Chapter 18

Nick watched Mel walk around the house as if she was avoiding him. This morning when he tried to hug her she moved away, and when he tried to kiss her she mumbled something about a cold. She looked around as if someone was following her or as if she was afraid of something. Nick walked up the steps to and into the bedroom quietly closing the door. He walked to the bed and grabed the phone off teh table that sat beside the bed. He quickly dialed in the numberes and waited for someone to answer.

"what do you want Nick?" Aj answered

"hey how'd you know it was me?"Nick asked

"caller ID dofus"

"ha ha very funny bone"

"i know so what cha want seeing as though its a saturday, we don't have to work and your calling my house when your usually asleep"

"i need to talk to Leah"

"what for?" Aj asked

"Mel's acting all weird and i was hopeing Leah could tell me something"

"I dunno cause shes been acting a little weird herself" Aj said as he looked over at Leah on the sofa.

"really like how?" Nick asked

"shes been acting weird like every 5 minutes shes over by the curtains it's like someones watching her or something and shes fidigty as hell. earlier i just went to the store and she acted as if it was the last time shed see me" Aj said with a sigh

"shit Mels acting the same way"

"hold on i'll let you talk to her" AJ said walkin over to Leah.

"Phone" AJ said making her come back to reality. She took the phone away from AJ as he noticed her hand shaking as she held it.

"Hello?" SHe said as AJ gave her a look and left the room.

"Hey leah, whats up?" Nick asked as Leah sighed in relief glad it wasnt Max or Michael.

"Nothing much really how about you?" Leah asked.

"Just tryin to figure out why Mel is ignoring me. Do you have any idea why?" Nick asked as he heard leah suck in a breath.

"No i dont, why would i know anything about Max?" Leah asked as she swore under her breath as she relised it had slipped.

"Max what about him?" NIck asked suddenly starting to worry. What if Max had did something when he wasnt there?

"Nothing" Leah said quickly hoping nick would drop it.

"Tell me Leah, Mel's acting really weird and im worried" Nick said as Leah heard the concern in his voice and sighed

"Max he...called here the other day and made me give him your address. I swear i didnt mean too i was scared and he threatened to kill aj. He must of went over there and told Mel something and scared the shit out of her. I havent talked to her in days, she hasnt called or nothing" Leah said.

"oh god i better find out what he said to her" Nick said.

"Ok ill talk to you later" Leah said feeling slightly better it was out.

"ok... hey leah thanks" Nick said before he hung up. He sighed ashe heard the water of the shower stop and the sound of the blow dryer goin on. A few minutes later Mel came out jumpin when she saw Nick sitting there.

"Shit Nick you scared me" Mel said as she walked over to the closet and opened it with her free hand, her other hand holding up her towel.

"Mel do u think i should know something?" Nick asked looking at her. Mel looked back at him in the mirror and he see the nervousness in her eyes.

"umm .....no why?" Mel asked taking out a shirt and lookin for a pair of shorts.

"Mel i know about max" Nick said as Mel froze and turned around to look at him. Nick got off the bed and moved closer to her.

"What he say to you? Tell me" Nick said as he took Mels hands in his. Mel held back her tears as she looked into nicks eyes.

"He said if i dont go back to chicago with him that...that..." Mel said as she started to cry and Nick wipped away her tears as they sat down.

"Tell me Mel" Nick said looking deep into her eyes.

"That he'll hurt you Nick. If something happens to you because of me i would die" Mel choked out at NIck hugged her and stroaked her hair.

"Mel nothing will happen to me. I promise" Nick said as Mel pulled away from him.

"I know hes gonna do something to you, i know it. Maybe i should stay away from you so you dont get hurt" Mel said as NIck looked at her in disbelief.

"Dont you dare do that! Im willing to risk everything, even my life, just so i could love you" NIck said as Mel started to cry harder and Nick pulled her into another tight hug.

"Shhh..... Mel dont cry its not good for you and the baby" Nick said rubbing her back.

"Nick you shouldnt be with me. I'll just get you killed" Mel said as Nick looked into her eyes.

"If thats what it takes for me to be with you, then ill risk it" Nick said as he layed Mel down on the bed.

"rest you need your sleep" Nick said as he was gonna walk away but Mel held his hand tightly.

"Stay with me please, i dont wanna be alone" Mel said as Nick nodded and layed down next to her. She put her head on his chest and nick put his arms around her.

"now go to slep, ill be right here" Nick said as a few seconds later Mel fell asleep.

"Ill be right here Mel, always. No matter what" He whispered as he kissed her forehead and closed his eyes.