| Katrina opened the door slowly; apprehensive of how Kevin might be feeling, and not knowing if he would want any visitors. She knew that none of the guys had followed him, figuring he just needed time to cool off. She knew that Kevin had to be dealing with some strong issues and might need someone to talk to. As she entered the room she saw Kevin staring out the large window over looking the ocean, his eyes glazed over and transfixed on the night sky. He didn’t even hear her enter, thoughts of his cousin and what had happened weighing heavily on his mind. He knew exactly why he had been so upset. Brian had always been his closest relative and friend. He watched over him as he grew up, even before the group was formed. He knew Brian’s religious and family background and couldn’t believe that Nick, the young little punky brother that had now turned into a strong, talented man had corrupted his innocent cousin. The strong guilt weighed heavily on Kevin’s mind. He was the one who had asked Brian to be in the group…yet he knew that it was ridiculous, the group had been so successful and he wouldn’t trade the strong bond that they all shared together for anything in the world. Kevin just knew now that no matter what he had to overcome this, they promised each other from the beginning that nothing would ever come between them and they would be there for each other no matter what. He was just so shocked at what Brian had said, ‘I LOVE HIM’ he could never have imagined that their feelings could be that deep for each other. Kevin’s thoughts were interrupted by the touch of Katrina’s hand on his shoulder. He turned his head and saw her sweet face standing before him. “Are you ok?” she asked. He was amazed at how caring she was. He had only met her once before and here she was asking him if he was ok when no one else would. “Uh, yeah…I’ll be ok” he answered, still stunned by her presence. “ I guess you just have some things to work through, huh?” she asked. “Yeah. A lot actually.” Kevin responded as he sat down on the bed in the guest room. She followed him and sat down next to him, not too close to give him the space he might want. Her heart was beating fast, still unsure of what had made her travel down the hall after him. “I just have to deal with them I guess.” Kevin said, the words unknowingly falling from his mouth. “Nick and Brian?” she asked, later questioning who else he would have been talking about. “Yeah, I don’t know Katrina,” She smiled, surprised that he still remembered her name. “I always thought that Brian would find someone, a wife, and have a large family one day. I never expected what happened between him and Nick. I mean, I guess looking back there had been some very obvious signs, but I guess I just never let myself believe what I almost knew was going on.” Kevin was staring deep into Katrina’s eyes now, she could see the strong pain and hurt in his eyes and hear it in his voice. “Kevin , I know that it’s going to be a little tough for you to get used to, but you have to just look at it in the perspective of love.” Katrina said as she rubbed his arm tenderly. “What do you mean?” he asked, almost begging for someone to understand where he was coming from and give him some advice of what to do next. “Well, I know you’ve probably been in love before, right?” “Well, yeah. I’ve fallen in love more than once.” He responded. “Then you know that you can’t really choose who you fall in love with. You must know how close of friends Brian and Nick are. They share everything together and have a deep trust and love for one another. If you think about it, they probably have a stronger relationship than a lot of people. They have helped each other grow up and a mutual love has grown from it.” Kevin’s head dropped, his eyes staring at the floor. “And Kevin, I know how much you want to protect not only your cousin, but also Nick. This is something between them though. All you can do is support it and them.” Katrina just affirmed everything that Kevin had known he had to do and felt, but wouldn’t allow himself to recognize. Kevin looked back up at Katrina who had know moved closer to him on the bed, her arm draped around his shoulder. He suddenly wrapped his arms around Katrina’s, holding onto her tight. “Thanks…He whispered, trying to hold back tears that had been forming in his eyes. “I just… I was so angry and hurt that they kept this from me.” “It’s Ok, Kevin, you just need to let them know how you’re really feeling and work it out. I’m sure you will all work through this.” Katrina loved the feeling of Kevin’s strong arms wrapped around her. He kissed her softly on the cheek as they separated. “Katrina, will you stay here with me tonight?” he asked, his eyes sparkling. Her heart felt as if it sank to her stomach. Did he mean it, did he want her to be with him so soon? Not that she wouldn’t have readily agreed, but she remembered what Melissa had said about being with Howie the first night, it’s different when you see them so vulnerable, as real people who are honest and caring. “I…” Katrina muttered. Kevin laughed lightly, making her even more puzzled. “No, I don’t mean… I just don’t want to be alone tonight, just be here with me, that’s all I ask.” He said. “Of course.” She said kissing his lips lightly. A heat ran through her body as their lips met, softly caressing each other’s. Kevin held onto Katrina as they lay down onto the bed, Kevin covering them with a blanket. He held her in his arms all night, needing to feel the comfort of her body next to his. She watched as Kevin first fell asleep, emotionally exhausted. She watched him sleep, peacefully at terms with himself now. She only hoped that one night they would be together, so she could show him the unconditional love that she spoke of. |
