Kristin tossed and turned, trying to make herself fall asleep.  Restlessly she looked over at the clock next to the bed.  It was four in the morning.  Rolling her eyes in frustration she turned over, facing Nick.  He was peacefully sleeping with the blankets wrapped snugly around him.  Kristin smiled and quietly slipped out of bed and took a shower.  The warm water felt good on her tense body.  Letting the water drip over her she leaned against the shower wall and cried.  Why does this have to happen to my best friend?  Rachel's too special to have something like this happen to her.  Kristin clenched her fists and snatched her shampoo bottle.  When she finished her shower she changed into a light purple tank top and black jogging pants.  Not caring much about her looks, she put her hair up in a clip and went back to the bedroom.  Careful not to wake Nick she began to pack up all her things neatly in her suitcase. The sound of Nick harshly coughing caused her to glance at Nick from her position by the bed.  The thought of being away from him for over two weeks crossed her mind.  I'm gonna miss him so much.  I wish he could come with me.  I don't know if I can do this alone.  She let out a sigh and walked over to the balcony.  Quietly she opened the door and stepped outside.  Kristin sat in the chair and watched the sun rise.  Tears formed in her eyes as thoughts of Rachel's upcoming surgery crossed her mind.  Sobbing softly she hugged her knees up to her chest and laid her head on her knees.  L ord give me the strength to get through this, she silently prayed.  Kristin got up out of her chair and walked over the balcony railing.  The sky had turned a deep shade of orange with small pink clouds floating by slowly.  A slight breeze was blowing giving Kristin the scent of the fresh morning air.  Fresh tears fell down her cheeks as she closed her eyes and listened to the stillness.  Her meditation was interrupted by the feeling of strong arms wrapping around her waist.  She jumped at his touch and turned around.
    "Hey baby," he said in a deep tone.  Kristin didn't respond.  The tears poured down her face as she buried her face into his chest.  "Aw baby don't cry.  Everything will be all right.  Rach will be fine, she's got a lot of people praying for her.  After her surgery she'll be back to her old self in no time.  Everything will be just fine you'll see."
  Kristin wiped the tears from her face and looked up at Nick.  "How can you be so sure?  What if something goes wrong?  What if she...oh god Nick I can't lose her."
    Nick gave her an empathetic looked and hugged her tightly.  "I know how you feel.  I went through the same thing with Brian.  We'll get through this together.  I promise."
    Kristin nodded and wrapped her arms around Nick's waist.  "I love you," she said.
    Nick kissed her gently on the forehead.  "I love you too Babydoll."
    "What time is it?" Kristin asked.
    "It was almost six when I last looked at the clock."
    Kristin sighed.  "Well, you better get ready if you're gonna come with me to the airport."
    "All right I'll be out in a few," Nick said, giving Kristin a quick peck on the cheek.