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When we arrived at the hospital everyone was there. The press, fans, our families, and the other boys were all there. They medics rushed Nick in to the hospital and I ran along the side of his bed until they told me I couldnt go any further. They escorted me back to the waiting room. I was met there by my family, Nicks family, the other four boys and even their families were there.
Everyone came up to me and hugged me, kissed me, and said, Im so glad youre alright. My parents held on to me for dear life.
"Mom" I said trying to breath "Mom I cant breath. Let go a little. You're gonna kill me." I said as she loosened her grip.
She just kept saying I love you and I was so worried and scared. My dad did the same thing. Then the questions came. One person after another asked me what happened and asked how Nick was when I last saw him and how he got that way. I told them the whole story from beginning when we were on the beach to the end when we entered at the hospital. By the time I finished the story I looked around the room and some were crying, some just had their jaws open in shock. The doctor came in five minutes later.
"Hi. Are you all here for a Mr. Nickolas Carter?" he asked.
"Yes." we all said in unison.
"Oh ok. Well I have news on him." We all just sat there and listened. "Mr. Carter is stable but is currently in a coma. He was hit on the head really hard and he was hit in the worst place. So because of that he is in a coma. The only question now is when and if he comes out of it. I dont see any reason why he wouldn't, considering that we have all his injuries under control." I looked at the doctor in shock.
"Can we see him? If we talk to him will he hear us?" I asked.
"Yes you can see him but not all at once. Yes, just because he is not awake doesnt mean he can't hear you. So talk to him, that just may help him to wake up." The doctor said to me. "Three at a time. Ok?" he finished. We all agreed and Nicks parents and I were elected to go first. We walked in to Nicks room.
"Ill leave you three alone with him." The doctor said and left.
I looked around the room then at Nick. The room was dim most of the light came from the light above Nicks bed. Nick had tubes in his mouth and nose attached to machines to help him breath. A heart monitor was beeping to keep track of his heart rate.
"Oh my God! My baby!" Jane cried then ran over to his bed with Bob close behind. I stood at the door in shock.
"Hell be ok Jane. He will." Bob said trying to comfort her. Jane just held Nick's hand and kissed his forehead.
"Nick, baby, it's time to wake up. Everyone is here waiting to see you." Jane said trying to hold back the tears. I was still by the door in shock as Jane was talking to Nick.
"You can come closer Rachel." Bob said to me. I snapped out of my daze and walked slowly over to Nick's bed.
I looked at him. His head had a bandage on it from where he was hit. His hair was cut short to help the doctors fix the gash on his head. I looked at his face, at the bluish green tubes in his nose and mouth. I saw all the bruises that were there from where he was beaten the first time. I looked down and the blankets were neatly wrapped around his body. His arms were the only part that was not covered by the blankets but instead were by his side. They were bruised, cut and on his wrists were red circles from the handcuffs that were put on. In his left arm was an IV.
His parents were on one side of the bed and I was on the other. I couldn't speak, all I could do was stand there and look at him. Tears started rolling down my face.
After a few minutes Jane said still sobbing, "We are going to leave so someone else can come in. you can stay if you want, well explain it to the others. Ok?" all I could do was nod. They left the room and I was left alone with Nick for a few minutes. I took one of my hands and put it in his and took my other hand and put my fingers through his hair and kissed his forehead.
"You need to wake up. For your family, the boys, the fans, and for.me" I said softly. Brian and Kevin came in the room a few seconds later.
"Oh God!" I heard Brian say softly.
"Man, those animals!" Kevin said angrily. "If I get my hands on them" he trailed off as both of them came over to his bed. They looked at him and Brian had tears going down his face.
"I hate hospitals. This reminds me of when I was here." Brian said sadly.
"I know Bri. But all we can do know in pray." Kevin said.
"How are you doing Rachel?" Brian asked me.
"Not good. I dont know what I'll do if anything happened to him. I know I just met him 3 days ago I feel like I've known him forever. And after he protected me.." I said softly beginning to cry again.
"He'll pull through. I know Nick. He still has to beat me in B-ball. He won't leave till he does." Brian said trying to cheer me up.
"Yea Rachel don't worry about it. Nick is a fighter and I can prove it to ya by the scare he gave me wrestling." Kevin said showing me a little scar on his leg. "It was accidental of course. So if he could take me on he will pull through" He finished.
"I hope you're right." I said sighing.
Brian and Kevin stayed for a little while then everyone else came in and out talking to Nick and to me but I didn't really hear what anyone was saying. I just nodded every once in a while. My dad brought me a chair and I sat down and held Nicks hand. I stayed like that the whole night. My dad asked me if I wanted to go home but I couldn't. Jane stayed also but Bob had to go home for their other children. Jane stayed in the spare bed next to Nick. I looked at my watch it was almost midnight. I said a prayer to God telling him to let Nick be all right and to let him wake up soon.
I finally fell asleep. I don't remember when but the nurse said she checked on Nick at 2am and I was still wake then looked back in 15 minutes later and I was sleeping. She also said that I never took my hand away from Nicks.
For the next week I never left the hospital. I cleaned up in the bathroom in Nicks room and my parents brought me clean clothes. I had to be there with Nick even if he wasnt wake. I also had to be there when he did wake up.
The other four guys walked in one morning like they did every morning for the past week. And like they did every morning they asked the same question. Kevin was the one to ask today.
"How is he doing?" he asked and I said the same thing that I said all week long.
"No change." Brian then walked over to Nick and said to him
"Come on Frack wake up. You've slept long enough. I know you said that you needed rest but this is nuts!"
"Bri's right Nick. It's time to get up." AJ said. Then out of nowhere Nick's eyes twitched.
"Go get the doctor!" I said as Brian quickly left the room. He came back seconds later with the doctor. We all started talking at once saying what happened.
"Ok, ok! Lets see." And he walked over to Nick.
"Nickolas? Can you hear me? Squeeze my hand." He said trying to get a response. Nothing happened. He tried again. "Come on Nick. Squeeze my hand." Nothing. "We have to give him more time but his eyes moving is a good sign." The doctor said leaving the room.
Everyone was getting hungry so they all left to get something to eat but I stayed behind. I was there with him for a half an hour. I started to talk to him.
"C'mon Nick. Please wake up. I can't take this any more." I said as I started to cry. I looked down at Nick's hand and just put my hand in his and a few seconds later I felt him squeeze it. I looked up at his face. His eyes started to flutter then opened.
"Nick! You're awake!!!" I yelled. He looked at me and tried to talk but couldnt because of the tubes in his mouth. I let go of his hand and went to the door and yelled to the doctor down the hall. "Doctor hes awake!" I yelled to him. Then he along with everyone else came running. I went back by Nick's side and held his hand. The doctor took the tube out of his mouth.
"Nick! Oh my baby, you're awake!" Jane said excitedly
"Can you talk?" the doctor asked.
"Ill try." Nick said in a low whisper, which was barely heard. I smiled and had tears going down my face at the same time.
"How are you feeling?" the doctor asked.
"I.I hurt all over" Nick slowly and painfully said. My back and legs are killing me."
"That will go away eventually. Considering the beating your back and legs took, Im surprised that you are not paralyzed." The doctor continued. "Do you remember what happened?"
"Yea Nick, you had us really worried." I said, "What was it like? In the coma I mean?"
Nick looked down and he had a very sad and scared look on his face.
"Well" he started this time his voice was a little stronger. "I was basically living the whole thing over again. Only it wasnt just me they hurt. They hurt you, and the guys and everyone I was close too. It was horrible. No matter how much I tried I couldnt help anybody."
"What was the last thing you saw before you woke up?" I asked
"Right before I woke up, Rick held up his gun and shot it at you." He said pointing to me. "But it all was going in slow motion so when I moved in front of you it all went in slow motion. Right before the bullet hit me I woke up." Even though his voice was now back to a whisper I could still hear the fear.
"Well you're safe now and so is everyone else." His mom said. After a few minutes of talking with Nick we decided that it was somebody elses turn to talk to him so we left and 3 at a time everyone got their chance to talk to him. It was the first time I left his side since we met. (Think about it we met then kidnapped then the hospital.)
It took about 3 hours before every one was done talking with him. I went back to Nicks room to see if he was up for any more visitors.
"Hi. I said softly. How are you feeling? Are you up for another visitor or do you want to sleep?" I asked
"No, no come in!" he said with a smile on his face. Oh that smile! That smile that I thought that I was never going to see again. There it was and it was great!
"How are you feeling?" I asked then smiled. "I bet youve been asked that for the past 3 hours, huh."
"Hum.........Yep!" he said still smiling. "I'll be okay. My back still hurts but the doctor just gave me some pain killers so I'll be okay soon."
"Good." I said
"The guys told me that you were here all week and didnt leave my room once. Is that true?" he said with flattery on his face.
I blushed. "Yes. I just couldnt leave. I guess I was afraid something would happen to you. I know that sounds silly but...."
"No, I dont." he said before I finished. "I would have done the same for you." Then took my hand.
"Hey! How are you guys feeling?" We turned around to see who it was. My dad walked in the room.
"Well Mr. Smith I guess you guys will be staying at a hotel." Nick said out of nowhere.
"What?" both my dad and I said confused.
"Well you said if there was any trouble that you would go to a hotel." Nick finished and I couldnt help but laugh. Even my dad cracked a smile.
"Well thats not what I meant." Smiling a little then he turned serious. "In fact Im proud of you. You protected my daughter from those men and for that I owe ya." He said. I smiled a little to hide some tears. I looked at Nick and he seemed really honored by what my dad just said. Then my dad smiled again and said, "I guess I shouldn't kill you now." I laughed. "You guys want something to eat?" he asked
"No. I'm not hungry." I said
"No thanks." Nick said.
"Ok. I'll be back later." He said.
"What was that all about?" Nick asked
"What was what all about?"
"He said I guess I dont have to kill you now." Nick said both confused and worried.
"Nick, calm down. Hes joking. He always said that he would kill every guy I would go out with. But it is a joke. He wouldnt hurt anyone." I said calming Nick down.
"Oh ok." He said sounding relived.
"You know, the whole time we were with those men, I couldnt help but think that you shouldnt have been there and that it was me they wanted. I felt so guilty."
"No one knew what was going to happen. We had no control over it. Believe it or not I would have rather been with you then just you being gone and me having to worry. At least being with you I could be there to know how you were doing." I said looking down at him.
Nick looked up at me. A tear came form those baby blues.
"Whats the matter?" I asked a little worried.
"It is all hitting me at once. That whole experience." He said softly.
"But you know what, you did more then you realized for me. The only reason why I was able to sleep at all was because you were there and put your arms around me. I felt so safe." I said smiling and wiping that tear from his face. He looked at me straight in the eye and thats when we clicked. There was more then just friendship there. There were feelings there that were deeper then either of us could describe.
"HEY FRACK!!!!" Brian yelled as we both looked at him then laughed at what we saw. Brian was wearing a wacky hot pink and light blue cowboy hat; you know the kind AJ would wear. We expected AJ to wear something like that but Brian, that just made it funnier.
"Brian.......Buddy..what do you have on your head?" I asked laughing so hard my side hurt.
"Oh I thought this would cheer you both up." He said smiling.
"Well it worked." Nick said trying not to laugh cause it hurt.
"Good. Anything to help." Brian said taking off the hat. Brian walked closer and stopped in front of the bed. The expression in his eyes changed slightly. I noticed it but Nick didn't. Then Brian had a big smile on his face. He noticed the connection between Nick and I too. I guess he saw the different look in our eyes. He didn't say a word not wanting to make anyone uncomfortable. The other 3 guys came in a few minutes later.
"Hey guys!" AJ said "B-rok, nice hat!" Nick, Bri, and I started laughing again.
"What?" AJ questioned taking the hat and putting it on.
"Nothing!" the 3 of us said in unison. The others just looked at each other confused. They all sighed and sat down.
"Hey Frack, the doctors said you could leave tomorrow." Kevin said happily.
"Great!" Nick and I said together.
"Do you feel up to it though?" Kevin asked being the father figure again.
"Yes. I think Ill do better at home." Nick said seriously
"The doctor wants to see if you can walk on your own first. Before he lets you go." Howie said.
"Whatever. I'll do anything to get out of here and go home." Nick said.
It got late and the guys decided to head out and go home to get some rest. They said good-bye and left.
"Well I guess Ill see you tomorrow." I said to Nick
"Wait." He said to me. I looked at him questionably. "Why dont you stay?" The nurses will let you.
"You really want me to stay? I dont want to drive you nuts." I said smiling.
"Nonsense. Besides I love having you here with me." he said.
"Ok. I will." I said then pushed the extra bed next to Nicks. I laid down and wrapped my arm gently around Nicks waist and he put his head on mine. We turned on the TV cause we still werent tired. My parents came in the room.
"Ready to go honey?" my mom asked.
"I'm going to stay here tonight." I said.
"Hum......I dont think that is such a good idea." My dad said dryly.
"Dad, it is okay." I said with a small smile "It will be fine."
"I really want you to come home." He said
"But Nick wants me to stay with him and I want to stay. I'm 19 I think I should be able to make my own decisions." I said calmly but with a little anger.
"Maybe you should go. I dont you to have a fight with you parents." Nick said to me.
"No its ok. I want to stay with you." I said back smiling.
"Ok, Rachel. Stay. You are right, you're 19 and I trust you." My dad said.
"Thanx." I said
"See you tomorrow when we come to pick you two up." My mom said smiling.
"Ok bye." I said as they walked out of the room.
"I hope your parents arent mad." Nick said looking concerned.
"Nah. They have to realize I'm 19 now. Im not their little girl anymore. Though sometimes I wish I was. Being a kid is less complicated."
"I know what ya mean." Nick said with a laugh "But being an adult can be fun too." He continued with that cute devil look again.
"Oh really Carter." I said returning that devil look.
"Yes my babylove it can be!" Nick said. 'Babylove. Did he just call me babylove? I, wow, love it. It sounds so cute coming from him.' I thought. (AN:I know mushy, mushy but I'm a female and its Nick Carter..oh anyway..)
"I like that." I said to him
"Like what?" he asked confused.
"I like you calling me your babylove." I said smiling. Nick smiled back and leaned over and kissed me. I felt like I was in heaven. His lips were so soft and warm. I felt safe. I felt like I was home. He pulled back. I didnt want him to stop but I opened my eyes to see him looking at me and he said to me.
"Anytime, my babylove." After he said that I just knew something else was going to happen. Something good, finally.
I woke up the next day and looked at the clock. 9:30am I thought. I looked over at Nick and he was peacefully sleeping for the first time in a week. I got up to use the restroom and I came back Nick was still out cold. The nurse came in gave a quick check on Nick and told me after the doctor checked to see if he could walk he will most definitely going home today. I smiled at her and told her that that it was great and that he couldnt wait to go home. She left and I went over to Nick and laid back down next to him.
"Hey" I said softly "Hey Mr. Chaos. Time to wake up." I tapped his shoulder and he started to stir and opened his eyes. He looked up at me and smiled.
"Hey my babylove." He said happily.
"Hey blue eyes." I said smiling back.
He reached over and kissed me then asked me "Sleep well?"
"Yep." I said 'I was with you' I thought.
"You know something?" he began.
"No what?" I asked
"I realized something in my sleep last night"
"What?"
"I realized that." He paused and looked up for the right words then looked back to me .."That I Love You." My jaw dropped. Nick Carter saying that he loved ME! I did feel the same way towards him too.
"You make me feel things Ive never felt before. Good things and I dont want that to go away. Does that make sense?" he asked.
"Yes it does" I said "Because I love you too, and I feel those same feelings."
"So does this mean you,ll be my girlfriend?" he asked innocently. Might I say with a rather cute face.
"Hummmmm Let me think.." I said.
He looked up at me with wide eyes.
"OF COURSE I WILL CARTER!" I said half laughing and not quite yelling.
"Dont do that to me. I thought you were going to say no."
"Hum hello I just told you that I love you. Why would I say no?"
"To tease me."
"I would never." I said and laughed.
Then the doctor came in and checked his legs. He had Nick lift his legs up and bend them. I could tell it was painful and the bruises on his legs were terrible. The doctor finally got Nick to sit up then stand. Nick walked around on his own even though it hurt. He knew if he didnt he would have to stay in the hospital longer.
"Well Nick since you can walk on your own, I guess you can leave. But take it easy. No horse play." The doctor said smiling.
"Okay. Thats no problem." Nick said happily. Then the doctor left to get the forms for his release. Nick was sitting on the bed resting when I started to gather his stuff and put it in his duffel bag his mom brought over. He went to get up to help me when I stopped him.
"Dont get up. I'll help you in a second Nicky." I said to him.
"You're the boss." He said jokingly. I finished packing his stuff and put it by the door.
"Ok lets get you up and moving." I said. I went over to Nick and helped him swing his legs over the side of the bed. He put his arm around me and I helped him stand up. He was real shaky and he had trouble keeping his balance. The nurse came in. she looked up in shock.
"What are you doing out of bed mister?" she asked
"I'm going home today." he said.
"Did the doctor say that?" she asked
"Yep." He said happily.
"Okay." she said back "But you may want to change out of that hospital gown first." She said smiling and pointing to the gown. I laughed a little realizing that the gown was open in the back and all he had on underneath there were his boxers.
"Oh" he said turning red. The nurse laughed and turned around and left. I saw how bad his back was and I knew he felt it so I decided to lighten the mood and tell the truth at the same time.
"Hey Nicky."
"Yea?"
"Look on the bright side you do have a cute ass to show off!" I said smiling.
"You know I do!" he said back then shook his butt a little.
"Lets get you dressed." I said. I gave him a pair of baggy jeans and a t-shirt. He slipped his jeans on over his bruised legs then I untied his gown and was about to help him put on his shirt when he spoke up.
"Wait, I wanna see what my back looks like." He said looking down at his bruised chest.
"You sure?" I asked
"Yes. I just wanna see how bad it is." I lead him over to the bathroom where there was a full-length mirror. I put him in front of it. He saw the front of his body first.
"They gave me a hair cut?" he asked
"Oh yea. I didnt tell you. They had to cut you hair to fix the cut on the back of your head."
"I like it. It makes me look older." He said smiling.
"I like it too. But I will like it better when that bandage comes off." I said pointing to the bandage on his head.
"Let me see." He said turning around. He saw his back in the reflection of the mirror. His back, I mean his whole back was black and blue, although there were signs of yellow starting to form showing that he was healing. Nick winced when he saw. He turned back to face me.
"Ah thats better."
"What is better?" I asked confused.
"Looking at you. Thats way better then looking at my back." He replied with a smile.
"You're not too bad to look at yourself." I said smiling
"Yea when I dont look like this." He said half smiling back.
"C'mon lets go home." I said to him.
"Ok my babylove." He said putting that million-dollar smile back on his face.
The nurse made him sit in a wheel chair until the got out side the entrance. Nicks parents along with mine were out their waiting for us. Bob cam over and helped Nick out of the chair and in to the car. I went over and hugged my folks then hugged Jane.
"Everyone is back at the house." She said as we got in.
Nick sat by the window and I sat next to him. Jane Bob and my dad sat in front while my mom sat in the back with us.
When we pulled in to the drive way Nick was so excited to be home he was trying to get out of the car that he couldnt get the handle to open. My mom and I got out. I ran around and opened the door for Nick.
"I thought I was supposed to do that for you?" he asked.
"It's my turn this time." I said with a smile. I helped him out and we went in the house. The guys and their families were there. They all came up and hugged Nick. Since they didnt know me I wasnt surprised that they were unsure to do the same to me. Thought the other four boys did. They all started talking at once trying to find out what happened and how Nicks was. After he and I told the story, we sat down to eat. We ate and talked about different things. When everyone left and my sister and Nicks siblings went to bed we were finally getting some time alone.
"So." Nick said breaking the silence.
"So what?" I asked. Then the phone rang. Nick reached over and answered it.
"Hello?" he asked in to the phone. Then his face turned to a thinking look. "I see." He said. And I became a little worried. "Yes, I got it. In 2 days. See you then. Bye." Then he hung up.
"Whats the matter?" I asked concerned. He looked up at me and put his arms around me.
"What is it?" I asked again.
"The trial. It is in 2 days. The trial will only last a day. They want to get it over with and since 3 of the 4 plead guilty they said it should be ended as soon as possible." He said rubbing my back.
"I agree. We should get this behind us as soon as possible." We then got up and told our parents about it and then we called they guys. Every one of them said they would be there.
After we called the guys we decided to go to bed. Nick and I slowly walked up the stairs and to his room. Since we left the hospital we havent left each others side.
"When should we tell the others about us?" I asked changing the subject.
"I dont know. He said looking at me with a half smile on his face. I guess we can tell them after the trial. That way your parents wont kill me until then." He said laughing.
"Well my mom likes you. My dad is getting there." I said looking serious. "I dont think hell kill ya just yet."
"Oh funny!" he said hitting me with a pillow. "I think we established your dads point of view in the hospital."
"Oh you want to play that way!" I said picking up the other pillow and hitting him with it. He gabbed it and put it behind his head and slowly laid down.
"You alright?" I asked concerned.
"Yea. It just hurts a little. Ill be ok in a couple days." He said trying to hide the pain.
"I'll get the medication." I said leaving the room. I went downstairs and into the kitchen where I ran in to Jane.
"Hey Rachel. Whats the matter?" she asked.
"I'm just getting Nick his medication."
"Is he alright?" she asked quickly
"Yea. He just hurts a little. This will help."
"Rachel?" she said as I was leaving.
"Yea?"
"I know about whats going on between you and my son." She said with a small smile.
"Oh yea?" I said nervously. "Whats that?"
"That you guys are going out." She said like she was in junior high. I smiled. "I'm happy for you two and I can see that he really cares for you. Hes got a different look in his eyes." She said.
"I really care about him too. Can you do me a favour?" I asked.
"Sure what?"
"Don't tell my parents yet. Nick and I were going to wait until after the trial to tell them."
"Okay. No problem."
"Thanks." I said and ran up stairs. I walked in to Nicks room. He was standing in front of the mirror looking at his back.
"It will get better soon. It wont look like that in a few days." I said and he jumped a little but smiled weakly when he saw me.
"I know." Was all he could say. I walked over to him and handed the pills and cream that the doctor gave him. He took the pills but left the cream.
"You need to put that on too." I said softly.
"I know I'll do it later."
"Want me to help you?" I asked.
"Okay. But be gentle." He said.
"Nope. Im gonna hurt ya. Of course Ill be gentle." I said sarcastically. He smiled a bit. I put the cream on my hand and rubbed it on his back carefully. I could feel him tense up when I touched certain spots on his back.
"Sorry." I said softly.
"It's okay. Keep going." He said trying to cover up the pain in his voice. I kept going till his back was finished. I helped him pull over a clean t-shirt.
"Thanks." He said softly.
"No prob. Anytime." I said simply. "We should get some rest."
"Your right. Will you stay with me tonight babylove?" he asked with a sweet smile.
"Yes I will Nicky." And we went to bed and fell asleep soon after. (AN: I know this is a little mushy and for you sex fens nothing much of that has happened yet. Remember he is recovering. Just wait. Well see what develops ).
-------2 days later-----
Well its the morning of the trial. We woke up at 8 oclock to get ready. Nick and I are as nervous as hell. We really didnt want to see any of them again. But we would at 10 am.
"Lets go! We dont want to be late!" Bob yelled to everyone. Everyone piled in to the cars. It took us 20 minutes to get to the courthouse. When we got there, there were press, fans and cops all over the place.
"Oh man." I sighed.
"Dont worry. I'm used to getting through crowds like this. I'll help you." He said. We pulled the car in front and Nick, Bob, and I got out. Jane went to park the car and my dad did the same for the car he was driving. We went through the crowd ignoring the presses questions or saying no comment. We heard fans saying we love you Nick and we hope they rot in hell type things. As soon as we got in to the building we sat down to take a breather.
"How are you feeling?" I asked Nick who looked like he was in a lot of pain.
"I'm hurting a little." He said back. I pulled out his medication.
"Here. Take these." I said handing them to him.
"Thanks." He said swallowing them.
The past two days were spent talking to our lawyer discussing what was going to happen and what evidence was going to be shown. We learned that pictures of Nicks body taken while he was in the hospital were going to be used as evidence against Rick. Rick was the only one who plead not guilty. At first Nick was unsure about showing those pictures but he eventually said it was okay to use them, knowing that it would help get Rick a longer sentence.
"Ok everyone in to the courtroom." We heard one of the officers say. So we got up and piled in to the room. The press and fans were not allowed in the courtroom. It was family only though they did make an exception for the four other guys. Nick and I sat at the prosecution table. We waited for the judge to come in. Both of us were nervous. We were going to see the 4 men for the first time since they were arrested.
"All rise." We heard the bailiff say so we stood up. The judge walked in with the long black robe and sat down in his chair.
"Be seated." He said so we sat down again. The trail had started. After the judge sat down Rick was brought in and seated at the table across from us. He gave us a look that would kill. I looked at Nick and said to him He better go away for a long time. Nick just nodded.
We were first to call a witness and since Nick and I were the only ones that saw the whole thing and experienced it we were first. Nick wanted to go first but our lawyer said it would be best if I did so thats what we did. I went on to the stand and told them everything that had happened. When I got up to the part where they beat Nick up for trying to run the first time, I got choked up. I looked over at Nick who gave me a nod and mouthed to me I love you which made me feel better so I went on. When I was done I looked at the jury whose mouths were hanging open. But what I told would nothing compared to how Nicks testimony was going to sound.
Nick told the story of what happened again but during his testimony there were pictures being shown of the damage done to his body. Tears started to roll down my face. Nick was staying as strong as he could. He didnt want to cry in front of everyone especially Rick. He didnt want to give Rick that satisfaction. When Nick finished he slowly got down off the stand and walked slowly and painfully back to our table.
"Are you okay?" I asked holding his hand.
"Yea. Ill be okay." He said quietly. I then carefully pulled him in to a hug.
The judge then called for a recess. Everyone left the room to get something to eat. Nick and I werent hungry so we just hung behind. Our lawyer came up and told us the other 3 men were going to be showing up shortly to testify against Rick. He said the only reason why they are going to do that is to get a lesser sentence. We then heard some commotion out side. We suspected it to be them and our suspicions were confirmed when the 3 men walked in the building. We had to laugh a little the men came in covered in egg yolk. The first place they went was the bathroom to get cleaned up. After and hour recess we were asked to go back in to the courtroom.
The first one called to the stand was Rick. He lied about everything and said he was force in to it by the other 3. He even tried to blame Nick and I for the whole kidnapping saying that Nick hired him but that was immediately ruled out because why would Nick want the shit beat out of him. After listening to him babble on for 5 minutes on how it wasnt his fault, the judge finally shut him up.
"Mr. Simmons stop the rambling. You may step down now." He said as the bailiff came over and escorted him back to the table.
The other 3 men did their testimonies and told everything that had happened truthfully. I was actually surprised that they spoke truthfully. By the time they finished it was already 8pm. The judge sent the jury to diliberation. Our lawyer it shouldnt take long because of all the evidence, our testimonies, and the testimonies of the other 3 men.
"Nick, I'll be right back. I have to use the bathroom." I said as I got up.
"Okay. Ill be right here." He said with a faint smile.
As I was coming back from the bathroom I heard Nick talking to Brian.
"Yea Bri, I really do like her. In fact shes my girlfriend." Nick said happily.
"Really Frack? Are you sure you really like her that much and it is not because of everything thats happened." Brian said a little skeptical.
"Yes I do. You know why because shes beautiful, intelligent, funny, and she likes me for me." He said not angrily but convincingly.
"Ok buddy. Im just looking out for you."
"I know but I know what I feel." Nick said. I smiled to myself. I walked out from behind the wall and when over behind Nick and wrapped my arms gently around his waist then kissed his cheek.
"Hey hon." I said. Brian walked away to leave us alone.
"Hey my babylove." He said back.
"Hun I have to tell you something." I said.
"What?" he said a little worried.
"Dont worry. It is nothing bad." He seemed to be relived. "I heard what you said to Brian just now." He looked at me weird. "I was coming back and I heard what you told him and I want to let you know that I think that same way about you. All those things you listed." He looked at me right in the eyes.
"I love you my babylove." He said to me.
"I love you too blue eyes." I said back. He leaned down and kissed me and not just a peck. I mean he KISSED me. I never felt that sensation before.
But of course the moment was ruined when we heard the guard say "The jury is done deliberating. Everyone please enter the courtroom."
"Well this is it. Lets go." Nick said holding my hand as we walked back to the table.
"Has the jury reached a verdict?" the judge asked.
"Yes." One of them said.
"I'll read the verdict." The judge started "The jury finds Rick Simmons guilty of all charges." A yell of victory went up from everyone.
"Order. Order. The judge said. The sentence is 35 years to life for the kidnapping and assault of Nickolas Gene Carter and for the kidnapping of Rachel Smith. There will be no chance for parole until Mr. Simmons has served 30 years depending on behaviour." There was another cheer. "One more out burst I will call contempt of court!" everyone shut up. "Now the other 3 men have received 20 to 45 years, again parole in 20 years depending on behavior. Case closed. Now you can yell." He said getting up.
Nick and I cheered and hugged each other. Our families came up and were hugging us.
Then we heard Rick yell. "This is not over you punk I will get revenge!!" his voice sounded so sure and true. The guards dragged him out of the room. Nick and I looked at each other and just hugged each other tighter.
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SEQUEL IS UP! DREAM COME TRUE? HAPPINESS OR GRIEF!.......... CHECK IT OUT!
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