Nick sighed, paused the Nintendo and opened the letter. It was Brian's handwriting.

Nick,
No, it isn't a fan letter. I still have the fan's letter, I'll give it to you later. This letter is from me, Brian. I know you're wondering what's going on with me. I couldn't tell you, I'm simply not able to say it out loud. Maybe I'll be able to do it in a letter. What I'm going to ask you, you don't have to do. Judge by yourself and see what you want. But after you've read the letter, don't rush to my side asking how I'm feeling. Nobody has to know that I've told you.

I don't know how to say this. I'll just do it the most direct way. Liam raped me. He still does, every night. There, I wrote it. It seems to much harder and true when I write it. I can't take it anymore. But I can't say anything Nick. Because of you.

Liam said there's someone else in our crew that wants to do the same to you, but won't. Unless I talk. If Liam get busted, then you've got someone after you. It could all be a lie to make sure I don't talk. It almost worked. The reason you're the one I'm writing to today is because of that. No matter how slight the chance were that there is indeed somebody else like Liam on our crew, I knew it certainly wasn't you.

Now, the decision's up to you. If you decide to talk, then do it. I know it might seem like I'm putting all the weight on your shoulders. I didn't mean to. I did it because I want you to take the decision whether or not you want to take the chance. It's your life, and I would never want to see you go through the nightmare I've been going through for the last two weeks.

I realize it's a hard decision to make, but I'm begging you, make it quickly. Every night you spend thinking about it is another night of suffering for me. And if you don't want to put yourself in danger, tell me please, as long as it's subtlety, so that Liam doesn't find out. I'll think of something else to get myself out of it. But, remember that whatever you do, I don't want to force you to do something you don't want to do.

I think I know better than anyone how it feels to be forced to do something.

Please think about it,
Brian

Nick folded the letter and put it back in the envelope. He got up, put the letter in his pocket and shut the Nintendo. He sat down on the couch and looked over to the front of the bus where Brian was sitting.

Brian looked over to the back and saw Nick looking at him. He looked down on the floor, not daring to look at Nick now that he knew he'd read the letter. He looked back up briefly, and he saw in Nick's eyes surprise, disbelief, and what he dared hoping was support.

Go to Chapter 14
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