. “Thanks mom, I never thought in a million years I’d actually get accepted, never.”

“Well you did, and you deserve it, you really do. I’m proud of you Leigh-Anna, I always am.” Christine said, the pride in her eldest daughter evident in her voice. “I’m going to go lay down for a bit, you take some time to relax honey, you deserve it.” Her mother added, gently pressing her lips against her daughters temple, before heading up stairs, over the past couple of days, the woman had fell ill, a very high temperature, headaches, all that nasty stuff, of course, she had her dizziness return, Leigh-Anna just hoped that her mother will be better in a week or so and then they could go back to normal, if life could ever be normal.

Life in normality, bullshit. Leigh-Anna thought to herself, breathing in deep, sighing long and hard as she made her way out into one of the lounge chairs outside, making herself comfortable on one, after she took off her top, relaxing in her bikini top, trying to get a natural tan, but her mind wasn’t on the beating warm sun that was shining on her stomach, but it was on someone else, Nick. He hasn’t even spoke to her since their last date, which, went horribly wrong at the end. It was now the end of May, about a month and two weeks since they last seen each together, last spoken to one another. And everything was changing, fast, it was almost, scary. Everything was happening so fast and there was nothing she could do to slow it down, life was taking it’s full out course, weather she liked it or not.

She sighed and eased into the chair even more, trying to clear her head, this decision was so big, this was her future they were talking about after all, all her aspirations were sealed when that little slip arrived in the mail this morning, but, even though she wanted to go, another part of her didn’t want to go, she didn’t want to away from her family, her friends, but, most of all, she didn’t want to be thousands of miles away from him, they wouldn’t even be in the same state. God fucking damnit, one part of me wants to stay, but, another part wants to leave, what the hell am I going to do? Jesus Christ, I promised myself I wouldn’t fall for anyone until I was like, 20, but now, I’m tied between love, and my future.

Then she heard a big thump, almost like a glass vase smashing into a million pieces, this made her jump, big time, she knew this couldn’t be good, not good at all, she changed into her shirt against like a lightning bolt, quickly hurrying into the house, sliding the doors open and ran out into the hall. Her entire body froze, she remained still, covering her mouth, trying to restrain the vomit from making its way into her throat. There was her mother, lying on the floor, and what looked like, barely breathing.

A natural scream of sheer panic and terror escaped her mouth, she bolted into the den and grabbed the phone, rushing over to her mother’s side as her shaky fingers stumbled over the phones digits. Dialling the hospital’s emergency number. Waiting for the operator to answer her desperate call.

“911, what’s your emergency?”

“You need to come quick, my mom just passed out on the floor, she fell down the stairs or something, please, please come quick I don’t think she’s breathing!”

“Honey listen to me, you need to tell me your street address so I can send an ambulance your way okay?”

“Okay, um, my address is, 157 Ropewalk Avenue, house 197, the one with The Roberts sign in the front.”

“Okay then honey, I have an ambulance on the way, stay on the line with me until the paramedics arrive.”

“Alright, please, please, please, tell them to hurry!” Leigh-Anna sobbed over the phone, letting her tears hit the floor, staring at her mother’s lifeless body, it was only a fever, some dizziness and an abnormal mom for a couple of days, no big deal. Right?

Thankfully, the medical hospital in Florida is extremely quick to respond to a call, the paramedics did their magic strapping Christine to the gurney and trapping them both into the back of the ambulance, Leigh-Anna had a hold onto her mother’s hand that it could’ve locked their DNA together, she still had a river pouring down her face, a million different things running around in her head. What the hell is happening? First, in a way, I lose Nick, and now, there’s a possibility I could lose my own mother, why is this happening?!

Once they arrived at the hospital, the two paramedics whisked her mother away along with some nurses and a doctor, doing who knows what, she a mess, she didn’t need a mirror or anyone to tell her that, her heart was going so fast, faster than a speeding car or the autobahn, her hands were shaking, she could barely stand up, let alone think about anything. She looked up ahead at an approaching nurse that was walking her way over to her.

“Hello sweetie is there anything I could do to help you? Call someone, get you a drink of water?”

“Um, could you call my cousin, A.J? Here’s his number.” Leigh-Anna handed over a little piece of white paper, the nurse nodded sweetly and left her be, she ran her hands through her hair and brought her knees to her chest, rocking herself back and forth in those uncomfortable green hospital chairs. She rested her head against her kneecaps. Waiting.

It felt like an eternity, in that medium sized room, lone in the room for what seemed to be, forever, her eyes never left the spot she was staring at, the same four by four floor tile she kept staring hopelessly at, that is, until A.J burst through the door, her eyes snapped toward him, her feet slammed on the floor and raced over toward him, throwing her arms around her cousin, crying her eyes out into his shoulder, her sobs becoming hushed and quiet.

“Shh, Leigh-Anna what happened?” He asked, his voice soft, as he guided her into the same seat she had been sitting in for the last who knows how long.

“I heard a loud bang inside, I rushed in and seen mom lying on the floor unconscious, she’d been sick for the past few days, I guess she was coming down stairs for something and fell, I’ve been here for the last twenty minutes but no one has even said one word to me about her, oh god what if she doesn’t make it!”

A.J pulled her into arms tightly, embracing the crying teenager, Leigh-Anna hugged her arms around his shoulders, where the hell was everyone? Did her siblings even know what happened? “A.J, where’s my father? Does he even know what happened?”

“He’s at your house sweetie, the hospital called as soon as you called 911, he’s at the house right now with the younger ones, trying to calm them down, they want you to come home, but, I knew you’d want to stay.”

“Your damn right I do, I was there A.J, I seen her on the ground, I...I should’ve done more than call 911.” Leigh-Anna said, the tears glistening her face as she tried speaking without her voice cracking, but, her attempt was failed.

The next twenty minutes was spent calming the hysterical crying teenager down, A.J left about eighteen minutes later, in search for a nurse or a doctor, for answers, leaving Leigh-Anna alone in the, what seemed to be, decreasing room, even though there was nobody waiting there beside her, as the moments ticked on and on, the room seemed to be getting, smaller, smaller and smaller. The tears hadn’t come to a close either, she just stayed in there, in the same chair, same position, knees to her chest, forehead planted on the kneecaps, eyes slammed shut, praying this was all a sick, twisted dream.

Until Nick burst through the doors.

Leigh-Anna’s head went to the doors swinging widely, her eyes opening more to the man standing in the doorway, with a dark pair of jeans and a black wife beater, hair spiked and all sexy like he always was, Leigh-Anna automatically ran over toward him and collided herself into his arms, clinging onto his waist, Nick’s arms slammed onto her back and held her tight, his iron grip was what made her feel...better, warmer, more relaxed in an unmanageable situation.

Nick mingled with some strands of hair from behind. “Leigh-Anna, are you alright, A.J just called, he told me what happened, how are you holding up baby?”

A.J sent him? A.J, my overprotective cousin who is always hovering over me worse than a vulture, asked Nick, the one he knows I could possibly love, to come here to comfort me, of fuck, this must be bad! Leigh-Anna thought silently to herself, resting the side of her head onto his brown leather jacket. The tears still falling down her face, but, the river wasn’t a river since arrived, only a hard and fast sprinkler shooting down her cheeks. Until she looked down to the ground, and saw this, girl, looking as innocent as ever, standing behind him.

“Um, Nicky, is everything okay?” Her squeaky voice asked him from behind, she had a very, soft, high voice, very annoying. She wasn’t even that pretty, with red hair and awkward green eyes, she made a very strange model, only small, about 5’2, stick thin, not very attractive at all.

“Uh...give me a minute Jan.”

Leigh-Anna’s defences automatically shot up, they were already up from her mother, who was already in the hospital, for what all she knew, clinging onto her life, and now, this girl shows up behind Nick, jealously panged through her entire system. “Nick, who the fuck is she?” She mumbled into his chest, her tone agitated.

“Oh...um...Jan is my...”

“I know who she is Nick, I just want to know why the hell she has the guts showing her face here!” Leigh-Anna retorted, her crushed hearts toned screamed agony that he found another girl, but, the tone started rising as she stepped back from his soft, warm arms.

“Uh, I’m very, very sorry about the situation that you’re placed in, believe me honey, I know how hard it is, but you’ll get over it.” Jan said, her tone sounded sincere enough. But not to Leigh-Anna, her eyes started turning red and her blood started boiling.

“Uh, Jan, maybe you should head home and rest, I’ll see you later.” Nick stepped in, before Leigh-Anna could. Jan took her cue, she nodded and quietly walked out of the hospital doors, Leigh-Anna’s jealously washed away and the fear for her mother’s life automatically returned. “Can we talk about this later?”

“Please, let’s do, just please Nick, hold me.” She said, her tone sounded a lot more desperate than she had planned, but again the tears started spilling down her cheeks and the sobs started to get more increased. A.J joined them finally, rubbing his cousins back softly, the threesome all sitting on the seats.






Until the doctor walked into the room.

They could all still hear the soft and depressing music of the organ playing, slowly lurking it’s way all over the graveyard. They were all standing around the grassy space, all eyes look down toward the coffin that was slowly lowering into the shovelled tomb, no one dared to speak a word, hell, no one dared to even move, the only tiny movements that were taking place was the slow comforting hand movements of Nick, gently gliding his hand up and down Leigh-Anna’s arm, bringing her some comfort on this gut-retching day. She was placed firmly underneath his shoulder, her head rested against him as they listened in carefully to the prayer the minister was reciting, before they lowered her mother’s casket into the dirt.

When the time finally came, it wasn’t easy for anyone at all, especially Leigh-Anna, as soon as the casket made one tiny movement, the tears started to increase more rapidly, she tried to squirm out of the suffocating hold that Nick took over her, but it was impossible, he wasn’t letting her get away, no matter how or what she did to try. But yet, she was grateful, grateful that he cared so much to show up here, sit with her through the whole thing, to hold her tighter when the harder parts of the ceremony came along, simply the fact that he never left her side all throughout this whole ordeal spoke so much. Truly touched her hart, and if possible, it made her fall even more in love with him.

“Oh god, Nick I really don’t think I can do this anymore.” She whispered into his chest as they lowered the remaining part of the casket into the ground, the grave diggers just itching to seal the barrier with dirt. Nick wrapped his arms around her back, pulling her even tighter into his chest, gently placing his hand on the back of her thick, soft hair. Tilting his head left, placing a comforting kiss against her temple.

“You’ve made it this far Leigh-Anna, just remember that.” He whispered, his voice still shaky, even the funeral must’ve shook him a little, A.J told her numerous times how much his grandmothers death affected him, there must have been one or two parts of this service that struck a nerve, or maybe it was something else, either way, this wasn’t a very good day at all. The twosome just stood there while everyone else was exiting the graveyard, walking slowly toward their individual cars. Occasionally she peeped open her eyes, some of her immanent family nodding towards Nick, giving them permission for her and him to be alone. For the first time in five excruciatingly painful and emotionally strangling days, she felt safe, planted firmly in his grasp, and the fact that he wouldn’t let her go, made a small, soft smile glide across her face.

“Nick, Leigh-Anna? I think you both better follow me, the family’s meeting at the house for a gathering.” Daniel spoke softly, his red eyes puffed and his voice very soft, so soft they had to strain to hear the man speak. “Nick, you are staying right?”

“He is.” Leigh-Anna answered before he could, he would’ve replied positively, but Leigh-Anna needed his support, in every single way she could get it. She needed it in order to keep her sanity. They started walking slowly out of the graveyard, more tears spilling down her face as the distance grew greater between her and her mother’s grave.

Once inside the Roberts home, everyone was gloomy, in fact, it felt as if everyone had a weight on their shoulders. No one really spoke of Christine, fearing that bringing up a very open wound would spring open a bloodbath of tears and sadness. Most of the smaller kids were taken to a play date at the hotel, all with the exception of Daisy, Cici, and Leigh-Anna, who were all standing around the kitchen, sipping on their drinks, trying to numb the pain, Cici and Leigh-Anna secretly slipping some alcoholic whiskey into their glasses filled with Coke, Leigh-Anna filling hers with a larger amount of the bronze coloured liquid.

“Nick, could you take me somewhere in about an hour, please?” She whispered into his ear, placing a steadying hand on his shoulder.

Nick looked a little puzzled after that. “Uh, sure thing, where though?”

“Anywhere, please Nick, I just want to get away from here.” She said in a hushed tone, her voice breaking with each passing word.

Nick studied her face intently, his face quickly turning to a very dark shade of worry, when the smell of alcohol quickly crept across his nose, the strong scent of the foul smelling liquid creasing from her mouth as she spoke. “Leigh-Anna, have you been drinking?” He asked alertly, in a very hushed tone, as he walked her over to the staircase, sitting her down.

She sighed and set the drink down on the stairway, resting her back against the wooden edge. “Yeah, a little bit.” She admitted. “But this is only my first one. Nothing more after, it was only a quick thing” She eased him, jumping in that particular comment fairly quickly.

Nick sighed and shook his head, it didn’t look like he bought it for one second. “Leigh-Anna, alcohol is never an alternative when something happens like this, trust me okay? I know what I’m talking about. The alcohol doesn’t need you, and you sure as hell don’t need the alcohol. There a lot of better ways to ease you pain.” His voice was soft and tender as he spoke, quickly reaching over the black dress coving her legs, he took the drink into his heads and swiftly went over to the hall bathroom, dumping the coke mixture into the sink. He quickly washed the liquid into the pipes and made his way back over the lost sixteen year old sitting on the stairs.

Leigh-Anna jammed her head against his shoulder, poking her eyes up into his, looking at him pleadingly. “Is this one of them?” She whispered, her voice cracking.

Nick slowly snaked an arm around her waist. “Yes, it is.” He said softly.

They were out there almost half an hour, Nick did not budge one bit, keeping her into his arms as she quietly sobbed into his chest. His eyes went to her hair line when he heard a slight and sad chuckle come from her. “You know, I’m getting tears all over your suit.” She said, there were small drops of tears on Nick’s perfect black tuxedo he was wearing.

“Don’t worry about it.” He stifled a chuckle and rubbed her shoulder, stood up and pulled her to her feet swiftly. “Do you still need to get away?”

She took a deep breath and nodded slightly. “Yes, for a little while. Why, are you leaving now?” She asked quickly, the fearing sneaking up in her voice as she neared the end of her sentence.

“I need to for a couple minutes, I’ll be back to pick you up in a half hour I swear.” He soothed, looking into her eyes, smoothing her hair down to her neck, placing his hands softly onto her smooth creamy skin.

“Okay.” Her voice sounded shaky as she spoke, the un-confidence very clear in her voice. “But please, promise you’ll be back to get me, I need to get away from here, far away.”

He took a jump, he kissed her lips sweetly for the first time in a long times, Leigh-Anna glided her arms around her neck and kissed him back softly, his hands remaining on her hips. “I promise, okay? I’ll be back soon, I promise.” He said, looking into her eyes flamingly, stepping back into the coat room. She nodded as he left, and turned her back, sitting on the stairs once again placing her head in her hands, what was she doing? Asking Nick to take her away from this place while she fully knew he had a girlfriend. But she couldn’t help it, the words just seemed to spill out of her mouth, things were starting to change more and more rapidly and there was nothing they could do to slow things down, she sighed and eased back onto the wall of the stairs, bringing her knees to her chest. Silently praying that this rendezvous would her current tangled life a little smoother, or maybe even more tangled.

There she sat, after everything was said and cried, all the guests left, and the family was all scattered all over their broken home, but still, there she sat, outside on the patio stairs, her knees at her chest again, arms around the knees, looking helplessly at the driveway, hoping to see his car pull up soon, she was all ready to escape, dressed in a neon pair of green shorts and a black halter, hoping that the change to upbeat clothing would lighten her mood, a miserable attempt. Big time.

Then she heard the crackling of the pavement, she smiled softly when Nick’s car pulled into her driveway, just like he promised. She hoped to her feet and a giant surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins as she watched him get out of the car, she ran over to him and threw her arms around him in the split second she reached him, Nick’s arms slammed onto her back holding her tight. She didn’t want to look this small and pathetic around him, but every time she saw him, she wanted to be next to him, and in this particular situation, she needed him more than she needed anyone in her entire life. Nick rested his back against the car as he stroked her hair affectionately. Whispering soft words of encouragement into her ear, as she let her tears fall into his blue T-shirt.

“I’m sorry Nick, I can’t stop crying.” She sniffed, looking into his eyes.

“It’s okay Leigh-Anna, it’s perfectly understandable right now, hell, in your situation, and from what I seen in that room this afternoon, you’re doing a lot better than what I anticipated.” He said, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear, he gently cupped her face and brought his lips to her, covering them soothingly, Leigh-Anna softly moaned against his lips, melting away in his sweet embrace.

When Nick broke the kiss, she looked deep into his eyes, they were the same beautiful shade of blue, but there was a certain tingle of confusion there, she guessed it was because of her and Jan, who he was still with, but Leigh-Anna could half understand where he came from, he still had strong feelings for her, but she shuttered at the thought, but, maybe they were gradually fading when he spent time with Jan, she didn’t want to think about, she erased every single shred of that from her mind, demolishing the idea of Nick falling for someone else but her. “Can you take me to the beach?” She blurted out.

“Sure, I had a feeling you’d want to go there.” He said, smiling a small smile towards her way, he led her over to the passenger seat and opened the door for her, he still is a true gentle man, that made her smile grow bigger, he dashed over to the driver’s seat and hoped it, purring the engine to life, he backed out of the driveway and into the Floridian street. No one spoke until they reached the sandy shore of the Florida beach, both of their hands were entangled into each others, he looking at her, she looking at the setting sun, the golden arrays filling Orlando.

“Um, Nick, I have something to tell you.” Her voice was small, almost like a five year olds. Better tell him, tonight may be the only night I could.

“Ok, what is it?” He asked, she put her other hand into his, so the sun was shining on the back of her head, she looked at him intently, but her stare was also genuine.

“Before I met you, in school, we all had to fill out applications for Universities, Colleges, Trade Schools, wherever we wanted to go after June.” She began. “So, I applied to a University in Newfoundland, Canada, because I have relatives there and I’ve always loved Canada, I applied to Memorial University and they just got back to me a couple of days ago, and...I got in.” She finished, her eyes glued to the sand.

“Leigh-Anna, that’s great!” He congratulated, hugging her tightly and quickly. “I don’t know why you’re sounding so sad about this because this is an amazing opportunity for you!”

“I know it is, but, I’m not going.”

“What?! Why not?!”

“Because Nick...I don’t want to leave you.” She said lowly, playing with her fingers.

“Well that’s just too bad Leigh-Anna, you’re going, Leigh-Anna, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you, and I’m not letting stay behind here and waste it, got it?!” His voice was firm and determine.

Why was he acting like this? She wanted to stay here and be with him, and now she was basically trying to tell him everything she needs, and now this? What the hell gives?

And then it hit her.

“I’m not going to be good enough for you am I?” She said, stepping back, looking at his, his expression was unreadable, completely unreadable. “At least not right now, but as of now, nothing I do is ever good enough anymore, everything keeps getting in the way, and I tried to turn to you, even recently, but nothing seems to be pushing you closer to me! And you know what, I’m glad I got this out of the way right now, because it was very eye opening, and never in a million years would I think I had the strength to say this, and this is really scary but, Nick, I think I’m not falling, but I’m totally and completely in love with you.”

Her words were strong, or so she wanted them to, but the only tone would sound from her mouth was shaken and stirred, and with the whole mom situation the tears couldn’t help but fall from her eye lids, when Nick’s darkened face wouldn’t answer, her heart broke so much more than it already was. He wouldn’t say it back, but his eyes screamed something else, something that was so readable to her, but yet, something that was going to be so important down the road.

“You’re not going to say it back are you?”

“I’m sorry Leigh-Anna, I just can’t, and I’m sorry but maybe a nice few years but right now, no way, no way are you passing up Memorial and no way are you staying with me.” His words hit her like a dagger, plunging into her soul, shattering the sixteen year old completely and entirely.

I shouldn’t love you... but I want to...I just can’t turn away...

There he sat, on the same bed he’s been trying to sleep on for the last month, but nothing, the most sleep he ever got was when Jan was passed out on top of him, he was strategic, yelling her name when he needed to, but even though he was yelling out his girlfriends name, all he heard, all he seen, all he wanted to feel, was Leigh-Anna. The sixteen year old was all he thought about, all he wanted to have back in his arms, all he wanted was her, but he couldn’t have her yet, and the emotional pain of it all was crippling.

So there he was, sitting, back propped up on his headboard looking ahead into the dark hallway, staring helplessly into the dark abyss of blackness, as if expecting her to walk into his room and steal his heart away, as if she didn’t already didn’t do that. He could’ve stuck by her, he could’ve said those three little words at the beach when they melodic smooth words escaped her mouth. When they did, they were forever engraved in his memory, the sweet way it sounded for her raspy voice, the way it made the tingles surge down through him, the way his heart melted, and the way she took off when he didn’t have the balls to say it back. God damn, since when do I, Nick Carter, feel like this about a teenager? Damn it Leigh-Anna!!

Some time passed since he’d seen her last, about a month to be exact, June was fast approaching, two days away from the starting summer month, and almost a month since he’d spoken to her, he tried to call her the first week, try and make a plunging agony healed, but she would speak to words to him, even A.J tried to get her to come around, and at least give him some clarification about her! But, nothing.

I deserve this, he guessed, he played with her emotions, back and forth, just like a ping pong game, one minute he had himself convinced that he absolutely had to stay as far away from her as he could, and then another minute he only wanted to be with her, he knew it was wrong, to want a sixteen year old in ways someone his age would, but he couldn’t resist, everything about her drove him crazy, her multi toned hair, her blue-ish gray eyes, the sweet sound of her laugh, and the way every time she looked at him his heart went wild. Either way, the road he chose couldn’t be turned back, he had to live with the decision, no matter how much he didn’t want to.

He took five seconds out of his hard concentration to briefly glance at the clock, the green digits read two o’clock in the morning, he sighed and swiftly raked his hands over the course of his sandy locks, whishing this whole nightmare was over with. Then, there was a loud booming against the door, but a brief one, Jan stirred in her sleep, but just relaxed underneath the covers, he sighed and hurried out the bedroom, he didn’t love Jan, who was he trying to kid? But, she didn’t make him feel better, for a short amount of time.

The booming continued, he dashed down the stairs and un-bolted the door, after looking through the peep hole, letting his tattooed older backstreet brother inside. A.J stood in the little room, his expression desperate, very tried, Nick nodded toward the kitchen, A.J took off his jacket, letting the rain drip off his coat, they trudged into the living and Nick reached over to turn on the lamp, filling the room with lightness, but the mood that was fogging in was anything but.

“What’s wrong bro, you look like you seen a ghost, is everything alright?” Nick asked right away, sitting on a stool across from A.J, the only thing keeping them apart were A.J’s feet touching his own.

“No not really, if you want an honest answer, Nick, do you know where Leigh-Anna is?” A.J asked bluntly, but the wonderment and desperateness was so abundant in his raspy voice.

Nick swallowed a lump in his throat, just hearing her name used in A.J’s pacific tone sent his brain in ten million different places. “No, I haven’t even spoken to her in like, a month.” He said sadly, trying his best to keep it out of his voice, thankfully he got his strongness shield from his father. “Why, is she alright?!”

A.J sighed and looked at the floor, placing a quick black finger-nail painted hand on his head. Nick’s senses picked up like a wolf on the hunt. “A.J man, whatever it is, please, let me try and help you, I haven’t seen her anywhere, she hasn’t returned my calls...A.J, do you think something could be wrong...again?” He asked. Oh please keep her safe wherever she is! If something happened to her I don’t know what I’d do!

“Okay, but you need to sit down and stay there while I’m telling you this, no causing a uproar when it doesn’t need to be, for now anyway. But all I know is that Leigh-Anna has been missing for a few days.” He said in low voice.

“What?!”

“Hush! Quiet okay? Yes, she’s been basically gone for the past three days, some say in her family that she’s staying over to Amanda’s and others say she just secluding herself somewhere.”

“A.J? Do you know what the fuck your saying? Leigh-Anna’s missing and all I’m hearing from them is mixed signals, A.J for all we know she could be hurt, she could be missing, or worse!” He jumped, his intensifying worry growing within each second passing.

“Yes I know what it sounds like but I’m sure it isn’t as bad as everyone thinks.” A.J lied to himself. Nick’s laser blue eyes darted into A.J’s, and it seemed to work, something clicked, causing Alex to give up the charade and spill his guts. “Alright, ever since she ran away at the beach, she’s been totally crazy! Clubbing, drinking, I’ve even caught some Marijuana in her purse! I mean, I’m totally thankful you haven’t seen each other but honestly, this is getting out of control! I can’t believe this but, Nick, I need you to help me look for her.”

Nick smiled. “No problem, I’ll help you look, come on then, we better go!” He said, the anticipation on both their parts was building, they hoped to their feet and went toward the door, Nick and A.J’s movements were abruptly disrupted when the soft call from the middle of the stairs made them turn around.

“Nick, what’s wrong babe?” Jan’s figure stood in the middle of the stairway, her hair somewhat in a mess, her sleepiness still abundant in her voice.

“Uh, yeah, babe, I need to go out with A.J for a bit, we’re going to find Leigh-Anna.” Nick’s voice was strong, and determine, he was going to find her, no matter what, no matter what happens, he was going to see her through this time.

Jan’s sigh filled the air, and her cold words brisling through them both as she spoke. “I don’t see why you’re both wasting your time over her, she’s just a whiney teenager desperate for attention.”

Nick could feel the lightning dart across his eyes. “Jan, listen okay? Leigh-Anna isn’t a whiney teen, she’s very mature for her age, and she’s still going through a rough time right now. So stop talking shit about something you know nothing about, go back to bed I’ll be back when I get back!” Nick snapped, dragging an impressed A.J out the door into A.J’s SUV.

...Meanwhile...

Please make it stop, Please make it go away! She begged in her mind, her body sprawled all over who knows where she was. She could hear brief noises from around her.

“The ambulance is on the way, they’ll be quick. They always are.” Someone said in the background.

The terrible pain she was in, like a fire surging through her veins, like something smashed her into a wall full of spikes, the blackness that flooded her vision refused to go away. She was drowning away a painful truth that she couldn’t bring herself to do. Even though she couldn’t get up, she kept thinking the same thing over and over.Nick where are you?

“If I don’t find her tonight so help me god.” A.J mumbled to himself, his hand slowly gliding across the leather steering wheel, peering aimlessly into the highway, the yellow line sped by as the car took down the highway, Nick thinking his exact train of thought, searching the two sides of the road, his eyes remaining on the scene just a few feet away from the car’s tires. There was an ambulance flashing its red lights around the front parking lot, the two men swapped glances at each other, and the instinct took over, making the giant SUV speed into the lot, approaching the scene.

“Excuse me sir, would you mind telling us what’s going on?” A.J asked, the worry and desperateness clearly spotted in his voice, but he tried to keep his voice tick, like any man would, but he was doing a half-hearted job.

The EMT looked at him from the cab section, clearly surprised that A.J would be so blunt to actually tap on the man’s shoulder. “Um, yeah, nothing unusual here tonight here boys, just a teenager knocked out from an alcohol and drug mix inside, the other EMT’s are getting her into the gurney, they should be out here very soon.”

“She? Would you mind...describing her to us, she may be someone close to us both.” Nick stepped in automatically taking the role of the questionnaire, his wonder and worriment for the sixteen year old sky rocketing higher and higher by each passing second.

“Um, sure no problem, we don’t know very much all we know she’s about 5’4, blonde with dark brown highlights in her hair, and she has a tattoo on her lower back.” The man described her to them both, it felt like a shot went off for them both, spinning them around like a speeding bullet, both were at a loss of words, trying to speak something wasn’t in the cards at the moment. Both in their own train of thought, they couldn’t lose Leigh-Anna, not like this, she had too much to live for, they experienced what true life was about and she should have her chance as well.

“Come on, over here, come on we need to get here to the hospital quick!” One of the paramedics shouted, as two ran out into the parking lot toward the open doors of the ambulance. The twosomes eyes grew wide, seeing Leigh-Anna in the stretcher, neck up into the air, eyes shut and showing no signs of responsiveness. Before they knew it the two men’s feet ran swiftly into the back of the ambulance, sitting down on the metal sitting bars. “Excuse me, but who exactly are you two?”

“I’m her cousin, I’m not leaving her side.” A.J said, his voice hard.

The EMT sighed. “Alright you can stay. But who’s he to her?”

“I’m her boyfriend.” Nick blurted, A.J looked at him surprised, but he just shrugged as they lifted the gurney into the ambulance, whisking the teenager toward the hospital. A.J couldn’t help but notice the stare that Nick was giving Leigh-Anna, full of concern and love as he smoothed his hand over her forehead multiple times, his hand placed into hers.

Everyone hates hospitals. The smell, the atmosphere, the length of the time stretch as it passes, and you’re left wondering why it passes so slowly while all the other aspects of life speeds by like a bullet. And the worst part of all is, when someone you love is in there, your left wondering for the longest amount of time, wonder what’s wrong, and if they’re alright. And that is exactly what it is like for Nick and A.J on a chilly late May night, at the Orlando general hospital.

“What the hell happened to her, what the hell happened to her?” A.J kept repeating, in a low dull voice, his raspy voice in a hopeless tone, the worry clearing evident in his voice.

“Don’t worry man, everything is going to be okay.” Nick tried comforting him, his words meaning nothing to them both, he wanted them all to ease the pain, but nada.

The clock ticked, and the minutes passed by, those minutes felt like hours, like they always do in hospitals, but the time here seemed different, it felt even longer, like when someone finds themselves lost in a really huge forest. Both lost in the own thoughts, A.J couldn’t lose his cousin, to him, she wasn’t even his cousin, she was the little sister he never had. But Nick, Nick couldn’t even think about it, he knew that she wouldn’t leave them, ever. Could she?

“Are you two here for Leigh-Anna Roberts?” A serious voice, came into the room, their heads locked onto the man in a white trench coat and black pants, sticking his body half way in through the oversized green doors, it had to be the doctor, no one else was going to ask them both that at two AM in the morning. The two men nodded, confirming the young man’s assumption ,the doctor nodded and tilted his head, indicating for them to follow his way, Nick and A.J looked at one another, worried and hearts beating a mile a minute.

They traced his steps out into the long white hall, he spun around and looked at them strongly. “There is both good news and bad news to this, good news is that Leigh-Anna is fine, she’s resting in room 308 down the hall, and we’re going to release her in a couple of hours, give her a little time to rest...” The doctor began to explain.

“Okay, she’s okay, that’s more than good. But...what’s the bad news?” A.J questioned, arms crossed, his tone mono.

“Bad news is, Leigh-Anna had a scary amount of alcohol in her system tonight...and...she had traces of ecstasy in her, which we all know is a dangerously alarming drug to intake, especially at her age. We had her stomach pumped, the amount of toxins she digested simply didn’t agree with her at all, making her pass out cold, as I said, she’s awake and resting now, but...Mr. Mclean, I have to tell you if I ever hear of her name in a case even the smallest bit similar to this, I’ll be contacting the rehabilitation center, you should be thankful I’m doing it this second, but I think with a good lecture, she’ll come around, she seems a good kid. Best of luck.” He finished, nodding as he strode off, the white coat tail having a hard time staying at his legs as he walked the quick, steady places.

The two backstreets didn’t have to say anything to each other, just nodded firmly and strode into Leigh-Anna’s room, and there she was, she looked like she just passed out, she was ghostly pale, a sickly color that made stomachs churn. Dazed and disoriented she kept looking out the window. “I know you’re both here. I just don’t know why.” Her voice was quiet, but still the same, sweet raspy sound Nick loved hearing every time words would come from her mouth.

“You don’t know why you’re here Leigh-Anna?! Your here because you were stupid, reckless and possessed to do something that isn’t like you to do!” A.J snapped, automatically flipping out.

“Just because it isn’t like me doesn’t mean I didn’t want to do it. This was all my idea okay? Everything was, escaping to Amanda’s for a few days, the drinking, partying, but I’ll admit I took it a tad over braod but I don’t need you rubbing it in okay?!” She retorted, her eyes shifting from her cousin, to the man looking at her aimlessly. “Why are you here?” She adding coldly, the icy words storming from her mouth.

“He’s here Leigh-Anna because he cares about you just like I do!” He said, voice hard and thick. He stopped dead in his tracks A.J did, taking a deep sigh and taking her hand into his, her eyes went from her hand, to the softer face of her cousin. “Leigh-Anna, honey, I’m not here to yell, or scream, or even sound the least bit mad at you, but, you need to promise me something, right here and right now alright? Never, ever, do this again.”

Leigh-Anna huffed. “It’s a deal.”

“Good, now, if you excuse, I’ve earned another coffee tonight. I’ll be back.” A.J said, walking out of the room, leaving the once, star-crossed lovers alone in the dry, lone room. They both kept staring at each other, Nick slowly took a seat and took his warm hand into her shivery one, giving her helpless looking self a look of warmth and comfort, he could tell just by him being there she started getting more at ease, the color starting to come back to her face when his lips connected with hers for a quick kiss.

“Nick, why did you come here?” She asked.

Might as well tell her upfront. “Because I needed to know where you were, if you were alright, and...if I could make it better, in some way.” He told her.

“I’m fine now, I know, it was a very stupid thing to do, and let me tell you, it was my frist time using drugs and it’ll be my last. But Nick, I can’t help but...not think about you, you’re everything I think about, every second of the day.” Leigh-Anna admitted, two horizontal wide strips forming in her eyes.

And then she said it. “And that’s... exactly why I have to leave.”

“Leave?” He repeated, somewhat astounded. “Where are you going?”

“Memorial, Nick, maybe we do need to spend some time away from each other, like everyone’s been telling us all along.” She chuckled softly to herself.

“When are you leaving Leigh-Anna?” He asked.

Hoping she would say she was kidding, he wasn’t ready to let her go, nothing made sense to him anymore, what to think, what to say, how to react, how to feel. Either way, with every fibre of his being wished she could stay, for his own selfish reasons.

“In two days.”

A single tear slid down her face as she zipped the contents of her bag tightly inside of its purple fabric holder, she glanced around at her old room, so many memories held here, the sleepovers when she was a young teenager, all the movies were watched in here, all the nights she danced with her friends, so, so many. She had everything packed, her clothes, her toiletries, her purse was full, now all she had to do was say the hardest thing, goodbye.

She had to bid goodbye to everyone, her father, her siblings, Daisy and Cici would be hardest in the hardest in her family, since she was so close to both of them, Cici her twin and Daisy, the sister she always had the overwhelming desire to always protect. Alex, her cousin, more like the older brother that was always around, the over protective one, even more than her absent bothers, it would be so different to not have him talk to her face to face, comfort her when she needed it, and give her guidance, weather she wanted it or not. But the hardest one she would have to say goodbye to, was Nick.

Ah, Nickolas, you have defiantly given me a very emotional ride these past six months, but would I have it any different? Absolutely not. She would miss everything about him, his big, huge pools of blue, his sandy color hair, his strong arms, perfect smile, the way he made her feel and even the way she felt when his name came up and even when she thought about him, she felt tingles run all over her body. The way he voice sounded in different situation; the sad, allusive voice, the angry animalistic tone, the caring, sweet melodic tone, and, last but certainly not least, the voice she was going to miss the voice, his.

After placing the bags at the entrance of the house, right in front of the stairs, she walked through the whole, empty, house, everyone of the bedrooms, the game room, the kitchen, the living room and the whole front and back yard, all the memories, good...and bad, all pass my all to quick, all to soon life sand flows through the hour glass like a rafting river. She found the walls of the living room staring to spin, and her knees feeling like liquid, causing her to land on the leather sofa, her elbow resting on her kneecaps and she cried her eyes out, washing all the memories, the laughs, the kisses, the hugs, the everything, away, another chapter of her life was over. A very, very, diverse chapter.

She was so absorbed in her own thoughts, she failed to hear the doorbell ringing, it rang twice, but it took a hard knock on the door to make her jump at the realization. She ground loudly and annoyed, she wanted to be alone, she kicked anyone out of the house so she could absorb the memory, before they picked her up to take her to the hotel, before the early 10:30 in the morning flight tomorrow morning. She stood up abruptly and walked swiftly to the door, she walked toward the door and sung it open, expecting to see someone of her family, showing early to take her to the hotel. She was naturally and totally shocked to see him, the bright, beautiful blue yet sunless sky, shining down on his head, her breath was sucked in deep inside her when their eyes locked. What was he doing here?

“Nick?” She asked, to assure herself she wasn’t day dreaming.

“Yeah, it’s me, how are you feeling?” He asked, she stood aside and he entered the house, well the coat room anyway, there was an awkward silence between the two, both staring at each other with an undeniable look of smouldering passion and misunderstanding between them both. “Leigh-Anna? Are you alright, I asked are you feeling better?”

“Uh...yeah, yeah I’m a lot better thanks. Um, Nick...what...what are you doing here?” She stumbled over her words, the butterflies multiplying by the second.

“I just wanted to see if you were alright, and getting a move on, and as I can see, you have, leaving tomorrow huh?” He asked casually, entering deeper into her house, his mood shifted just like that, first he was nervous, now he was acting like he was impressed that she was leaving?

The tone he used himself made a jabbing pain thrust into her ribs, shattering all of her insides. “Uh...yeah, I’m leaving for the airport ten tomorrow.” She answered quietly.

He whirled around, smirking a sickly and painfully slick smirk, almost an absolutely purely evil one, making her entire body turn watery and weak. “Well, this was a very short and menacing visit, ready to go?”

Menacing ? Is that what he thinks of me and our time together?” The very thought made her eyes almost water, she used her hand to swipe a quick hand to run through her hand, bending a finger the slightest angle to wipe the tears away. “Ready to go where?”

“To the hotel, your family decided that I would be your transporter to take you to the Comfort Inn.” He stated, his eyes turning colder by each passing word.

“Did they now? Well, I’ll be right there.” She replied, her voice triumphant, staying strong and hard.

“Get a move on!” He said coldly, brushing past her, the cold air whooshing through her, her hair blowing backward behind as he walked past her. She shook her head, utterly confused, even more than she already was, what was he on? He’s acting like a complete asshole now, and for what? What did she do this time? She sighed hard took one final walk around the house, letting even more years splatter down her face, messing her eye make-up around the bottom rims of her eyelids, she gathered herself together and pulled her three bags out the door, shutting the memories that were sealed inside the house, behind.

She stepped outside, and look ahead into the windshield of the big dark Blue truck Nick was placed in, she could’ve sworn his head and placed on the steering wheel, but he must of heard her shut the door, his head snapped back up, and it took only a moment for him to change his expression like changing a shirt, from an unreadable one, to a rock hard one. She sucked in a deep breath and shut her belongings in the steel compartment in the tail of the hefty truck. Lifting herself inside she fastened her seatbelt and looked out the side window, refusing to look at the man she loved. Nick sighed hard, sounded like a thoughtful one too, as he revved the engine and took off out of her driveway and into the busy highway. As the scenery flashed by, it made her huff a quick chuckle, it made her think of, what seemed to be, life, no matter what situation you could find yourself in, no matter how time passes by, slow or fast, you always wish you could go back and relive, even if it ended in pain.

“Okay, were here.” Nick broke her thoughts, she angled her head and found herself looking at the huge sky scraper, she sighed and got out of the truck, advancing toward the giant building as Nick took his turn to take the bags, after they registered her into the hotel they walked up to her suite. She whirled around and found herself staring into her eyes once again, only this time, there was no space between them, both of their chests were touching. “You going to be okay?” He asked, the care shining through once again.

“Damn it Nick! One minute, you’re showing up at my door all sweet and caring, then, you’re expression and voice is stern and cold, and now, you’re all caring and sweet all over again, it’s like a woman on PMS!” She flipped, finally frustrated to her breaking point. “Please, just tell me, are you...happy to see me leave?”

He shook his head swiftly. “No...actually, it’s just the opposite, I don’t want you to go Leigh-Anna, but what I want...isn’t important right now, you’re future is the main thing. I guess I just didn’t want to think about you leaving...and when I seen the bags in the front of the house, I guess the reality and surrealism of it all hit me. Hard.” He admitted, inching his face closer to hers, sweetly brushing his lips over hers, covering them ever so lovingly.

“Nick...what about Jan, I know she’s in the picture, and no matter much I demise it or not, I’m going to be away for a very long time and weather she’s the one or not, you need someone there for you!” She breathed, pulling away from his warmth.

“Jan isn’t important right now, okay Leigh-Anna? What’s important is...” He paused, something had to be killing him on inside, by the look on his face, he was having a hard time speaking the words that needed to be spoken. “What’s important is what I need to tell you, because if I don’t get it out now, I doubt I’ll have the balls to say it anytime soon...”

“Alright then, what is it?” She spoke softly.

“I love you Leigh-Anna, I really do, and the scary part about it is... I’ve never felt this way about a woman before in my life, ever. And I may not know much, but, when I heard you were in the hospital after the club, all I could think about was Incomplete I’d be without you.” He admitted to her, kissing her after his sweet admission, Leigh-Anna slinked her arms around his neck, she knew he had Jan, but what they shared didn’t even come close to what Nick and herself shared, even though this was wrong, very utterly wrong, she didn’t care, she needed to feel whole, one last time.

“Leigh-Anna, is there anything I can do for you before tomorrow? Anything?” He asked, he looked at her strangely when she took his hand, swiped the card and entered the room, pulling him inside.

“There is one thing Nick.” She said nervously, playing her fingers.

“Don’t be scared Leigh-Anna, whatever you want you got it!” He soothed, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her into a secure, tight embrace. But the whim whispered into his ear in reply, he had to give in, no matter how wrong and twisted it was.

“Make love to me Nick.”

The bright orange glow of the sun filled the room, it was early, 9 in the morning to be exact, and the sun’s rays filled the room, making it seem like one of those movies where the sun fills the room so much, it appears everything’s glowing, but usually, in those types of films, the ending is joyous, but this day, was anything but.

He watched her every move. She intently looked out the huge and long window of her suite, the tears already forming in her eyes, she gripped the white drape, balling the fabric into a tight fist, feeling the need to rip the satin off the rod, to get the frustration out of leaving everyone she loved behind. But, an arm draping around her waist, pulling her back into his chest, taking her into a loving and comforting embrace, made her stop.

“I don’t want to go. Especially after last night.” She whispered, her voice breaking as she spoke, she turned around into Nick’s bare chest and pressed her ear against his chest, snaking her arms against his back, hugging him tighter. Last night, was magic, something they shared that was so filled with every emotion a human could ever feel, the ragged breathing, the way she felt, tasted, loved, everything about her, her body, her soul, he was hooked on, hook, line and sinker.

“I know you don’t. I don’t want it either. But, it’s for the better right now.” He whispered back, breezing his breath into her ear as he buried his face into her neck. “Well, you have about twenty minutes until...well, the thing. Might as well take your mind off things.” He smirked, kissing her full out on her lips. Leigh-Anna let out a soft chuckled, automatically kissing him back, walking him, well, more like pushing him over to the messed up bed, Nick spun her around and placed a firm hand on her back, leading her onto the soft, wrinkled-sheet covered mattress, he draped himself over her luxurious body and kissed her full out, with everything he had, he needed to show her even more how much she meant to him, even to him, he felt last night wasn’t even enough, and he needed to show her how much he was going to miss her. Her leg swung around to his lower back, pressing him against her.

“Come on Leigh-Anna, I know you don’t want to go, but it’s time honey!” Her father called, after knocking on the door. “I’ll be in the car waiting.”

“Shit.” She muttered, when he helped her sit up, Nick took her into another bear hug as he walked her out of the hotel room, into the elevator and out of the hotel, refusing to let the shaking sixteen year old out of his grasp until it was absolutely necessary. They stepped their way toward the small crowd, gathered around the black SUV, filled to the top of the back window with suitcases, her own belongings and who knows what else. His eyes peered down to her face, she smiled a small and lifeless smile as she walked free of his arms grasp. Her heels clicked until she was standing in the middle, her eyes darting; to A.J, her siblings, Brian, Gabriella, Amanda and then to Darcy. She started with Brian and Gabriella, A.J walked over to him, and they both nodded as they rested against the SUV, which was surprisingly cool.

For about fifteen minutes, he watched her bid goodbye to each person, one by one, taking a picture with them each, to preserve one last shred of them each. She first went to Amanda and Darcy, hugging the two dark brunettes tightly, they bawled the usual best friend goodbye lingo, how much they’ll miss each other, what would they do when she was gone? And how they’ll never stay out of touch. Then she hugged Gabriella and said a few words, hugged her once more, embraced Brian for a great length of time, even though they don’t spend a lot of time with one another, they had a...connection of some kind, and it bugged him, underneath it all. Then it was time for the litter kids, she hugged all of them and explained to all of them why she going, Daisy was the hardest, as expected, she clung to Leigh-Anna with everything she had, until Cici had to pry her away from her closets sister. Then it came to the time he never wanted to face ever, and it only made it worse, when she said goodbye to AJ before, leaving him for the final goodbye, the hardest goodbye.

“Take care Leigh-Anna, and, don’t get lost on the campus.” A.J tried to joke, but it only lightened the mood for a nano second, become it came sad and gloomy once again.

“I’ll try not to, I’ll miss you so much A.J , life is going to be hard without you breathing down my neck all the time!”

“Ha-ha, you’ll be alright.” He said, keeping his voice softest, before smashing her head into his chest, hugging his younger cousin tightly. “Take care of yourself kid.” He added, voice finally cracking, this has got to be the first time he had ever seen A.J cry. She pulled away from him and nodded shakily, unable to speak, as she clicked over to him. This wasn’t going to be easy. Not one bit. Everyone in the crowd behind them looked at each other, and nodded all to themselves, walking away, giving them some space, even Daniel walked with them!

“He doesn’t know does he? About last night?”

“I don’t think he has a clue.” He sneered back, couldn’t help resisting a chuckle.

Leigh-Anna chuckled back, but they were both cut short when their eyes locked. “Wow,” she breathed, under her breath. “I never thought I’d have to say goodbye to you. And I never thought it would be this hard.” She added quietly, looking down at her fingers, mingling them through her hands.

“I know.” He agreed, she was going to open her mouth, from what it looked like, she had something very vital to say to him, that was until Leigh-Anna grabbed his face and crashed her lips against his, throwing her arms around his neck, they were like two bears, in a furious nose crash against one another.

“Leigh-Anna, there’s something I need to give you.” He said, pulling away from her lips, seeing her tear moist face, she didn’t speak, he nodded and reached into his pocket, pulling out a thin rectangular box, her glided her a whole one eighty and attached the surfing black beaded necklace onto the back of her neck. She turned around and kissed his lips softly. “You like it?”

“I love it. Thank you.” She thanked, placing the red heart in the middle between her fingers.

“Your very welcome, but Leigh-Anna, to be perfectly honest I seriously don’t know why you’re so attracted to me, because, I’ve put you through hell, every time I said we couldn’t be together, every time I said it’d be so much better if we were apart, every single damn time I convinced myself that this was wrong, that it’d never work, but, I guess what fate wants, fate gets right?” He spilled, looking deep into her eyes.

“So, fate wants us to be apart for who knows how long?” She countered, voice confused and weak.

“I guess it does. For a little while anyway.”

“Lets hope only for a little while...But, Nick, I guess I should get this off my chest before I leave...it’s no question that I love you, and it’s no question that these past few months have taken me on the biggest emotional roller coaster ever in my life, but you know what? If you weren’t there to get me though, I don’t know where I’d be, and I know this may sound scary, but, I’d probably be dead in an alley without you in my life. I love you Nick, and I always will, please don’t forget that, and even though we’re going to be apart for a very long time I just want you to know that I’m always going to be there for you, all you have to do is call and I’ll be there. But I need you to do this one thing for me....please, please, please, don’t forget me.”

Damn, that girl knows how to give a nice little speech. He thought, everything he needed to say she just did. He needed to say something to let her know he would never forget her. Ever.

“Forget you? Leigh-Anna, you’re probably the only person I’ve thought about the most in the past six months, hell, you’re the person I’ve thought about most ever in my life, you honestly think I can forget about you? Baby, you’re in my heart forever, and that’s where you’re going to stay, no matter what the hell is going to happen. You have my word.” He promised, taking her face into his hands and kissing her forehead lightly. Leigh-Anna shut her eyes and clamped her mouth shut, colliding her head into his own chest, Nick put his arms around her again and leaned against the car, rubbing her back, trying to soothe her in a very impossible moment.

“Leigh-Anna, it’s time to go honey.” The soft voice of her father broke their moment, the older man nodded toward him and shut his car door. Leaving the twosome looking at each other, lost in their own thoughts.

“I guess this is goodbye.” She whispered.

“Let’s not think of it as goodbye, let’s just think of it as a....very long vacation.”

“A vacation away from you? Impossible. More like a vacation from hell without you with me.” She smiled lightly.

“Just call it that for me?” He pleaded, she nodded and lightly kissed his lips for the last time, slowly backing away from him and into the car, her tear flow increasing, they crowd all ran over to him as Nick watched the black SUV get smaller and smaller, and the decreasing sixteen year olds crying face was killing him on the inside. He knew what was happening, and it scared the shit out of him, the one and only woman he could ever see himself love, was slipping out of his hands like soap.

Another night was over, the Newfoundland sky was a shade of blue that couldn’t be described, something about the island sky made the whole city of St. Johns calm and relaxed. The trees were darkened around the property, and the highways were the usual busy and flustered highways she was used to, just like Florida, but, a lot cooler and a lot more clam.

The blaring sounds of I Alone came to an abrupt stop when she turned off the radio. She drove her shiny red Jeep into the driveway and waited until the song was over, killed the engine for another night, thank god for Fridays and Saturdays, the only time of the week her ears were calm from the hectic and busy week that was her life on her own. It was also the only time her hectic schedule squealed to a complete and halting stop for two days. But she couldn’t complain, University was going great, she was more than half way through the year, but her marks were average, something that wasn’t going over well with her father, wasn’t going over well at all. There was also something that wasn’t going very well either, something that was going on with her, something that she wished she could take back with every fire that burned in her being. But she couldn’t take it back, no matter how wrong it was.

“Hey sis!” Roman greeted cheerfully, as he was walking across the hallway. The tall, six foot five, light brown haired, blue eyed Roberts, walked into the entrance room and took his little sister into a tight brotherly hug. “How was the day so far?”

Leigh-Anna shrugged, and twigged out of her coat, hanging to on the hook above the brown leather sitting bench. “It was pretty good actually, Professor Green’s wife had her baby last night, she had a little boy, so he wasn’t in class today but he dropped by to pass me my Woman Studies paper before I came home!” She explained, warmed by the new events for her Professor, but when the news was delivered to her this afternoon, all she could do was fake the happiness for him, no matter how close he was to her.

“That’s great! What did you get on the paper?”

“An 82, I think I did well...for getting it done in three days!” She smiled and rubbed her feet, following her brother into the warm house, it felt nice as a shield from the frosty weather. “I’m just glad there’s no snow falling, you know, I kind of like the winters here, there’s no snow, just chilly weather, it’s actually kind of nice!”

Leigh-Anna’s attention snapped to Gina’s voice chuckling as she entered the den, with two big grocery bags rested in her arms, her fiery red hair pulled back into a high pony tail, her warm brown eyes came towards her boyfriends sister, after placing the bags down on the table and took her into an warm embrace, her eyes daring toward Jamie for a quick second, before Leigh-Anna parted away from her, smiling as she got comfy on the couch. “Just wait until the winter hits here full force, then you’ll be singing a different tune!”

“Oh great! Storms, snow, ice, and who knows what else? This is going to kill the uncoordinated like me!” Leigh-Anna said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. She already walked into enough polls and bumped into enough inanimate objects already. “So, anything new with you guys? Anyone call for me?” She added as casually as she could, surfing the channels, and then clicking off the TV, nothing on TV anyways.

“Not much is new, Pizza for dinner, that’s the biggest news story in the Roberts house today!” Jamie said, Leigh-Anna chuckled and looked into her brothers eyes, something wasn’t quite right, there was a certain twinge in his eyes, that wasn’t spilling everything that should be spilled.

“Jamie, is there anything else you not telling me?” Leigh-Anna asked, her suspicions growing by the second, her right eye brown raised and weary.

“Nick called.” Gina stated, breaking the thoughtful, secretive and emotionally stringing silence.

Nick. Someone she hasn’t talked to in the past six months, someone she refused to talk to ever since. She cut off most contact she could, every e-mail he sent, was read, but never replied, every letter sent by mail, was read, then burned and every call that was made her way, was either denied or never answered. She couldn’t do it, she couldn’t risk hurting him, after everything she put him though, she just couldn’t do it.

Leigh-Anna sighed, already feeling the emotions approaching rapidly, not another day he called. “Did he?” Ever since, it happened, she’d been completely ignorant to his calls, emails, letters, any way he could to get in touch with her, was terminated with no reply. No matter how much it was hurting him, the acidic-poisoning, stabbing pain of ignoring him was ten thousand times worse for her. But she convinced herself it was for the better.

“Yeah, I just can’t see why you can’t tell the poor boy Leigh-Anna, he deserves to know what happened.” Jamie said, concern filling his voice.

Leigh-Anna sighed sadly and shook her head. “No, I’m not going to tell him, I’ve put him through enough as it is.”