| Chapter 1 (cont) I love You |
| Over the past few years, he had made attempts to get the love that he had Brian had shared off of his mind. The heartbreak was most of all what had been tearing him apart. His on and off relationship with Amanda, a girl that he had sought comfort in, had brought him even more pain. He was now at a crossroads in his life, trying to decide what part of his heart he was going to listen to. Brian seemed happier than ever with Leighanne, he was always talking about her, and they seemed to be getting more serious. It was both the fact that Nick had fallen into a trapped relationship with Amanda and that Brian and Leighanne seemed to be so in love that had brought Nick to this point. He left Amanda to see his family for the holidays and told her that it was finally over. He knew from past experiences that she wasn’t going to believe him, and when or if he ever came back, she would be waiting there for him. Nick just couldn’t take it anymore. He still loved Brian and knew that if he ever was going to have another chance it would have to be now, before Brian and Leighanne became to serious. Nick knew that Brian had ended their relationship cause he thought they were both too young and the feelings that they had were too mature for where they were at that moment. Nick first saw Brian spend more time with Leighanne and knew that when Brian told him that they were "just friends" that he was also scared of what was developing. Leighanne was safe for Brian. She was what his family, his religion, and the entertainment business would accept. He had no risks with her and could plan a ‘future’ without worrying about what other people would think. It broke Nick’s heart cause it was his first love. He had sure met a lot of pretty girls on the road, been introduced to a lot of new things, but Brian was his soul mate. He completed him and helped him as they shared their lives together, completing goals and sharing every moment of both sadness and happiness. Their first kiss had been magical. Brian had invited him back to his house while they were on break from touring and had taken him on a hike through the woods surrounding their home. They came upon a stream, just before dusk, where they stopped to rest and admire the setting sun. They had sat down on the bank and Nick placed his head on Brian’s shoulder. He looked up into Brian’s beautiful blue eyes and the moment swept them away. Nick closed his eyes as he soon felt Brian’s soft lips on his own. Chills ran through his body and at that moment, he knew that it was what he had been missing. Nick turned his head and looked out their kitchen window into those woods that had led them to each other. He stared with longing and hoped that Brian would give him a chance once again. " Well time to open presents!!!" Harold Sr. said, hurrying through the house to their huge Christmas tree. "Look at him like a little boy…we’re coming dear!" Jackie said, taking both Nick and Brian’s hand, leading them into the living room. They all sat down in front of the fireplace and Nick removed the presents he had bought. "Okay, mine first…I hope you all like them." Nick said smiling as he handed the others their gifts. Harold opened his first. It was a picture frame containing a photo of the first time that Harold had taken Brian and Nick fishing. The boys were young and so was Harold. Nick had a huge smile on his face as he was holding a small bass that they were all proud of. "Oh, Nick, thank you! Oh I remember that day like it was yesterday! You two were so excited when you felt a tug on the line…Thanks Nick" Harold said before rising to his feet and placing the picture on the mantel. "You next Jackie" Nick said, anxious for her to open the present he had chosen especially for her. Jackie smiled graciously as she unwrapped the small box revealing a heart shaped jewelry box engraved with the phrase "It takes a lot to know what is love, you were always there for me, and I love you. Love, your second son, Nickolas." Jackie opened the box as the tune of the song her own son had written her, "The Perfect Fan", filled the room. Nick could see the tears building in her eyes as she leaned over to hug him tightly. "Oh Nicky…it’s so sweet…" she said between tears. "Oh you go ahead Brian, I just need a moment she said, showing the small box to her husband. Nick turned to face Brian and was greeted with a smile, appreciating what he had already given his parents. Brian always treasured that about Nick, he was so sweet and thoughtful. He slowly unwrapped the gift revealing another picture frame that was facing down in his lap. It was quite heavy and Brian could see that it was made of pure silver. Tucked in the stand of the frame was a small note. Brian opened the card and read "Merry Christmas to my best friend. Remember all of our times together and what we have been through. I’ll always be here for you, Love Lil’ Nicky" Brian was choked up at not only his words, but also the name that Nick had signed the card with. It was what he had always called him when no one was around, or in joking calling him ‘his’ Lil’ Nicky. He looked up at Nick, tears building in his eyes. Nick nodded his head, telling Brian to continue. Brian flipped over the frame and saw his most cherished moment that he and Nick shared. It was one that André had taken on a boat in Argentina. The sky was beautiful, all shades of color adorning God’s beautiful sky and reflecting on the serene water. André asked to take a picture and Brian put an arm around Nick’s neck. It was just one of those moments that neither one of them would forget. Engraved on the top of the frame was "Frick and Frack" Brian set down the frame and wrapped his arms around Nicky, holding onto him tightly as tears flowed down both of their cheeks. |