Chapter 7
The sun was shining in Anaheim, California that afternoon. The boys had just finished the first half of their rehearsal. Everyone was sitting in the air conditioned lounge room backstage of the arena. Catering had been provided for everyone. Rachel and Brian were sitting at a table with Sarah and Kevin.
"Good food!" Brian said then took a bite out his sandwich.
Rachel laughed. "Enjoy your food much?"
Brian smiled. "Not as much as I enjoy being with you," he said while gesturing for a kiss on the cheek.
Rachel snickered as she kissed him on the cheek and scooted closer to him.
Kevin laughed and shook his head. "You two are inseparable," he said.
"And that's a bad thing?" Rachel said with a smile.
"No comment," he said while standing up. "Come on Sarah let's go play pool."
"But I don't know how to play pool."
"I'll teach you come on," he said as he held his hand out to her.
"Okay," Sarah said as she took his hand and followed him to the pool table.
Rachel smiled and leaned against Brian. She watched everyone around the room. The band members and dancers were sitting in a large bunch telling jokes and wild stories. AJ and Amanda were sitting alone at the far corner of the room talking intently with each other as AJ glided his hand over her stomach. Howie and Nikki were sitting with Denise talking at the table next to her. Nick and Kristin were sitting at a small table alone having a serious discussion. Her eyes shifted back to Kevin and Sarah. Sarah was standing at the pool table holding the cue as Kevin showed her how to play pool. Rachel's thoughts were interrupted by Brian kissing her on the cheek.
"What are you thinking about?" he asked curiously.
"About how happy everyone looks. Have you ever seen such a happy bunch of people?" she stated as she looked up at him.
Brian smiled with a nod. "Yeah we are really happy," he said then took a deep breath in through his nose, letting it out slowly. He looked over at Rachel to find her smiling at him. "What?"
"Nothing," she said innocently.
"Yeah right, what are you looking at? Is there something on my face?"
"You know I never noticed this before, but your nose is really big. I mean from this angle it's really huge!"
"What?"
Rachel busted up laughing. "I'm sorry honey but the opportunity was right there. I had to take it."
"Oh you're gonna get it!" Brian said teasingly.
"Yeah, what are you gonna do to me? Blow me away?"
"Oh now you're asking for it," he said as he stood up. "Here comes the tickle monster!"
"Oh no not the tickle monster! Tickle monster bad!" Rachel squealed as she took off running.
"It's show time!" Brian shouted as she took off after her. Tripping over his own chair he quickly got up and chased her around the room.
"Kevin help me!" Rachel shouted, hiding behind him. "He's trying to tickle me."
"Big mistake choosing me," he said as he grabbed her arm.
"Hey cuz I got her for ya!"
Rachel screamed with laughter and wriggled out of Kevin's grasp. "Ha!" she shouted and ran to the other side of the room. Suddenly a sharp stabbing pain came to her chest. Gasping for air she doubled over in pain.
Brian ran over to her, oblivious to what was going on. "Ha now I've got ya!" he shouted as he started tickling her. When no he got no response from her, a strange feeling arose in the pit of his stomach. He turned her around to find her gasping for air with tears streaming down her face. "Rachel?"
"Brian..." she said weakly and collapsed in his arms.
"Oh my God! Kristin come over here quick!"
Kristin got up out of her chair and raced over to them. Everyone was crowded around them. "All right guys back up give her some air," she said as she scooted everyone out of the way. "Brian lay her on her back. Nick grab a pillow from the couch and place it under her head." Nick did as he was told. Kristin checked Rachel's pulse from her wrist. "She doesn't look too good. Her pulse is really weak and slow. Howie call 911."
"Oh God please let her be okay," Brian cried. "This is all my fault!"
Sarah reached over and pulled Brian into a hug. "She'll be okay. It wasn't your fault. It was an accident."
The ambulance soon arrived and Rachel was rushed to the hospital. Everyone waited patiently in the waiting room. Brian was pacing back and forth to each side of the room. Soon a doctor came in with an emotionless expression on his face. Brian raced over the doctor.
"Is she okay? What's going on? When can we see her?" Brian asked frantically.
"Are you her husband?" he doctor asked.
"Boyfriend," Brian answered.
"I suggest you take a seat before I tell you the news." Brian slowly took a seat next to Kristin. She grabbed his hand for support. "From what I see from Miss Crawford's records it shows she has had heart problems in the past. Surgery has been delayed for a long time, but at the point it needs to be taken care of as soon as possible. Her condition has gotten worse and there is no way around the surgery."
"Oh God!" Brian cried.
"How soon do you need to get the surgery taken care of?" Kevin asked, taking charge.
"My suggestion is to get her in to a hospital within the next week, but the sooner the better. If there are no further questions I'll have the papers printed up and Rachel will be free to go."
"Thank you doctor," Kevin said then took a seat next to Brian. "She'll be fine, Brian."
Brian shook his head. "This is all my fault! If I hadn't made her run around the room none of this would have ever happened."
Kristin's eyes filled with tears as she hugged Brian. "This wasn't your fault. If it hadn't happened today, it would have happened another time. There was nothing that could be done. You can't blame yourself for this."
Brian wiped the tears from his eyes and let out a sigh. "I want her to have her surgery in Lexington. By the same doctor who did my surgery."
Kevin nodded and patted Brian on the back. "I'll have Denise call and get a plane ticket for her." He looked over at Kristin. "Do you want to go with her?"
"Yeah, she won't want to go alone."
"Okay, I'll get one for you too."
"I'll go get the papers from the front desk so we can go home," Kristin said as she got up.
That night Rachel lay in bed with Brian. Their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Brian kissed her gently on the lips. Tears fell down Rachel's cheeks as she traced her finger down Brian's scar.
"I'm scared Brian," she whispered.
"I know....I know," Brian whispered back, holding her closer. "I wish I could go with you."
"I know, but you don't want to disappoint your fans. I'll be fine. Kristin will be with me."
Brian nodded. "I already talked to my Mom. She wants you to stay with her for a couple of weeks until you feel well enough to come back on tour with us. Do you want to do that?"
Rachel nodded. "Yeah, definitely better than staying in the hospital."
"Good," he said then kissed her on the top of her head. "Get some sleep sweetie. You're gonna have a long day tomorrow."
"OK," Rachel said as she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
Chapter 8
Kristin tossed and turned, trying to make herself fall asleep. Restlessly she looked over at the clock next to the bed. It was four in the morning. Rolling her eyes in frustration she turned over, facing Nick. He was peacefully sleeping with the blankets wrapped snugly around him. Kristin smiled and quietly slipped out of bed and took a shower. The warm water felt good on her tense body. Letting the water drip over her she leaned against the shower wall and cried. Why does this have to happen to my best friend? Rachel's too special to have something like this happen to her. Kristin clenched her fists and snatched her shampoo bottle. When she finished her shower she changed into a light purple tank top and black jogging pants. Not caring much about her looks, she put her hair up in a clip and went back to the bedroom. Careful not to wake Nick she began to pack up all her things neatly in her suitcase. The sound of Nick harshly coughing caused her to glance at Nick from her position by the bed. The thought of being away from him for over two weeks crossed her mind. I'm gonna miss him so much. I wish he could come with me. I don't know if I can do this alone. She let out a sigh and walked over to the balcony. Quietly she opened the door and stepped outside. Kristin sat in the chair and watched the sun rise. Tears formed in her eyes as thoughts of Rachel's upcoming surgery crossed her mind. Sobbing softly she hugged her knees up to her chest and laid her head on her knees. Lord give me the strength to get through this, she silently prayed. Kristin got up out of her chair and walked over the balcony railing. The sky had turned a deep shade of orange with small pink clouds floating by slowly. A slight breeze was blowing giving Kristin the scent of the fresh morning air. Fresh tears fell down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and listened to the stillness. Her meditation was interrupted by the feeling of strong arms wrapping around her waist. She jumped at his touch and turned around.
"Hey baby," he said in a deep tone. Kristin didn't respond. The tears poured down her face as she buried her face into his chest. "Aw baby don't cry. Everything will be all right. Rach will be fine, she's got a lot of people praying for her. After her surgery she'll be back to her old self in no time. Everything will be just fine you'll see."
Kristin wiped the tears from her face and looked up at Nick. "How can you be so sure? What if something goes wrong? What if she...oh god Nick I can't lose her."
Nick gave her an empathetic looked and hugged her tightly. "I know how you feel. I went through the same thing with Brian. We'll get through this together. I promise."
Kristin nodded and wrapped her arms around Nick's waist. "I love you," she said.
Nick kissed her gently on the forehead. "I love you too Babydoll."
"What time is it?" Kristin asked.
"It was almost six when I last looked at the clock."
Kristin sighed. "Well, you better get ready if you're gonna come with me to the airport."
"All right I'll be out in a few," Nick said, giving Kristin a quick peck on the cheek.
Chapter 9
"Flight 182 to Chicago is now ready to board," said a woman over the airport sound system.
The sound of planes taking off roared through out the corners of the building. Rachel sat in a seat waiting for her flight. Brian came over to her and handed her, her ticket.
"Here's your ticket baby," he said as he took a seat next to her.
"Thanks," she mumbled as she took it from him.
Brian wrapped his arms around her and kissed her on the cheek. "You're gonna be just fine," Brian assured. Rachel didn't respond, she just sighed and laid her head on his shoulder.
Just the rest of the gang showed up. The guys were on the down low with their hats and sunglasses. Rachel looked over at them in surprise.
"What are you guys doing here?"
"You didn't think we were going to let you leave without saying good bye did you?" Amanda asked.
"Well, I guess not," Rachel said softly.
"Come here and give us a hug," AJ said with his arms spread out. Rachel got up and hugged AJ. "We're all rooting for you," he whispered into her ear.
"Thank you," she whispered back.
"All right quit hogging her. It's my turn," Amanda said as she shooed AJ away. "Come here girl." Rachel moved forward, bumping into Amanda's stomach. "You'll have to excuse my excess baggage there," she said a laugh. Rachel laughed and hugged Amanda. "You get better girl so you can rejoin us."
"I will," Rachel said.
Next was Howie. "Good luck sweetie," he said as he hugged her. "I'll be thinking of you."
Rachel nodded then look over at Nikki. Tears shimmered in her eyes. "You'll be in my prayers."
Kevin was the next person to step up. He stared at her with his green eyes and hugged her tightly. "I never thought I'd have to go through this again. I'll tell you the same thing I told Brian. Don't turn your back on the Lord. He'll be with you."
"I'll remember that," Rachel assured him.
Sarah squeezed in between them and hugged Rachel. "I'll be praying for you," she said then let go.
Rachel stood among her circle of friends when Kristin and Nick arrived. Everyone hugged Kristin and said their good byes leaving Kristin, Nick, Brian, and Rachel alone. Kristin and Nick held each other tight as they waited for the flight to be announced. Rachel sat in the chairs next to Brian, holding his hand, too scared to speak.
"Flight 106 to Lexington, Kentucky is ready to board," announced the woman.
Rachel and Brian stood up and walked over to the flight's entry way. He wrapped his arms around her and lightly caressed her cheek. "Call me when you get there okay?" Rachel nodded, wiping tears from off her face. "Hey," he said gently. "I know this is hard, but it needs to be done. Everything will be fine. You have a great surgeon working on you."
"I know, I just wish you could come with me."
"I wish I could too," he said softly. "I want you to have this," he said as he handed her a small box.
Rachel opened it and inside was a gold necklace with a small cross. "Brian it's beautiful."
Brian took it out of the box and put it around her neck. "This is to remind you that I'm always thinking of you and that the Lord is always by your side."
"Thank you," Rachel said then kissed him on the lips. Rachel let go of Brian and looked over at Nick. She walked over to him and gave him a hug.
"I'm not good with words....all I can say is to get better soon," he said.
"I will," Rachel said.
Nick let go of Rachel and draped is arms around Kristin. "Call me as soon as you get there," he said.
"I will, I promise," Kristin said.
"Last call for Flight 106 to Lexington, Kentucky," announced the woman.
"Come on Rach we gotta board the plane," Kristin said.
"Okay," Rachel responded as she put her backpack over her shoulders. Blowing a kiss to Brian she followed Kristin onto the plane. After she gave the stewardess her ticket and took her seat, Rachel sighed and looked out the window. God just let me live, she thought then closed her eyes.
Chapter 10
"We are now in Lexington, Kentucky. I hope you enjoyed your flight and thank you for flying American Airlines. Have a nice day," the stewardess said through the intercom.
Kristin unbuckled her seat belt and looked over at Rachel who was fast asleep. Gently she shook her awake. "Rach we're here. Wake up."
"Hmmm?" Rachel murmured as she opened her eyes.
"We're at the airport in Lexington. Come on Brian's parents are waiting on us." Rachel gave Kristin a blank stare and didn't move. "You okay?" she asked in concern.
"I feel really weird," Rachel said softly.
"You think you can walk okay?"
"Yeah, I think so," Rachel said as she stood up. Kristin grabbed her hand and led her out of the airplane. There waiting at the entrance were Jackie and Harold, Brian's parents. Jackie walked over to them and smiled.
"You must be Kristin and Rachel," she said with a smile.
"Yeah we are," Kristin answered. "I'm Kristin, and this is Rachel."
"It's so nice to meet you both. You two must be exhausted from your flight. Lets get you to our house so you can relax."
"Thank you," Kristin said.
"Here let me take your bags," said Harold. Rachel and Kristin handed their bags to Harold and followed them to the car.
"I see where Brian gets his looks," Kristin whispered to Rachel.
Rachel grinned and nodded in agreement. "His personality too," she added.
The two of them climbed in the back-seat of the car and sat quietly. "Are you two hungry?" Jackie asked.
"Yeah I am a little," Kristin said.
"Rachel?" asked Jackie.
"No, I'm fine thanks."
"Well, I made some sandwiches before we came to get you. You're welcomed to them."
"Thank you," Kristin said with a smile. "We really appreciate you letting us stay with you Mrs. Littrell."
"Oh please call me Jackie. Mrs. Littrell is so formal." Just then they pulled into the drive way of their house. Harold took their bags out of the trunk and brought them into the house. "Let me show you to your rooms," Jackie said. Kristin and Rachel followed her up the stairs. She opened the door to the first room. "Kristin this will be your room. It's only has a twin size bed though."
"Oh that's fine. I'm sure it'll be comfortable."
"Good, now as for Rachel I was given orders for you to stay in Brian's old room," she said as she opened the door to his room.
Rachel looked inside. There were Kentucky Wildcats everywhere. "Somehow I knew his room would look like this," she said with a chuckle.
Jackie laughed. "I left his room the way it was when he moved down to Orlando. He likes to come home to his old room."
"This is really nice thank you," Rachel said.
"Oh it's no problem. Well, you two get settled in. If you need anything just ask," she said as she headed back down the stairs.
"Well, I better go call Nick," Kristin said as she whipped out her cell phone.
"Yeah, I've gotta call Brian. I'll talk to you later," she said as she disappeared into Brian's room.
Kristin dialed Nick's number and sat down on the bed in her room. Three rings passed then she heard him pick up.
"Hello?" said his sweet voice.
"Nick, it's me," Kristin replied.
"Hey baby. Are you guys in Lexington yet?"
"Yeah we just arrived a few minutes ago. I'm at Brian's Mom house now."
"That's good. How was the flight?"
"It was pretty good. Not much turbulence." She could hear the sound of Brian and Kevin laughing in the background. "Where are you? On the bus?"
"Yeah, we're on our way to Vegas. Hang on a second I'm gonna move to the front of the bus. It's hard to hear over here. Everyone is watching a movie back here and it's loud. There that's better."
"Do you miss me?" Kristin asked.
"Well, you've only been gone for one day so..."
"Nick!"
Nick laughed. "I'm kidding. Of course I miss you. How's Rach doing?"
"She's been real quiet all day. I think she's nervous about the surgery."
"What time does she go in?"
"She's supposed to go to the hospital tomorrow and they'll get her ready for surgery. She's scheduled to have her surgery at nine in the morning the next day."
"How are you holding up about all this?"
A tear fell down her cheek. "I'm extremely scared. So many things could happen with this surgery. I'm not sure what to do."
"Well, hang in there as much as you can. Rach needs your support."
"I will," Kristin said softly.
"Well, baby I gotta get going. We're getting ready to stop for dinner. I'll call you later on tonight."
"All right," Kristin said then hung up. Letting out a yawn she laid on the bed and fell asleep. A few hours later she awoke and got up. Quietly she crept down the stairs. In the living she found Rachel sitting on the couch by herself in the dark. "What are you doing sitting here all by yourself?" she asked as she sat next to her.
"I was just thinking," Rachel replied.
"About?"
"About my surgery. Wondering if I'm gonna make it through this. Will I be the same when this is all over?"
Kristin reached over and hugged Rachel. "Rach you're my best friend and I love you with all my heart. I promise everything will be okay. You're gonna get through this surgery and feeling better in no time. You'll see."
"Thanks for being there for me," said Rachel.
"Hey, that's what friend are for. Come on we better get back to bed. You've got a long day ahead of you."
"Okay," Rachel said and followed Kristin back upstairs.
Chapter 11
Rachel sat in her hospital bed staring at the plain white wall. Letting out a sigh of apprehension she looked out the window. It was cloudy and gloomy outside. "Perfect weather for a day like this," Rachel said quietly to herself. Just then there was a knock on the door. She shifted her eyes over to the door. There stood Kristin.
"Mind if I come in?" Kristin asked.
"Of course not," Rachel said, sitting up a little. "Ow!" she shouted. "Stupid IV," she said with a groan.
"I'm sorry," Kristin said.
"It's OK. It doesn't hurt too bad."
Kristin looked apprehensively around the room. "All hospital rooms look the same. I haven't seen one since my grandma died," she said softly then narrowed her eyes down to the floor.
"Kris take a seat you're making me nervous." Kristin took a seat in the chair next to Rachel's bed. "You okay? You look frightened."
Kristin sighed. "Sorry, it's just that every time I step foot into a hospital the memory of my grandma dying of cancer comes back to me."
"Oh Kris I'm so sorry," Rachel said in sympathy.
"It's okay. My grandma's in a better place now. I'll see her again someday. I believe she's my guardian angel and she brought you to me. I was alone until we met," Kristin said as tears formed in her eyes. She caught herself and blinked back her tears. "But anyway, how are you holding up?" she asked, changing the subject.
"I'm doing better than I thought I would. I figured I'd have a nervous break down."
"I just got off the phone with Brian before I came in here."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't have much time talk. They were getting ready for rehearsal. He said everyone is praying for you and that he'd call you tomorrow after you've rested."
"Oh," Rachel replied softly.
"You're scared aren't you?"
Rachel let out a loud sigh. "Terrified is more like it." There was a long pause. "Kristin do me a favor."
"What's that?"
"If I don't make it...tell Brian I love him," she said with a quivering voice.
Kristin placed her hand over Rachel's. "Rach you'll get through this. I promise."
"Lets hope so."
Just then a nurse came in. "Are you ready miss Crawford?"
Rachel burst into tears. "Rach we're all praying for you. You'll be just fine." Kristin assured.
Rachel wiped the tears from her eyes and laid back in her bed. The nurse rolled the bed out of the room and into the hall. Rachel felt as if she was going in slow motion. She sound of the nurse's footsteps echoed down the hallway. The lights from above flashed so brightly they were almost blinding. Finally the bed reached two sliding doors and she was in the operating room. Two other nurses came and helped her onto the operating table. The table felt cold on her back. Oh god here we go, she thought to herself. Looking to her right she could see a tray of operating utensils. One of the nurses put a gas mask over her face. Rachel slowly breathed in the gas and tried to relax. Enjoy this moment....it could be your last, she thought then everything went black.
Chapter 12
"There it is! That's her plane!" Brian shouted while jumping up and down.
"Rok calm down! You don't wanna scare her to death. She's still recuperating from her surgery," AJ said.
"Sorry I can't help it. I haven't seen her in two weeks," he said, gripping tightly to the bear he had in his hands.
"Brian you might wanna loosen up on that bear a little. You're gonna kill it," Kevin said.
Brian looked down at the bear. His hands were wringed around its neck. He let out an embarrassed chuckle. "Whoops," he said and set it down on the seat by him.
"There they are!" Nikki said as she raced toward Rachel and Kristin.
Everyone followed her and surrounded Kristin and Rachel. They all exchanged hugs. Rachel slid through everyone and found Brian waiting patiently for her. A huge smile spread across her face and she ran straight into his arms. As soon as their lips met Brian lifted her up and spun her around.
"God I missed you!" Brian said as he hugged her tightly.
"I missed you too," she murmured and kissed him passionately, slipping her tongue in his mouth.
"Mmmmm I've missed your kisses," Brian said then kissed her again.
"Hey! No making out in the air port!" said AJ.
Rachel and Brian parted, blushing. "Sorry," Brian said.
AJ laughed. "Hey it's cool."
"You guys, where's Nick?" Kristin asked
"He's back at the hotel," Brian said.
"Why is he there? Didn't he want to see me? What's going on?" Kristin said, on the verge of tears.
"Whoa whoa whoa. Calm down girl," said Amanda. "He wanted to see you, but he was given instructions by the doctor to stay in his room as much as possible. He's got a really bad flu."
Kristin wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry guys. I'm just really stressed, I need sleep, and I really wanted to see him. I missed him."
"Aww, we know you did," Amanda said as she hugged Kristin. "Come on, we're going back to the hotel. You can see him there."
Everyone climbed into the limo and went to the hotel. Everyone told Rachel stories that went on while she was away. Rachel smiled and laid her head on Brian's shoulder cuddling with the bear he gave her. She looked away from her bear and looked over at Kristin who was sitting next to her. She was facing away from everyone, looking out the window.
"What's wrong?" she whispered.
"Nothing," Kristin said, then sniffled.
"Yeah right," Rachel said with a grin. "What's wrong?"
"I want my Nickers!" Kristin whined.
"Aww," Rachel said and hugged her best friend. "You know you gonna see him here in a few minutes. Why are you crying?"
"I dunno," Kristin sobbed.
Rachel chuckled. "Hon, you need a nap."
"Shut up!" Kristin said as she wiped her tears.
Rachel laughed and went back to cuddling Brian. "What's wrong with her?" Brian asked.
Rachel rolled her eyes with a smile and shook her head. "Don't ask."
"All righty then," Brian said in his Jim Cary voice.
"You're too cute," she said with a laugh.
"So are you," Brian said as he leaned in for a kiss.
Rachel kissed him lightly. "There's more where that came from," she said seductively.
Brian raised his eyebrows. "Oh really now? Can I have some more?"
"Later," Rachel said with a sly grin.
The limo stopped and everyone climbed out. Dodging the fans outside, they rushed to the elevator. When they arrived to their floor Kristin shoved her way out first.
"Out of my way! Gotta find Nicky!" she said as she ran down the hall. "Which room?"
"One eleven," Brian called.
"Thank you," Kristin said as she hurried to the room. Quietly she opened the door and crept inside. The curtains were pulled back and the room was dark. She looked over at the bed and could see Nick fast asleep. She ran to the bed and crashed down next to Nick, waking him up.
"You're back," he said in a hoarse voice.
"I missed you!" Kristin said in sobs.
"What?"
"I said I missed you," she repeated, crying harder.
"Baby calm down I can't understand you. "What's wrong?"
"I.....I dunno!" Kristin whined again.
Nick smiled and pulled him closer to him. He kissed her on the forehead. "I think you're tired," he said softly while caressing her cheek. Kristin sniffled and cuddled up next to Nick. He rubbed his hand on her back and she fell asleep almost instantly. Pulling the covers over her, he gave her one last kiss and went back to sleep.
