Forever~ chapter 18 Jessica couldn't believe how much time had passed since she had frantically driven Brian to the hospital earlier that day. She looked out the windows of the long hallway and was surprised to find that it was already dark. When she reached the waiting room, she found the guys stretched out on couches getting ready for bed. "I see you made yourselves comfortable," she said with a sarcastic laugh. "Well, why not?" AJ asked indignantly. "We've got the whole place to ourselves." One look around the spacious room told Jessica that he was right. "So, how are you and Brian?" Nick asked cautiously as he made room for her on his couch. She answered by showing him her ring. "We're not engaged or anything," she added quickly. "It's a promise ring." "I'm glad Frick found you," Nick said before he turned out the lights. "I've never seen two people more in love, and I think that you both deserve this happiness." "Aww, Nick, quit sucking up," AJ called as he blindly flung a pillow at Nick from across the darkened room. "Everyone knows you've already got the job as best man locked up." Jessica laughed as she faintly saw Nick stick his tongue out at AJ and roll over, taking AJ's pillow with him. "C'mon, man," AJ said, when he didn't feel Nick firing the pillow back at him. "I want my pillow back." Nick ignored him and pretended to snore. "C'mon, Nicky, this isn't funny. You know I need my pillow," AJ continued to whine. Jessica saw Nick faintly smile as he listened to AJ complain. "Jessica," AJ pleaded for her to do something. She just shugged her shoulders. "I guess he's too busy sucking up to give it back," she smirked as she began to drift off. She closed her eyes, allowing  sleep to take her to a place where there were no heart defects and where she knew Brian would be okay. The next morning, they all woke up early, hoping to get to see Brian before his surgery. The press kept calling the waiting room asking if one of them could answer a few questions. With emotions running high, everyone was irratible. Finally, Jessica had enough. "I can't believe those stupid reporters!" she yelled as she stormed around the room. "Brian's about to face a life-threatening surgery, and they want to aske questions about the tour and our relationship!" "Calm down, Jess," Nick said as he put a hand on her shoulder. "That's just the way they are and you are gonna have to learn to deal with it." "Look, I'll go down to the lobby and answer a few questions to satisfy them for a while. When I come back, we'll discuss what we're going to do about living arrangements while Brian's here. Kevin pulled Nick aside as he headed for the door. "Try to get Jessica to invite someone to come up here and stay with her or something," Kevin instructed. When he saw the confused look on Nick's face, he continued. "I know we'll all be here, but maybe she would want someone here that will take her mind off of things." Nick nodded, showing that he understood as Kevin headed towards the lobby. While he was gone, Brian's surgeon Dr. Palmer came in to visit with them. "Hello, my name is Dr. Palmer, and I will be performing the surgery," he said to them. "I was wondering if you had any questions before we begin." "Sir," Jessica spoke up softly, not quite sure if it was her place to ask a question or not. "Brian has had surgery on his heart before and... well, I guess I just want to know if this will fix it," she said quickly, unsure of what to say. Dr. Palmer smiled at her warmly. "I understand your concern, dear. Technology for this problem has advanced significantly in the last 2 years. Of course, there are no 100% guarantees, but this surgery should take care of any future problems." Jessica quicly released a breath that she hadn't realized she was holding. "If there are no more questions then I will go prep fpr surgery. Mr. Littrell is already receiving anesthesia so I'm afraid that you won't be able to see him before hand." "Thank you, Dr. Palmer," Nick whispered as the doctor left the room. "Poor Brian," AJ whispered. Jessica thought she saw a tear in the corner of his eye, but she couldn't be sure. The four of them silently joined hands and lifted up a silent prayer to God for the safety of their friend. Chapter 19 Home Email me