Another Massive thank you to You-drive-me-nuts-miller, could not have for through this chapter with out her help. It's a bit of a filler chapter, I promise Jess' sister will appear in the next chapter... But lots of Ness in this one :)

Over the next couple of weeks Jess's stress levels increased exponentially; she became a ticking time bomb of wound up tension who could snap at the slightest provocation. So much so that by the time her sister's visit was upon them, she was so tightly wound up that the loft mates felt like they were walking on a carpet of eggshells.

Never mind the fact that she had become more obsessed with cleaning - more than even Schmidt had even been. Every day she swept, mopped, bleached ... until the loft had taken on a lightly clinical, hospital like odour. For the first time Winston and Schmidt were glad that Nick and Jess were together - because that meant that it was all down to Nick to calm his stressing girlfriend. All the while, the other two took a giant step back...keeping far far away from this extra crazy Jess.

Nick had a rare weekend off from work, but instead of being able to enjoy spending whole days with Jess, he was instead making sure to stay well out of her way. He retreated to his room, zoning out into his own world, where his quirky girlfriend was back to her old self - pre the family visit.

The day Erin was due to arrive, he was lying back against his pillows, remembering a time when Jess didn't have rubber gloves on permanently, when the harsh tone of his mobile pulled him back to reality. Looking at the number on the screen, he let out an audible groan.

It was Clyde's. Seeing his work number could never be a good thing and he desperately wanted to ignore the call. Sighing, he knew he had to answer - if he ever wanted to be promoted he needed to be reliable and available. He pressed the dreaded answer button as he held it up to his ear. Without being given a chance to form any kind of greeting his boss's voice carried through.

"Nick, I am so sorry to call when you specifically booked the time off, but Bob has been called away on a family emergency. I have no one here until his replacement arrives later." Shane's voice was panicked. Not a word that usually described his cool headed boss.

"Shane I can't. I promised to-" Nick started to say, before being cut off by Shane.

Unfortunately for Nick, him mentioning that woman's name, caught Jess' attention - walking past his open door at that exact moment. She stopped in her tracks and stood stock still - not even trying to pretend that she wasn't listening to every world that he was saying.

"I know Nick! Really. But couldn't you just come in for a few hours... I'll pay you double." Shane continued, hopefully.

Shane's final statement made Nick pause. He really could do with the extra money. It was Jess' birthday next month and he wanted to surprise her with a weekend away, something special like she deserved. Mulling over the proposition he realized that if it was just for a few hours, he could still make it back before Erin arrived. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he continued; this was going to cause problems, but weighing everything up he finally said, "Fine. But I have to be out of there by four. Replacement or no replacement."

"Thank you so much Nick, I owe you."

"Be there as soon as I can. " Nick hung up the phone and threw it beside him on the bed. During his conversation he had been too afraid to look at Jess; knowing her feelings about Shane due to the fact her and Nick had once had a fling. But now he had nothing to distract him, he looked up at her.

Standing in the doorway, arms crossed, Jess was silent. She couldn't believe what she just heard. Nick had promised to be here and, although she hated to admit it, Jess needed him to be here. She felt the bitter sting of disappointment burn in her throat as saw her boyfriend watching her - she could tell her was trying to decide what to say.

It didn't take long for Nick to notice the anger in Jess' eyes, that hidden flash underneath the blue exterior. Standing, he decided to be brave; to try and explain himself, "Jess look, she was desperate, Bob's had some emergency... and you heard I WILL be done by four. I promise," Nick wasn't a praying man, but he sent a silent prayer to whoever was up there that Jess would see that he had no choice.

It didn't work though. Jess was furious and wasn't trying to hide it, he could practically see her blood begin to boil as her fists clenched and her face began to turn a pinkish shade. "Whatever Nick! One call from Shane and off you run. I mean, I thought you were supposed to be there for me, you know, your girlfriend. Why are you even still sitting there? Haven't you got to be at her beck and call?" Jess was now speaking in a raised voice, arms raised in the air in frustration.

Nick took a step closer to her, a pleading look in his eyes, "Jess please try to understand. I could really do with the extra work and if I want to get promoted I need to reliable and on call. It will only be for a few hours. I promise that I will be back - I won't leave you to face her alone," Nick looked directly at Jess, locking his gaze with hers, trying to get her to see the truth behind his words. He knew he couldn't leave for work with her like this; he hated seeing her like this.

Jess' features started to slowly soften. How could she not when Nick was looking at her that way? His eyes so soft and repentant, his mouth turned in an expectant smile. "Fine Nick. Just please be here by five." She decided to swallow her pride for the next part. "I need you."

Nick reached for Jess' hand given it a loving squeeze, rubbing his finger over her palm as he spoke, "I will Jess, I know how important this is and I won't let you can count on me." He started to walk away from her, out of the room, but he suddenly paused. He hesitated only for a second before he turned around and span her to face him, her mind confused - what was he doing?. Her question was answered when he grabbed her and pulled her to him, instantly wrapping his arms around her and dipping her slightly backwards.

When their lips met, Jess melted instantly. The heat of his lips against hers made her heart do little back flips. Any anger she had felt towards him disappeared. The kiss held so much passion and promise, how could she hold any bad feelings towards him? It still amazed her that every kiss with Nick was so special, so different - just as much as their first kiss had, this one blew her mind. Nick pulled back slightly and placed his hands on the sides of her face, a soft smile appearing on his lips. "It will be ok, you know that right Jess?" he whispered.

Jess could feel what felt like a hundred different emotions hitting her - the realization that today her sister would come back into her life. It was all too much in that moment and her eyes started to sting a little with salty tears. She had to blink a little faster to keep her focus and she swallowed a few times to clear her throat but still found she couldn't form any words. The only action that could be performed was a nod of her head.

Nick placed a chaste kiss on the side of her cheek, and silently got ready for work. As she watched him walk away, she felt a tiny ache, as though the little bit of armour she had to protect herself from Erin had been taken away. She shushed herself as she rubbed her arms, a sudden chill overcoming her. He'll be back. He promised.