CHAPTER 28

"So are we going to talk about the other night or pretend it didn't happen?" Blaine asked, shyly. He didn't want to upset Kurt, but not knowing what set him off wasn't helping things. Blaine was terrified to touch him, and it was physically painful for him to be so close to Kurt and not touch. He'd never realized the extent of his 'touchy feely' nature until he couldn't and had to hold back.

"Blaine….." Kurt said, taking in a deep breath and closing his eyes.

"Kurt, please….let me in. I don't know how to help you if you don't tell me. What did I do wrong?"

"You didn't do anything wrong, Blaine! Please don't think that…it's just…." Kurt let out a long sigh. "Blaine, when you put your hands up around my shoulders…by my neck….I….I saw it all….I saw it happening again. Jackson's hands around my neck, not being able to breathe. I'm sorry I went into a panic, really I am. Please don't think you did something wrong, Blaine. I am the one that has to learn to deal with things better."

"But that's just it! If I'd known that was going to upset you, I never would have done it!" Blaine tried to explain.

"I….I…didn't know it would happen, though." Kurt sighed. "I haven't let anyone…..touch me…that way…since then, so I didn't know, Blaine."

"I want to help you, Kurt. Please let me. Tell me how?" Blaine pleaded with a soft smile.

"I don't…I don't know how…how to tell you to help. I don't know what to do or what's going to trigger me. I spoke with Dr. Stein early yesterday morning and we have an appointment for Tuesday evening, and probably Thursday as well. She wants me to write everything in a journal, to get all of my feelings out on paper. Supposedly it'll help. I guess we'll see." Kurt said.

"This Dr. Stein is a therapist?" Blaine asked, taking note of the name.

"Yeah, she's….well, technically, she's a psychotherapist who specializes in….um….r….um, helping people like me." Kurt answered.

"Did you see someone back in Ohio, too?"

"Yeah, Dr. Reynolds, but he…I dunno, he was a little odd. It was as if I couldn't connect with him. I think the fact that I'm gay was a big 'block' for him that he couldn't get over. I thought it was really strange to be referred to him if he's homophobic. Clearly the hospital knew I was gay….I dunno, maybe I'm reading too much into it." Kurt shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.

"But Dr. Stein seems to be a better fit?" Blaine was curious.

"She is…definitely. She has never come right out and said it, but I think there's a chance she's been through what I've been through, at least to some extent. She seems to connect more, to feel more sympathy without coming off as condescending. Does that make sense?" Kurt questioned.

"Yeah, totally. Nobody wants someone to just pat them on the head and act like they know what's going on or how they feel. If you connect with her, it's probably easier to open up to her, right?"

"I think she'll be a keeper. I feel comfortable telling her things I've never said outloud." Kurt stated.

"Like the fact that you were raped?" Blaine blurted out matter of factly. Kurt's eyes flew up to meet Blaine's, his face devoid of emotion, his eyes wide. Kurt said nothing. "Kurt, have you ever…..have you said the words?"

"What….Blaine, of course…I've…" Kurt stuttered out.

"Can you? Without panic? Look at me and say those three words, Kurt. Tell me, in basic terms, what happened to you…what Jackson did." Blaine pushed.

"Blaine…what are you doing? What are you trying to….just…..I don't get it."

"Kurt, say the words. Look at me, and say the words." Blaine told him flatly.

"I….Blaine, I can't…." Kurt was curling in on himself now.

"Kurt, I think it's important. Do it for me…..I want you to look at me in the eyes and say the words. Admitting what happened is the first step to moving past it, isn't it?"

"Blaine…."

"Kurt…?"

Kurt's eyes closed and he took in a deep breath. Biting his bottom lip, he held back tears that were threatening to escape. Another deep breath. They sat together on the sofa, neither one saying a word for awhile, just being there together. Blaine didn't want to push anymore. He had been doing his homework, and he thought he had found part of the issue with Kurt.

Kurt sat silently, a million things going through his mind. He began to recount conversations in his head. The helpful part was that he hadn't discussed his situation with very many people at all. In fact, he hadn't even told the doctor and nurse who were in his room when the police officer came in. The doctor had given the officer all the information he'd asked for when Kurt wouldn't answer vocally. Most of his responses were yes and no, given only as a head shake or nod. When the nurse asked "Mr. Hummel, would you sign this release so that we can give a copy of your chart to the police?" he readily agreed. Surely all the information they needed was there, and they'd leave him alone sooner if they had what they needed, right?

He'd finally broken down and told his dad bits and pieces, who had then relayed the story to Carol, but Carol, being a nurse at the hospital he was in, had access to his chart. She knew all the intimate details, and he saw the sadness in her eyes every time they made eye contact for months afterward.

Since he was an adult, the hospital was not allowed to release the personal information they had on Kurt to anyone without his consent, and that meant Burt as well. For two days he'd said nothing to anyone, not even Carol or Burt. He sat, stoic, in his hospital bed, hoping that if he just kept sleeping, he'd eventually wake to find it had all been a bad, bad dream.

The information in his file was already there for his first appointment with Dr. Reynolds, so he found no need to retell the story. He wasn't asked too, either. In fact, the situation itself, when the police found him, was clearly evident….what happened was no secret. He hadn't testified in court…there was no need. Jax plead guilty…for God's sake, the cops walked in on him trying to choke Kurt to death, it wasn't as if he could get out of it. Had he ever said the words? Outloud? To himself? He hadn't, had he?

Another deep breath, eyes falling closed. He let out the breath and bit his bottom lip, pushing his fingers into his hair. He still couldn't look Blaine in the eye when he said it, though.

"I….I was….raped. I was raped." Eyes still closed, he let out a long, sad sigh. Then the tears came.

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"I don't want you to go." Nick mumbled into Jeff's neck.

"We still have tonight. I don't turn into a pumpkin at midnight or anything, Nicky." Jeff smiled.

"But tomorrow you go back to Ohio. I can't tell you how much that makes me feel like I'm suffocating. How do you spend 24 hours with someone and feel like part of you is missing when you think of them leaving?"

"Nicky….." Jeff smiled, leaning down to kiss Nick's forehead, his eyelids, his cheeks, the tip of his nose. "I'm not dying, I'm going home. I'll be back, I promise. You can come see me, too, if you want?" he grinned. "Although, I can't really say the accommodations will be anywhere near this grand." He laughed. "I've fallen head over heels in love…with your bed" he laughed. Nick whapped him with a pillow.

"Jerk! You only like me for my mattress!" Nick yelled.

"You've found me out. Damn it! I thought I was being so sly, too!"

Nick was quiet, obviously thinking. Jeff let it go for a few minutes, wondering what was on Nick's mind. Jeff's mind was occupied with tomorrow morning. Leave Nicky, go back to Blaine's, pack, say goodbye, get to the airport on time…go home. Go away from Nick. Oh God, it hurt. His eyes stung with unshed tears. He felt Nick's thumb run across his cheekbone, down over his jawbone softly.

"I know, baby. I know…me too." Nick whispered.

"Don't let go tonight, Nicky, ok? Just… don't let go, please." Jeff mumbled out then snuggled in close to Nick's firm, warm body again, trying desperately not to think, not to cry, just to feel. He had a really sick feeling that he wouldn't have this again, maybe for a long time. Maybe ever. The text message he'd received on his phone earlier didn't make him any more hopeful.

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9:34 from Trent: B, you there?

9:35 from Blaine: Here, bud. Assuming you got home ok? You didn't answer when I called.

9:36 from Trent: Got home fine, thanks. Seems someone got word of it and met me at the airport. Any idea how that might have happened?

9:38: from Blaine: No idea….who would have done such a thing? Terrible…..

9:39: from Trent: Well, anyway, thanks for that.

9:40 from Blaine: Did you figure out what your surprise was?

9:41 from Trent: There were two, actually. Jeffie around?

9:42 from Blaine: Naw, he's at Nick's. Has been since late Saturday night. He's in loooooove, T. J

9:44 from Trent: It's kinda funny, these things….I wanna tell you guys at the same time. You'll get a kick out of it, I'm sure. He coming back in the morning?

9:45 from Blaine: Yeah, to pack and head to the airport I guess. Hey, it was great having you guys here, even if it wasn't a long weekend like we planned. Come back soon, ok? Still lots we have to do….maybe catch a Yankees game this summer?

9:47 from Trent: Count on it. Maybe I'll bring the idiot?

9:48 from Blaine: I'd seriously love that. You guys are welcome here anytime. Should I get with you in the morning when Jeff's here?

9:50 from Trent: Sounds good, B. Tell Kurt I said goodnight ;)

9:52 from Blaine: Hey! Who said Kurt's here?

9:53 from Trent: Bitch, please…

9:54 from Blaine: Why's everyone calling me bitch all of a sudden? It's a conspiracy!

9:55 from Trent: Everyone? Who else?

9:56 from Blaine: Oh T, you missed all the excitement. I'll tell you 'bout it tomorrow morning. Tell Thad goodnight. I know he's there.

9:57 from Trent: He is, he's half asleep. We have a long ride home tomorrow or I'd wake him to say hey.

9:58 from Blaine: Ride home?

10:00 from Trent: Goodnight Blainers… I'll talk to you in the morning. J

10:01 from Blaine: Goodnight, T…..I look forward to it!

"Trent says goodnight. How he knew you were here is beyond me!" Blaine snickered. Kurt was sitting on the sofa, knees pulled up to his chest. He'd left his shoes by the door and he was staring at his toes, wiggling them now and again, as if they were the most interesting thing in the world. Blaine hated having pushed him, but everything he'd read so far said that facing what happened, and admitting it out loud, was the first step to what they called 'recovery'. As if. He was well aware that Kurt wouldn't 'recover' from this as if it was a common head cold….but maybe if they viewed it like a surgery? It happened, and part of Kurt was taken away. Now there was a scar, but that scar built character, and it didn't define who Kurt was. Kurt was so much more than that.

"I won't beat a dead horse, Kurt. I want to help you get through this. I want to help you feel better. I'm not going to say 'get better' because that implies you're not well, and you're fine the way you are, I like you just the way you are, ok?"

"But?" Kurt smiled shyly.

"But I don't think YOU like you the way you are, and I want to help you get that back. I mean, just look at this…look how talented you are!" Blaine said, motioning toward the coffee table where all of Kurt's newest sketches were laid out. David Perry came to you, Kurt. HE came to you. That should tell you something. You're entire worth is not based on something that happened to you a year ago. I want you to love who you are now… just the way you are now."

"It's tough , Blaine. You don't know how it is to have the nightmares I have, the flashbacks, the sickening feeling every time I look in the mirror and see this weak person staring back at me."

"Weak? WEAK?! Kurt you can't be serious. A weak man wouldn't leave all of his comforting things behind and move to a huge new city. A weak man would have buried himself into his bed and stayed there feeling sorry for himself. A weak man wouldn't have continued to sketch and plan and save to get what he wanted. A weak man would not have willingly grabbed two complete strangers to protect them from harm. No, Kurt, you're anything but weak. Don't ever think that!" Blaine reprimanded him.

Kurt pouted a little bit. "Blaine, I'm….I'm broken. I'm damaged goods, no matter how many ways I may not want it to be like this, it is. It's something I have to learn to live with."

"That's the most asinine thing I've ever heard, Kurt, and that's the truth. If you dropped your mom's favorite china tea cup and the handle cracked off, would you throw it away?" Blaine queried.

"Of course not! I'd keep it somewhere safe, probably glue the handle back on, but it would still be cracked, Blaine."

"If you bought a new car, and a month later, you backed into a pole and dented your bumper, would you take it to the junkyard?"

"Blaine, don't be ridiculous. I'd have it repaired."

"And when it was fixed, would you keep in in the driveway or the garage so it didn't get dented again?" Blaine asked.

"What would be the point of having the damn car if I wasn't going to drive it?

"I think you're looking at this all wrong, Kurt. You've been dented…cracked. But you're SO worth putting back together. There are so many more cups of tea to be had in you…so many more trips to take in you. Do you get what I'm saying, Kurt? Don't throw yourself away because there was a dent." Blaine pleaded.

"Blaine…."

"Kurt, really. What are you afraid of? Will you tell me?"

Kurt sat there for a long time, not answering, but obviously deep in thought. What exactly was he afraid of, anyway? That it would happen again? He could walk out in front of a steamroller tomorrow, too, technically. Anything could happen, but not living life because of something that could happen wasn't exactly living, either. Was he afraid that Jax would come after him again? He was locked up now, so that wasn't it. He had some searching to do within himself, he decided.

"Blaine, I don't really even know. I don't know if I'm afraid of something, and if I am, I can't pinpoint what it is right now. I have a lot of stuff to sort in my head. I won't shut you out, but I can't answer that right now. Maybe eventually I can." Kurt stated softly.

"Then I'll wait until eventually. I'm not going anywhere, Kurt. I want anything you're willing to share with me." Blaine smiled.

"Can we share 'right now' for tonight? This sofa, that movie, another rootbeer float?" Kurt grinned, still with a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"Yeah…..yeah, we can do that, Kurt" Blaine winked at him and gave him a warm, patient smile.

Blaine rose to start the movie and sat back down on his end of the sofa, pulling a fleece blanket up over his feet and legs. Kurt hopped up while Blaine was putting the movie in and took their paper plates and empty mugs to the kitchen, quickly preparing another rootbeer float to share. When he returned to the sofa, he sunk down, seemingly without thinking, and snuggled up to Blaine, pulling the blanket over his own legs as well and laying his head on Blaine's shoulder. Blaine wondered at the change….why all of a sudden he seemed so comfortable, and he wasn't in a panic or freaking out over the closeness or the touching. Then it hit him. Kurt was touching HIM…..HE wasn't touching Kurt.

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"Have you given any thought to what I said about getting all that stuff out of the attic over there, mom?" Kyle asked.

"Don't see any need to. It's not hurtin' anyone up there. Don't know where I'd put any of it anyway, if I did take it out of there!" Irene yelled at Kyle.

"That's just it, mom, most of the crap up there has to be gotten rid of anyway. It's all junk, except for the piano, which is most likely so out of tune ya couldn't play it. I was thinking we could divide that into two normal apartments or three efficiency apartments up there, and open up the rooftop area….maybe make a deck off of the flat side for the tenants?" Kyle suggested. "The whole side above Mr. Hummel's apartment is flat, and that would be an awesome space for a grill and some deck chairs, don't you think?"

"You've got this all planned out, doncha boy?" Irene said, unimpressed. "Who's payin' for all this stuff to be done? No doubt, me! You gonna do all the work? How long will that take? What's it gonna cost?" his mother questioned. "Just last week I was talkin' to your Uncle D 'bout selling the building all together. I dunno if I want to get into all that work! You taking the whole project on?"

"I thought you'd never ask!" Kyle grinned, grabbing the rough plans he'd drawn up. "There's plenty of room up there to work with, mom. Costs are minimal, actually, because Mark's been using his discount to help me buy everything we need…he gets everything at cost, so you're already saving money right there. The plumbing is already there. HVAC may need to be refigured, but that's doable, too. After a year or so, it's all paid for, and becomes all profit. It's a win / win for both of us!" Kyle said, excitedly.

"Both of us? What's in it for you, boy?" Irene said, squinting her eyes, curious. "And don't you go getting' your brother in law in trouble having him buy things through work to get you a discount!"

"One of the apartments would be mine, of course." Kyle smiled. "And I've already run that past him, he says it's fine."

"Oh, of course!" she grumbled. "And I suppose you don't wanna pay rent, either?"

"The building manager generally lives rent free if he's also maintenance…..as well as your SON!" he laughed. "That building has been paid off for years, mom, so don't act like it'd be a drain on you. I write the checks, remember?" he grinned.

"I'll think on it….but I gotta tell ya, I think this is just your way of getting' closer to Anthony and that pretty Hummel boy!"

"Oh God, mom…don't start on that again. Blaine and I are friends, and I've only seen Kurt once since he's moved in! Besides….I went out Friday night with some people from work….and I..um….I met someone." Kyle smiled.

"Oh? When do I get to meet him?"

"I'll be sure to bring him by when hell freezes over, mom…"

"Smart ass kid….." she grumbled.

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Blaine sat quietly with Kurt's head on his shoulder. Their bodies were pressed together from shoulder to hip now. He wasn't paying a whole lot of attention to the movie itself, but was interested in Kurt's closeness. He seemed so at ease, so comfortable just leaning there. Blaine's eyes were straight ahead, but he wasn't seeing what was on the television at all. Every now and then Kurt would snuggle in a little bit closer and Blaine would reel inside, knowing that it was possible….that closeness wasn't out of the question, but it was a matter of how close Kurt wanted to be. They stayed that way for nearly an hour before Blaine became slightly uncomfortable, Kurt's elbow digging into his side just a little too much.

He was almost afraid to move. If he did, would Kurt shy away? He loved the closeness, but at this rate, he'd have a bruise on his ribs tomorrow. Very slowly, he sat up a little straighter, pulling his arm out from between them and let it rest on the back of the sofa near Kurt's shoulders. And there it was, the telltale flinch, the tenseness, the shiver that wasn't born of pleasure or excitement. Kurt took in a breath, not overly noticeable, but Blaine was watching for it, so when he realized Kurt was holding that breath, he moved his arm back to his own lap, next to Kurt again. The air visibly leaked out of Kurt's lungs and he relaxed. This would just not do. He couldn't want Kurt the way he did and not be able to randomly touch him, put his arm around him, hold his hand. Step one, admit it, accomplished. Step two, more research, and possibly a call to one Dr. Stein.

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Nick felt Jeff's chest rising and falling at an even, steady rate and slid his hand out from under Jeff's arm. Slowly and quietly he rolled off the bed, slipped on his flannel pants, grabbed his phone from the nightstand and crept out of the room as silently as possible. Checking his messages, he smiled at a couple, and grimaced at another. There were a few more text messages as well.

3:50 from Alex: WTF man, what did you do to piss dad off? He's on the warpath!

4:19 from Steven: Nick, call me when you have time. Dad's in a state and I need to know your side of this mess.

4:37 from Bailey: Nick….you've never not answered my call. It's starting to scare me! Please say something. I want to meet Jeff…..SOON. Ok? Mom's really mad at daddy. She yelled at him. She YELLED, Nicky!

5:12 from Finn: Dude, Mac wants to make sure you're working tomorrow night. You back in town yet?

5:30 from Dad: Tick tock, Nicholas. Do not anger me.

5:47 from Jeff: Haha, you fell asleep first! Did I mention I really really really like the feeling of your skin on mine? Just thought I'd throw that out there. You're even more stunning when you're dreaming, Mr. Duval. If it wasn't creepy, I'd ravish you in your sleep! 3

Attached to Jeff's text was a photo. Clearly he'd held his phone up and taken a photo of the two of them laying side by side, Jeff's eyes bright and his smile like that of a child, happy and content. He was looking at Nick with so much emotion in his eyes that Nick nearly choked on it. It was like a kick to the gut.

Nick's sleepy eyes were closed, but there was a serene half smile on his lips as if he was dreaming of something pleasant. The image made his chest swell with something that felt like pride, pride that this amazing man was his….and then ache when he realized they were down to a matter of hours before Jeff would be going home. How long before he could come back? He'd already said he'd be back as soon as he could get time off and pay for a plane ticket. Would he accept it if Nick paid for his flights? Doubtful. This was going to be tough. With a long list of phone calls to make, he started with the most important.

"Janice? Yes, hi, this is Nick Duval. I'm well, thank you, and yourself? Great…how are the kids? Keeping you on your toes, I see. No, I didn't call to catch up." He laughed. "I need a favor….a big favor and it's time sensitive, and quite important in the big scheme of things. This needs to stay between you and I. I know I don't have to say it, but I'm going to. It's important. No, especially my father! He is not to know anything about it. It doesn't affect him in any way and it's none of his business. Are you serious? When did he call you? Oh my God….well, let's just say he's pushed me a bit too far this time. Yeah….ok, here's what I need from you….." he began. Nick outlined everything he needed, basically stating that it was all to be waiting for him the following morning at the lobby desk. "Thank you, Janice. I knew I could count on you. I won't forget it. I know it's after hours, but that's why I called you. Janice, it's important, and I figure it won't be easy, but if anyone can do this, you can. I know you can pull it off. I will make it well worth your while. Uh huh….thanks again. Have a good night."

Disconnecting the call, he dialed the security desk for the building.

"Mr. Duval, sir, how can I help you?"

"Hello Joseph, how's your evening?"

"It's going well, sir. Fairly quiet this evening. Is anything wrong, sir?"

"No, nothing wrong…not yet. I wanted to let you know I'll be expecting some things from Janice Linstrom to be delivered before the morning. Please advise me as soon as the package arrives, as it's time sensitive. OH…listen, Joseph, who's on the door this evening?"

"Terrance is on the door, sir."

"Ok, I want him upstairs in his apartment. I don't care what you need to tell him to get him to go home, but make it happen and make sure he doesn't get curious. Also, I want you to call Devon and have him send a few guys over to hang around tonight. Just a hunch, but I think there might be a little excitement and I don't want Terrance in the mix, and I don't want your guys to feel outnumbered"

"No problem, sir. Anything else?"

"Put Devon himself outside my business office door until morning. Nobody but me in or out until I say otherwise, alright? Tell him I'll consider it a personal favor, would you?"

"As you wish. Will that be all?"

"That's all for tonight, Joseph. And thank you. I hope it's all for naught, but I'd rather be prepared."

He'd wandered back into the bedroom doorway and caught sight of Jeff huddled under the fluffy comforter, fast asleep. He had to take a deep breath when the sheer heartache of knowing Jeff was leaving ripped through his chest again. What the hell WAS this….this….emotion…this feeling?

Nick stood staring at Jeff for a minute longer, wondering at the tightness in his chest. A curious, lopsided grin on his face, he dialed his sister.

"Nicky!" she said, excitedly, when she answered.

"Bay, I'm sorry I didn't answer when you called. I'd thrown my phone against the wall and it landed in a pile of stuff. I didn't even hear it."

"Oh Nick, I'm SO mad at daddy, and so is mom. They were yelling at each other! I don't think I've ever heard mom raise her voice, have you?"

"It's been quite a long time. What is she so angry with him about?" Nick asked her.

"YOU! She's so mad at him…I heard part of their argument. She told dad she was ashamed of his actions and that he needed to call you and tell you he was wrong and that he'd hit his head or something!" she laughed. "Then he told her she needed to know her place….omg she didn't like that at all, and she told him that until he came to his senses, her place was no longer by his side! Can you believe it?!" she said excitedly.

"I don't want to be the reason for them arguing, Bay. I'll handle dad, I don't want all of you getting mixed up in it. Although I really do appreciate you guys standing up for me. Thanks Bay."

She was quiet for a moment, and Nick knew she was thinking.

"Ok, spit it out, B. What's going on?" Nick asked.

"What? What do you mean?" she asked innocently.

"Something's up, you're too quiet. What's spinning in that pretty little head of yours?"

"Nick….."

"Tell me!" he grinned into the phone.

Instead of speaking, she started crying. He was instantly alarmed, and every possible scenario that could be upsetting her crossed his mind….even a few that made his blood run cold. She was only 17, after all.

"Bay, you're freaking me out. Tell me what's wrong right now." He said with a little more force in his voice.

"Nick….he's…he's so sweet…and I just….Daddy will hate him, and now it's even worse!" she wailed, sobbing now.

"Whoa whoa whoa….Bay, slow down, tell me from the beginning, babe. He who?" Nick asked.

There was a long sigh on Bailey's end of the line and some sniffling. She had taken a drink of something to slow her tears and regain her composure. Then she started talking.

"I met someone, Nicky, at that party Becca had months ago. There were kids there that go to school with her brother that none of us knew. His name is Tyler and we've been seeing each other for almost 6 months, and I think I've managed to keep it from dad. He hasn't said anything, and now, more than ever, I know he would have a fit if he knew. Mom knows I've been talking to him, but…..things have escalated…I mean..he's a year older than me, and he graduates this year, so he'll be leaving high school and I don't know what I'm gonna do!"

"Ok…ok, Bailey. Listen….you need to elaborate on 'escalated' for me. I'm not having good feelings right now, and I'd really hate to have to fly out tonight and hunt this guy down. Talk to me, and give it to me straight. Now." Nick said.

"What? Nick, no. Nothing…No, not that! Oh my GOD, Nick! I'm not careless, and he's absolutely the perfect gentleman! He hasn't….we haven't…..ugh! He's so smart, Nick…he's starting school in the fall and he's going to be a doctor! A pediatrician! He's the youngest of 5 kids and he has 11 nieces and nephews and he'll be SO good at it, he just loves kids. But….. I think this time it's the real thing. I love him, Nicky. A lot. And last week, he took me out to dinner and he told me he loves me…and I told him I love him back. I thought my heart would explode Nick. He said leaving me in Chicago to go to college would be the hardest thing he's ever had to do, and Nicky…his eyes were wet. He wasn't just yanking me around to get in my pants, he was sincere and honest and….." she sobbed loudly again.

Nick was smiling to himself, and his eyes were wet as well. His baby sister was growing up and she was confiding in him about something super important to her. He had to watch how he phrased things.

"Ok, so he's wonderful and smart and he loves you….where is the problem?"

"Daddy won't like him, Nick. I had suspicions, which is why I haven't brought him home to meet dad, but after tonight, I KNOW it will blow up in my face. He's going to have an absolute coronary, Nicky." She said, and began sobbing again.

"I'm still not seeing the problem, Bay. Spell it out for me, k?"

"Nick…his mom works at the rectory at their church a few days a week and his dad is a police officer. They're totally comfortable, but they're not well off. Even though his dad makes good money after being on the force for so many years, there are seven of them, Nicky, and dad's going to tell me the same thing he told you. 'He's not of our rank'….and he'll make me break up with him! I won't do it Nick…I can't!" she sobbed. "And after tonight, seeing what he's said to you about Jeff, I know it'll only cause more problems. But here's the bottom line, Nicky. I won't give him up. I WON'T, you can count on it. I'll do whatever I have to to be able to keep him, he's beautiful and wonderful and smart and kind and funny…and if it takes being careless, that's what I'll do."

"Well shit….." was all Nick could come up with.

A/N I can't tell you how excited I am that this story has had over 100 reviews! A huge thank you to everyone who is reading and especially to those of you who take a minute or two to review, which to me is basically saying "hey thanks for putting this out there, I appreciate it!". There's nothing like a little pat on the head to make me want to keep writing more.

I have a few ideas floating around in my head for another story...or two...or three. Oh Lord...but we'll see where that goes!

Big thanks to OnoraMellark for proofreading and making sure I don't make any huge, glaring mistakes...and to Onora and Angie for keeping me company late into the night while I'm writing. You girls make me smile :)

Again, thanks for including me in your day, you guys! It really amazing to hear from you :)

Kelly