Chapter 12 "Another hole in your heart." The words echoed in the silent room as their impact hit Brian. He hung his head as he realized that the doctor had finally confirmed his suspicions. "What do we do now?" he asked softly, not sure that he wanted an answer. "You will have to undergo a second surgery. As soon as this upcoming tour is over, you'll have to have surgery." "Don't I get a choice?" Brian asked, remembering all the pain, physical and emotional, that his last surgery had caused him and his family. "I'm afraid you don't, son." Was the doctor's answer. "Not if you want to live." His words echoed in Brian's head. How would he tell the guys and Jessica? He wouldn't tell them; he couldn't. 'No sense in worrying them,' he thought. 'There's nothing they can do anyway and the last thing I want is their sympathy.' So Brian kept the news to himself for hte next two weeks. He alone knew what was in store for him, until one night after a concert when he was forced to tell everything. Brian's performance had been affected that night by his condition and it wasn't the first time it had happened on this tour. Nick noticed it and made a point to speak to him after the show. "Firck, I'm worried about you," Nick began. He looked over to see Brian staggering beside him. Nick quickly grabbed him before he fell to the floor. He was relieved to find that Brian was still conscious, but was alarmed when he saw that he was having trouble breathing. "Kevin!" Nick screamed. "Help! Now!" Kevin came running down the hall seconds later with Howie, AJ, and two paramedics, which were on staff, at his heels. Kevin was shocked at what he saw. "Someone go get Jessica." He ordered, "She's already gone back to the hotel." "No!" Brian managed to utter firmly. "Don't get her!" After staring at his cousin in confusion, Kevin finally agreed. "Fine, don't get her," he said. "Nick, move! Let the paramedics in!" Nick was in hysterical tears and AJ had to drag him away. "Frack," Brian said sternly but calmly. "Calm down, bro. I'll be fine." Nick didn't look much calmer but he was much quieter. A few minutes later, the paramedics had Brian resting comfortably on a couch in the lounge. "All right, Frick. You're not going anywhere until you tell us what's going on," Howie demanded. "I guess I don't really have a choice. Seems to be the story of my life." He muttered the latter so softly that they couldn't hear. "You know that meeting that I had the week before the tour?" "Yes," Nick said eagerly. "Well, I met with my heart specialist. He confirmed that I have another hole in my heart." He paused as the all gasped. "I have to have surgery as soon as the tour is over." "Frick," AJ whispered. "I had no idea. Why didn't you tell us?" "I didn't want to worry you. There's nothing you can do about it," Brian reasoned. "What about Jessica," Kevin asked. "Don't tell her," Brian pleaded. "She can't take this right now and I don't know if our relationship could survive it." "Are you gonna tell her at all? I mean, it's gonna be hard to cover up a stay in the hospital," Howie pointed out. "I kow," Brian replied. "I'm gonna tell her; just not yet." "I hope you know what you're doing, Brian," Nick commented as he shook his head. "Remember, you promised not to hurt her." "I know, Nicky," Brian whispered. "I know." Home Chapter 13 Forever Index Fan Fiction Index Email me