Snow Lodge
Chapter 46
Howie let that statement sink in before a look of horror crossed his face and he stiffened. Nick noticed and pulled back slightly.
"What?"
"I was really horrible to Brian. He must think I hate him."
Nick shook his head and pulled him close again.
"It's okay, you were upset, and you've been holding this in for a long time haven't you?" Nick asked.
"Yeah." Howie confirmed softly.
"Well. I'm sure right now Brian is upset and a little hurt, but deep down I bet he knows that you were just upset and worried about AJ, and it made you lash out. Once you talk to him I'm sure he'll be okay. In fact, I'm sure he'll be glad to know that AJ has a friend like you." Nick reassured Howie the best he could.
"You think so?"
"I know so." Nick replied with as much confidence in his voice as he could muster.
"Come on Howie. We can go and see him now, then you'll see he will be okay."
Nick turned and headed for the door, keeping hold of Howie's hand to make sure he followed. Howie dragged his heels for a few moments, not ready to go back and face Brian just yet, but Nick's insistent pulling made him follow, as he was unable to resist Nick's strong grip.
Nick and Howie walked down the hall and came to an abrupt halt outside the door to Brian's room. Nick turned around to face Howie and smiled reassuringly.
"Listen Howie, all you need to do is go in and apologise, tell him why you reacted like that, and he'll forgive you."
"Aren't you coming in too?" Howie asked, a little scared.
"No. I'm gonna find Jonesy, and see if there's any more news on AJ, then I'm gonna find Kevin and make him go down to the cafeteria to make sure he gets some food in him. You want anything?"
"You to stay here." Howie pleaded.
"Nope. Not gonna happen. Sorry D. But you broke it, now you've gotta fix it. You don't need me. You'll be fine."
"But�" Howie began again. Nick held up a hand to silence him, before quickly opening the door and pushing Howie inside the room. He then closed the door behind him and held it shut for a minute, making sure that Howie didn't come straight back out. When he didn't, Nick smiled grimly and headed off to find Jonesy.
