Chapter Forty Nine
As soon as they arrived at the Orphanage Nick told Ashley to stay with Kori while he and Kevin took all of the stuff from Petsmart up to their rooms and Kevin told Elenore to stay with Dakota and Ashley. So Kori and Ashley went into the cafeteria with Laney and Q following closely behind them. When they got into the cafeteria they found everybody else just getting ready to set up the cafeteria for lunch. They looked at them as they came in and Brooke raised her eyebrow as she saw not only Elenore with a puppy, but Ashley was well.
"Awww, look! It's a westie!" AJ said cheerfully, and he went over and pet the puppy in Ashley's arms.
"Isn't she precious Aje? Nicky bought her for me."
"She's adorable! What's her name?"
"Abbie," Ashley answered, and she crouched down and put her on the floor and AJ did the same and started playing with her. Brian who has both Lily and Tyke in the pocket of his hoodie carefully took Lily out and set her on the ground. Lily noticed Dakota and barked happily as she ran over to her. She knows who her mommy is.
"Lily!" Dakota exclaimed happily and she kneeled down and held her arms out to the small dog. When Lily reached her she got up on her hind legs, her front paws rested on Dakota and Dakota wrapped her arms around her and hugged her close and pet her.
"Awww…" Brian, Howie, Riley, and Brooke all said in unison.
"What do you have there, Ellie, a Pug? I thought you wanted a Golden Retriever." Brian asked as he kneeled down in front of Elenore.
"I changed my mind. His name is Rok," Elenore answered smiling up at him. Brian smirked and carefully took the small pug in his hands and he turned him around to face him.
"Well hello there little Rok! You've got the coolest name ever." He spoke to the pug in his Donald Duck impression. Elenore giggled. He grinned and kissed the top of the pugs head, than he handed him back to Elenore and kissed her forehead. Suddenly Nick and Kevin walked in and Nick noticed Brooke playing with Abbie and Rok, a long with everybody else. Nick's eyes widened and he turned and headed for the door again. But it was too late, she saw him.
"Nickolas Gene Carter! Where do you think you're going?" Nick gulped and turned back around.
"Oh hello Brooke. How are you on this fine day?"
"Exactly how many more dogs do you plan on bringing to this Orphanage?"
"Just that one," Nick answered. "I promise."
"As much as I love dogs myself we can't buy a puppy for every child in this Orphanage. It just can't happen."
"I know Brooke. That's the only one I'll buy I promise. Ashley begged and pleaded and I just couldn't say no to her. She's promised me though that she will take care of Abbie all on her own. She is her responsibility. She told me you won't even notice the extra amount of dogs in your orphanage."
"Well you're lucky she chose an adorable and such a loving puppy," Brooke replied, and she continued to pet Abbie. Nick let out a breath of air that he didn't even realize he was holding in when he found out he's not going to be in trouble after all. He loves Brooke and she knows she loves him and could never ever fire him even if she tried to but she can be pretty scary sometimes when she gets into boss mode. Her and Riley both. Though Riley doesn't really have the privilege of firing people, that's more of Brooke's job. But she's still not someone that you go and piss off. Nick went over and sat next to Ashley on the floor. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close and he kissed her forehead.
"How are you?"
"Okay…kind of have a stomach ache though…"
"Aww…how come?"
"I don't know…I'm okay though, it's nothing serious Nicky."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah I'm very sure."
"Kay…" Nick replied worriedly, and he gently pulled Ashley into his lap cradling her and he gently rubbed his hand over her stomach as he watches her with concern in his eyes. Everybody else got up and began to continue getting the cafeteria ready. Nick scooted so he is out of the way of everybody. Ashley lay there watching as Dakota and Elenore played with the three puppies near by. Dakota who had kept the collar that she bought from Petsmart put the collar on Lily with help from Nick. The collar reads Lillian Carter on it and has his phone number. As soon as the cafeteria was set up it was time for lunch. Ashley got up from Nick's lap and took his hand into hers, pulling him up from the floor as well. He walked over to the others, Ashley following close behind him. He scooped Dakota up into his arms and she placed Lily in her hoodie. He brought her over to the table that has been deemed Dakota, Elenore, and Spencer's table and he set her down.
"Want me to go get your food for you sweetie?"
"Yes please, daddy."
"Okay," Nick replied and he kissed her cheek. "I will be right back." He told her and he turned to Ashley. He took her hand and brought her over to the island with him.
"Are you sitting with us during the meeting honey or with the kids?"
"With you," Ashley answered while picking up her plate and starting to put enchiladas, beans, and rice on her plate. AJ who was near by chuckled.
"As if you didn't already know that, Nick."
"Hey you never know, she enjoys sitting with the kids sometimes too." When Nick, Ashley, and AJ had their plates ready they went back to the table, Nick dropping Dakota's plate and drink off with her before joining the others at the three long tables that have been set up for their meeting. Kevin spent a couple of minutes with Elenore and making sure that she is okay, than he joined the adults. Ashley had Dakota baby sit Abbie for her because there is no room for her with her.
"So what is this important meeting all about Brooke?" Jennifer Brinkman, one of the caregivers asked when everybody had finally joined them.
"Disney World," Brooke answered simply.
"Disney World? How does that have anything to do with us caregivers who work in the orphanage?" Casey Havoc, another caregiver questioned trying real hard not to laugh at how unspecific her boss is being.
"We're going to take the kids there," Brian answered, grinning widely. Hilary another, caregiver looked at Brian in shock, her mouth dropped, than she looked at Brooke.
"All of them?"
"Yeah, all of them. That is, if all of you are willing to help out. We will need each and everyone of you." Brooke answered.
"How are we going to afford that?" Will, another caregiver questioned, forgetting all about the Backstreet Boys concert that took place there not too long ago.
"Well easy. The Backstreet Boys raised the money for us during their concert. All of the money was made to go toward field trips." Riley explained, motioning toward Kevin, Howie, AJ, Nick, and Brian. "It was their idea to go."
"More like Howie's," Kevin replied.
"Awesome," Jennifer Brinkman replied. "When are we going? I love Disney World." Brooke grinned, accomplished at getting her first volunteer so far.
"Well, I was hoping tomorrow. Are you all willing to do that?"
"Tomorrow? no offence Brooke, but are you insane? You're just telling us this now? With over one hundred kids here, how are we going to plan a trip on such short notice?" Tom, another caregiver, one who Riley isn't too fond of asked.
"Brooke, the guys, and I have already made all the plans. All we need is all of you to agree to help us out and to help us sort the kids into groups of five with two adults each. The guys have volunteered to let us use all five of their tour buses. We can fit about 20 kids in each of them. After we've spent the entire morning at Disney World we're going to go to the park for lunch. We have all the plans worked out so don't worry you don't have to be apart of that."
"Well we already know which group of kids are going in Nick and Brian's group," Tom replied, rolling his eyes. Nick raised his eyebrow at him.
"Dude what is your problem?"
"Nevermind," Brooke replied, flashing Tom a glare.
"I think that Dakota and Elenore should be in my group just so that things are fair. Let them share the Backstreet Boys for once. They get too much attention. It doesn't take a genius to know which kids are the favorite around here," Tom replied despite Brooke's orders to drop the subject.
"Yeah? Well if that happens you won't last two seconds with Elenore," Kevin warned Tom calmly.
"Why? Because you've turned her into a spoiled brat?"
"No, because she doesn't trust anyone but Kevin!" AJ snapped, growing very angry. "If we put Ellie in your group all you will be doing is standing there in the middle of Disney World because she will sit herself down there and cry the entire time we're there."
"Because she's a spoiled little brat who gets away with throwing temper tantrums all the time."
"Elenore does not get away with throwing temper tantrums at all," Kevin replied, the anger obvious in his voice though he remained calm. "She sat up in her room the whole day the other day for getting in a fight with Josh. She does not get away with it. And she is not a spoiled brat, she was abused and the minute her mother dropped her off here, she's latched herself onto me and won't let go."
"Whatever," Tom replied. "She latched herself onto you because you spoil her." Kevin opened his mouth to reply but Brooke beat him to it.
"That is enough Thomas. Meet me in my office after this meeting. We need to talk."
"Fine," Tom replied indifferently.
"Anyway," Brooke replied, hoping to bring the meeting back on track. "Is everybody going to agree to come?" Everybody at the table agreed, including Tom. Brooke pulled her notepad out of her pocket and decided they would create the groups now since everybody is sitting there. As they were in the middle of doing that Elenore got up from her chair and went to Kevin who was sitting just a couple of inches behind her. He looked down at her and smiled and she smiled up at him and wrapped her arms around him for a hug. He wrapped his arms around her in return and hugged her back.
"Last time I checked this was an adults meeting. That goes for spoiled little brats too," Tom commented, glaring at Elenore. Elenore buried her face in Kevin's shoulder and began to cry and Kevin groaned.
"Last time I checked Brooke told you to shut the fuck up," AJ replied, and it took everything in him not to get up and beat the crap out of Tom. Kevin got up scooping Elenore up into his arms and he walked out of the cafeteria with her. Brooke sighed and handed Riley the notepad and pen.
"Thomas, come with me. We will go and have that talk now."
"I don't think so," Tom replied stubbornly.
"Now Tom, or I can always fire your ass. What is it going to be?" Tom didn't reply, he only rolled his eyes and got up from his chair and he followed Brooke out of the cafeteria. Riley rolled her eyes and muttered not very nice words about Tom under her breath before taking over the meeting like Brooke had intended for her to do. When Kevin had Elenore calmed down he brought her back into the cafeteria and he sat down in his chair with her in his lap.
"Here Ellie, Little Rok is startin' to miss you," Dakota said softly, and she handed the baby pug over to Elenore. Elenore cuddled him close as she cuddled with Kevin. Kevin kissed Elenore's head and looked at Riley who had stopped talking and looked at him.
"Is she okay?" Kevin nodded. "As long as that asshole stays the hell away from her, yeah."
"Brooke is taking care of him," Riley replied calmly. "Anyway we've all agreed that you should be in Nick's group."
"I get Ellie right?"
"Mm hmm. There is no way Id let that creep take her, Kev."
"Thanks," Kevin replied softly. The meeting lasted the rest of the lunch time and when it was over Riley got up and took Brian's hand and the two of them went to take the notepad to Brooke. Nick and Ashley got up and headed upstairs, Ashley grabbing up Abbie first and Dakota stayed with Elenore, Kevin, Kori, and Spencer. When they got up there Ashley set Abbie down on the floor and shut the door so that she couldn't venture out on her own and she went and lay on the bed. Nick went and sat next to her and he noticed a pained look in her eyes.
"What's wrong? Does your stomach still hurt?"
"I'm fine," Ashley answered, shrugging her shoulders.
"No your not, I can see the pain in your eyes. What is going on?"
"Nothing Nick. Just leave me alone okay? Go play caregiver to someone else for awhile." Ashley snapped, and she got up and walked into the bathroom slamming the door shut.
"If you haven't noticed, you're the one I'm supposed to be caregiver to, Ashley!" he called after her. "Did you forget?" Ashley didn't reply and Nick groaned and sat down on the floor to play with Abbie. A few minutes later she came out of the bathroom and started to leave the room.
"Where are you going?"
"I want Riley. Is that okay with you?"
"Why?"
"None of your business," Ashley replied, and with that she left the room. Nick groaned and then got up taking Abbie with him and he hurried after her.
"Your not supposed to wander off by yourself!"
"I'm not. Cause as usual, your following me."
"It's my JOB! As your caregiver I am supposed to follow you! I'm supposed to make sure you stay safe!"
"Well I am FINE Nick! So you can back off a little, okay??"
"No you're NOT fine! What has gotten into you?!"
"YOU have!" Nick raised his eyebrow at her.
"What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"
"It means I want some fucking space right now Nick, okay?? Can you give that to me for awhile?" Ashley shouted at him, tears rolling down her cheek suddenly.
"No I can't."
"Figures," Ashley replied, and she turned and walked toward the elevator. He looked after her for a minute before following her. When they got downstairs Ashley went into the Cafeteria hoping Riley is in there helping them clean up. But when she got in there she only found Kori, Kevin, AJ, Howie, Security, and Dakota and Elenore.
"Kevin where is Riley?" Ashley asked softy and everybody stopped what they were doing and looked at her. Each and everyone of them noticing her tear stained cheeks and a not very happy Nick.
"In Brooke's office discussing things. They've asked not to be disturbed."
"Oh…" Ashley replied softly.
"Why, what's wrong sweetie?"
"Nothing," Ashley replied shortly and she crossed her arms over her chest and looked away from him. Kevin looked at Nick confused and Nick just shrugged.
"Honey what's wrong?" Kori suddenly spoke up.
"NOTHING! Will everybody just quit asking me that already?" Ashley asked emotionally, and she turned around and stormed out of the cafeteria. Nick started after her but Kori grabbed him gently by the shoulder. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"Let me do it. Something tells me this is a girl thing…"
"Kay," Nick replied softly and Kori went after Ashley. When she got out into the lobby she found Ashley sitting on the floor leaning against the wall and hugging her legs to her chest. Kori went over and sat next to her.
"Ashley what's wrong?"
"Nothing. Just go away."
"Ashley please tell me what's wrong…I know we have some problems right now, but I'm your sister and I really am trying…please just give me a chance." Ashley remained silent for a few minutes, her arms crossed over her chest as she stared at a spot in the ground with a cold hard look. She is angry and all she wants is for people to leave her alone. Maybe if she tells Kori, she will leave her alone. She thought for a few moments, than she looked at her.
"I'm on my period…" she answered softly. "And I don't have pads…"
"I do," Kori answered gently. "Do you want to use some of mine?" Ashley nodded and Kori got up. She took Ashley's hand and helped her up from the ground.
"Come on, I'll take you up there."
"No I want to go alone."
"Ashley I really shouldn't…"
"Please Kori. If you really want to get on my good side, please just let me be for right now."
"But -"
"- Please." Kori sighed and then nodded though she immediately regretted it.
"Upstairs in the bottom cupboard in the bathroom…"
"Thanks," Ashley replied, and she turned and headed toward the elevator that was still open because someone else had just walked out. She hurried in there and hit the button to the second floor and the elevator doors closed. Kori walked into the cafeteria and everybody looked at her.
"Where did she go? What's wrong with her?" Nick asked immediately.
"She went upstairs to get something out of my room."
"And you let her go by herself?!?"
"She refused to let me go with her!"
"She is a child in this orphanage, she doesn't always get a say in things!" Nick replied, and with that he hurried out of the Cafeteria. He ran up the flight of stairs so that he would get up there faster and when he did he ran down the hall to Kori's room only to find that she isn't in there. Panic took over him. He ran back out of the room and across the hall to his own and when he got in there he found Ashley just walking out of the bathroom.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"None of your damned business!"
"It is too my fucking business!" Nick shouted at her. "You know better then to go anywhere in this orphanage ON YOUR OWN!"
"STOP YELLING AT ME!" Ashley shouted at him, suddenly beginning to cry.
"Well damnit Ashley I don't know what's gotten into you, but you know the fucking rules! I told you that you can't go off by yourself!"
"You're NOT the boss of me!"
"I am too the boss of you young lady, I am your caregiver! Last time I checked, you were my responsibility and I am not about to let someone grab you when I'm not looking!"
"Well last time I checked you were my BOYFRIEND too and as my boyfriend you're being very SHITTY right now!"
"I tried to be calm and sensitive but you pushed me away so I HAD to turn all caregiver on you! Why can't you just tell me what your problem is?"
"Why can't you just leave me the fuck alone for FIVE minutes? I told you that I wanted some space!"
"Honey if I could I would, but I CAN'T! If I leave you alone and something happens to you I could get in trouble!"
"Well that's just too bad for you huh. WHY can't you leave me alone Nick? WHY can't I wander off by myself? You never seemed to care before! Ever since you got done talking to Brooke and Riley the other day you've been hiding something from me and I DON'T like it! I don't like it ONE bit! You make me tell you everything when I'm hiding stuff, so WHY is it any different the other way around? Why do you have your bodyguards here Nick? I KNOW its not for you guys because they always seem to be everywhere I go!"
"Because I was trying to protect you from panicking, that's why!"
"WHY? What's going on?"
"I've been told not to tell you!"
"That's not fair!"
"I'm sorry Ashley…we're only trying to protect you." Ashley looked at him for a few minutes with so much hatred.
"I'm leaving the room and I as a girlfriend speaking to my boyfriend WANT you to not follow me!" Ashley demanded. "I NEED to be by myself!" And with that she walked out of the room. Nick growled in frustration and he kicked the near by toy sending it flying across the room and he sat on the floor leaning against the bed seething with anger and frustration.
Author's Chapter Notes:
Here's the next chapter.
Enjoy =)
Enjoy =)
