Light in the Storm

“Are we there yet?”

I knew my question was pesky and, even though it was the first time I asked, I could see Nick roll his eyes and sigh. I let out a deep breath that blew my bangs away and rubbed my hot arms, wondering how it could be so warm outside with clouds scattering the sky. Nothing looked bright or pretty in the familiar forest--though I hadn’t been through it for a week or so--and everything seemed dead.

“We’ve only been walking for ten minutes,” he grumbled from a few feet ahead, slowly pacing himself because he knew I was a slow walker. I groaned.

“Ten minutes? It seems like hours!”

“You know, I don’t remember you complaining so much,” he breathed, taking a glance over his shoulder. His chocolate eyes were light and airy, almost smiling with a hidden amusement at my lack of walking skills. I snorted.

“Well I’m sorry Mr. Wolf Boy. Not all of us are as athletic as you.” He narrowed his eyes at my sarcastic tone before turning around just in time to push back a branch. I hurried forward.

“It’s not athleticism,” he spoke suddenly, glancing down at me now that I was at his side. I stared up into his eyes and waited for him to continue, trying not to trip over the thick roots. “It’s a matter of coordination, I guess… which you have none of.”

“Shut up,” I mumbled, punching his arm. He chuckled and rubbed the spot where my fist hit, shaking his head as we continued on. I noticed the way his curls swayed in the wind as it picked up and I inhaled his scent, smiling to myself. “But seriously. My feet are killing me.”

“Do you need me to carry you again?” he asked, pausing his movement. I almost ran into him.

“No,” I scoffed, trying to control the blush that was spreading across my cheeks. I didn’t need him knowing what I was so subtly hinting at. “I’m just saying that I don’t remember it being this hard.”

“That’s because we haven’t been through here. Once you get going, you’ll be used to it again,” he reassured me, turning back around. I watched his figure as it moved forward quickly, my own feet stuck in my spot.

“But we’ve been walking for ten minutes! How can I not be used to it by now?”

He stopped dead in his tracks and sighed heavily, annoyed, and let his shoulders drop. I bit my lip as he turned around and headed towards me again, his jaw clenched and his eyes serious. Before I could even move his arms were around my waist and lifting me off the ground. I let out a squeal and locked my arms around his neck as my body was lifted with ease into his. His arm locked underneath my knees, his hand resting on my thigh, and his other hand swung around my waist. I couldn’t help but smile.

He was carrying me.

“You complain… so much,” he mumbled under his breath as he began to move forward again. “You’re worse than Joe.” I didn’t know why, but I had a feeling that I wasn’t supposed to hear that. Biting my lip, I turned my head slightly, my face inches from his. He didn’t turn his head though. He kept forward and licked his dry lips almost nervously.

“What’s up with you and Joe anyway?” I murmured, hoping that it wouldn’t anger him. He stayed blank.

“Nothing’s up with me and Joe,” he said dryly, looking at me through his fallen curls. I sighed and moved my arm carefully, brushing my fingertips over his forehead. I caught him leaning into my touch and I giggled as he blushed, his lips twitching up into a smile.

“But.. What did you mean by that?”

“I didn’t mean anything,” he shook his head, keeping his pace swift. He swallowed hard. I didn’t push him for a moment, instead I did what I do best: I used my magic. Keeping my gaze on him, I chewed the inside of my cheek and focused on getting him comfortable with the situation. It wasn’t long before his face softened up and he sighed, his eyes locking with mine as he continued to walk. “You know that isn’t fair,” he breathed, his voice so light, almost lost. I blinked in surprise.

“What?”

“I can feel what you’re doing to me,” he informed with a dry smile, still relaxed. I scrunched up my nose.

“How is that fair? What if I wanted to make some random stranger do something; would they know I was a freak then?”

“You’re not a freak,” he said firmly, tightening his grip on me, “and part of your manipulation is secrecy. No one knows why they feel the way they do so suddenly.”

“Then how come you know?” I asked softly, tilting my head to rest on his shoulder. His curls tickled my forehead.

“Remember when you first tried it out?” he questioned lowly, a smile almost present in his voice.

“I made you tackle me,” I giggled, blushing again. I didn’t even know what I was trying to do.

“I didn’t know you were doing it then. I just know you now. I know everything you could imagine without… actually knowing,” he paused for a moment, clearing his throat. I knitted my eyebrows together in confusion and waited for him to continue… but he didn’t.

“What do you mean?” I asked thoughtfully, glancing over at my ankle as I turned it absently. I couldn’t explain how comfortable I felt around Nick.

“I know how you feel.”

“But you knew that already,” I pointed out, getting a nod from him.

“But it’s… different now,” he struggled, furrowing his eyebrows in thought. “It’s more personal.”

And now I knew what he meant. He was blushing and I was blushing, but it didn’t bother me. If only he could just say what we did. He was always so reserved.

“But you feel more comfortable now, don’t you?” I asked eagerly, pleased when he nodded. “So… what happened with Joe?”

It was silent for a moment as we continued on, the path becoming more clearer slowly. A few twigs snapped under his feet and birds chirped lightly with the wind, but everything seemed peaceful. I could feel him sigh as he pulled me closer, his warm chest creating an almost lulling feeling. I nuzzled my face into the crook of his neck. I kept my eyes open, allowing them to dance over all his light freckles. I almost wanted to trace them, but I was afraid that it would be weird… even for me.

“He just complains a lot,” he said lightly, his voice almost inaudible. It caught me off guard.

Joe didn’t really seem like the complaining type.

“What do you mean?” I knew I was probably annoying him with all my questions, but he didn’t show any irritation--just discomfort at the subject.

“I feel like he’s upset with me, with who I am,” he spoke even quieter, trying to keep up his strong domineer. Nick wasn’t the best with showing emotion, but he had to let it out sometime, not just a cry here and there.

“Why would you think that?” My voice was careful, timid. I didn’t understand how Joe could be upset with Nick or even why. I didn’t understand why Nick would even think that unless he was given a reason.

“The way he acts around me isn’t exactly the way I would hope,” he finally breathed, his grip loosening on me a bit. I turned my head to see the familiar view of the small area hidden behind trees and smiled. It looked so neat and welcoming, so beautiful as every other time.

Nick set me on my feet gently and I knew that was the end of our conversation… for now anyway. But I couldn’t help it and decided to ask one more question.

“Why didn’t you phase?” It was a simple question but it seemed to catch him off guard, his face twisting with thought.

“I don’t know,” he chuckled lightly, obviously forgetting he could. “I guess I just feel normal when I’m around you.” He probably didn’t think anything of that little sentence, but it really meant a lot to me. I smiled at him and he smiled back, his hand finding mine. He was always so warm and gentle.

He led me forward, my eyes scanning the familiar scenery. The trees were scarce and the dirt looked drier, but the stone houses still looked neat and beautiful. Kids still ran around, smiling and laughing as they played, and I even spotted a few little wolves; I knew that caught Nick’s attention. His face looked zoned out as we walked forward slowly, our fingers laced, and he allowed himself to get lost in his thoughts. I stared at him, my eyes just as intense as his, and wondered what exactly he was thinking. Were they good thoughts? Bad thoughts? Memories? Nick was always such a mystery. I was somewhat satisfied though, when I saw his lips twitch.

I’d been here multiple times before, though not much, but I still remembered the very first time. It was so shocking to me, seeing something like this in the middle of a forest. It was truly magic. It always made me nervous to know that only wolves and their families belonged here, though. A few of the older wolves and just humans in general looked at me as if I should just disappear. I guess they really didn’t like witches. Nick told me not to take it personal and I listened, but it was a little hard when all the eyes seemed to follow the great witch and the great wolf. I just thought of us as Lonnie and Nick.

He snapped his attention back to reality and caught me staring, earning a sheepish smile from me before I decided to look around. I was trying to find a familiar face as the people started looking, wondering who the intruder was. I guess everyone was on guard, no doubt hearing about what was to come from the council.

“Hey Nick?” I whispered, leaning closer to him. I stood on my toes a bit to reach his ear, trying to get his attention. He turned to face me. “Are we staying the night here?”

“Yeah,” he whispered in return, no second guess in his voice. I knew Nick still had to get comfortable around his family, but I also knew I wanted to help. There was nothing worse than having a big family and feeling like you weren’t apart. Maybe it was because I lost my mother and all I had left was my dad, but I knew Nick wanted to be happy.

It was just another thing we’d have to work on; one of many things. I sighed.

Nick led me over to the familiar large building, the chatter from the inside being heard. I lifted our twined hands and tilted my head, glancing at his watch. He chuckled and allowed me to look at it without making any smart remarks. It was around noon.

“I don’t know if I like just walking in…” I trailed off, lagging as he tried to pull me forward. He cocked his head and took in my expression for a moment, his eyes soft. A slow smirk spread across his full lips.

“Are you afraid of my family Lilliani Stewart?” he questioned, the creases around his mouth becoming more prominent with his smug smile.

“No,” I laughed nervously, lifting my hand to play with the orb around my neck. I mentally cursed myself. His eyes dropped down to my actions an his smile stayed in tact, but his eyes softened, letting me know it was okay.

“What’s the difference now? We’ve been here before,” he said softly, his tone curious. I shrugged. My sneaker covered foot kicked at the dirt and I glanced up at the clouded sky, wondering if it was going to rain despite the muggy air.

“I don’t know… it just feels different now. Weird.” He chuckled lightly, the musical sound gaining my full attention, but I could see his embarrassment by the rosy color that flooded his cheeks.

“Lonnie, they don’t know what we do.” Hearing him say that was even worse. I shifted nervously but managed to laugh, my own cheeks burning.

“I know that. But what if I slip?”

“You won’t,” he reassured, dropping my hand to open his arms. I immediately stepped forward and allowed him to pull me into him, smiling as I snuggled as close as I could. It was rare too have Nick initiate any sort of affection, but I always loved it when he did. “Just as long as you don’t write it down,” he then snickered, his lips brushing against my skin warmly. I pulled back some and sent him a glare, punching his chest. His hand caught my fist and he kissed my knuckles gently, another chuckle sounding.

“I didn’t mean to, you know. I wasn’t thinking anyone was going to read it,” I grumbled, allowing him to open my fist. I couldn’t stay angry though. His lips brushed against my palm, a short breath escaping my lips, and he continued to kiss each of my fingertips. He had to know what he was doing to me. I was proved right when he glanced up through that fallen curl and smiled sweetly, his breath fanning across my fingertips. I felt my knees grow weak.

“Let’s not even go there,” he suggested, his voice so low and velvety. I shivered. I was ready to call him a jerk but then I’d realize he’d want to know, and then he’d get a kick out of me telling him that he was too attractive for his own good.

But that was Nick. That was my wolf boy.

I grinned.

Nick pulled me closer and I wondered if he was going to just walk right in or knock. I could see him debate as he reached forward, pausing as his hand tightened into a fist. He didn’t know what was appropriate. Biting my lip, I leaned forward and drew my fist up, knocking loudly. He looked at me as if I were crazy and I shrugged, smiling brightly at him. He turned his head as if to say I were crazy, but I could see that smile. I loved making him smile.

The door opened without warning suddenly, and my eyes settled on a blank Kevin. It took him a moment before he realized who it was and then he smiled, his eyes wide.

“Nick! Lonnie!” he laughed, his voice full of enthusiasm. That was Kevin. “Man, it’s… it’s a surprise.” He opened his arms wide and pulled me and Nick into a tight hug, smashing us together as he locked his arms around both of our bodies somehow.

“Kevin,” Nick mumbled against his shirt, half of his face being smashed by his older brother, the other half pressed against mine. While Nick was fighting to breathe, I embraced it, happy that someone could hug me so easily. I tried sending a glare to Nick but my face was scrunched up due to his hold. “Kevin!” Nick groaned, though a faint chuckle soon followed as he pulled out. Kevin shrugged and wrapped his other arm around me, lifting me off the ground. I gasped for air. “Okay, that’s enough…” Nick laughed nervously, his arms wrapping around my waist from behind. He pulled me back into him, his smile re-appearing as Kevin laughed lightly.

“There’s no need to be jealous Nick,” he smirked, leaning against the doorframe. He opened his mouth to say something in return but was quickly interrupted by another voice.

“Kevin, who’s-” Mrs. Jonas started. Kevin kicked the door open wider and leaned back, allowing both of us the view of her. She smiled immediately and hurried forward to wrap her arms around her younger son. He didn’t fight this hold though. He smiled and hugged her gently, his eyes closing as they stayed silent. I glanced over to Kevin and smiled, deciding that watching their moment seemed like an invasion of privacy.

“I didn’t expect you two here,” she sighed once she let Nick go. Her smile was directed towards me as she stepped closer, offering a hug. I smiled. Closing the distance between us, I wrapped my arms around her and took in how warm she was. It had to run in their family. “You’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you,” she whispered gently, pulling back to see my blush.

“Thank you,” I whispered back, glancing over at Nick as he listened to Kevin.

“Mom!” a familiar voice yelled, footsteps echoing through the house. “I’m hungry-” Joe stopped immediately once he took a look at the display, his lips curving up crookedly. He fixed his glasses and strode forward, closer to us. I noticed the look he gave Nick, the smile on his face apparent, but Nick the quickest to return it. It made me wonder even more about why Nick thought Joe complained. What did Joe have to complain about concerning Nick?

“Well hello,” he chuckled, throwing his arms up. I immediately rushed forward, hugging him tightly. He laughed loudly and his chest shook, his scent a little more muskier than Nick’s, not quite holding the same sweet smell. It was still comforting. “How’s little witchy doing?” he grinned, poking my cheek. I rolled my eyes and smacked his hand away, giving him a shrug of my shoulders.

“Pretty good.” That wasn’t a complete lie. I saw Nick lagging back towards Kevin, his eyes locked on me as he listened to more of his brother’s words. “What about you and your human self?” He rolled his eyes.

“Well when I’m not fighting dragons or wooing damsels in distress, I spend my days taking long walks on the beach while drinking lemonade.” I sighed heavily and shook my head: Joe. “What do you think?!” he exclaimed, that “duh” look appearing on his face.

“Ah, he’s just bitter because the girl he likes doesn’t notice him,” Kevin snorted, though his tone was slightly sympathetic. Joe pouted.

“That’s not true! She asked if I was the great wolf’s brother. I was weirded out at first, ‘cause you know… dad? But then I remembered Nick…” he trailed off, quickly clearing his throat as Nick glided over. “So when I told her yeah, she asked if I could phase to-”

“I was surprised he didn’t lie and make a complete fool out of himself,” Kevin piped up, holding up his index finger as if to make a point. I chuckled, nudging Nick’s side; he smiled too.

“Boys, be nice,” Denise warned, giving us another warm smile. She stood close by, waiting for Joe to finish so she could ask a question.

“But anyway. So I told her no and she just… walked away,” he sighed heavily and rubbed his neck, quickly putting his smile back on. “But that’s okay. She was a vampire, anyway. She smelled weird.” Now that got us all laughing.

“And now he has his eye on a girl he saw hanging around here. She’s a cousin to Ryan and Russell,” Kevin finished up. What a way to be greeted.

“So how are things?” Denise asked slowly, the question deeper than what she was making it. She wanted to know what was going on. I knew Nick would tell her later… alone. He’d probably be afraid of getting me upset again.

“Things are alright,” Nick answered carefully, the tension in the room suddenly noticeable. She watched him carefully, worry set in her deep eyes, but she allowed a smile to spread across her lips.

“That’s… good.” Good. I wish things were just simply good. “You’re just in time for lunch too. Your dad took Frankie out for some bonding time,” she informed us, quickly retreating back to the kitchen. We stood in awkward silence for a moment, all of us glancing around.

“Well,” Joe clapped, his eyes darting between Nick and I. “Let’s eat.”

[&&light]

“I can’t believe your mom is letting us sleep in the same bed. Are you sure Nick?” I asked quickly, sprawling my legs out. The comforter was soft underneath my bare legs and spread my hands out behind me, holding myself up as he trudged over.

“That’s what she said,” he shrugged, climbing on next to me. He purposely bumped me over, his smirk present as I whined. “I guess she figures she can’t stop something from happening since we’ve already experienced it.” My eyes widened.

“You jerk! You told me they wouldn’t know.”

“Nah-ah-ah!” he stopped, flinching as I slapped his chest. “I said they don’t know what we do, not what we already did.” He gave me that sly face and I glared, punching his shoulder again.

“Do you know how embarrassing it is? I talked to your mom all evening!”

“So?” he chuckled, his eyes light with amusement. “She’s my mom. She’s bound to have an inkling for these kinds of things,” he shrugged. I couldn’t help but giggle, gaining a weird look from him.

“Inkling,” I snorted childishly, biting my lip. “It sounds funny when you say it.” he rolled his eyes.

“She trusts us, anyway,” he sighed, leaning back until his head hit the soft pillow. He blinked a few times, his focus now on the ceiling. He was thinking still, not quite ready to get comfortable.

“She know's you’re prissy then?” I giggled. His head immediately snapped towards me, his eyes narrowing as he brought himself up to rest on his elbows.

“I am in no way prissy,” he defended seriously, though I could see that spark of playfulness in his eyes.

“Yes you are. Just admit it Nick: you’re prude.”

“How am I prude?” he asked, knitting his eyebrows together in frustration. I sighed and turned myself to face him better, draping my legs across his lap.

“You just are,” I sighed, turning my attention on the nightstand rather than his face. I had to hold back my smile.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he muttered dryly, obviously bothered by my accusation. He was so sweet.

“Nick, you’re adorable,” I laughed, tilting my head to the side as he stared at me in disbelief.

“So I’m prude and adorable? Lucky me.” He was so sarcastic.

“Yes,” I nodded, setting myself to lean closer. “You and your pouty lips and puppy dog eyes and beauty marks-”

“I told you, they’re freckles,” he corrected, and I was immediately brought back to one of our oldest conversations. I smiled.

“Whatever you say Nicholas.”

It was silent for a moment, my eyes scanning the dark room. He sat up still, his head facing forward, and I wondered what he was thinking about or if he was really bothered by my statement. I was only joking… he had to of known that. I opened my mouth to speak but he let out a sigh and turned, gently pushing my legs off him. I watched him lie down on his side, the comforter now wrinkled underneath us.

“Nick?” I whispered. No response. “Nick?” Still no response. I let my body drop and I slid up the bed, quickly rolling onto my side. His face was inches from mine. “Nick?”

“What?” he sighed heavily. I was surprised he didn’t snap; now I felt bad.

“You know I was kidding, right? You aren’t completely prude…” No response. “Nick, come on,” I urged, gently brushing my hand over his chest. I trailed my hand up carefully until it reached his face. I pulled him a little closer, happy when the moonlight from the nearby window illuminated his face. “Did I hurt your feelings?”

“No,” he answered shortly. Nick was a sensitive creature; it was just another reason to love him.

“I didn’t mean it,” I whispered, slowly leaning in. He kept his focus on me.

“I know,” he whispered.

“I’m sorry,” I breathed out, my lips brushing his.

“I know,” he hummed, his warm breath hitting my lips, teasing me.

“I love you.” I pressed my lips to his before he had a chance to respond, the sparks immediately igniting with my brightening glow. It flickered slowly as his hand slid up my back, pressing me closer against him, and his lips moved against mine slowly. He moved his other arm up, his hand nestling itself in my hair gently. His lips moved sweetly against mine, the movements reassuring and affectionate. It didn’t take long for those butterflies to erupt again, the tingling in the pit of my stomach resurfacing. I wound my arms tighter around his torso, resting one hand on his tense shoulder blade and the other in his curls, twisting them with my fingers. I could hear that familiar noise vibrating through his chest before he let it out, the heart racing sound being muffled by my mouth.

I could feel myself losing it as he slipped his tongue into my mouth, caressing every part he could reach with slow, teasing line. He tilted his head, the top half of his body lifting up barely, and his strong hands continued to hold me close. I felt so relaxed in his arms, so safe. I almost gasped when he began to push forward subtly, leaning on me until my back was flat against the bed and he was hovering above me. My breathing picked up, my breath coming out as silent gasps when he pulled up. The side of his face was lit in the moonlight, his soft curls shining while his face looked smooth and pale. His hands slid down my sides, resting on my hips. I slid my legs between his, locking them together while the comforter tangled with us.

I was surprised when he smashed his lips back onto mine, his chest laying flat against mine, and he kissed me almost feverishly. I couldn’t comprehend anything when I was with Nick. I couldn’t think when we were too close; it didn’t help when I pulled him closer. He pulled back, ducking his head back down to connect his lips with the skin on my neck. I knew he heard me gasp and I knew he could feel my heartbeat thudding, but he continued with his actions, his hands sliding up the edge of my shirt until his fingertips rested on my cool skin.

It was another one of those moments where I knew being with Nick was one thing I would never give up.

I would fight for him. I would fight and I would win. I had to.

I could feel my hands sliding down his chest, my fingers taking in every aspect of it through his shirt until they reached the hem. I wasn’t thinking when I yanked it up and he wasn’t thinking when he pulled back to allow it off. He pushed his lips back down to their previous position and continued sucking on the skin, the knots in my stomach tightening further until that incoherent sound flew out of my mouth. He pressed tighter to me involuntarily, his actions quicker than before, and he began to trail his lips down to my collarbone.

I gripped his shoulders to stable myself, my fingers pressing tightly into his skin. His head continued to move, his lips dragging up to my ear. I could hear his heavy breathing, his soft whimper sounding, telling me he didn’t know what to do.

I showed him.

Clasping my hand to the back of his neck, I pulled him down and connected our lips in another heated kiss, keeping my other hand pressed against his chest. He allowed himself to lean on me, though he supported most of his weight, and I could feel both of us become clammy as the room heated up. I knew what I wanted. It was an embarrassing thought, but I couldn’t stop it.

But as Nick kissed me with that same passion, I knew it was wrong. He wanted to wait again. I wasn’t using my magic, but I was encouraging him to do something when he wasn’t thinking clearly. My thoughts were certainly clouded, but I knew enough to stop… even if it was unwillingly.

“Nick,” I breathed heavily, waiting until he pulled up. His eyes locked mine and I could see the emotions swimming through them. I sighed. I didn’t have to say anything else for him to know.

“I’m sorry,” he breathed quickly, holding his breath. I could only smile.

“You don’t have to be.” He stared down at me for a moment before heaving a sigh and shutting his eyes, his body slowly rolling over until he was resting somewhat on his back, our legs still tangled with the awkward angle; neither of us complained.

“I’m just…” But he didn’t finish.

“It’s okay,” I tried, my voice reassuring. He took it. He turned his head slowly, our noses brushing, and he offered a slight smile. “I like being like this with you.”

“You know I think about it,” he admitted, his voice barely audible in the silent room. “I think about what it would be like just to let go with you… just to feel that rush.”

“We’re not done Nick,” I said seriously, holding out my hand for him. He didn’t hesitate to lace our fingers together, though he did it slowly.

“I’m always trying to focus on the positive… but is it wrong to say I’m scared?” I didn’t recognize the quiver in his voice or the sudden change in mood, but I did know what he was talking about and I felt myself become emotional at the thought.

“Nick, it’s never wrong,” I whispered, shaking my head slowly. “It’s never wrong, but you have nothing to be afraid of. You’ll be okay.”

“I’m not worried about myself,” he said clearly, though his voice was strained. I could see the seriousness in his eyes. “I just, I don’t want to change this, the way we are. When I’m with you… it feels like my time is limited, like I only get to see you for so long.”

Why was he telling me this now? Why hadn’t he said anything before? I bit my lip.

“Nick, we’ll always find a way. You know that.” I wanted him to believe that. I wanted him to know that I would do anything to keep us together.

“You know I’ll be here,” he whispered, his gaze never leaving mine. His voice was more sure this time. “When it’s all done, I’ll be here.”

“I know,” I choked out, shutting my eyes tight. I should’ve focused on what he was telling me, that he would be here, but all I could think about was what would happen in between. Where would he go? What would happen to him? These were questions no one could answer and that scared me the most.

“You just have to stay strong, okay Lonnie?” he murmured, his hand now cupping my cheek. I could feel his thumb wiping away my tears. “Stay strong for me.”

I sobbed suddenly, clenching my eyes shut even tighter, and all I could do was focus on his sudden heartbreaking tone. He didn’t shush me or tell me it would be okay. He simply held me to him and let me cry. It amazed me, how quickly things could change. I was amazed by all the different emotions and thoughts a person could have in a split second.

“P-promise me something Nick,” I demanded through my tears, my voice surprisingly strong. I could feel him nod against me. “Promise me you’ll just hold on, okay? Promise me that, whatever happens, you’ll be okay.” I gulped. “Promise me that when…you go, when you disappear, you have to promise me that you’ll be okay."

“I’ll run to you,” he whispered against my temple. “I’ll find you.”

“But-” I tried, knowing what I saw in those horrible visions, those nightmares.

“No,” he said sternly. “I’ll be there.”

And I believed him. And I knew he would be, because he was Nick, and I could count on him. I could love him and be with him and I knew he’d be there in return, he’d love me back. That’s what kept me going.

I’d be ready.