AN: So this is the long delayed second chapter. I apologize for the time this took, but I never intended this story to be continued. It was accidentally left marked as incomplete, but I decided to continue it for reasons. I like where this is going, so there might be a few more chapters. But at least one more.


Nick's smile did not last long. When he arrived at his home, his dad was already drunk, even though it was only early afternoon. He managed to get away with only being yelled at, as his dad seemed too drunk to hurt Nick.

Hurrying to his room, Nick closed and locked the door with a relieved sigh. Now if only he could stay out of his dad's way until the weekend so the bruises would not be as visible. Grabbing his letter he had written just that morning, Nick went to throw it away, but at the last moment, folded it and tucked it in his drawer beside his bed, underneath a photo album and some CDs.

Lying down on the bed, Nick pulled his laptop from underneath his pillow. He logged into Facebook, something he hadn't done in a few weeks, preferring to avoid contact with anyone from Dalton. If he kept in touch, he knew it would only hurt them more when he finally decided to kill himself.

Looking through his news feed, Nick realized just how much he had missed during the first few weeks of summer break. Some of the Warblers had met up, but never all at once, and he had many messages in his inbox. Nick smiled at a picture of Jeff playing tag with his little brother and sister before clicking on his messages. Most of them were from Jeff, wondering where he was, and if he wanted to hang out. The rest were from the other Warblers, asking how his break was going, and telling him to hurry up and reply. Nick smiled, posting that he was back on, and sorry he had been absent so long, but that he had been busy. He did not give any further explanation.

It wasn't long before the Warblers replied. Some said they were glad he was back and they were excited to see him this weekend. Blaine keyboard yelled at him for not answering their messages, texts, or calls until today, but said he was glad he was coming to the beach with them.

Nick spent some more time on Facebook, waiting to see if Jeff would come online. Eventually, he did, and immediately opened a chat with Nick.

Where have you been?! I was worried… -J

I've been busy. Family stuff. –N

How have you been?-J

Nick silently contemplated his answer. He didn't want to lie to his best friend, but he didn't want him to worry, either.

I've been better. It has been a stressful couple of weeks. –N

Is everything alright? –J

Ever perceptive, even through the internet, Nick thought to himself.

I'll be alright. I'm looking forward to this weekend! –N

Me too! It seems like forever since we've seen each other. It's strange that we aren't roommates anymore. Now I don't have to worry about picking up my socks:) –J

Haha I'm sure your mom would appreciate it if you cleaned your room every once in a while. –N

Not everyone can be as much of a neat-freak as you are! –J

If we weren't roommates I'm pretty sure you could grow a science experiment in your room. –N

Not funny! I'm not that bad! –J

Remember the apple incident? –N

Ugh. Don't remind me. I swear that will never happen again. –J

Whatever you say Jeff… -N

They continued talking until Jeff said his younger siblings wanted him to watch a movie with them. Jeff apologized, but Nick told him to enjoy the movie, knowing how much Jeff loved Disney movies, and that was what his siblings would choose to watch.

Nick closed his laptop with a click, and stood up to change into more comfortable clothes for sleeping. He snuck out of his room to brush his teeth, and returned just as quietly. He relocked the door and turned off the light. When he reached the bed, he turned on his lamp and reopened his laptop. Knowing sleep would not come easily, Nick decided to watch a movie. He chose the first Lord of the Rings, and laid back to enjoy the movie. Tonight, he was glad for the distraction.


AN2: I like reviews:) I honestly would not have continued this if not for Theaterlover13, who has been waiting over two months for this. My apologies.

~ life-in-the-stars