Rachel stepped into the doctor's office and apprehensively waited for her to come in. She fidgeted with the zipper on her jacket, then the creaking sound of the door was heard. Rachel quickly looked up to find her doctor walking into the room and sat down at her desk.
"Miss Crawford, I'm Dr. Elliott. I have spoken with your last cardiologist and he told me about your situation. Now looking at your tests, I can see that you've been having some difficulties with your heart recently."
Rachel swallowed hard. "What does that mean?"
Dr. Elliott took off her glasses and stared at Rachel straight faced. "I'm sorry that I have to be the one to tell you this. You're gonna need surgery."
Rachel froze for a second then looked down at her hands. "When?"
"Well, the sooner the better. You need to set up the appointment as soon as possible. If you don't, you could have permanent damage and eventually it would become fatal."
"I. . .I see," Rachel said as she blinked back her tears. She stood up and smoothed out her skirt. "Thank you Dr. Elliott for your time. I'll be getting back to you soon."
"My pleasure," Dr. Elliott replied.
Rachel forced a smile and walked out the building to her car. Fumbling around in her purse she found her keys and shakily unlocked her door. She drove home to her apartment with silent tears falling down her cheeks. She walked into the apartment and plopped herself on her bed then cried herself to sleep. A few hours later she woke up to the sound of her bedroom door opening. Ignoring it, she closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep. The familiar scent of Safari reached her nose as she felt Brian's arms wrap around her. Rachel rolled over and looked into his eyes.
"I figured you were asleep when you never answered your phone," Brian said as he nuzzled her neck.
"How did you get in here?" Rachel asked, puzzled.
"I stopped by Nick's and got Kristin's key. I've been calling all afternoon. I got worried so I thought I'd come by and see what was up. Have you been asleep all this time?"
"I guess so," Rachel said as she sat up and smoothed out her hair.
Brian smiled as he handed Rachel a bouquet of roses and a small teddy bear. "For you."
Rachel forced a small smile and took the roses and teddy bear from him. "Thanks," she said as she set them aside.
Brian's eyes searched hers. "Something's wrong. What is it?"
"Nothing," Rachel lied.
"No, something's wrong I can tell."
"What makes you think something's wrong?"
"Well, you don't seem exactly too thrilled to see me. What's going on?"
"Nothing's going on, Brian. I'm just tired that's all."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Okay. . .if you say so. Where's my kiss?" he asked with a smile.
Rachel chuckled then gave him a kiss. "Better?"
"Much," he said as he wrapped his arms around her and laid her back down. Rachel closed her eyes and rested her head on his chest. Brian ran his fingers through her soft brown hair. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Rachel fought back her tears. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just tired. I've had a long day." She shifted her position and faced him. She studied him for a second.
"What?" Brian asked.
"Nothing," Rachel said, still studying him.
"What are you looking at?"
Rachel smile slightly. "Just you."
Brian cocked up his right eyebrow and linked his hand into hers. "You're weird," he said with a chuckle.
Rachel smacked him flirtatiously. "I am not!"
Brian continued to laugh. "Sorry, I didn't mean it I swear."
"You better not have," she replied then kissed him. "I could stay like this forever."
"Me too," Brian murmured.
"What time is it?" Rachel asked as she lifted up Brian's wrist to look at his watch. "Shit it's almost four!" she shouted then hopped off the bed.
"What's going on at four?"
"Volleyball practice. I have fifteen minutes to get there." Rachel answered, running around the room finding her gym clothes. She snatched a white T-shirt and a black pair of Adidas shorts and quickly changed in the bathroom. She slipped on her Adidas sandals and grabbed her shoes from the closet and dashed out to the front door. She was almost out the door when she remembered she didn't have her knee pads. Flustered, Rachel stomped back to her room to find Brian standing there with her knee pads in his hands. She smiled and gave him a quick kiss. "Thanks baby. I'll be back in a few hours."
"Wait I'm coming with you."
"Why?" Rachel asked, surprised.
"I wanna see you practice. Besides I've got nothing better to do."
Rachel hesitated for a moment. "All right. Come on we're going in my car," she said as he hurried out the door.
Once they got to the parking lot of the gym Rachel ran out of the car and into the gym. She quickly tied her tennis shoes and tightened her pony tail as she set herself up on the court.
"You're late Miss Crawford," her coached said.
"Sorry coach. I didn't mean---"
"Save it. Just don't let it happen again. We've got a lot of work to do. Now get out there and practice."
Rachel nodded and took her position on the court. Through out the entire practice she took her frustration out on the ball. When it was time for a water break Rachel wandered over to where Brian was sitting. Out of breath she sat down next to him. Brian smiled and handed her a water bottle from her gym bag.
"You look good out there," he commented, patting her leg.
"Thanks," Rachel replied and took a sip of her water. Feeling the pain rise in her lungs she drew in deep breaths. She felt Brian put his hand on her back.
"You all right?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"Yeah. . .could you. . .reach in my bag. . .and give me. . .my inhaler," Rachel said breathlessly. Brian quickly reached into her bag and pulled out her inhaler. "Thanks," she said then took two puffs of her inhaler. Handing it back to Brian, she took another sip of her water and stood back up. "I better get back out there. The break's almost over."
"Are you sure you're all right? Maybe you should ease up a little," Brian said.
"I'm fine. I promise," Rachel said then gave him a kiss. Rachel hopped off the bleachers and ran back to her position on the court. It was her turn to serve the ball.
"All right, show them what you got," she heard her coach yell.
Feeling slightly dizzy, Rachel shook her head and focused on her serve. She tossed the ball into the air and did a jump serve making it hit the ground of the other side of the net. Applause roared all around the gym.
"All right Rach!" shouted Brian.
Rachel weakly smiled and prepared herself for her next serve. Wiping the sweat from her forehead she closed her eyes and relaxed herself. Pain rose from her chest, but she ignored it. Don't let it get to you! She coached herself. She opened her eyes and served the ball, but this time it hit the top of the net. Disappointed in herself, she set herself up and waited for the other side to serve. Her heart pumped hard against her chest. Shaking it off she got herself ready to defend. The ball was served right over to her. Suddenly the room began to spin and the pain began to intensify. Gasping for air, she collapsed to the ground.
"Everybody back away!" Rachel heard her coach shout. Her coach huddled over her. "Rachel, are you okay?" she asked, her eyes focused on her.
"I can't. . .breathe!" Rachel gasped.
The coach helped her up as the first aid crew helped her into the training room. Slowly her breathing began to flow back to normal and she was calm. She was sipping on a cup of water when Brian came into the room. His eyes were filled with worry. Rachel's coach sat down in front of her.
"I just spoke with your doctor. She told me about your condition. I hate to do this, but I'm going to have to withdrawal you from the team."
"No!" Rachel sobbed. "Coach I'm okay I can play."
"Rachel you have to quit doing this to yourself. I'm only doing this because I care about your health. Playing on the team is only going to make you worse. You need to get the surgery taken care of. Maybe you can try again next year after you've recovered. But right now you need to concentrate on getting better. You understand what I'm telling you?" Rachel nodded. "Good, you take care of yourself and I'll see you next season," she said then walked out of the room, leaving Rachel and Brian alone.
Rachel looked up at Brian. "I suppose you hate me now."
Brian shook his head. "No. . .no I could never hate you. I wish you would have told me, but I could never hate you."
"I'm so sorry," Rachel said with a sob.
"Shhh it's okay. I'm not mad," Brian said as he hugged her tight. "Come on lets get you home."
"Okay," she said in between sniffles.
Rachel was silent on the way home, When they reached the parking lot Brian reached over and placed his hand over hers.
"I'm here for you. You know that don't you?" Rachel nodded, not looking at him. Brian picked up her hand and kissed it. "Lets go inside."
They went inside, Rachel didn't speak a word to him. She walked into her room, changed her clothes, and laid on her bed in the dark, clutching the teddy bear he had given her earlier that day. Brian came in later and laid down next to her. He smoothed out her hair and kissed her on the cheek.
"Want me to fix you something to eat?"
"I'm not hungry," Rachel replied tearfully.
Brian sighed and held her close. "Baby I know you're scared. It's a scary thing to go through. Believe me I know. I still have memories about it every single day of my life. It's something I'll never forget. But you know what? I thank God for everyday and everything he has given me. And I know he won't let anything happen to you. You just have to believe. Do you believe in God?"
Rachel nodded. "Yes. . .very much so," she said with a sniffle.
"All you have to do is close your eyes and pray and God will hear it. God takes care of his children, he will take of you. . .if you let him," Brian said gently.
Rachel wiped her tears and faced Brian. "Do you think so?"
Brian smiled and wiped the wetness from her cheeks. "I know so." He took off his shirt, exposing his scar. "You see this? This isn't just a scar to me. It's a reminder of how much God loves me because he allowed me to live." He placed Rachel's hand upon his chest. "And he will let you live too. You have nothing to be afraid of with him by your side. He's always here," he said as he placed his finger on her head. "And here," he continued by placing his hand on her heart.
Rachel smiled through her tears and kissed him. "Thank you," she whispered. Her eyes narrowed down to his scar. She traced it with her finger. "I love you."
Brian kissed her forehead. "I love you too."
Chapter 42
Nick stood at the window and looked outside. The rain was coming down hard and wind was blowing from every direction. He jumped when he felt Kristin wrap her arm around his waist. Nick wrapped his arms around her and rubbed his hands on her back.
"It's really coming down out there," Kristin said.
"Yeah it is. The weather report says it's from Hurricane Floyd."
"You think it'll hit us?"
Nick shrugged. "I don't know we'll have to wait and see. You aren't scared are you?"
"Who me?" she said with a nervous laugh. "Nah, I'm not scared." Suddenly a loud clap of thunder roared and Kristin jumped.
Nick laughed. "Not scared huh?"
"Shut up," she muttered and continued to look out the window.
Nick took her hand and led her over to the rec room. The two of them sat on the couch and watched the weather channel. Kristin cuddled closer to Nick at every rumble from outside. The TV was showing clips of the areas already hit by Hurricane Floyd when the power suddenly went out.
"Uh oh," Kristin whispered.
"I'll go get a flash light," he said as he hobbled over to the closet. "Look in the desk over there and get out a lighter. Use it to light up all the candles in the house."
"Okay," Kristin said as she went to the desk. She went around the house lighting up several candles, then went back to the rec room and sat down with Nick. Lightening flashed through the room as the wind blew the shutters against the window. Kristin shivered at a slight breeze. "I'm cold. I'll be back," she said then headed up to Nick's room. She went in his closet, grabbed a Green Bay Packers sweatshirt and a blanket, then headed back to the rec room. Nick laughed at the sight.
"Hey isn't that my sweatshirt?" he teased.
Kristin grinned. "Your sweatshirt is warmer than mine. Besides I like this sweatshirt. It looks good on you. . .but better on me," she said with a snicker.
Nick laughed. "I'm not gonna argue with you on that one."
Kristin smiled and leaned against Nick. The two of them sat in the dark room in silence. Shadows bounced around the room from the flickering candles. The wind howled outside, like wild coyotes. Suddenly a scratching noise came from the door. Kristin sat up and looked around.
"What was that?"
Nick listened for it again. The scratching sound was heard once more followed by whimpering. Nick chuckled. "Looks like we have visitors," he said while getting up. He opened the door, almost getting ran over by four frightened pugs. They ran over to the couch and jumped onto Kristin's lap.
"Nick help! They're clobbering me."
Nick laughed and walked back over to the couch. He picked up Willie and Houston and sat them on his lap. Petting them both on the head. "The storm must've scared them.
"Poor things," Kristin said as she watched Mikey and Nicky hide under her blanket.
Nick turns on the battery powered radio next to him. The two of them cuddle on the couch and listened to the soft music playing. Nick let out a groan and rubbed his leg.
"What is it?" Kristin asked in concern.
"My leg is killing me. Must be the rain."
"When was the last time you took your pain killers?"
Nick looked at his watch. "About six hours ago."
"All right, you need another one. I'll be back." Nick made a face. "Don't be a baby."
"Sorry, those things taste nasty."
Kristin rolled her eyes and walked out of the room. She came back with his bottle of pain killers. She took one out and handed it to him. "Take it."
Nick pouted and took the pill. "The weather report advised everyone in our area to move down to the basement due to the severity of the storm. I'm gonna grab some stuff and head on down there. You get the dogs down there and then gather up some blankets and pillows."
"Okay," Kristin said. "Be careful on your leg."
"I will," Nick said as he gathered up the radio and flashlight.
Kristin grabbed another flashlight, and scooped up Nicky and Mikey. "Come on guys," she said as she carried them down to the basement. Setting them down in Nick's lap she went back upstairs for Houston and Willie. When she went back to the rec room she scooped up Houston and searched around for Willie. Frantically she ran down the stairs. "Nick I can't find Willie."
"He's in the house somewhere. If you can't find him, he'll find us sooner or later. Don't worry."
"All right," Kristin said as she walked back upstairs. Blowing out the candles as she passed by, she gathered up several blankets and pillows. She went back to the rec room to grab one last blanket when she noticed a moving lump underneath it. Letting out a giggle she lifted up the blanket to find a happy Willie hiding under it. "There you are," she said as she picked him up. "Come on, you're coming with me." Kristin carried Willie to the basement with her and shut the door after tossing the blankets onto the floor. "That's all we need I think," she said as she joined Nick on the couch. "How long are we going to be down here?"
"I don't know. From the looks of it, this storm could last all night. If Hurricane Floyd is going the direction they think it's going then it will be here in a few days."
It's gonna. . .here?!?" Kristin gasped.
"Whoa babe, chill. It'll be okay."
"But you'll be gone. . .and I'll be here. . .alone. What will I do? I've never been through one of these before."
"Kris trust me, everything will be just fine. You have nothing to worry about. I won't let anything happen to you." Kristin started to cry. "Aww, baby don't cry. There's nothing to be scared of. I promise." Nick wrapped his arms around Kristin tightly and began to softly sing Open Arms. When he finished he looked down at Kristin who was fast asleep. He draped a blanket over her, then kissed her on top of her head. Nick laid there in the still silence listening to the rain, and soon fell to sleep.
Chapter 43
Sarah wiped the tears from her eyes as she heard the faint sound of a piano playing. Slowly she got up and followed the sound. Sarah quietly opened the door to the basement and crept down the stairs. Kevin was sitting at the piano playing intensely. His hands gracefully glided across the keyboard and his head gently swayed to the rhythm. Sarah was astonished by his concentration. Tears came to her eyes as Kevin began to sing.
"I don't know how it got so crazy. But I'll do anything to set things right. Cause your love is so amazing. Baby you're the best thing in my life. Let me prove my love is real. Made you feel the way I feel. I promise I would give the world. If only you would tell me girl. The words to say, the road to take, to find a way back to your heart. What can I do, to get to you? To find a way back to your heart."
Kevin played the last few notes and slowly bowed his head down. Sarah watched him from the other side of the room, quiet as a mouse. Kevin put the cover over the keyboard and propped his elbows up on it. Setting his head in his hands, he let out a loud sigh. Oh my god what did I do? Sarah thought to herself. I broke his heart. Geez Sarah you can be a real jerk sometimes. All he was trying to do was give you his love and support and you ruin it for him. How stupid can you get?! You have to tell him how you feel. She coached herself. You know you want him. Go for it! He's not like Keith, he's different. He won't hurt you like Keith did. Sarah took a deep breath a slowly walked over to him. Kevin's shoulders were slightly shaking. She knew he was crying. Gently she wrapped her arms around him. Kevin jumped a little then turned around.
"Sarah what---"
Sarah placed her finger over his lips. Then kissed him. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"For what? You didn't do anything. It was my fault. I shouldn't have asked you to be my girlfriend so soon," Kevin said as he scooted over so Sarah could sit down.
Sarah sat next to him and shook her head. "No," she said as she linked her fingers into his. "It was my fault. I'm the one who got upset over nothing. I let the idea that all guys are just like Keith get stuck in my head. But I know you're different. You would never do the things he did to me."
Kevin reached over and placed his hand on her cheek, wiping away her tears with his thumb. "No, I wouldn't. But I don't want to rush you into anything. If you're not ready to get into a relationship right now then I won't rush you. I'm willing to just be friends."
Sarah stared Kevin straight in the eyes. "I don't want to be friends."
"What?" Kevin said in shock.
"I want to be more than friends," she said with a chuckle. "I want us to be together." Sarah searched Kevin's eyes for a moment. He was staring at her in a daze. "Kevin?" No answer. "Kevin say something. What are you--" Kevin locked his eyes with hers and passionately began to kiss her. Taken aback Sarah stared blankly at Kevin. "What was that for?"
Kevin smiled and wrapped his arms around her waist. "For making me happy."
"You're welcome," she replied in a soft tone.
Kevin stood up and offered his hand to her. "Come on, it's late. Let's go on to bed."
Sarah slowly placed her hand in his and walked with him upstairs. They stopped in the hallway where the two rooms met. "Good night," she said.
Kevin kissed her softly on the lips. "Good night....sweet dreams."
"I will," Sarah said with a smile and walked into her room, closing the door behind her.
Chapter 44
Nikki picked through the clothes in her closet and placed them in her suitcases. Howie sat on her bed watching her fold the clothes.
"Think I should bring my bathing suit?"
Howie nodded. "You might wanna go swimming at the hotels."
"I don't like this swim suit much though."
"Then buy a new one."
"I can't, I spent the last of my money at the mall yesterday."
"I'll buy you a new one then."
Nikki sighed and tossed the swim suit aside. "All right. We'll buy one after I lose some weight."
Howie stared at Nikki wide eyed. "Lose weight? Why would you want to do that?"
"To look better," she said, avoiding his eyes.
"Honey you look fine the way you are."
Nikki rolled her eyes and walked to the bathroom. She began gathering up her toiletry items when Howie came in. He wrapped his arms around her from behind.
"I'm no model you know," she mumbled.
"What?"
Nikki turned around and stared at Howie. Her eyes were wet with tears. "I'm not skinny like a model. Or one of the dancers in your show."
Howie held her close and kissed her forehead. "Nikki you're beautiful the way you are. I fell in love with you the first day I laid eyes on you. And nothing could make me change my mind."
Nikki smiled. "Thanks."
"You're welcome," Howie said then kissed her.
"It's nice to know you fell in love with me when you were two," Nikki said with a chuckle.
Howie laughed. "Well, you were the cutest baby in the crib."
Nikki laughed again. "You're so full of it I swear," she said then lightly slapped him on the arm.
"I know," he replied with a smug grin.
"Come on help me finish packing."
"All right," she said as he followed her back into her room. The two of them were packing when Howie's pager went off. He looked at the screen then walked over to the phone. "It's Denise," he said as he dialed the number. "Hey Denise what's up?" Nikki walked over to Howie and listened. "Uh huh...I see...wow that's pretty bad. All right we'll see you in a little bit. Bye," he said then hung up.
"What is it?" Nikki asked nervously. "It's not Amanda is it?"
"No, Denise just found out some news about the tour. They postponed the first two shows."
"Are you serious? Why?"
"Hurricane Floyd is headed our way. They want us out of Florida. We've leaving for North Carolina tonight. We're supposed to be at the studio in an hour to board the bus."
"Well, I'm done packing. So I guess we should go get your stuff."
"Yeah, let's go," Howie said as he grabbed one of her suitcases.
The two of them left the apartment and went to Howie's. An hour later they arrived at the studio where the buses were parked. Denise came running out of one of the buses with her umbrella.
"Hurry up guys. Everyone else is here. Your bus is the second one," she said as she grabbed a bag from the trunk.
Howie and Nikki got their stuff loaded under the bus and went inside drenched. Nick, Kristin, Rachel, and Brian were sitting at the table. Kevin and Sarah were sitting on the couch at the back of the bus. AJ was sitting in one of the seats by the bus driver.
"Look at you two, you're soaked," Kristin said.
"And freezing," Nikki commented. "I'm gonna change," she said as she grabbed some clothes from her bag and went into the restroom. Howie changed his shirt and waited for Nikki. She came out in her pajama pants and a sweatshirt.
"Ooh sexy!" Howie joked.
Nikki smacked him on the arm. "Go change!" she laughed. Howie went into the bathroom and Nikki took a seat next to AJ. "Where's Amanda?" she asked.
"Sleeping," AJ replied, gesturing to the bunks.
"How is she doing?"
"Better, her fever's down. The doctor gave her some medication and told her to rest."
"That's good. So does she know about the baby?" AJ nodded. "How is she taking it?"
"Better than I thought she was going to. She's just in shock right now. It's probably best if we didn't mention the baby for a few days." Nikki nodded in agreement.
Just then, Howie came out of the bathroom and sat down next to Nikki. Placing his arm around her shoulders, he looked over at AJ and smiled. "Think the U.S. is ready for another tour of the Backstreet Boys?"
AJ snickered and slapped Howie a high five. "Let's knock'em dead."
