The stage was lit with different arrays of colors, the house lights were down, the anticipation was growing, the band was all ready spitting out the first chords of the opening number. The performer jumped on stage ready for the show, but what happened stunned him beyond belief. Looking out over the crowd, what little bit there was he didn't see the usual sea of people screaming his name, holding signs professing their love and adoration for him, all he saw was a small collection of people standing in a heap talking amongst themselves. The small crowd looked his was, and had a disgusting expression on their faces. He knew what this meant when he recognized a few of their faces. Dread and realization all hit at once. Two men, from the crowd, inched their way towards him. He looked around for an escape, but there was none, and even if there were, if was ridiculous to delay the inevitable.

"Mr. Carter, I'm Aaron Rutledge and this is William Donahue, I'm sure you've heard of us. We're in charge of your realtions department." The two men outstretch their arms for a cordial shake. "Yes sir, I know who you are." Nick swallowed the lump forming in his throat, the world he knew would slowly be coming to a quick end within the next minute, and he wasn't prepared, but who could be. "Mr. Carter, I hate to inform you but your contract with us at Jive recently expired and when it went into deliberation as to whether or not we should keep you on our list of clients we weighed out all the pros and cons. We know in the past you have had a lot of success, but that was with the group, now that you're on your own we feel you aren't making the progress we wish for you to. We've done everything in our power, relations wise, to boost up your "popularity", but all tries have failed." Mr. Rutledge said.

"So what are you saying?" He knew all ready, he just had to hear it, just to make the reality of it all seem real.

"Basically Mr. Carter, we've decided not to keep you on our list of clients at Jive Records, I'm sorry, but as of now your contract is suspended and we will not support this tour or any of your endevours from this moment on." Mr. Donahue stated, finally being blunt and letting the actual reason as to why the two men were there be out in the open without tiptoeing around the subject as his partner was doing.

"So what you're saying is that I no longer can perform?" He didn't yell, he didn't shout, he just whispered, all reality crushing to the ground around him.

"Yes, that's exactly what we're saying. We tried to get you a contract with a smaller Record Company, but no one would take you either." Mr. Donahue said.

"We're terribly sorry, and we've grown to respect you over all these years, its just that we were putting a lot of money out there for you and we're getting any in return." Mr Ruledge tried to explain.

"I understand." Nick Whispered. He turned his back from the two men and quietly walked away from the previous occourence.

He was out of a job. He could no longer perform, well not the same anyway. It was all over. The years, the blood, the tears, the heartaches, and the thrills were all over. He never thought they would end, but they just did, in a span of two mintues. Those people knew nothing about the struggle he encompassed getting to where he had been, nor did they know what he had to give up either. Now he had only one option, to go home.

Home, what a strange word that was. It was a word that was hardly ever used. His was on the road, where he belonged. Sure he loved the comfortable bed and the small bits of civilized life that a permanent home brought, but out on the road, touring, recording, promoting, those were his life, or at least the used to be. He didn't even know what to do. His entire being had been turned upside down and there he was, twenty-four hours later sitting in his vehicle in the driveway of his pretty expansive house.

It had been so long since he had seen it, he nearly forgot what it looked like, with its Rock-like structure on the front, and the vinyl siding ont he sides. The dark blue shudders and the double doors matching thier hue perfectly. The gardens strategically landscaped, the bushes, the swing underneath a great everwood tree. It was a beautiful house, two stories, with an attic and a basment, a four car garrage, a huge pool, a basketball court, and an ocean view. This was home, his home.

Well, not just his home. His wife and son were there too. But those thoughts never seemed to inch into his mind. He was married and a father, but yet he didn't feel like one. He knew the two of them were there, waiting for him, but he never really came, nor hardly cared. He retracted half that thought, he loved his son greatly, but that was because he was part of him, not just genetic wise, but in many other father/son ways. His wife, though loving, beautiful, smart and everything he wanted, just never seemed to inch her way into his mind. They had been married for over five years, and their love candle had all ready extinguished on his side. He love her once, that was for sure, he loved her deeply and with every fiber of his being, but that was a long time ago.

He met her through mutual friends, who thought they would be perfect for one another. When the two met it was like fireworks. If he had believed in love at first sight, that's what it would have been. The two were inseperable, their love apparent for all the world to see. Nearly two years after they met, the were married with a baby on the way. The first two years of marriage were great, but after that it all just seem to go downhill from from there.

It was because of his career. He finally started to make it big as a solo artist. The third year of their marriage, he toured for that entire year, only coming home for a week, at Christmas, then he went to London for seven months to record his second album, and then he promoted the release for nearly four months, which followed with a planned two year tour, but his second album didn't hit, and after the first year of the tour everything fell apart. His marriage was in shambles and so was his career.

He dreadfully got out of the car and slowly inched his way up to the house. They'd lived here for five years, and yet, he still didn't have a set of keys. The thought would have made him laugh, but not this day, not after all he'd been through. Finally after ringing the doorbell the door opened to reveal his wife, clad in a pair of bluejeans and a simple crimson shirt, who looked at him with puzzled look evident on her face.

"Nick, what are you doing here, is everything all right?" She was worried, but of course she'd be, she wasn't expecting him home for another 4 months, Christmas.

He didn't even speak to her, he just walked in, right past her and up the stairs to one of the guestrooms.

She stood there unsure as to what had just happened. He was home, her husband was home. The thought was unfamilair and strange. She wasn't expecting him for another three months, Christams, but he was there. It was wonderful to have him home, but she knew why he was there, knew what had happened the day before. She received the dreadful news from Jonathan Hawthron when he called her the night before, just a few hours after Nick had came home.

Now, she was sitting at the bar wondering what she should do, how she should help. She knew that Nick didn't love her. It was obvious, she never received calls, no letters, nothing. He'd call once a month to talk to their son, but other than that, the two never had any contact. She knew that he cared a small inch for her, that was apparent when they last argued. She had accused him of cheating on her and he swore up and down, by God and by everything else that he had never been unfaithful. And neither had she, though it was temtping for the two of them, their morals about marriage were far to great to do something so degrading.

She loved him with all her heart and soul. Though he hadn't touched, kissed, or made love to her in over a year and a half, she still loved him. The two had been through so much together that she couldn't let it all dwindle away like he seemed to have done. She was left with just memories of the love they shared in the first few years of their marriage and their courtship.

Jumping at the sound of someone moving on the stairs she put her hand over her chest to steady her breath. Glancing at the entry to the kitchen she was taken back when she saw her husband walk through. He had aged somewhat. Yesterday, she didn't have time to take in his appearence, but now she had time to, and was able to note all the changes in his stature. He looked tired and worn out, his hair was growing darker, apparently he decided to no longer get it highlighted, his eyes weren't as bright and full of excitment and wonder as they used to be, his chin was a little scruffy, and he had put on a few pounds. She sighed inwardly, he had changed so much, and she hadn't been there to see it. He looked his age, 25, still young looking but now more mature, even through the run down image before her.

He caught her eye as he walked into the kitchen and from the scrutinizing looks, he knew that she was taking his dishelved appearence in. While she did, he did the same. She hadn't changed at all. She'd grown her hair out, now it was approximately six inches below her shoulders instead of being above them, she'd lost weight and she looked good. Her green eyes were still full of excitment. He sighed, just as she did, but for the opposite reasons. He couldn't fathom what had happened to their marriage. But here they were now, together, in the same room, and neither knew what to say, how to act, what to do, or how to approach the conversatin that was bound to happen soon.

"Are you hungry?" She asked, taking him totally offguard. He didn't think she would have addressed him, especially after he'd walked away from her yesterday without so much as a hello. He nodded to her. "What would you like?" She hopped up from the stool and walked over to where he was standing, in the middle of the kitchen. She still didn't reach his shoulders and that almost made him smile, almost.

"I have no idea, just point me to the food." And she did just that, showed him where everything was stored, the glasses, the plates, the silverware, and all the food. She watched as he picked out what he wanted and watched as he ate it.

"Nick, I think we need to talk." She heard him sigh, and deaded the conversation all ready.

"Alyssa, as much as I know we need to have this conversation, I don't want to."

"Well, I'm sorry, but its going to hapeen sooner or later, so why later, why not get it over with."

He sighed, she had a point, and it was entirely useless to argue with her. The woman was as stubborn as a mule sometimes and she rarely didn't get her way. "Fine, let's talk." He pulled up a bar stool, placed his hands under his chin and was ready for her to fire away.

"Nick, I know what happened, why you're home."

"I figured you would have, that's why I didn't even bother to tell you. It seems like everyone knows stuff before I even get a chance to open my mouth about it."

"I truly am sorry for what happened, I know that you love singing and peforming." She knew all to well, that's why they had drifted apart, she just could never voice it aloud. She knew he loved what he did and never kept him from it, his perfomring came first and then his family, never the other way around, and she totally supported that.

"Why are you sorry, you had nothing to do with it. I was sure it would happen sooner or later, especially after the way the second album flopped." He shrugged his shoulders in defeat, his eyes casting over with an unknown look she couldn't place.

"So what are you going to do now?"

"No idea, I honestly have no idea. I don't know anything else but performing."

"You have Tyler and I." She whispered.

"Alyssa don't start. Please don't start."

"Well what do you want me to do Nick, walk around like everything is peachy keen. Sorry, I'm not you, I can't do that. For gods sake we are married!"

"I know that! What the hell do you think I am!" He shouted, making her skin crawl.

"Keep your voice down, you'll wake up our son." He looked at her, a staring look that pierced right through her. "Listen Nick, what I'm saying is, I don't know what to make of this marraige anymore. We've had no contact in two years, nothing. You act as if I barely exist."

"What the hell do you want me to do Alyssa, what do you want me to do!"

"Act like a husband and a father. You talk to our son once a month, do you know how much that child adores you. He idolizes you. When you're on TV or the radio he listens and watches you intently. You don't know him. I'm not worried as much about our realtionship as I am with you and Tyer."

"Well I'm sorry for not being there, but I was out there working my ass off to give you all this. What do you expect from me."

"Dammit Nick, you have enough money to last you a lifetime and you know that. I want you to be a father. That's what I want." She sighed, knowing tha tears were all ready on there way. It was way to early to be crying. She had thought they were dried up from the years of crying her eyes out over this man. "Do you have any idea how selfish you are Nick. All you care about is yourself and your work. You have a family, a family! I can't continue to raise Tyler on my own. He needs a father, a male influence!"

Without even responding, he got up and left. He knew what she was saying was the truth, but good lord he had been home for not even forty-eight hours and he was all ready getting yelled at. Everything was just screwed up and he was falling, falling into a black hole.

"What to do, what to do." Was all he kept mumbling to himself. He was screwecd, screwed beyond belief. He didn't know this, know any of this. He didn't know how to be a father, a husband, a normal person. All he knew was what he had been doing since the age of 12, performing for screaming adolescent girls who adored him. That's what he was. He couldn't even bring himself to see his son. He spent all day locked in the guestroom, hiding out. He knew Alyssa didn't say anything to Tyler for if she did the boy would have all ready hunted him down.

Nick sighed to himself. He looked around the room, neatly decorated with her touch. The whole house was. He guessed it was all she really had to do, since it seemed like she just stayed home and spent his money, his money that meant absolutely nothing now. The room was a cream color, accented by splashes of simple blue decorations around the space. It was neatly decorated, but simple. He looked out the window, at the ocean, a place he used to love to go. Maybe, just maybe he would go out later, after Tyler and Alyssa were sound asleep. Maybe then he could make since of his life, what to do and where to go next.

Alyssa sat in the living room, infront of the television watching Rugrats with Tyler. He loved the Rugrats, but what four year old wouldn't. He laughed at all the little antics the 'babies', as Angelica called them, got into. Moments like that made her smile, and she held her son close for those special occasions. She knew it was wrong of her to keep the fact that his daddy, the one person he looked up to and worshipped, was in the house, but she knew she couldn't. He would be heartbroken when he saw him. She didn't even know how Nick would react either. She figured he would put up a show just for a few minutes then expect her to take Tyler away. She couldn't bare to put Tyler in that prediciment.

Tyler's laughter brought her back from her thoughts and made her focuse on the television just in time to see poor Angelica get splattered with a cream pie over her head. She couldn't help but smile, the girl had it coming to her. She was so mean to the babies, she always got what she deserved. When Tommy came onto the screen again, Tyler clapped his hands, excited to see his favorite baby.

When the show finally ended, she took Tyler to his room to take a nap. He settled down and talked to her about the show, like he did everyday, going over the most important aspects and telling her his favorite moments during the program. Today it was when Dill and Lil picked lint out of their belly buttons and stuck it in Angelica's mouth. This made her laugh, he was so energetic, and was all ready starting to look and act like Nick had when he was younger. There were a few baby pictures of Nick around the house, and the two, Tyler and Nick, looked nearly identical. Sometimes that revelation was shocking, but other times it brought comfort. Noting that Tyler had finally fell asleep, she made a mental note to check on Nick. She went downstairs and prepared a sandwich, which settled her nervous stomach. Having him home sent her nerves and emotions in a jumble of anxiety, never knowing whether to feel excited or apprehensive by the fact that he was there, under the same roof.

She finished her sandwich and made him one, Turkey, Ham, Mustard, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, and Mayonaise, just the way he used to like it. She put it on the tray along with a glass of Coke and slowly inched her way to the room he was staying in. She knocked on the door, and when she didn't receive a reply, she twisted the doorknob, only to discover it was locked. She sighed inwardly and left the tray on the floor as she went in search for the keys to unlock the room. Finding them, she made her way back, knowing for a fact that he probably wouldn't be too appreciative by the fact that she was disturbing him, but she didn't care. He needed to eat, needed to be cared for, and that was exactly what she was going to do. She unlocked the door and pushed open to reveal her husband's sleeping form sprawled out across the bed. She picked up the tray and walked silently in. She had to go to the other side of the room in order to see his face. She smiled, she hadn't seen him asleep in the longest time, and that brought back beautiful, yet painful memories of a time long ago.

Early in their marriage, when they actually slept in the same bed, she would always wake up before he did. She remembered she would always lay on her side, with her head propped up and just watch him. His sleeping form always mesmerized her. He was so peaceful when he slept, she could never resit reaching out and stroaking his cheeks, and he would always awake at that swift notion, startled, yet loving it. He would always smile, even though he hated being woken up before noon.

She smiled at the memory. That's all it was, a memory. If she reached out and stroaked his face, he would probably yell at her. So instead, she just layed the tray on the floor and sat down on her knees, facing him and rocked his shoulder, trying to stir him awake. It took some time, but he finally pulled out of the peaceful slumber. His eyes focused on her and they stared at her for a few seconds before they were adverted to a different location in the room. She sighed inwardly, the man was impossible. She pulled herself together, not letting him see her disappointment. "I brought you some food." She whispered. He looked over to where the food was sitting and sat up. She reached over and handed him the plate and the drink. She took his silence for a thank you, even though it wasn't and left the room.

The atmosphere was so peaceful that it would be a pure sin to try and destroy it. The salty aroma, the gentle soothing breeze, the faint sound of water hitting land, all was peaceful. Even for a person deep in turmoil, a place like the ocean could be the most soothing place. The stars above twinkled with knowledge, knowledge of the past, present, and one could suspect knowledge of the future, but who really knows. All he cared about was the fact that he finally found some sense of peace. No more jumbled thoughts, no more plaguing questions, no more worrying about what would happen next. This moment, a short wrinkle in time was all he needed.

It was late, nearly after midnight and Nick had the strongest urge to go down to the beach. It had been ages since he'd ran his toes through the course sand and felt the soft foam of the oceans wave wash up against his ankles. This was exactly what he needed. The serenity, the chance to be back in a small portion of his element. He glanced back at the house. It didn't look like the prision it had earlier but now it looked welcoming. How, he had no idea, but it finally brought a smile to his face. He was at ease, but how long would that last?

He looked back out over the calm water, the moon casting a mystical glow making the water sparkle with every wave. He heard utter silence, but it didn't phase him. It had been awhile since he'd heard that, the deafining sound of absolutely nothing. He took in a deep breath and flopped to a ground with a thud that he knew he'd feel later that day, but he didn't care. He was lost in his own little world, transfixed with his own thoughts.

She knew he was outside, she had been watching him for over an hour. He mesmerized her. One would think it would be stocking if it weren't for the fact that they were married. She wished she could help, even if only a little bit. She was lost, caught in his web. She sighed to herself and stepped away from the window and walked around the room, looking at various objects. All were symbolic. The vase that now held a boquet of fake wild flowers used to hold fresh flowers delivered everyday. He would always send her flowers, daisies, carnations, roses, lilacs, even if he was busy he'd still find time to send them, at least he did until a year ago. The vanity that held all her jewelry, jewelry that he bought. Her favorite piece was a necklace that was decorated with tiny diamonds and emeralds layed out in a pattern, two diamonds and an emerald, and the sequence would contine all the way through the beautiful piece.

She sat down at the vanity and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She hadn't changed hardly at all. She pulled her hair down out of the messy bun it was in and picked up her soft brush and combed it through her hair, each piece laying where she wanted it to be. She was lost in her own little world, in a different time. One that didn't hold all these problems that her and her husband were facing. One that held all the answers she needed.

She jumped up from the vanity knowing what she had to do. She grabbed her robe and rushed through the house hoping that Tyler wouldn't wake up and need her. This was important and she knew she had to do it.

She rushed outside into the cool night air. She was on a mission. They had to talk, and for the life of her they were going to. It might not be the best time, but it had to happen. This was too important. She walked up behind him and just stood there for a minute, transfixed with both him and the beautiful view in front of her.

He knew she was there, watching him. But for what, he had no idea. He wasn't in the mood to talk, especially to her. He sighed and turned his head around and caught her gaze. She diverted her eyes for a second before connecting them back with his. She inched forward and took a seat next to him.

"Hey." She whispered looking down at the sand.

"Hey." There was a brief pause. "What are you doing here?" He questioned.

"I came to talk to you." She looked at him, her eyes hopeful.

"Alyssa, please I don't want to argue, its too late."

"I don't want to argue either Nick. I just think we need to talk. Just to talk. No screaming, no bantering, no accusations, just a normal conversation."

He thought for a moment, it would be nice to just talk instead of yelling at each other like they always did. He had a few questions for her too. "All right, let's talk." He looked over and cracked a small smile. It made her smile.

"So, what have you been up to?" She almost laughed at her ridiculous question. It wasn't exactly what she wanted to ask.

He laughed inside. Leave it up to her to open a conversation with a question such as this. "Well, let's see, I used to be an entertainer, now I'm not and that shit bites. Now I'm at home living here like a damn prisoner." It was sarcastic he knew, but what did he care.

She gave him a weird look. "Okay. Nick, that wasn't what I wanted to ask you."

"Go figure."

She sighed, he was in one of his sarcastic moods. Lord how she hated those. She was never witty enough to respond to his comments. "When do you want to see Tyler. I can't keep him hidden away from you, and neither can you keep hidden away from him."

Nick smiled, he could just imagine the look on his sons' face when he realized his dad was home. "I don't know, maybe tomorrow. Should I stage it like I just came in over night?"

"Whatever you want to do. I just want you two to spend time together."

"I've missed out on a lot haven't I?"

She look at him in complete shock. Maybe he realized it too, just how much he'd missed over the past three years. He'd missed a lot of firsts, Tyler's first words, his first steps, his first day of pre-school. "Yeah, you have." She whispered, trying to make it sound as gentle as possible.

He sighed. "So how has he been?"

One of her favorite subjects to talk about, their son. The thought of the boy brought smiles to her face all the time. "He's been good, missing you. But he has grown. He looks exactly like you did when you were little."

"Really?"

"Really, there's no me in him anywhere yet. If I wouldn't have pushed him out, I would question if he was my kid or not. He doesn't look a bit like me."

"I'm sure that'll change."

"I hope not." He whipped his head around, stunned at her response. He just looked at her before he dropped his gaze to the ocean.

They fell into a comfortable silence, the first one in a long time. Both were thinking about Tyler and how they had gotten to this moment.

"So what exactly happened Nick?"

"Huh?"

"What happened to us." A plain and literal question.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, what happened, we used to have this story book love and now its like we're complete strangers."

"Oh." He didn't know how to respond, he wasn't one to sit down and ponder questions such as this one. It was a rough topic, one that required a lot of soul searching for the answer. One wrong answer, and the shit would hit the fan. Hi sighed. "Alyssa, I have no idea. I guess with all the time we spend apart, we just slowly drifted apart." She nodded. She couldn't speak, tears were welling up deep inside, and if she spoke the strong face she was trying to hold would break. "I'm sorry. I never ever thought that it would come to this. I did love you."

"I know." She whispered, all ready crying. Thank the good lord she didn't have make-up on, or her face would have been a mess. They just flowed freely, her trying her hardest to keep them calm, but all attempts failing.

Nick sat there beside her, knowing she was crying, crying because of him. He hated to see people cry, especially her. He could comfort her, but then that would confuse her all the more. He didn't know what to do.

He sighed, scooted closer to her and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. Mechanically she leaned in closer, dropped her head on his shoulder and just let it all come pouring out. The years of loneliness, heartache, depression, a marriage without love. She cried for him, herself, and Tyler. So many emotions rocked her body, sending her into gasping sobs. All the while Nick just sat there, his arm around her, gently rubbing her arm, trying his best to calm her down.

That night, laying in her bed Alyssa had many things to think about, as did Nick. The night itself was confusing, and both stayed up thinking about the conversation that happened earlier. It seemed to Alyssa that the two of them had hit a milestone. Maybe things would be okay. Maybe with time, they could mend their broken relationship. It could be done, but it would take time, a lot of time. For the first time since the two had fallen out of love, she had hope for their marriage.

Nick sat in the dark for what seemed like an eternity. Many thoughts were running through his head. He could still care for her, but did he? He was protective over her, out on the beach showed him that. But a marriage couldn't be based entirely on that aspect. It took commitment, love, understanding, respect, and many more other qualities that seemed to have disappeared.

He sighed, turned over and started at the moon dwindling on the horizon. The morning light would soon be shining through the window. Another sleepless night. Him and Alyssa had decided that later during the day, he would reveal himself to Tyler. The idea thrilled Alyssa when he had told her he wanted to see their son. He rolled over and sighed. He needed some rest. He knew the kid would be with him all day, playing with him, talking, and just carching up on all that they both had missed.


*****

Later that morning, after only a few hours of sleep, three to be exact, Nick woke up and looked at the clock. It read a little after nine. Time to go see his kid. He sat up, dressed in a comfortable pair of jeans and a simple blue shirt. He threw some Nike's on and combed his hair, brushed his teeth and went out the bedroom door. He first went to his son's room, but he wasn't there. He ventured downstairs, and still no Tyler. He sighed, where in the world could the boy be. Then he heard giggling coming from upstairs. He went back up the flight of stairs and followed the laughter coming from two sources. Alyssa's room.

He stuck his head in the door. Tyler's back was to him and he was talking to Alyssa and both were laughing. Alyssa caught his eye and smiled.

"Tyler, someone's here to see you." She smiled pointing at Nick.

Tyler's head whipped his body around and just looked at Nick until the lightbulb went off. "DADDY!" The young boy hollared, jumping off the bed bed and running to where Nick stood. Nick crouched down and picked the boy up just as he jumped through the air and landed in his arms. The two embraced, it had been too long.

"Hey big man, how are you doing?" Nick questioned, holding Tyler back, taking in how much he had grown. Alyssa was right, Tyler looks a lot like he did when he was younger. The same baby fat face, blue eyes, hair that was nearly white, and the same nose and eyes. Tyler had grown a lot.

"I alright, how you daddy?" Baby talk, one of the cutest things in the world.

"I'm alright. You've grown!"

"Mommy says dat too. She say if I eat vegedables I grow big and strong, jus like you."

"Really, well Mommy's right." Nick smiled at his son and then smiled at Alyssa who was watching the two with adoration.

"I missed you daddy!" Tyler said holding Nick's face in his hands.

"Me too buddy, me too." He didn't realize how much he had until that moment.

"Are you two hungry?" Alyssa asked finally coming into the conversation. She'd gotten out of bed and had put her robe on.

"Food! Me want pizza!" Tyler yelled out.

Nick laughed and Alyssa looked at Tyler seriously. "Ty, you know you can't have pizza for breakfast."

"Yes you can. Dylan from school eat pizza for breakfast." He nodded his head, just to try and make his point more clear.

"Tyler, listen to you mommy. We don't eat pizza for breakfast." Tyler threw the legendary pout on his face. He had definately gotten that from his father. "How about some bacon, eggs, and pancakes?" Tyler nodded enthusiastically. "Well, if that's okay with mommy, we'll have that." He looked at Alyssa, who still was smiling.

"Alright. Nick will you get him dressed while I go fix our breakfast?" He nodded and the two trampled off to Tyler's room.

What a tantalizing task dressing a toddler proved to be. No matter what Nick put on Tyler didn't seem to be happy with it. Finally, getting frustrated, Nick asked Tyler what it was that he wanted to wear, and the boy pulled out an outfit that clashed together. He tried to reason with the boy, but that didn't seem to work. And when he tried to put stuff on him, the child would run around the room, sending Nick chasing after him.

"Is everything okay up there?" He could hear Alyssa hollar.

"Yea, everything's fine." He lied. This was more challenging than he had ever expected. Finally when he had gotten a shirt on Tlyer and reached for the pants, the kid and taken the shirt off. Nick sighed and look at him. "Buddy, why are you giving me so much trouble?"

"I no trouble, I good boy. Mommy say so."

Nick laughed. "Why won't you put you clothes on?"

"I dun know." He shrugged his shoulders.

"Nick, are you guys coming down." She took a look around the room, clothes scattered all over the dressers and changing area. She couldn't help but laugh. "Do you need some help?"

He nodded and she walked in, grabbed a matching outfit. "Arms up." She commanded and Tyler obediently obeyed. She slipped the short on and then insturcted for each leg to be put in its proper hole in the pants. She made it look so simple. "That's my boy. Now let's go eat." She picked him up and sat him on the ground. He took off in search of the food with Alyssa and Nick on his heals.

"Thanks." Nick said with gratitude in his voice."

"No problem, he gets a little frustrating sometimes with me too. He does that every once in awhile."

The three of them sat down at the table and for the first time in two years had a meal together, as a family. It was lovely. There was no tension in the air. It was enjoyable by all three parties, especially Alyssa's. She'd wanted moments like those that morning for the longest time, and they'd finally happened. Her heart was bursting at the seams. She loved the two of them more than words could describe. But the reality of the situation was that one party didn't return her feelings.

Nick was happy. He'd finally seen his kid. It surprised him how much love he had for the four year old. He was so full of energy that it was intoxicating to be around him. But through all the love, he was still suffering from the loss of his one love, music.

"I've got an idea!" Nick said later that day coming into the play room where Alyssa and Tyler were playing with some toys. Both of their heads shot up at Nick's enthusiasm. "How about we go to Disney World tomorrow."

"Disney World!" Tyler jumped up from his sitting position and started dancing around the room, bringing two hearful laughs from his parents. "We go?" He questioned, and got a nod from both Nick and Alyssa. "Yay!"

"We'll get up early tomorrow morning and drive up there and spend the entire day." Nick said to Alyssa.

"Wait, why don't we spend a few days up there and visit all the parks. We haven't done that since... since." She couldn't finish her sentence, it was too painful.

"Since before we were married. I know." He sighed. It looked as if they were going to have another talk. He hated those very much. They were totally pointless to him. She got up from her own sitting position and went past him. She stopped only briefly to look at him, then sighed and left the room. 'Damn that woman' he thought. she knew exactly how to get under his skin, and used it to her every advantage.



*****


Later that evening they were all packed and ready to go. The car was loaded up and they'd called a few friends to occasionally check in on the house. Tyler was bouncing around ready to go. Nick and Alyssa were running through a check list of things making sure everything was ready to go.

"Let's go." Nick finally shouted out, standing by the garage door. Before Nick knew it, the kid was zooming through the house and rushing towards him. "Whoa little man, where's the fire?" Nick laughed. Tyler just shrugged his shoulders and pointed to the door, beckoning it open.

"Okay, I think we have everything." Alyssa announced coming into the small alcove that led to the garage beyond the door. "Are you guys set?" She only received two nods from both her favorite guys, which of course made her laugh. "All right, let's go." Tyler let out a sound of excitment and Nick just laughed.

All three went quickly out the door. Nick tried to get Tyler in his booster seat, but finally became fed up and let Alyssa do it. The two adults took their seats up front, Nik driving and Alyssa taking the passenger one. And they were off, on their way to a long weekend full of rides, attractions, Disney characters, and who knew what else.

The ride, though only an hour long, was relatively quiet. Tyler sat in the back watching his favorite movie, Finding Nemo, giggling at the funny parts, sending his parents looking back at him with smiles on their faces.

"You've done a lot with him while I've been gone." Nick noted sincerely.

"Well, it hasn't exactly been easy, but I've done the best I can."

"Thanks, and Alyssa." She looked at him. "I truly am sorry for not being there and helping you out. I don't see how you've managed to do it all on your own. Today, just trying to get him dressed and into his seat was a task for me, but yet you do it without even one complication. How do you do it?"

'There have been days when I've just wanted to give up, send him to one of our mothers, but I knew I couldn't. He was my only lifeline, he was the only person that kept me going. I love that kid to death, more than anything else in the world. And he loves you, so much. I would tell him stories at night of some of our crazy adventures. Of course, I changed them into more Disney rated tales, but he still enjoyed them a lot, and I loved having someone to talk about them."

"We did have some good times didn't we!" He laughed and she nodded. "Remember the last time we were at Disney World? We were with the guys then."

"I remember." She laughed, remembering that day. "We purposely strayed away frm them and they were so pissed at us."

"Especially when they found out what we had been doing all that time. Remember how we just continued to hop from park to park, not caring if we got caught by fans and how we would harass everyone employee, and those poor characters, I'm sure we had a bunch of them mortified. I'm surprised they didn't ban us from the place!"

"I remember Randy was so mad at us, especially you. He kept going on and on about how stupid we'd acted and what would have happened if we were noticed."

"And then we got yelled at again because we kept rolling out eyes, acting like we were yawning and not listening. He was so furious."

"That was a fun day. I'm glad we had that day."

"Me too." He smiled over at her, taking his eyes off the road to look at her.

The coolness of the room hit all three of them as they walked in from the humid Florida air into the nice hotel suite they'd be staying in for the next five days. It was lavishly decorated, all the necessities one could need and more. The place even had a dining room! Tyler had his own room at one end of the suite along with a guest bedroom, and the master bedroom was on the opposite end from those two. The kitchen was lovely, and the living room was very cozy with white plush couches, elegant rugs, even a big screen television with DVD and VHS player hooked up!

"Well, let's go get out stuff unpacked Tyler." Alyssa said grabbing his bag from the front door and heading towards his room, Nick on their heels, not knowing what to do. Alyssa busied herself by putting Tyler's clothes up, setting out all his favorite toys, and then some, trying to make it seem more like home to him. Nick was just standing in the doorway, not knowing what to do.

"Daddy!" Tyler hollared at him, while his mom was left in the closet hanging up his clothes. "Look what I can do." The kid bounced on the bed, getting higher by the second. Nick was laughing then his heart leaped in his throat.

"TYLER!!!" His mom hollared out, while watching him dive from the bed over the open floor. She couldn't get there fast enough. Nick, from his standing postition dived out and caught him before his head hit the floor. The fall knocked both guy's breath out of them, but it was far better than what could have actually happened.

Alyssa dropped everything she had and scooped up her baby who was crying bloody murder. "Why did you do that! You know better. You could have gotten seriously hurt baby.!" She didn't mean to sound so mean, but he had scared the wits out of her.

Nick got off the floor, finally regaining his breath. "Tyler! Why in God's name did you do that?" He questioned taking the boy from Alyssa. "Why? You scared me, you know that right?"

"Daddy, I sorry. I jus wanted to see if I fly!" He tried to explain letting a few more tears run down his face.

"Buddy please don't do that again. You could have gotten hurt."

"I won't daddy, I promise." He tried to smile and squirmed to get down.

"Mommy, are you mad?" He questioned.

"No baby." She said scooping him up in her arms and putting him beside her on the bed. "You just scared mommy. You know I'm going to have to punish you for this right?" Tyler nodded, his head hung down. "Because of that, we're not going to Disney World today, but we'll go tomorrow." The kid looked up, pleading with his eyes to change his moms eyes, but it didn't work. "Now stay in here and play with your toys, I need to go unpack my clothes too." Tyler rushed over to his beloved toys, thankful she hadn't taken those away from him.

Both Nick and Alyssa left the room in quietness. Both surrounded by their own nightmarish thoughts of what could have actually happened. Alyssa went into the master bedroom, and surprisingly Nick followed her, like a lost puppy. She sat down on the bed and covered her face with her hands, taking in some deep realxing breaths. She felt the bed move as another form sat down next to her. She looked up and smile.

"He's okay. It's all right." Nick tried to calm her down.

"I know. It just scared the shit out of me." She whispered.

"You ain't the only one."

"Thank you. That could have been serious if he would have hit."

"I know, but he didn't, so relax." She laughed. How could he be calm after that.

"Okay, I'm fine now." She said standing up and grabbing her suitcases that were left at the door and coming back in the room. She tossed them on the bed and opened up the contents. She quickly emptied the contents, putting them in neat piles before putting them up in designated areas.

Simple things such as these always brought back memories for Nick of a time long ago, when he was on tour, and she was with him. The two always stayed togeher, but never in the same room until they were married. She would always do the same routine she was going through now, and then she'd go and do the same to his clothes! And usually when she'd finished they would always go and snuggled on the couch and watch a movie. But that wasn't the case today. After she had finished, she herself went to sit down on one of the couches switched the television on, leaving him to do his own stuff.


*****


He hated being alone. Tyler and Alyssa were both asleep, and that left him to nothing but his thoughts. They were so depressing, he didn't know how much longer he could deal with them. Sure, when he was around the two of them, he looked fine and dandy, but in all reality, that was the furthest from the truth. He had been dying inside more each day that passed. He didn't know why, he should be happy. He had a lovely family and a wife that adored him, but he didn't want that. He wanted the one thing that he could no longer have. He was washed up and had barely anything to give to those few fans that stayed with him all this time. Now, he was left with this. How was he supposed to support them. He couldn't exactly stay home everyday like they could, that would be to clausterphobic and suffocating. He needed some articistic escape, but what. He sighed and grabbed and pad of paper and a pen and scribbled a note to Alyssa letting her know he'd be back later. He was going to wash all his sorrows away, and he knew just where to do it.


*****


Stepping into the club, he was hit with loud music and the stench of hot bodies and alcohol. This was a favorite thing for him to do on tour, hit the clubs, get drunk and flirt with all the pretty girls. That was the life to him, never caring about the family he could be hurting who was waiting for him back at home. He went straight to the bar and ordered the strongest thing he could find. He turned around while drinking it and looked over the crowd. It wasn't a bad crowd for so early in the night. There were some cute girls grooving on the floor. He gulped down the last bit of the drink that sent his throat into a firey comforting sensation. He strolled over to a really cute blond and tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and smiled and started grooving her midsection into his, practically screweing his right there on the floor. He wrapped an arm around her waist and brought her even closer pushing himself next to her and using his free hand free to roam any part of her body he chose to. Both parties were buzzed so it didn't really matter.

The hours passed, tons of nameless songs were played, many faceless partners came and went, all wanting to know if he'd like to get out of there, but to their disappointment he said no. He wasn't drunk to not know that he did have a family and that he knew better. But he was still having fun, getting his thrills from women's bodies so close to his own. He had drunk quite a few glasses of stuff and did quie a few shots and now he was throughly drunk. He looked down at his watch and realized that it was a little after midnight. Usually that would be fairly early for him, but not with his family waiting for him. He sighed disappointedly and heading for the exit. One of the bouncers stopped him before he had the chance to leave and did a thorough look over. He shook his head and motioned for one of his buddies to come over.

"Hey man, this guy is way to drunk to drive. Come with me and I'm going to drive him home, Follow me okay?" The tall muscular guy said holding at his hand for Nick's keys, which he gave up a little to willingly.

The ride back was a quiet one, except for when the guy asked where Nick lived. That was the only conversation. The car was parked, and the guy was towed away by his buddy that followed him, leaving Nick standing there, unsure of what to do. He looked over at the elevator and sighed. He hated elevators when he was drunk, they always churned his stomach, and no doubt this one would be a fast one.

Alyssa was drying her hair humming a soft tune. She was trying to busy herself, wondering where Nick went to. She'd woken up at a little after eight to discover his note and ever since then she became more paranoid by the hour. Tyler had been put back to bed with a friendly bed time story and a song sung by his mother. He still slept quietly, with the door barely cracked open.

She didn't hear him come in the room, nor did she sense him behind her as she crouched over trying to get the underneath of her hair dry. Standing back up straight, her heart leaped in her throat and she let out a small scream before putting her hand on her chest, taking a few relaxing breaths. "Nick you scared me." She said, still running the hair dryer through her hair. It was almost dry. Then she smellled it, the disgusting smell of alcohol, that seaped into anything and everything it could. The smell was sickening to her.

"Hey Lyssa, I'm home." He slurred. She rolled her eyes.

"Nick you're drunk, and where have you been." She sat the hair dryer down and turned around to him with her hands on her hips.

"I've been out." He said inching closer to her. She was puzzled, what was wrong with him. "I had a few drinks and a few dances and even a few offers, but I turned them down." He whispered, so close to her ear that his breath was hot and ticking. She turned away from him, not wanting to look at him. "Aww, honey don't turn away from me." He said grabbing her waist and pulling her back into him. She sighed, it had been awhile since she'd had any contact with him. His hands ran up her sides before resting on her shoulders where he slowly rubbed them in a sensual way. She was in heaven, but deep down she knew he was drunk and would more than likely regret this in the morning. That fear scared her, causing her form to freeze and Nick to turn her around and look at her with questioning eyes.

The look in her eyes, even through the haziness of his drunken state puzzled him. What was wrong with her, wasn't this what she wanted, she loved him, so obviously she would want this. Both hadn't felt the touch of another person in so long, how could she now want it.

"Nick, you're drunk." She whispered, trying to get away from his grasps. But he held on tight.

"I'm not that drunk Lyssa. Come on, you know you want to, its so obvious." Her head snapped up so fast it made him dizzy.

"Nick let go of me." She said squirming under his strong hands.

"No, not until you admit it. You want me so bad. This right here turns you on and you're aching inside for me and for what I can do to you over there on that bed."

Her world flipped as the words rolled off his tongue. Sure she wanted what he could do, and she knew he did it well, but not like this. She didn't want to have all the happy times making love shattered in one drunken haze. Oh, but she wanted it, she craved for him night and day and never was satisfied and here he was opening up a door that had previously been chained and bolted shut. It was a tempting offer, but one that couldn't be treaded on lightly. "Nick, as much as I want to, I just don't..." She was cut off by his lips hitting hers in a hard kiss. The taste was dispicable, but yet familiar. The alocohol wasn't welcoming, but everything else was. The kiss, as hard as it was held some tenderness and vague familiarity. She melted into his arms as he held her tight, kissing her with all the lust he could muster up, trying to convince her how much he needed her. His hands wound through her hair, before travelling down her sides to her waist, where he wrapped his arms around and pulled her as close to him as possible, all similar to the girls he had danced with earlier that night.

She let out a soft moan as his lips continued their assault on hers. She knew this was wrong, but what the hell, she needed him just as much as he needed her. The familiar buldge in his pants rubbed up against her hip as the two deepened the kiss even more. In one swift motion Nick had everything cleared off the bathroom counter and had the door shut and locked before she had resgistered his lips had left before he came back and this time claimed her neck as his. Sucking and biting, all making her melt from his assaults. She grabbed for anything she could get her hands on. Her hands came in contact with his shirt, and they travelled down to the seams. He broke contact for a brief second to allow her to discard the unwanted material. He continued his assaults on the other side of her neck as her hands roamed over his chest, sending cold chills from head to toe. He inched his kisses lower, trying to get as much skin as he could. He found the spot he was looking for. He massaged them through the silk fabric of her nightgown. She threw her head back as a whirlwind of feelings came washing over her. How she had missed his touch.

"This has to go." He whispered, pulling the thin straps of her night gown off her shoulders and incing the barely there fabric down past her breasts. He stood back and all familiarity came back. He knew what to do. She looked up at him in anticipation, waiting for what would be coming next. His head went straight towards them, his tongue gently licking one, while his hand abused the other one. She was in heaven, moaning, and already calling out his name. He sucked, pinched, bit each one, before slowly coming back up to her mouth and roughly kissing her. She reached out for the button on his pants. He reached down while in the middle of their firey dual and updid them, quickly discarding them. Her night gown came fully off of her in a swift movement, exposing every part of her. The only thing left was a light lacy thong. No one ever looked as good as she did at that moment. He groaned inwardly and picked her up, wrapping her lusicious legs around his waist. The feel of her womanhood so close to his made him impatient. He opened the bathroom door and tossed her over on the bed and went to close the bedroom door and locking it. He slowly came back over to her, her eyes partially closed her lips swollen from the hard kisses received and everything, but the one area he needed the most was exposed for his well being.

He crawled on the bed, slowly inching his way towards her, running his hand up her legs, making her shiver and making him chuckle. He held her tight at the waist and kissed her with firey passion. His hands slipped down to the tiny piece of material in his way and slowly inched them down before throwing them across the room. She was his now. He could take her any way he wanted. Hard and fast, yet probably painful for her, or slow and sensual, yet painful for him because he was ready for release. Her groan echoed in his head, reminding him that she awaited his touch. His hands roamed up her body before cupping her breasts and squeezing them hard. She took in a sharp breath that sent her head spinning. He was so close, she wanted his touch so bad she was aching for it. His tongue found her, and what she wanted. She let out a deep moan that radiated through the room. Her hands went down and grabbed ahold of his hair and pushed him closer to her. He kissed her womanhood and sent her over the edge. She was wet, very wet. But of course, one would expect that after a few years of having no sexual interaction. He massaged her with his tongue and sent her into an overwhelming climax that made her scream out his name.

He climbed back up her body, kissing wet trails up. She flipped the two over kissing his roughly on the lips. Her womanhood ontop of his manhood, the only thing blocking it was his boxers. She sent her hips into a circular motion, using his abdamon to lift herself up and then slowly inch back down when he whinned for more attention. He was ready to blow, when she suddenly stopped. He let out an anguished groan that brought a smile to her face. "Patience sweety." She said getting off of him. She grabbed ahold of the boxers and ripped them off. Her hands went straight for him, which caused his head to throw back in a loud moan. Next he felt her mouth closing around him and within a few seconds he came. She inched her way up his body with a seductive stare in her eyes. He grabbed her arms and pulled her up his body quicker and flipped the two over. He was right under and she looked on with eager anticipation. His tip brushed against her folds making her eyes roll back. He inched his way in, painfully slow. When fully in, he just stayed there for a few agonizing seconds letting her adjust. Finally he started, and both were in heaven. She was so warm that he had butterflies in his stomach. She was letting out small moans each time he pushed himself in.

Finally as the pace quickened the world began to spin and the stars shinned on the back of her eyelids. All she could feel was him and what he was doing with her. She went over the edge in a hard climax that sent her body shaking and her calling out his name. The pressure from her climax and the way she called out his name sent him over the edge as well in a powerful climax. He had missed that feeling for years. He fell on top of her, nearly knocking the breath out of both. He kissed her deeply, then surprising her, he started to pump in and out of her again, making her scream from the pain. He was going so fast, it actually hurt. She was calling out his name, trying to get him to slow down, but he was in his own erotic world. She held on to his arms, her nails digging into them, causing him to get closer to his own release. The pain felt like icy fire, yet in a way it was wonderful. She was going to hurt in the morning. He finally reached his climax, and continued a the feroucious speed edging her to reach one of her own and she did, and then he had another glorious one himself. Finally he pulled out of her in an antagonizing gesture. He layed beside her and drapped his arm aroun her side, her back to his. She was trying to regain her breathing.

"Thank you." He whispered in her ear before getting up and grabbing his boxers. He slipped them on and gave her a final kiss before leaving the room for his own.

Waking up, the birds outside were singing a melodious song and only small faint sounds could be heard in the distance. The hotel room was silet, everyone seemed to still be asleep. For some reason, everything just seemed right at that moment, but then the headache hit. Rolling back over, he covered his head with the cotton pillow, trying to drown out the light and what little noise there was.

Where had he been and what had he done to end up with a headache such as this? All things were in a hazy mess. One thing was for sure though, he'd fucked someone. He knew that, he hadn't felt the familiar sensations running through his body, especially below his waist. He rolled back and prayed to God that it didn't happen and that it was just his imagination. He remembered so many girls, all wanting him to go home with them. Had he actually done it? He groaned inwardly at the prospects of cheating on his wife. Ever since he'd seen one of his closests friends get cheated on by her husband he had swore that he would never do that, and here it seemed like he had.

He threw the sheets off of him and got up to look at himself in the mirror. Squinting for a few seconds, trying to get used to the bright sunlight in the room, he was able to make out nail marks on his arms. Turning around he noticed a few on his back. "Dammit all to hell!" He mumbled. "Son of a Bitch." He fumbled for some pants and a sleeved shirt to try and hide the marks. How could he tell Alyssa. Maybe he didn't have to, but then again how could he not. She did have a right to know.

Braving the inevitable, he went searching through the expansive hotel suite in search of his wife. He didn't find her anywhere, even his son was missing. He searched high and low, but to no avail. He went into the kitchen to grab something to drink, and luckily saw a note from her sitting on the counter.


Nick,
Good morning. Tyler and I went out to eat breakfast this morning. I didn't want to wake you so please don't worry. We really need to talk about last night. We'll see you when you get back.


Love Always,

Alyssa

P.S. Tyler says Hi and that he loves you


He layed the note down on the counter. How the hell did she know about last night! It was impossible, she was asleep wasn't she? He tried to think, he could see small pictures of her from the night before, but yet, there were so many other women that occupied his mind last night! He slammed the glass on the counter, luckily not breaking it, and went out onto the balcony. The warm Florida sun hit his face with its forcefulness as if knowing what he'd done. He could hear kids at the pool below and hear their mothers calling after them to not run or else they would fall in. He flopped himself in one of the comfortable chairs and propped his feat up on the rails enclosing the space.

He tried to make sense of the night before, but it was inevitably impossible. Well all he could really do is pray that he used some sort of protection, for if not he could possibly know within the next nine months who he'd screwed. That would be a field day. Well maybe not anymore, since he had no cameras in his face, no people fallowing him all hours of the day. He was digging a deeper hole, getting closer and closer to China.

He hopped up at the sound of a door closing inside the room. He had to tell her, it was the least he could do. He walked in to see Alyssa putting a McDonalds bag on the counter. She looked up at him and motioned to the bag. "Hey, we brought you some breakfast." She wasn't very chipper, but she seemed a little different.

"Thanks. Look Alyssa, we really need to talk."

"I know, let me go put Ty in his room." She scooped up the kid who waved at his daddy and carried him off to the other side of the suite. Shortly after, she returned.

He sighed, it was now or never. "Alyssa, I don't know how you found out about last night, but either way, I screwed up. I didn't know what I was doing, I was drunk and well, had no sense of what I was doing, or who I was doing. To put it frankly I fucked someone." He looked away from her, not wanting to see the disappointed look on her face.

"Nick, what the hell are you talking about?"

"I fucked some girl last night when I went out. I can't remember who, its all to jumbled up."

"Nick you didn't 'fuck' some girl last night, it was me." His head popped up, making it throb from the swift motion.

"You?" He questioned, and she nodded. "Oh thank God. I thought that I had actually screwed some girl last night." She looked at him weirdly. "You know I'm not like that Alyssa, you know how I feel about that."

"I know Nick, last night was weird." That was the only word to describe what went down and his reaction the following morning.

"No offense, but I don't really remember what happened last night, but we really did, you know?" He looked at her and she looked down at the counter, a small, barely there smile crept across her face.

"Yeah Nick, we did."

"Oh." That was all he could say. He didn't think they would have that opportunity again. Their marriage was basically over and here they were once again 'in the saddle', so to speak. Now his thoughts were in a jumble. Why had he slept with her, he thought that she meant basically nothing to him. Why in his drunken state did he screw her and not those other girls and the multitude of girls who in the past wanted the same thing? And just by looking at Alyssa, he knew that she was thinking similar thoughts, wondering that maybe since they'd 'hopped in the sack' he might have buried feelings for her. "I'm sorry." He said, hoping in some way it wouldn't offend her.

"Why are you sorry?" He shrugged his shoulders. "You regret last night don't you Nick?" He looked down before nodding. "Oh fuckin' great!" She mumbled. She knew this would have happened, and it did.

"Alyssa, I'm sorry. I don't know what happened last night, I have no recollection as to what happened. I don't know what I did or said or even how the hell I got home."

"Well then, let me remind you. While I was drying my hair last night, you came home reaking of alcohol, then you started kissing me and making moves on me. I tried to stop you, I knew you were drunk and that you would regret this, but then you mumbled shit that convinced me, even though I knew it was wrong. You made me want you Nick. You were there because you probably came close to fucking some other girls' brains out last night, but your morals got in your way, so you thought, 'Hey, I got a little wifey at home who would fuck me in a second regardless of how I feel about her.' Well Nick that might have been true, but not anymore. Oh, and do you know what else happened?" She paused, taking in a breath. "While you were 'fucking' me last night, you fuckin hurt me! You physically hurt me!"

He threw his head up, looking over her face and arms, scared that he might have layed an angry hand on her, but finding no trace, he let out a small sigh. "What do you mean I hurt you. I didn't hit you did I?" He had to make sure, for sanities sake.

"No Nick, you didn't hit me. But last night, after we both, you know," She was still too shy to say it, even after years of marriages. "You contined on and you were going so fast and so rough Nick that it hurt. You have no idea how sore I am right now."

"Shit...Alyssa, I'm so sorry. I honestly didn't know what I was doing last night. You know how I get when I drink." He said coming around the counter getting closer to her.

"Nick don't come near me." She whispered backing up against the refrigerator. He didn't listen. He tried to wrap her in his arms, but for awhile she refused to let him, but finally her body relaxed against his. "I thought that maybe since we had sex, that you might still have feelings about me and about our marriage." She whispered into his chest, a few small tears escaping and spotting his shirt with small droplets of water.

"Lyssa, I don't know. I honestly don't know." He said holding onto her, thoughts racing through his head. Could he honestly still love her? Maybe with him being gone so long, he had just buried those feelings under a thick blanket of snow, and now that he was back home again, maybe, just maybe the thick covering was melting.

*The next day*

After a few hours of sleep, Alyssa woke to hear the sound of laughter echoing through the hotel suite. She listened intently as she listened to the two people she loved most playing on what sounded like Tyler's Playstation. The animated noises could be heard throughout the vast space. With a smile on her face, she got up out of the warm bed and wrapped a robe around her. She followed the sound of the voices and found the two sitting on plush pillows on the floor, barely three feet away from the television. They were playing some racing video game, one she knew absolutely nothing about. She cleared her throat to try and get their attention. Nick pressed the pause button and turned around to look at her. A small smile crept across his face, one that puzzled her. Why was he smiling?

"Morning Mommy." Tyler said coming over and giving her a hug. "How you sleep?"

"Morning sweetheart, I slept good, how about you."

"Good!" He squealed. "Daddy and I playing a game, do you wanna play?"

She couldn't help but laugh, and even Nick had a snicker for that, which made him get an eye from Alyssa. "Sweetheart, I can't play games like you two can."

"Why not?" Tyler asked puzzled.

"I dunno, I just can't." She shrugged her shoulders. "Where do we want to go today?"

"Disney World, like you promised."

"Okay, let's go get you ready." She said taking his hand.




*****


The sounds of little kids could be heard everywhere. The Florida sun, that would usually be vigorous, was quite calm. It was still warm, but not the scorching heat that would make Alyssa nervous over the fact that Tyler could get blistered. All three of them slowly made their way into the park, taking in everything they saw. They were at Magical Kingdom, Alyssa's favorite place, and now she was finally able to show its 'magnicalness' to Tyler.

"What do you want to do first Ty?" Alyssa asked bending down eye-level to him, Nick hovering above them, listenin intently to the conversation.

His eyes were wide with amazement and wonder. He didn't know where to start first so he just shrugged his shoulders. "I dunno mommy, you pick." And so she did, They ended up on a small coaster that sent Tyler's little stomach upside down and all around. Following the coaster, there were numerous other small rides. After hours of playing, they found themselves on a trolly, taking them around the park.

"He's looking a little tired." Nick observed, breaking the silence the two had practically shared the entire day.

"Yeah he does, but I think he'll be all right for a few more hours. I want him to see the fireworks. Is that okay with you?" Obviously he had a say in the situation. Number one, he was driving, and number two, Tyler was just as much his kid as hers.

"Yeah of course." He smiled. "Are you having fun?" She nodded his way, a huge smile plastered on her face. Seeing that smile for some reason made the entire day seem even better and more picturesque.

"Look mommy." Tyler shouted pointing at a volcano attraction, it had rafts and rivers flowing through it. "Can I ride that?!?" He said, bouncing in his seat.

"No honey, not this year. I'm afraid you're a little too small." He started pouting and Alyssa couldn't help but roll her eyes. It certainly was the Carter charm.

"Tyler, listen to you mommy. I'm sure next year you'll be tall enough to ride it." Nick whispered in his ear, which sent the boy into a fit of giggles at the sensation that tickled so. Alyssa smiled her gratitude for him, and he returned the same heartful smile.

Finally the sun started to go down and the air was getting cooler. The arrays of oranges and red danced across the sky. The castle, which they had toured earlier in the day had changed its colors to match the dwindling horizon making viewers point with curiosity and marvel at its beauty. Nick, Alyssa, and Tyler sat on a bench in front of one of the many gardens, awaiting the release of the fireworks. The smell of the flowers was intoxicating, filling their noses with smells that were delicious.

"Look mommy!" Tyler shouted as the first burst of color streamed across the sky in an eliptical shape. She smiled at him as he turned and looked at her to make sure she was watching. The beauty of the night was so overwhelming. She looked over at Nick who had a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth and she couldn't help but feel the deepest sense of love.

He looked over at her, feeling her eyes on him. They stared at each other, both wondering what the other was thinking. His eyes travelled from memorizing her eyes to taking in her mouth. Subconsciously he licked his lips, prompting her to do the same and to get the message. Slowly his face leaned closer to hers and their lips touched in a sweet kiss. One that wasn't like the one before which was filled with lust and opressed with alocohol. This time he was sober and was making the move himself. He kissed so gently and her lips felt like satin against his, making him yearn for more. But the two pulled back no sooner than they had begun. Their son was trying to get their attention, disappointed that they weren't paying attention to the fascinating spectacle dancing across the sky infront of them. The two adults stole a quick glance at each other. Her cheeks were rosey and a smile was apparent on her lips, the ones that yearned for more of that kiss. His face wasn't masked with the same features. Instead, his were curious and filled with questions, the worry lines on his forehead were wrinkled up.

She turned away, she coudn't bare it if he resented that kiss as well. He wanted it too, it was obvious. She sighed, taking in the view. It didn't hold as much beauty as it had moments before. Slowly the show ended with groans of disappointment being heard around them. She slowly stood up, gathering up their bags of souveniers and other goodies.

"Come on Tyler, it's time to go." Nick said over the quietness that was settling over the park with each leaving guest. Tyler continued to sit there, staring at the sky beckoning more sparkling colors to show themselves and perfom the same dance as earlier. "Tyler!" Nick hollared, nearly scaring the boy, making him turn around abruptly. He looked at his mom, making sure that they really had to leave.

"We'll be back again tomorrow. Let's go back to the hotel." She whispered and he nodded, getting up and taking her hand. He was sleepy. He was dragging his feet and displaying all the signs of fatigue.

The small group silently made their way back to the car, the magic of the day left behind the gates of the darkening park. She buckled Tyler into his seat, who by the time she finsihed, was asleep. She smiled at her son, her loving boy. She silently closed the door and climbed into the seat next to Nick, who had the car started and had the radio playing at a low volume. He looked at her to make sure she was ready before taking off. The ride back was silent, with only the gentle hum of the radio and small baby noises from the sleeping form of Tyler. Once back at the hotel, Nick parked and the two adults got out. Alyssa grabbed their bags and went for Tyler, but Nick put a hand on her arm, stopping her. "I'll get him." He whispered, reaching in and unbuckling the kid and then cradling him in his arms. Not once did he wake up on the way to the room.

Alyssa stood outside the door as Nick put Tyler to bed. She watched as he changed him into his night clothes, how he gingerly arranged the sheets to make him more comfortable, and how he kissed the young boy goodnight. He passed Alyssa on the way out and she went in the room and bid her son goodnight, before meeting Nick out in the hall. She closed the door behind her, and looked up at Nick. His expression was unreadable, as was hers.

"Can we talk?" He whispered.

"Yeah." She nodded, following him into the living room. They sat on the couch, pretty close to one another, but maintaining their distance.

"I don't know where to begin." He mumbled. She just looked at him. Her cards were all on the table, they always had been, now it was his turn. "The other night, though I don't remember much, wasn't a mistake. I know that there was something deep down inside of me that wanted it for the right reasons and not for the whole drunken bullshit. But Alyssa, I can't move this fast! I haven't seen you in two years, except for on Christmas. There's been nothing between us for all those years."

"So, what are you saying?" She questioned, desperately trying to understnad and predict where this conversation was leading.

"I have no idea. I've missed the physical contact, you have no idea how much." She let out a small laugh at that. Indeed she had missed it. "But, its not fair to you, when I really don't feel the same way anymore."

"Oh Nick, I hope you're not saying what I think you are."

"I don't know. I think that maybe we need space."

"Space! How the hell can we need space, that's all we've had for the past few years. How is that going to help anything, how is that going to help Tyler." She backfired, raging with anger and saddness.

"For once leave the kid out of a conversation. This is about you and I, not about our son!"

"Sorry." She whispered. "But how can you say that we need space, especially after the other night and then kissing me today! I really thought that it all meant something."

"I did too at first, but its mainly due to the fact that I haven't had any physical realations in so long. I think that when we go back to Florida, I think we should separate."

She was speecless. He was only using her in his own pleasurable ways and the thought disgusted her. How could he have sex with her and then kiss her and make everything seem like it was getting back to the way it was. It was disgusting, absolutely disgusting. "You know what Nick, fuck you! I've tried to be all that you've wanted. I've been your wife, I've taken care of your home, your kid, I've done everything you've ever asked me. I've given you every ounce of me! And what do you do, you just throw it down the drain. You don't care about anyone but yourself" She yelled, forgetting the kid down the hall. "Does all this not matter to you? Does your son not matter to you!"

"Of course he does! Now quit yelling or you're going to wake him up.

"What do you care!"

"I care a lot as a matter of fact." He was up on his feet pacing around. Why was he angry, he knew she'd have a right to be, but she was pissing him off, royally at that. "You know, if you cared a single bit you would let this happen. Its obvious it was going to happen sooner or later."

Her mouth hung wide open. "Caring about you has absolutely nothing to do about it. I love you Nick. I love you! And you don't give a damn about that. So don't throw the whole, 'if you care' speech in my face. I care, more than you'll ever know!"

"That's not what I was..."

"You know what, screw you. I'll leave for you. I'd hate to make you feel that you actually have to care!"

"Lyssa..." He mumbled.

She whipped around. "Its A-Lyssa to you! And you know what, I'm leaving now. I will take a cab home and then I'll leave, I would hate to inconvience your sorry ass any more!" She stomped to the room she stayed in and slammed the door behind her, making Nick cringe at the loud sounds.

He held his breath, but then heard Tyler crying. He sighed and looked towards his son's room. Then it dawned on him, Alyssa had said nothing about taking Tyler with her. "Oh shit..." He whispered as his son continued to cry. He was in for it and deservingly he was going to get it.

Hey everyone that's been reading this story. I appologize for the long awaited update. I've just been a little dicouraged. When I started this story, I received a lot of reviews but as of lately I haven't, and that makes me think that either people are no longer interested or they don't like my story anymore. But I truly hope you all like this chapter.

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Not long after the door had been shut, Alyssa stormed out of the room with her suitcases in hand. She looked at Nick, who was standing outside on the balcony taking in the night sky. She dropped her bags at the door and marched over to the sliding doors and tapped on them. When he turned around she looked at him with total disgust etched on her face. She pulled the door open and tossed the room keys at him and handed him a small box. She turned without saying a word and headed towards Tyler's room.

She walked into the room, that believe it or not was filled with toys from both home and Disney World. She hated leaving him like this, but she had to. Maybe leaving Nick with Tyler would show the asshole what its like to have to do everything without the help of the other parent. He looked so peaceful as he slept, his eyes lightly shut, his favorite teddy hugged close to him. She smiled at her baby boy. The two had been through so much together. She wouldn't be gone long, she'd be back for her him, she was sure of it. Nick would probably call in a few days begging her to come and get the boy.

She brushed her hand against the boy's cheek and placed a small kiss on that spot. He sturred and blinked his eyes open.

"Mommy? What da matter?" He questioned, alarmed that her face was blotchy and tear stained.

"Nothing's wrong sweetheart, go back to sleep. I love you." She whispered, kissing him once more on the cheek and running a hand through his soft hair.

"I love you too mommmy." He closed his eyes and was back asleep within minutes.

Alyssa quietly left the room and headed back to her luggage. She grabbed her cellphone from her purse and dialed 411 for information. Within minutes they transferred her to a cab company and she asked them to come pick her up. She looked back at her husband, he wasn't even paying her no mind, he was still out on the balcony. She sighed and closed the door to the room. With great reluctance and a small trace of hope, she made her way down to the lobby where the cab driver was all ready waiting for her. The two made their way to the car and sped off towards her home.


*****


Nick was still outside on the balcony when the sun started to show itself, indicating a new day. He groaned. He hadn't gotten an ounce of sleep and he knew that Tyler would be waking soon and would be wanting to venture to another park for another exhausting day of rides, sites, and shops filled with endless merchandise. He made his way pack into the room and straight to his room. Maybe he could get a few hours in before the kid would be up and begging to leave. Finally he fell into a deep sleep, one where the night before's problems didn't matter.


*****


Small eyes slowly fluttered open, oblivious to events that had went down the night before. Clutching the beloved teddy bear to his chest, Tyler climbed out of bed and made a mad dash to the bathroom. He took care of his business, making sure to flush the potty and put the seat down, like his mother had taught him. He washed his hands with soap and dryed them with the towel. It was him morning routine, and though repetative, it worked. He left the tiny room in search to see if one of his parents were awake. He peeked into his daddy's room only to discover he was alseep, and snoring very loudly, which made the boy laugh. He then went to search for his mother. He searched her room, but didn't find, he searched the living room, the kitchen, he even looked out the glass windows that lead to the balcony, but his mom was nowhere to be seen. He grew worried. It wasn't like her to leave before he woke up and it scared him. He started hollaring out her name, hoping that maybe she was playin hide-and-seek, but she never showed. He flopped down in the middle of the living room floor and started crying, praying his mom would come and find him.


*****


Being back in the house was weird when Alyssa woke up to the gentle call of the birds outside. She remembered everything and was still angry, and being in their home didn't help. She was constantly reminded of Nick and Tyler. She gave her husband what he wanted, but in the process she hated to leave Tyler. It killed her knowing her son was probably up by now and searching his mother out. It brought her to tears thinking of the disappointed face when he found out his mother had went home. She had to put the two of them out of her mind. She hopped out of bed and started on the task at hand, moving herself out. But then it hit her, where would she go? She had no money of her own, Nick had always supported her. She searched for some way out. She could go to her parent's, but that wouldn't look good. Then she ran through a list of friends, some she thought were possibilities, but others simply were out of the question. Her best solution was a good friend named Kerri Thatcher. The two knew had known each other for a few years had lunch together once a week. She'd always confided in her about her troubles with Nick and she hoped and prayed that she would be there for this dilemma for Alyssa was in desperate need of guidence and a good friend.

I would personally like to thank: sweet18_2003 and SweetAngelicAngel for their reviews. If it wasn't for you two, I probably wouldn't have this chapter up yet. You two are my driving force. You're letting me know that I might actually be doing something right. So this chapter is dedicated to you two. Thanks so much!
Kristina
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*Three Days Later*
Alyssa had moved nearly everything into Kerri's apartment. It was a daunting task, but the two had managed. Luckily for Alyssa, Kerri was in the process of looking for a new roomate and the two decided the arrangement was fate. Alyssa promised to get a job to help out, although she hadn't worked since High School. It would be interesting to see how that would go over with a boss, but she was up for the task. For once she was going to do something meaningful, and something that she wanted, and didn't have to do.

The past three days had been like hell on Earth. She missed her son so much, that she spent the night crying. It took every fiber of her being not to run back home, tail between her legs, and begging Nick to let her stay, just for their son. She didn't want that though. If Nick didn't love her, she'd have to accept that no matter how hard it hurt. Sure, she still loved the man, how could she not, but she knew she had to move on, make a life for herself and hopefully for her son.


*****


"Daddy!!!!!!" Tyler screamed at the top of his lungs. "Daddy!!!"
Nick came running into the bathroom, expecting to see something wrong with the kid, but instead found his worst nighmare. The bathroom was a mess. Toothpaste was thrown everywhere hardening into place, making it nearly an impossible task when it was to be clean. Shampoo was squirted all over the floor, nearly sending Nick into a split. Water was spilling over the sink and the shower was going, luckily for him the boy couldn't reach the nozzle to turn in away from the shower itself. And to make matters worse, Tyler was standing infront of him, covered from head to toe in Shaving Cream!

Nick frowned and looked stearnly at the boy. How could one small kid do all that in a span of three minutes was beyond Nick. It just wasn't possible. "What are you doing!?!" Nick hollared, shocking the boy and all ready making tears come to his eyes. "Quit crying." He tried to say more gentle, but the anger was still apparent in his voice and Tyler caught onto it, making him cry even more. Nick groaned, how the hell did Alyssa do this. How did she deal with a kid who one minute is sitting on the toilet acting like a big boy, then after three minutes, he's covered in shaving cream, drenced the walls with toothpaste, and has ruined the floor by running water over the sink.

By this time Tyler was bawling his eyes out. "I want my mommy. She never yell at me like you!" He cryed out, his hands scratching his eyes.

"Tyler, you know you mom's not here. I told you that. She went home." Or so he hoped. If she wasn't at the house when they got home he was going to go insane. Three days with a four year old kid was torture, worse, it was cruel and an unusual form of punishment.

"She home?" He questioned again, making sure his father was telling the truth.

"She should be home." He didn't want to promise the kid just in case Alyssa wasn't. "Now, let's get ready. We're leaving soon and now you have to take another bath."

"Otay. I take bath since we go see mommy." The kid smiled at his father and raised his arms, making life for both of them more easy. He figured he could coorporate since he was going home to see his favorite person in the world.


*****


"Kerri?" Alyssa hollared, entering the condo. It wasn't too small, but yet it wasn't overwhelmingly big. It was the perfect size for two girls to share together. It was ocean front, so that was a plus on every level. It was large enough to entertain. Each girl had a bedroom and their own bathroom at opposite ends only to be connected by the living room. Then there was the kitchen, plenty big enough to cook, if either actually decided to get off their butts and learn how to. "In here Lyssa." She heard a reply, coming from the living room. Following the voice and setting her purse down on the dining room table, she walked into the living room to find Kerri sprawled out on the couch with a book in hand. "Hey girl, so how'd the job search go?" Kerri asked setting her book aside and sitting up.

Alyssa sat down in a comfortable white chair and smiled. "Well, I was offerend two positions. I'm not sure which one I'll take." She intentionally stopped there, knowing it aggravated the girl immensly.

"Well, don't just stop there. What are they, where are they, and how much do you get paid? Oh and when do you start?"

"What the hell are we playing, twenty questions? Alyssa laughed. "Anyway, they're both here in Ruskin. One is for an advertising agency and the other was for a book store. Honestly, the advertising agency didn't sound too appealing to me. It was only a secretary position and that's just not me you know? Sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day talking to people on the phone." She shook her head to further her point.

"And the bookstore, what exactly do you do there?"

"Well I'd be one of the salespersons. Its not much, but I think it would be an interesting job. What do you think?"

"Whatever floats your boat hon. How much does it pay?"

"Well since I'll be starting out, $6.80 an hour. I know its not much, but they said I would have the opportunity to get raises."

"When do you start?"

"I told them I could start monday." She smiled, knowing she finally had a job and could make her own money.

"Well great. You have two more days of doing absolutely nothing, then you can join the rest of us in the working world." Both girls laughed.

"Well I'll let you get back to your reading, I've got some of my own stuff to do." She smiled and got up to leave the room.

"Oh wait Lyssa, Nick called. He asked that you call him back as soon as possible." She recieved a look from Alyssa that wanted to know why he'd called. "I don't know, but he sounds really stressed out. Don't pass out, but I actually feel sorry for the asshole."

"I used to too, but not anymore. I guess I'll go call him. He probably wants me to take Tyler for awhile." She sighed and closed the door to her room.


*****


Nick was trying his best to fix Tyler something to eat when the phone rang.

"I get it daddy." Tyler said, reaching for the phone before Nick could even object to his request. "Hello." Tyler said into the phone.

"Hey Ty, its mommy." The voice on the other line said, a smile apparent on her face.

"Mommy! I miss you, when you come home." Him mentioning Alyssa caused Nick to turn in his direction, momentarily forgetting about the cold sandwiches and chips.

"I don't know baby." She whispered, hating to disappoint him. "What have you been up to sweetheart?" She tried chaninging the subject.

"Not much. Daddy and I had fun at Disney World and den we come home."

"You did? Did you get anymore toys?" She knew he did. Nick probably spoiled the kid, trying to keep in under control. She could only imagine how much though.

"Yeah, daddy bought me a whole lot of toys!" He smiled, and she could tell he was just by the excitment in his voice.

"Well that's great sweety. Do you mind if I talk to daddy?"

"No."

"Okay then. Let me talk to him and you go play with your toys, all right?"
"Otay mommy, I wuv you."

"I love you too sweetheart."

Tyler handed Nick the phone and went running towards his bedroom where the mountain of toys awaited his attention.

"Hey Alyssa." Nick spoke into the phone.

"Hey Nick. How have things been. Is Tyler doing okay?"

"He's fine and things have been fine."

There was a long pause, neither party knowing what to say to the other. It was awkward, a feeling neither had around the other until that particular moment. "So why did you call Nick?"

"I don't know. I just wanted to let you know that Tyler and I were home."

"I figured that when you called." She stated matter-of-factly.

"Look, do you know how much Tyler misses you."

"I can only imagine. How do think he would feel if I were gone for six months at a time." She replied dropping a hidden agenda, which she knew Nick would catch.

"Alyssa, don't start again. How many damn times do we need to go through the same conversation?"

"Until it seaps into that hard head of yours."

"Alyssa, stop. This isn't helping any of us, and you know that."

"Well what do you want me to do Nick, come home? I thought you wanted me gone, that's why you wanted us to separate. Well guess what, you got your wish. You've made you bed, now lay in it. Its time for you to wake up and see what the hell I had to put up with for four years! And when you do, we'll talk about what was fair." She hung the phone up on him, trying her best to block out his voice of protest as the reciever hit the button, turning it off. She flung herself on her bed and stared at the ceiling, etching out small patterns on the tiny popcorn balls.

Hey everyone. Thanks to everyone that has reviewed! This chapter is for you all that sent me some wonderful comments. I know its been forever since I last updated, but I've just had a hard time deciding where I want this story to go! So here's a new chapter. I might have another one out by the end of the day. :D

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Her first day of work finally arrived. She could hardly wait, but yet she was apprehensive about it all. It had been years since she'd last worked. Sure, she'd done the accounting when needed, the cleaning, and the babysitting, but this was a whole different story. She woke up at the early hour of six, a time she hardly saw since Tyler finally slept through the whole night. She wanted to look extra special and she did. She wore a stunning black business suit that looked amazing with her blond hair. Her make-up was simple and her hair was pulled back away from her face with a small clip. She was throughougly pleased with how nicely she managed to clean up. Though she was excited about the day, it turned out to be an arduous task. It took what seemed like forever to learn how to work the cash register. Not to mention learning where all the books were categorized! She only hoped and prayed that it would get easier as the days go on. "Alyssa." Her bossed said, grabbing her attention. "Yes Sir?" She was terrified that he might fire her. She played back all the day's events trying to see where she messed up, but could only find a few simple mistakes. Surely he wasn't going to fire her! "I wanted to commend you on an excellent day's work. You've learned the ropes quicker than I've ever seen anoyone." He gave her a toothy smile, which nearly sent her into a fit of laughter. "Thank you Sir." She gave him a smile too, and when he left, she went back to work, proud that she was finally earning her own way. ***** Nick on the other hand, didn't have it so easy. Sure, he didn't have to work. He had enough money in the band to last him several lifetimes. He was beginning to respect Alyssa for all that she did with their son. He couldn't figure out how to disclipline the boy. Hell he couldn't even figure out the proper way to care for the kid sometimes. It was a streanuous job and he wished he had some help. Outside of the parenting phenomenon, his need for human contact outside of his house was starting to pressure him. Ever since he and Alyssa had sex, he needed that touch. He could barely remember the events of that night, but they stirred a yearning for human contact that hadn't been there for a long time. He'd wake up at nights desperately needing release, but had no help in that department. He thought of hiring a nanny and a cook, and every day that passed, the idea seemed more and more promising. One day, he finally surrendered and called around, looking for an organization that could send potential Nannies to the house to be interviewed. He'd worry about the cook later, in hopes that the Nanny could take care of that. The day finally came when he and Tyler had to interview a woman who would help Nick in taking care of his son. The two had a list of questions that they jotted down the night before of important questions and attributes the person had to have. Finally, Nanny number one rung the doorbell and Nick and Tyler both hurried to answer it. Opening the door, revealed a small petite woman who looked to be in her fifties. Her hair was already getting lighter, and small wrinkles were apparent on her face. She wore a nice business suit that made her look extremely professional. She propped out her hand for a shake and both men took in eagerly. "Hi guys, my name is Gabriel Forrester." She smiled. "Come in Ms. Forrester, I'm Nick Carter and this is my son Tyler." He motioned to the young boy cowering behind his leg. "Well hello there Tyler." She said crouching down, balancing on the back of her knees. "There's no need to be shy sweetheart, I don't bite." Nick led the trio into the living room where they all sat on the couches, and the interview began. "So Ms. Forrester, why is it you love children?" Nick asked, looking at the list in his hands. "I've always loved kids. I have three of my own, although they've all grown up and had families of their own. A child's mind is fascinating. I love listening them." "Very good. Can you cook?" "Yes." "What would you do with Tyler if I were not at home?" "Well, we would more than likely play. But if its all right with you before hand, I love going to the park, zoo trips, museums, and other exciting places." The woman seemed too good to be true. Both the boys liked her. Nick liked her because of how well she seemed to be with kids already, and the fact that she would be able to take care of Tyler. Tyler on the other hand, loved the idea of going to all those fascinating places she mentioned. "Daddy, me like her. I wanna keep her." He spoke out loud, sending both the adults in the room into a fit of laughter. Nick glanced at her resume and was amazed to see that she had only worked for three families. she'd been with each one for about five years and then left. Obviously because the kids grew older and no longer needed a Nanny following them around. He smiled. He hoped that he had found the person he needed. "I like her too, little man. What do you say? Should we hire her?" Tyler nodded enthusiastically. "Well then, Ms. Forrester you're hired." He smiled at the woman. "Thank you sir. I apprecaite this!" She stood up and shook his hand appreciatively. "When can you start?" He questioned. "Tomorrow, if that's okay." Nick nodded his approval and stood to show her to the door. They shook hands once more and Nick closed the door. He turned around to Tyler who was beaming himself. "When she take me to zoo daddy?" He questioned, eager to see all the roaring lions and screeching monkeys. "I don't know. You'll have to ask her tomorrow when she comes to help take care of you. Is that okay?" Tyler nodded. "Good, now lets go get you something to eat." "Me want pizza." Nick nodded, letting Tyler know they could eat pizza. Tyler climbed up on one of the bar stools and watched his daddy throw a frozen pizza in the oven. "Daddy, I wanna call mommy. Can I?" "Sure. Let me see if she's there, okay?" Nick questioned, already dialing the familiar numbers. After a few rings, someone finally picked up. "Hello?" It was Alyssa. "Uh Hi." "Hey Nick, what do you want." It didn't come out as harsh as she wanted it to. "Tyler wanted to talk to you. Is that okay?" "Well of course it's okay, why wouldn't it be? Put him on." "Mommy!" Tyler hollared into the phone when Nick handed it to him. "Hey baby. How are you?" "I'm good. Guess what I got today?!?" "I have no idea, what'd you get? A new puppy?" "No, but can I have one?" His eyes lighted up at the idea of having his very own puppy to play around with. He made a mental note to ask his daddy later about getting one. "You'll have to ask your dad if you can have it." "I will. But dat's not what I got. I got a Nammy." "A nammy? You mean a Nanny?" She was confused. "Yeah, dat's it. Daddy said he needed help, so we ordered one." "You ordered one?!? Tyler put you father on the phone please." "Okay mommy. I love you." He handed his dad the phone, who reluctantly took it. "Hey." He said into the phone. "What the hell is this about getting a Nanny?" "I needed the help. I can't take care of him all by myself." "What the hell! I took care of him myself for four damn years Nick! You can't even do it for a week!" "Look, some of us aren't like you. Sometimes we need the help." He said matter-of-factly. "Nick, I told you four years ago, when I was pregnant with our son, that we would do this ourselves, that we wouldn't have any outside help. Hell even his grandparents don't help us out." She was pissed. She didn't want some strange person caring for her son. she would not and could not tolerate the idea of someone getting into good graces with Tyler. "Oh screw four years ago Alyssa. Those were when we actually thought we could do this. I'm sorry. I know that you don't like the idea of someone else caring for Tyler, but Ms. Forrester, the woman I've hired, is a highly qualified Nanny and she can cook. So at least you'll know Tyler will be eating right." "Nick I don't like this." "I know, but I need to do something. I can't do this by myself." That's the point she wanted to prove all along. She wanted him to understand what she went through and what she sacraficed just for their son. Finally he was beginning to understand that, but it was too late. "Fine Nick, whatever. But if that woman hurts my son or treats him wrong, so help me someone will have hell to pay, and it'll more than likely be you." She warned, hanging the phone up. Nick sighed and smelled something buring. He turned around to see small puffs of smoke rising from the over door. "OH HOLY FUCK!" He hollared out loud, but closed his mouth shut when he saw Tyler at the doorway. He grabbed the over mit and pulled the charcoaled pizza out of the over. "Daddy, what do thuck mean?" Nick groaned. Tyler had heard him. Oh bloody hell, he was not going to live this down if Alyssa got wind of this. But at least the kid couldn't completely say the word. "Its a bad word." Was all Nick mumbled as he scraped a piece of the pizza off for Tyler, who looked at it like it was posioned. Thank God the Nanny would be coming the next day!

The first week with Ms. Forrester was like a god send. She was everything Nick and Tyler could ever ask for in a Nanny. The woman knew how to cook damn good and she even went as far as to help keep the house clean. Not only was Nick thoroughly pleased, he was finally able to sit down in his office, which he'd probably only used about three times since he moved into the house. He needed to sort out some legal documents with his former Management Company. He still missed the performing infront of screaming crowds, but a part of him thought that he was definately getting older and it was time to maybe settle down and try to be a father.

That's when thoughts of Alyssa snapped into his head. He wished that things could have been different. He still didn't understand how their love, a love that the great poets wrote of, simply vanished. It was all mind boggling, and now that he thought about it, he would willingly go back and change some things, keep their small family together instead of growing so far apart. Maybe if he would have came home more often, and talked more to Alyssa on the phone. He knew she needed him, but he was too busy caught up in the whirlwind the elite called 'The Entertainment Business'. He remember there were times when he and Alyssa would be talking about daily agendas and then she would break down and beg for him to come home, just for a few hours. Why? Because she needed him. Not just Tyler. She, his wife, the mother of his child, the woman he supposedly loved needed him, but he always refused claiming he had way too much stuff to do. Of course it broke her heart and finally she stopped asking and surrendered to the arrangment.

Nick groaned as he sorted through all the stacks of papers from previous years. There were so many contracts that now no longer existed. He tossed them all through the paper shredder with a small smile on his face. That chapter of his life was closing and with it a new door was opening, but to what, he had no clue. All he knew, was that he was going to be the father Alyssa always wanted him to be. He was going to turn over a new leaf and show her that he was capable of taking care of a kid.

Hell, maybe even he and Alyssa could patch things up. He knew that would be a one in a million chance. He'd already pushed her away, to the point where she could barely tolerate him. Of course, he couldn't blame her. A marriage without love was stupid and it would never work. He thought that maybe they could start over, get to know each other again. It was a plan. A plan that needed to be considered and weighed out for all pros and cons.


*****


Alyssa was busy working one of the longest days of her life. She decided to wear heels, which turned out to be a very bad idea. Her toes, her ankles, everything was sore. But she knew she had to deal with it, she wanted the money and by God she was going to get it. That made her smile. She loved earning her own money. Sure, she hadn't revieved her first check yet, but that would be in another week. She'd thought about framing the thing when she got it, but instead decided to open her very own bank account!

"Excuse me, Miss?" A teenaged boy said walking up to her counter.

Alyssa gave the kid a smile. "Can I help you?" She politely asked.

"I was wondering where I would find the Lord Of The Rings books?" He shyly asked.

She gave him another gentle smile and pointed to an aisle about twenty feet away. "Down aisle three, I believe they are on the third shelf towards the end."

"Thanks a lot." And the boy ran off, anxiously waiting to get his hands on the popular material.

Not long after, the boy was back with the book he was looking for and after a few moments was on his way, bouncing lightly. Apparently he couldn't wait to read his selection.

Finally after another four grueling hours, Alyssa was able to go home. She slipped her shoes off and was greeted by three new red blisters. She sighed. She needed to get some more comfortable shoes, but she had no money. She could always go to Nick. But the moment she thought of that, she scolded herself for even thinking those thoughts. She limped over to the bar where the mail was and saw a letter for her.

"Now who would be sending me mail?" She mumbled out loud, ripping the envelope open. She stopped dead in her tracks at the familiar handwriting. It was Nicks. She debated whether or not she wanted to read it or not.

The door opened with the sound of keys jingling, and in walked Kerri, carrying three full bags of groceries. Alyssa dropped the letter and ran to help the struggling woman. "Thanks." She mumbled, catching her breath. "So, did you have a good day at work?" Kerri asked, starting to put the yummy looking food up.

Alyssa grabbed some as well and started putting it all in their assigned places. "It was alright. I found three new blisters." She chuckled.

"Ah lovely. Poor thing, but don't fret, I picked you up something that might help." She smiled, reaching into one of the bags and pulled out some ointments and some band-aids.

Alyssa enthusiastically grabbed the two products and ran to the couch. "Thanks so much!" She hollared, already feeling the healing sensation of the ointment.

"Don't mention it." She smiled, throwing away the grocery bags. She looked across the counter towards Alyssa when an open envelope with Alyssa's name written on it. It was obvious it hadn't been sent through the mail. There was no postage stamp nor any address on it. It just had the name Alyssa Carter written on it. "Hey Lyss, what's this for?" Kerri asked holding up the envelope.

Alyssa looked her way and shrugged her shoulders. "I haven't read it yet. But I do know its from Nick."

"How so?" She asked looking around the outside of the envelope for any clues. She didn't dare peek inside the broken seal.

"It's his hand writing." She said matter-of-factly, like anyone should have known that.

"Well aren't you going to read it?" Kerri wanted to know the contents of the letter, it was bugging the crap out of her.

"Yes, I'm going to read it. But not now, later. I've got some things to do right now." She sighed as she finshed bandaging her feet up. She grabbed the letter from Kerri and disappeared into her beadroom, shutting the door and giggling when she heard a dissapointed groan from Kerri.

Alyssa sat down at her desk and sorted through some papers she had brought home earlier in the week. They were divorce papers. They were something that she dreaded, but she knew would become the inevitable. She sighed loudly. She didn't want to do this. Every part of her body told her it was the right thing to do, ever part that is, except her heart. The one organ that knew when the one she loved was nearby. She sighed and threw the papers back on the desk. She couldn't bring herself to do it. She'd always thought it was wrong, but what could she do? They couldn't stay separated for their entire lives, never knowing again what it is to feel loved or to feel the touch of another human being. She glanced back at the papers and right beside them was the note Nick had sent her. Maybe he'd sent her divorce papers as well. She chuckled. That would be a surprise. He sure as hell wanted her out of his life. But why?

That was always the question she came back to. Why. A three letter word that plagued her so much. She could never understand what drove Nick away. She could never understand why he became so distant. She'd never understand how their love could just simply vanish. It was all giving her a headache. She marched over to the desk and hovered over the letter, sporadically reaching out to grab it, but pulling her hand back.

"Oh God Alyssa, get a hold of yourself, you're acting like a damn baby." She solded herself, angrily clutching the letter. She finished ripping open the seal and pulled out two pages with Nick's scribble on there. She unknowing smiled as she sat down on her bed in the dim light of the evening.




Alyssa,

Hey. I don't even know why I am writing this letter, or what posessed me to do so. I just know that I had an impulse to sit down and write out my emotions and what I'm feeling. Tyler's just fine, so there's no need to worry about him. Ms. Forrester is wonderful with him and I must say Tyler likes her a lot. They've gone to the zoo this week and Tyler came back with lots of information that he shared with me. Everyday he amazes me. I didn't think he could comprehend half the stuff he does, but every night as I sit down to tuck him into bed he shines light on some information that I honestly have no idea as to where he learned it from. I really love our son. I truly respect you for all that you've done with him.

Alyssa, I don't know what it was that drove us apart. But I do know that it was my fault. I was sitting at my desk today thinking about the past five years. I remembered how you used to plead for me to come home, but I never did. You wanted me to come home for you, not for Tyler, but for you. And like a selfish asshole I never did. I was selfish Alyssa, a selfish bastard. And I truly am sorry. I never ment to hurt you. I swear to you that I didn't.

I guess all those nights of being alone brought me to believe that I didn't need a family. That I was perfectly content without having my family around. I was dead wrong, and these past three weeks made me realize that.

I sat down today, and went through all of my contracts. I looked at all of them, and they no longer brought me comfort or job like they used to. Instead, they brought back horrible memories of how I used to neglect you and Tyler. I shredded the Alyssa, I shredded them all. I've ended that chapter of my life. Now, I want to be a father. The best damn father there is. I want to prove to you that I am capable of taking care of our son.

Now I don't know where that leaves us. But I know I loved you more than words can express. I still care Alyssa, I always have. Even during those times when it seemed as if my heart was cold as ice, I still cared for you. I know I don't deserve a chance. But I was wondering if we could start over, get to know each other again. I don't know what the future holds, but I want to give us another chance. Let's try to date again, and then see where it leads us. I know this is a lot to think about and I know that I don't deserve a chance in heaven or hell, but please at least consider my offer.


Always,
Nick



Alyssa sat the letter down beside her. The tears were flowing freely. He wanted to try again? Was it even possible? What brought on the change? So many questions and possibilities were running through her head. All were jumbled and formed a massive headache that caused her to sleep hard that night. She couldn't forget the letter, no matter how hard she tried. Her dreams were filled with Nick. He was sincere, she knew that. He wasn't pulling her leg nor was he trying to be an egotistical prick. She truly believed he wanted to try. God she loved him still. But she didn't know if she was strong enough to handle it again.

Yes, I know its been awhil since i last updated, but I've been so busy with school and the School play, which I made by the way!!! :D Also, I want to take this time to acknowledge some of my wonderful reviewers who have been with me since the very beginning of this story. Honestly, at that time I didn't know how it would turn out, but through ya'lls (yes I'm southern) encouragement I've come a long way.

SweetAngelicAngel: You've been with me from the beginning and have always managed to help me get through my writers block. You've made me laugh with a few of your reviews and made me ponder scenerios I didn't even consider. You've kept on me when I don't update for awhile! So thanks so much!

sweet18_2003: One of my loyal readers! You've always complimented me. Its a good thing I don't become egotistical, or else I would be able to fit through door from all the compliments I have recieved. I appreciate your reviews so much, and here's props to you for sticking by me through this process!

sta:always there when I need encouragement. Especially when I was debating to just put the story on hiatus. Thanks so much.

Ashahole212: Your reviews crack me up and bring a smile to my face. You always give a summary of what happened and your opinions on the events that took place during each individual chapter. Thanks so much, and I always look forward to reading your reviews.

frackandbonechick: So many comments, where to begin. You crack me up too. You've cheered on Alyssa when she walked out on Nick, questioned my sanity when I had Nick write that letter and a whole heap of stuff. I know you like the asshole side of Nick! Why I have no idea, hey, but whatever floats your boat is fine and dandy with me. You've been with me since the beginning of the story and have given me many words of encouragement! So thanks so very much.

So this update is for all those that have read my story and left me a review. You have no idea how much it means to me when I click on the "view reviews" box and see new reviews. It makes a bad day good again.

Okay, now go read my updated chapter!


*****************************************************






Weeks went by and Nick still hadn't heard an answer from Alyssa pertaining to his letter. He still had no idea what posessed him to write it, but after he had dropped if off at her place, he was glad he actually grew some balls and did it. At the time he had expected to have heard a reply within two, maybe three days. But as the days slowly crept by all hope faded away.

Sure they had talked, over the phone, but it was usual everyday stuff. She asked how Tyler was, what he had been doing and then asked to speak to him. That was all the communication they had. He prayed every night she would respond. But for some reason, his prayers were never answered.

He climbed out of te bed and went walking around the room. It was his and Alyssa's room when they had first got married, but ever since he had left, it was just her room. Now that she was gone, it was his. But she was still there. Every essence about her was still present in the beautifully decorated room. It was a spacious area, but not too big that the occupants would be smothered with its vastness. The walls were mainted a dark maroon color and there were hints of gold glitter within the paint. There was a huge bookcase on one wall, with two small, comfortable chairs sitting in perfect comparison in front of the window. The bed was by far the focal point of the entire room. It was a canopy bed, picked out by Alyssa two weeks before they had married. She had fallen in love with its splendor. It was of dark everwood, and had engravings all through it. At the top, there were statues of Greek gods and godesses carved into the wood. Most were of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. Sheer drapes hung down from the top of the bed and encircled around the poles. The headboard, was a masterpiece in itself. It was picturesque. It contained a carving of two lovers by the sea sharing, holding hands, watching the sunset.

So many memories were present in the room. Pictures on the wall of every important occasion on the wall. He waled over to one of them and a small smile appeared on his face. It was taken the day he and Alyssa had met. She was a little starstruck, but unlike most of his fans during that day, she kept her cool and had kept up a lively conversation. That was the one quality that attracted him to her. That and her tantalizing eyes. They were so mystical in their green aura. He remembered how he could stare at them for hours on end and not look away. Then their was her smile, so bright and welcoming that anyone who saw it would smile as well. He could still remember that day vividly, the smell of the air around them, the noises they heard, but most of all he remembered just her.

He glanced at another picture and couldn't help but smile. It was a picture taken on their wedding day. It wasn't one of those formal pictures the photographers make each couple do, but instead it was of a moment Nick didn't even realize had been captured on the film. He and Alyssa were dancing in the middle of a large crowd, their expressions were ones that showed love, adoration, trust, respect, and all other emotions that lifted a person to a place where he only knew the other person existed. They were staring into each others eyes, oblivious to all that was going on around them. The love both of them shared was evident and unmistakable. Alyssa looked like an angel that night. Her dress, made by Vera Wang was simple but elegant. The top of the dress was like a corsett with small, barely noticible diamonds on it, the bottom flowed out a few good inches, making it not so tight. Her hair was up, with small ringlets hanging around her face and a few at the back. It was accented with small flowlers intertwined within her hair. Of course Nick noticed all of these, but at that night all he rememebered were her eyes and her smile. The way they both radiated the happiness she felt inside.

Then finally he glanced at one final picture. It was of just Alyssa and Tyler, he was no where to be seen. Tyler was probably barely one. He had a small smile on his face, the same Nick had when he was that age. It was so obvious the kid was Nick's, they looked alike in baby pictures. He looked at Alyssa, who looked happy, but it was obvious something was straining her happiness. He knew it was because of him. That was when they had started having all their relationship problems. He would go back and change it if he could, but it was impossible.

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He looked around the room one more time before plopping down on the bed and staring straight out into oblivion, thinking about times past and what the future would bring.

"Daddy?" Tyler walked into his room, a few hours later pulling his small security blanket behind him. He looked over at his kid who was staring back at him with curious eyes. It seemed as if he had had a bad dream.

"What is it Tyler?" Nick questioned patting the bed next to him knowing the kid was waiting for permission to joing his father on the bed.

Nearly running at full force, Tyler raced out and jumped on the bed, crawling next to his father and snuggling against him. "Daddy?"

"Yes Tyler?" He asked for the second time, smiling down at the boy who seemed to now have a worried expression on his face.

"Daddy I had a bad dream." He said snuggling in next to Nick, who wrapped a protective arm around the boy.

"It's okay Tyler. It's okay." He whipered soothingly. "Tell me what happened."

"It was about mommy. She went away and never came home." He explained in very simple terms, unable to describe the full jist of the dream and what it meant

Nick could sympathize with the boy. He understood what he was going through and could very easily interperate what the dream meant. He just didn't know how to explain it to the young boy.

"Its okay Tyler. It was just a dream." He tried to reassure him.

"Daddy, is mommy ever coming home?" Tyler asked a few minutes later, looking up at his dad, eyes hopeful, pleading with him to say yes.

Nick had no idea as to how to answer the question. He himself had no idea if Alyssa would be coming home or not. He sighed. He knew he was going to have to break the kids heart. "I don't think so." He whispered looking into the child's crystal blue eyes.

Tyler racked his brain, trying to comprehend what his father said. His mom wasn't coming home, but yet he was able to speak to her on the phone. How was that possible? She wanted to, she had told him herself, but why couldn't she? Where was she that kept her from coming home to play with him, to hug him, to read him to sleep? He just didn't understand it.

Nick saw the confusion in Tyler's eyes, but how could he explain it to him? "Tyler, mommy and I had a big fight and now mommy doesn't want to be near me." Nick scolded himself for the poor exclamation. How would Tyler understand that. Luckily for him, Tyler resorted to just staying quiet, possibly letting all the information he had obtained sink in.



*****



Drawing the covers around her, Alyssa settled in for what would be another sleepless night. Ever since the letter, she couldn't sleep. each day passed without her reply, and she knew that with each passing day their chances grew smaller and smaller. But a part of her didn't care about that possibility. She didn't know if she could just forget about all the pain, the heartache, the stress, the nights without his tender touch. She didn't think either of them would be able to get through that and try again. She wanted to, there was no question of that, but she just didn't know if his entire heart would be in it. Sure his letter seemed sincere and he seemed trustworthy, but after a few days she started questioning the sincerity. She didn't know why, but she highly doubted it was possible for a person to pull a complete one-eighty in that small amount of time.

But there went her heart again, beating ever so fast at the mere thought of him. No matter what she did she could never hide the deep layers of feelings she had for that man. She tried day and night to occupy her mind and not think of him, but all attempts failed. She would crawly back to him on her hands and knees pleading to come home if not for her rational brain which whispered words of doubt and plagued her night and day with unpleasant memories.

She groaned against her pillow and finally accepted defeat. She was not going to sleep and that made her angry. In the past week she hadn't even accomplished eight hours of sleep. She had bags under her eyes from it, but was always able to conceal it with the right makeup products. She thought of her job. She had recieved two paychecks. Both were over four hundred dollars, after taxes of course. When she recieved the first one, she treated herself to a nice, comfortable pair of shoes for work which diminished all blisters. She even opened her own banking account and savings account. She was throughly pleased with herself for the past six weeks. Then her mind started up at the mentioning of time.

Six weeks was a long time. She hadn't seen Tyler in those agonizing weeks. She knew that at his age, he was experiencing many firsts and she was missing out on them. This realization brought tears to her eyes. She had to do something about the situation, but what she didn't know.

She glanced at her clock and it read 1:00am. She looked towards her phone and reluctantly grabbed it from her nightstand. She was going to swallow her pride, which was something she rarely did. Looking at the buttons near her fingers she mentally prepared herself for what she was about to do.

Nick had barely been asleep for an hour when the sound of a phone ringing interrupted his dreams. He glanced over at the night stand to see the clock read 1:00am. He groaned loudly, threats of murder and abuse running through his head for whoever was on the other line. But that was when his brain kicked in. Maybe it was an emergency. Maybe someone he knew, someone he loved was hurt. That caused him to stretch to his capacity for the phone and clutch it in his hands.

Hesitantly he brought it up to his ear. "Hello?" He asked groggily, barely sounding like himself.

"Nick?" The sound of a female voice could be heard on the other line.

It took him a slpit second to recognize the voice. "Alyssa, what's wrong, are you hurt?" It came out panicked. He didn't know what she was doing calling so late, but whatever it was, it had to be serious.

"No, no. I'm okay, everythings all right." She whispered, regretting making the phone call at such a late hour. Honestly, she didn't didn't think he would be asleep, but apparently he was.

"Then what's wrong, why are you calling so late." He sat up in the bed, cradling the phone between his bare shoulder and his ear.

"I honestly don't know. I thought we could talk." She whispered.

Nick let out a silent laugh. Leave it to her to want to talk so late at night. He was suddenly glad she called and was anxious to hear what she had to say. Obviously it was in regards to his letter, what else could it be? "You wanted to talk huh? Well, what shall we talk about?"

"Nick, don't be sarcastic, I'm being serious here. I really think that you and I should talk."

"Like we did out on the beach almost two months ago?"

"Yes... I mean no. Oh hell I don't know."

He laughed at the curse word. It was rare that she cursed in normal conversations though when you get her riled up the woman cursed more than a sailor playing poker and losing! "Alyssa, calm down, I'm just picking."

"Okay." She paused, and he allowed her the few moments to think about what she wanted to say. "I got your letter." She whispered after what felt like an eternity.

"Good, you had me worried there." He was telling the truth. He honestly thought that she either didn't get it or was hating him so much that she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.

"Listen Nick, about its contents, Ia don't know if we will be able to start over. We've had so much animosity between us for so many years, I personally think it will be damn near impossible for us to start over again."

A look of confusion crossed Nick's face. He hadn't expected that out of her. In a way he did, but he had thought that she would be ecstatic about the proposition for them to start over again, wasn't that what she wanted all along? "I understand Alyssa, but I've been doing a lot of thinking, especially about the past. I don't know what's going to happen. I can't even guarantee that the sun will rise tomorrow, but I really think that you and I should have another chance."

"Nick I..."

He cut her off before she could protest. "Alyssa, I've been exploring through the house the past week, and have come across things that captured what we had together, how happy we used to be. Now I personally don't know what the hell went wrong in our relationship and our marriage, but I want to try and fix it." He tried to explain.

"What did go wrong Nick?" She questioned, hoping she could possibly get an answer out of him once and for all.

"I have no idea. I wish I did. Then, maybe I could justify why the hell I was so distant, why the hell I didn't give a rats ass about you. I don't have that answer, but my guess would be all the time apart and all the hustle and bustle I had to endure travelling from city to city. I had no time to think of my family then, so you guys basically disappeared into oblivion."

"Do you know how hurtful that sounds? Do you have any idea?" She didn't yell, it was way to late to be doing that.

"Yes I do, but how else can I put it. If I sugar-coated it, then it wouldn't be true. But Alyssa, please, please don't judge me on that. I really want to try and start over. I want us to try and get to know each other again."

She was quiet for the longest time. Nick had thought she had hung up, but finally heard small sniffling noises. The woman was crying, and worse, it was because of him. He scolded himself, mentally replaying their entire conversation through his head to see if he had done or said something to inflict sadness upon her. "Alyssa, please don't cry." He whispered. "I'm sorry"

"Nick, I don't know what to do." She whispered.

"What do you mean?"

She sighed audibly. "Part of me wants to believe you, believe that you're sincere and that you truly want to start over. But then there's another part of me that thinks you'll regret it within a few days like before."

"Alyssa, I swear to you, on everything that is sacred, that I will not betray your trust again. I mean what I say."

She had to think again, this time biting her nails in the process, a habit she had long given up. Now it had come back to plague her again. "Fine Nick, we can try again." She whispered.

Nick broke out into a smile, it felt like back in early days, when he was younger. It was always nervous getting a girls' attention, keeping her interested and then asking her out. But when the results came in with a positive outcome, they were always a relief and always made the individual leap with joy. He felt as if he were back in those days, and she was with him.

Things were much simple then, he didn't have the web of guilt, sadness, and heartache wrapped around him then. At that time he was as free as anyone could be.

"Nick?"

"Huh, oh sorry." He was brought out of his wandering thoughts.

"Its all right." She whispered, then paused for a second. Neither party really knew what to say. "What now?" She asked.

That was a good question though. What were they now. They were married, obviously, but they were only bound by papers and nothing else. So were they dating, married, or what? He didn't have the answer and obviously neither did she. "I don't know Alyssa, I guess we'll just have to take it one day at a time."

A smile was evident as she agreed with him.



*****


The two definately took their time. Over the next two weeks they casually dated, trying to get to know one another again. Alyssa was enjoying her life once more, now that she didn't have the nagging whispers of her head, telling her this was wrong. She'd managed to somehow convince every fiber of her body that she was doing the right thing. She was still working and making money. That was another thing that made her feel good, her one source of independence.

Alyssa had seen Tyler nearly everyday, though she still whished she could always have the kid near. When the two had finally reunited, both parties dashed in a full run and enveloped one another into an extremely tight bear hug, as Tyler would call it. There were tears of joy from Alyssa and huge smiles from Tyler. She whished from that moment on that things would be better and that she would soon be with her kid again. Though she and Tyler were apart more than she like, she settled for the arangement, seeing how Nick and Tyler were becoming closer in her time away. That was an accomplishment and something that made her heart burst with excitment.

Nick was also thoroughly happy with the outcome of their courtship. He honestly had doubts in the beginning as to whether or not the arrangement would work, but they drifted away with each passing day. He and Alyssa had been out nearly every night, usually to dinner, and sometimes to a movie when there wasn't much need for conversation. He had begun to open up to her again, like the early days when they were together. He thrived in having someone to talk to, someone to confide in and someone who would listen without interruption and then put her two cents into the equation.

Everone involved in the equation was happy and content with their progressive realtionship. Even Ms. Forrester, the Nanny, was excited to see the couple reunited. The older woman knew there was hope for the two. She liked Alyssa the minute she layed eyes on her, even though Alyssa was a little apprehenisve towards her at first. But the two women became friends quickly, both always talking about various ways to raise a child. These conversations were deathly boring for Nick, but he kept an attentative ear through the conversation.

Everything was perfect, as it would seem, but as many of the great theatrical tragedies and historical documents proclaimed, no one truly knows for sure what lurks in the future. And indeed their worse nightmare was lurking in the ripple of time that layed before them. All their actions had consequences and one cannot be sure as to what would really happen next. For the happy couple, their existance and their growing love for one another was all they knew. Soon though, that would be tested.

Time was quickly going by. A month had passed since the late phone call Alyssa had made. Many changes had happened. Her and Nick were oficially back together, though they were still not living in the same house. Soon though, that would change. They had talked about it, and when they were both fully ready and willing to continue with their marriage, then they would live together.

Though things were going great, Alyssa was hiding a secret. One she had been aware of for only a few weeks, but it was eating her up inside. To put things bluntly, as she'd told Kerri, she believed she was pregnant. This was something neither she nor Nick needed at that praticular moment. Things were finally working out and this was the one thing they were unprepared for.

Kerri had offered to take Alyssa to the doctors, but Alyssa refused, stating that she would take herself. So, she made an appointment with a local OBGYN for later in the week. For the time being, she wouldn't think on it, she would go about the rest of the week as if nothing was wrong.

Her and Nick had a date later that night. He was taking her to Charlie's, a beautiful restaurant across town. It was her favorite place. It was where he had proposed to her. She remembered that day very vividly. He had the waiter place the engagement ring in her wine glass and bring it out during dessert, where they ate a scrumptous piece of cheese cake, another of her favorite things. She couldn't believe it when she looked into the glass. She nearly choked on the liquid when sipping at it. To say that she was estatic that night would be the understatement of the century.

Alyssa walked into the bathroom that connected to her bedroom and ran a tub full of water, adding lavender scented bubble bath to the warm water. She stripped of her work clothes and sank into the welcoming water. She let out a sigh as the aroma and the warm water made her relax. She relaxed for sometime before she scrubbed her body clean and washed her hair. Getting out, she wrapped herself in a plush, comfortable towel and stood in front of the mirror. She reached for her brush to straighten out her hair. She was so lost in thought that she jumped when someone knocked on the bathroom door. A minute later it opened to reveal Kerri on the other side with a telephone in her hand. Alyssa smiled her thanks and closed the door back once Kerri left. The cold air was trying to get into the warm bathroom, making her start to shiver.

She placed the receiver to her ear. "Hello?" She asked.

"Hey mommy!" An excited Tyler yelled into the phone.

"Hey there, what are you doing?"

"Nothing much, daddy's fixing me a sandwich. Guess what kind!?!"

"Umm, turkey and cheese?" She asked, knowing that wasn't it. He hated that certain combination with a passion.

"Noooo!" He let out an exasperated sigh. "Try again." He persisted.

"Ham and Turkey?" She knew that one was it. That was the only kind of sandwich, next to Peanut Butter and Jelly that he would eat.

"Good job mommy!" He laughed and so did she. "What do you do today mommy?"

"I went to work and I just finished a bubble bath." She smiled.

"Oooh, I want a bubble bath." Tyler took the phone away from his mouth, "Daddy, can I take a bubble bath and play with my toys?" Alyssa laughed as she listened in on the conversation.

"Uh sure, go ask Ms. Forrester if she'll run the water for you. You'll have to eat first little man. Okay?"

Alyssa didn't hear a resopnse so she assumed Tyler nodded his approval. The next minute she heard the phone being dropped. Her son had forgotten all about her. She laughed out loud at the notion. A few seconds later she heard Nick's voice. "Sorry about that Alyssa."

She was still laughing. "It's alright. Unfortunately for you I was the one who put the notion of a bubble bath in his head. Sorry Nick."

"It's alright. What are you doing right now?"

"Well, I'm sitting on the edge of the bathtub, in a towel talking to you."

He laughed. "Well then, I'll let you go then. I'll see you in a few hours."

"Bye Nick." She laughed and hung the phone up and returned to brushing her hair.



*****



A few hours later, the doorbell to Kerri and Alyssa's apartment. Kerri jumped at the opportunity to answer the door. Kerri opened the door and smiled at Nick and invited him in.

"Hey Kerri, how have you been doing?" He asked, making small talk while Alyssa grabbed her purse and a small sweater, just in case she needed it.

"I've been good, and yourself?"

"Fine, just fine." Alyssa finally came back into view and Nick offered his arm and the two were off, leaving Kerri with her rented Tom Cruise movie collection and a large bowl of buttery popcorn.

Outside, Nick opened the door to the car and helped Alyssa in, then he circled the car and plopped into his own seat. The ride to the restaurant was a quiet one. Only the sound of the radio humming in their ears.

When they finally pulled up to the restaurant a valet opened Alyssa's door and Nick rounded the car and met her at the awning. He offered his arm and tossed the keys to one of the young valets with a warning to be careful with his pride and joy. The couple stepped into the restaurant and Alyssa sucked in a deep breath. The place was even more beautiful than she remembered. It was lit with lots of lighting and candles. Faint orchestra music was playing in the background. White flowers were visible everywhere, and small beautiful tress were spread sporadically throughout the room. The domed ceiling illuminated against all the light, making it sparkle. Quiet conversations could be heard, with the occasional feminine laugh penertrating their ears. They were immediately escorted to a small round table by a window. It was decorated with a crisp white cover and had a small arangement of white flowers and two small candles in the center. Nick pulled her chair out for her before sitting in his own. She looked across the table at him and smiled an appreciative smile.

"Good evening Mr. Carter, Mrs. Carter. I'm your waiter Phillip Van Fleur. If you two need anything please do not hesitate to ask." He spoke in an Italian accent that was music to their ears. "The special tonight is the pasta primavera with roasted lemon chicken." Alyssa's stomach growled at the mentioning of her favorite food. She smiled at Nick who remembered how much she loved that dish. "I'll leave the two of you alone for a moment to let you decide as to what it is you would like to order." He bowed.

"Ah, Phillip, I believe we already know what we want." Nick caught his attention before the quaint Italian man had the chance to venture off.

"Very good then Mr. Carter." He took out a small pad of paper and a gold pen that caused Alyssa to raise an eyebrow.

"The lady would like the special with no parsley, she's allergic," he added as a side note, to be sure that Phillip would make sure there was none added to her dish. Alyssa couldn't help but gawk at him. She thought she would have to speak up and remind him about her allergy to the spice, but he remembered. The revelation nearly brought her to tears. Nick looked over at her and smiled, knowing exactly what she was thinking. "And I will have the same Phillip." He smiled his thanks.

"And what would you care to drink sir, might I suggest a bottle of Venician wine?" Nick nodded towards him and the waiter was off towards the kitchen.

Alyssa was still staring at him. He looked at her and became self-conscious at her stare. "What?" He finally spoke.

"You remembered." She whispered, a smile on her face. Nick gave her a confused look. "You remembered I was allergic to parsley."

He smiled. "Of course I remember, how could I forget. The last time you had it, you and I both stayed a good five hours in the emergency room!" She laughed, as did he.

Phillip returned with the bottle of wine and poured a small amount into Nick's glass. He picked it up, swirled it around and tasted it. A smile appeared on his lips and he nodded to Phillip and extended his glass for more. Phillip then filled Alyssa's with a small amount at her request. She was still adament about the fact that she could be pregnant, and didn't want to hurt the unborn child if she was by drinking. Phillip disappeared again leaving the couple to their own demise. Alyssa took this opportunity to survey the place once more.

Nick was merely looking at her the entire time she looked around the place. He could hear the soft music in the background and an idea formed in his head. He pushed his chair back and stood in front of Alyssa. "May I have this dance, my lady?" He questioned, trying to imitate an Italian accent, but failing miserably.

She laughed and extended her hand out to him. He bowed over it and placed a soft kiss upon it before helping her out of the chair. He lead her over to the dance floor where couples were already swaying to the music. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she wrapped hers around his neck. They looked into one anothers' eyes as they rocked to the gentle beat of the orchestra. Everyone and everything around them became oblivious in those brief moments that they help each other tight. When the song ended, those on the dance floor clapped for the musicians. Most went back to their seats, a few stayed on the floor eager to dance some more. Nick and Alyssa went back to their seats as they had noticed their food had arrived. They sat down and started eating, both letting out sighs and comments about how delicious the food was. Alyssa could only remember one time when the food tasted so delicious. It was at the same place they were at. It was the night Nick proposed. Like that night, this particular one was filled with magic.

The two ate their fill, both now complaining their stomachs were going to burst from the amount of food they'd consumed and they still had dessert left! Nick ordered two slices of cheescake from Phillip who brought them out immediately. They dug in as soon as the plates touched the table and sighed in content at the delicious pastry. Phillip hung around and filled the wine glasses before walking away with a chestire grin on his face that had Alyssa questioning his sanity. She shrugged it off and took a sip of her wine. She nearly spit the contents out when she looked into her glass. Her eyes quickly darted from Nick who was grinning, to Phillip who was standing across the room, grinning as well and finally back down to her wine glass.

"Nick..." She whispered, unable to control her excitment and awe at the situation.

He was all smiles and could barely talk himself. He reached over to her glass and pulled it to his lips, finsihing the liquid off. He dumped two small objects out of the bottom and stood up. He bent down, on one knee in front of Alyssa and grasped her left hand in his. Her right hand went to her mouth as the events unfolded before her.

"Alyssa I love you." He whispered with no hesitation, no regret nor remorse. Alyssa's heart did summersaults and back handsprings at those three words. She couldn't believe it! She was on the verge of tears. "I truly love you." He paused, running his thumb over her ring finger. "I can't thank you enough for giving us a chance again." He looked down at the two rings in his large hands and back to her emerald eyes. "You handed me these a few months back in a box and it tore me heart out at the time, but I realize that I was an asshole and I'll forever be sorry for that night." He stopped once again and reached out to wipe a small tear from her face. "Alyssa, will you please wear my rings again and be my wife?" He slipped the rings onto her ring finger. The wedding band was to go first, with its beautiful gold band and its four small diamonds incrusted into the gold. Then her engagement ring followed. It was emaculant to say the least. A huge 48 carat diamond in the center with two more diamonds on each side of it. Inside the engaement ring were their initials.

She was speecless and could only nod her response. She lurched out of her chair and wrapped her arms around Nick's neck who in return grasped her into a huge hug. He pulled her face back and kissed her with all the passion and love that he could muster together, hoping that the kiss would show just how much he loved and adored the beautiful woman. She pulled away and wrapped him in another crushing hug. "I love you so much." She whispered into his shoulder, causing him to smile.

On lookers from other tables were clapping at the spectacle, a few were even cheering for them, which caused them to part and acknowledge the congratulations being thrown at them. They sat down a few moments later and Phillip rushed to them with a smile on his face. "Congratulations Sir and to you too madam. Is there anything else I can get for you two?"

Alyssa spoke up this time. "No thank you Phillip. Could you please bring us the check." Phillip bowed and then disappeared.

Nick looked across at Alyssa who in return was staring back at him.

"Thank you Nick." She whispered across the candlelight.

"Your welcome. I couldn't think of a better time to tell you and to give you back your rings than here. I hope you've enjoyed it."

"Oh I have, I really have. To tell you the truth, I've missed my rings," Both laughed. "My fingers have felt naked without them."

Nick reached around the candles and grasped her right hand in his, gently stroking the top of her knuckles. He was so content at that moment that nothing in the world could destroy his happiness.

Moments later, Phillip arrived with their check and Nick handed him a few large bills, and then to her astonisment gave the kind man a one-hundred dollar tip. The two slowly made their way out of the restaurant and to his waiting car under the awning. They drove away from the restaurant which held some many pleasant memories.

"To my place or yours?" Nick questioned, once they had reached a red light.

She looked over at him and smiled. "Yours." She whispered grabbing a hold of his hand.

He grinned at her and when the light turned green he sped up, surpassing the posted speedlimit in a rush to get home.

Alyssa grinned as he pulled into the driveway and rushed out of the car to meet her at her door. He pulled her out of the car and the two jogged to the front door, like excited teenagers. Once inside, he thanked Ms. Forrester for staying late and handed the kind woman a one-hundred dollar as well. The two adults checked on Tyler before they ran to the master bedroom and embraced each other in a lovers dance.

That night they sealed their fate. Both wanting and needing the other's touch. It was a night filled with romance, revelations, and above all love.

I know a lot of you have been waiting for this for a very long time. And believe you me I have been itching to get back to Alyssa, Nick and Tyler myself. I am truly sorry for the delay in my updates but I will definately be updating a whole lot more now that school and such and other stuff that I would not like to mention have slowed down. I thank those that sent me a kind message of understanding when I posted my authors' note. You don't know how much that means to me. Also, I am currently working on another chpater or two. I hope to have them up later today! Love you all that review. And if you've never reviewed please do. I love getting reviews and I respond to everyone of them no matter how short they are. Okay, now go read my update!


******************




A riany day was forecasted and it appeared the meteorologists were correct in their prediction that there would be rain nearly all day long. Nick suited Tyler up in his rain coat and attractive yellow rain boots. The two rushed out into the rain over to Nick's SUV and hopped in letting out a deep breath. It was abnormally cold too, the high barely making it to fifty degrees. The two men set off for the love of their lives' apartment. Today was the day that they would get Alyssa back and nothing, not even mother nature was going to stop their haste at gathering her and her belongings and whisking her home, where she belonged.

It was hard to see that day from all the rain pounding on the windshield but like the overprotective father he was, Nick slowed down and let the speeders pass him. He used to be one of those. A person who didn't care if it was raining cats and dogs, he would still go at least twenty miles per hour over the posted speed limit but that had changed dramatically within the past few months.

They finally reached the apartment buildings and raced to Alyssa and Kerri's door, pounding on it when they arrived. They stood there for what seemed like an eternity before Kerri finally opened the door, clad in a pair of bunny slippers and a house coat. She gave them an irritated look that made Nick chuckle out loud as he walked in. He didn't see Alyssa anywhere so he gave Kerri a questioning look.

"She's still asleep. We were up late last night talking." She smiled before walking off to her bedroom. "You can go in there if you like." She whispered before she closed her door.

Tyler looked up at his father and Nick looked at the closed white panel, otherwise known as a door, contemplating his next move. He kneeled down to Tyler's level and upbuttoned his yellow coat and stripped him of his boots before taking the kid's hand and leading him into the room, as quietly as they possibly could.

Nick felt Tyler pull on his hand and he looked at the boy and shook his head and placed his index finger to his mouth, indicating the kid needed to be quiet.

The two men silently walked over to Alyssa's bed and sat down on the side of it. Nick smiled in contempt as he looked down at his wife who was sleeping so peacefully that he hated to wake her up. Her hair was scattered everywhere, even all over her face. He brushed the annoyingly pieces away from her face. Her lips were all pouty and she had a happy aura surrounding her that made everything tranquil. He looked at Tyler who was looking over at him and motioned for him to go into the living room. Tyler reluctantly did what he was told and sulked into the living room to watch the beloved cartoons he was missing, especially Rugrats.

Nick sat there for what felt like forever watching the beauty lying in front of him. He had a smile on his face and he was taking in every second he sat there. He leaned down and gently brushed his lips on hers, startling her at first from her sleep but then was warmed by the warmth of her mouth kissing back. He pulled away only to be met with the most beautiful set of green eyes he had ever seen in his years of existence.

"Morning." She yawned, breaking the peaceful silence they had enveloped into.

"Hiya sleeping beauty." Nick chided, kissing her once again.

"Why are you here so early, and where's Tyler?"

"He's in the living room watching TV. I wanted to be alone with you for a bit." He said laying down next to her and enveloping her into a comfortable and yearning embrace.

"Oh really and why is that." She joked, snuggling into the crook of his neck, savoring the smell of his cologne.

"Oh honey, don't get me started." They both laughed. "In all seriousness Tyler and I have come to collect you and your stuff to take you home, where you belong."

She looked up at him and smiled. "Good, I'm ready to come home." And with that she gave him a small kiss on the cheek before getting out of bed and opening her closet which caused Nick to burst out laughing.

The woman had already packed all her posessions and they were all boxed away in her closet. "Don't laugh. I was just prepared." This only made him laugh harder. "Nick!" She exasperatingly fussed.

He stopped and looked at her before starting up laughing again, which caused her to join, which evetually led to the entrance of a very confused Tyler and a very moody Kerri. This sent them into even more hysterics.


*****


After the car had been loaded by three now drenched adults they all sat in the living room trying to get warm from the chilled, wet weather. Alyssa was shivering from the cold and Nick had to wrap her into a crushing hug to keep her warm. She wasn't complaining though, she yearned for any opportunity to be close to him and this was heaven to her.

The news was official though. She was indeed pregnant. That's why she and Kerri had been up into the wee hours of the morning. They were talking about the baby, how to tell Nick and how much they were going to miss living with one another. Now all Alyssa had to do was devise a plan to tell Nick the news. She wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing as of yet, but she was getting rather exicited about the prospects of having another child. She had always hoped for a little girl to spoil rotten. Thinking of the unborn child inside her made her glow with happiness which recieved knowing looks from Kerri.

"Well honey, are you ready to go home?" Nick questioned standing up and pulling her up with him.

She smiled at him. "Yep, I sure am." And with that she enveloped Kerri into a hug.

"Tell him soon girl." Kerri whispered in her ear and Alyssa nodded, indicating she would.

"Don't be a stranger. You can stop by anytime." Alyssa said, nearly on the verge of tears. The two friends had developed a strong bond that would never be broken.

"Be sure to call first though." Nick winked at the two girls which caused them to forget about the tears and laugh.

Alyssa grabbed Nick's hand and Tyler's little hand and the three, along with the little one in her belly walked out the door back into the cold, wet rain. They made a mad dash to the car and jumped in back to her home, where she indeed belonged.

Later that night Alyssa and Nick layed quietly in their bed. It was no longer his and it was no longer hers, simply their's. They were there, as close to one another as humanly possible. Nick had her wrapped in a tight embrace with one hand rested on her back and the other making tiny circles on her upper arm.

Alyssa snuggled against her husband's chest, loving its bare feeling against her flushed cheeks. She had goose-pimples all over her body from the tender touch Nick was administering to her arm. She had missed nights like these for the longest time and was determined to savor this particular moment. Over the past few years she had learned to take each moment and make it like it could be her last. She would take note of everything, every feeling, every word, every emotion, all of it. Life was precious and having Nick gone for so long taught her that and so therefore she made sure to detail everything, especially moments like these.

She looked up at her husband who was staring at the ceiling. There was no telling what was going through his mind at that moment. His mind couldn't be plagued with what hers was. She had to find a way to tell Nick that she was pregnant. They had just gotten back together and she wasn't sure if it was time to drop another bombshell into both of their lives.

"Nick?" She whispered, getting his attention.

He looked down at her and smiled. "Yeah baby?"

"What are you thinking about?"

"You, Tyler, everything really. Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering." She whispered snuggling closer to him, wishing it was easier to tell him the news. It was easier when he found out that she was pregnant with Tyler. He was on the road at that time and he heard the news from Brian. Alyssa had told Leighanne who promised not to say anything but like most women, she couldn't keep the secret for long. So Leighanne told Brian who congratulated Nick but was only met with a confused Nick. Then he went on to mention that Alyssa was pregnant and that's how the situation turned out. Nick had called her immediately to see if the story was true. He was excited but apprehensive at the same time, mainly because he was working on his solo album and wasn't ready to be a father. But nonetheless he was there, at first but that's all ancient history. There was the present to deal with and the gnawing fact that she still needed to tell Nick the news.

"Alyssa, what's bugging you?" Nick asked, raising her chin to meet his eyes.

"Nothing, why would you say that?" She put on a smile, hoping to convince him.

"Alyssa don't lie. Honey what's wrong." This time he sat the two of them up. He was against the headboard leaning against its cool frame. He turned Alyssa to face him and gave her a questioning look, the lines in his forehead showing.

"It's nothing really. Don't worry about it. Let's just go back to sleep." She tried to lay back down but Nick stopped her by grasping ahold of her shoulders.

"Sweety. I will worry about it until you tell me." He sighed and gave her a small smile.

She had to think of a way to tell him. The little hampster in her head was running faster than it could trying to make her brain function quick enough. "NickI'mPregnant" She spoke out as fast as she could, ducking her head away.

"What? Slow down Lyssa. What'd you say." He had a very confused look on his face.

She looked up at him, deep into the crystal blue eyes she loved so much. She sighed in to contempt. She knew then and there that this wasn't a bad thing nor a thing that should be kept from him any longer. She smiled a huge smile and whispered, loud enough for him to hear. "Nick, I'm pregnant."

He stared at the woman in front of him for the longest time and allowed those three simple words to sink into his head. He had to think back to when they had actually had sex to conceive. It wasn't until lately that they had, but then his brain registered the one night he had went out and had gotten drunk. That was the only time that he could think of because any other time it would not have been possible. At least the statistics were right. It did only take one time to make a baby, and this was proof.

"Well aren't you going to say something?" She was starting to feel self-conscious about him staring at her and not saying anything. Millions of thoughts were coarsing through her head, most negative. Most thoughts of how he might not want another kid.

"We're going to have a baby?" He questioned again to make sure his hearing was right.

"Yeah, we are." She was on the verge of tears from the negative thoughts running through her brain.

"Really?" She nodded, assuring him it was true. "Oh baby." He whispered wrapping her into a crushing hug and kissing her with all the passion and vigoration he could muster.

Alyssa melted into the kiss and the embrace. It was all she needed to know. He wasn't angry nor upset about the idea of having another child. Instead, he was ecstatic, like she was now. She pulled away from him and smiled a watery smile. Her eyes were watery from the emotion in the room.

"Alyssa, thank you, thank you." He whispered in her ear as he wrapped her into another hug.

"For what Nick? I didn't do anything you didn't do."

He laughed. "No sweety not that. I'm so happy. We're going to have another baby." He smiled. "Another baby... our baby." He whispered brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

That night the two of them snuggled against one another in perfect dreams. Nick's hand never left Alyssa's stomach that night. He felt that he needed to let the unborn child know he was there and that was the only way he could think of doing it. Alyssa's hand was rested on top of her husband's on her belly. She had never been so happy in her life. She had a beautiful husband, an adoring son, and another baby on the way. Life was perfect to say the least.


*****

Dawn was breaking, the birds were singing, and the waves were silently crashing against the coarse beach. The beauty of the sunrise couldn't compare to the beauty of two sleeping forms wrapped together in a tight embrace. Small smiles were plastered on their angelic faces and small sighs could be heard now and again as the two lovers dreamt of one another.

Outside the peaceful room, a small mind was thinking. The child had been up since before dawn, craving his saturday morning dosage of cartoons. He had silently crept into the living room and switched on the television, keeping the volume as low as possible so as not to wake his loving parents. Though his thoughts weren't plaguing, they were particularly thinking about how Angelica Pickles could be so mean and how she still managed to get so many cookies. It was baffling to him.

So there he was, the pride and joy of his parents, just sitting there with his security blanket and favorite stuffed animal watching none other than the Rugrats. Time slowly crept by and the child began to get bored. Throughout the hour he would constantly glance down the hall to where his parents' room was located, contemplating if he should wake them up.

Of course he would wake them up. The sun was up and so therefore they needed to be up too, or so he thought. He left his Teddy Bear and his blanket it on the floor and proceeded in a mad dash down the hall to the partially closed door.

The door let out a small squeak as it opened and Tyler cringed at the sound. He was home free as he stepped into the quiet bedroom. He looked over on the bed and saw his parents laying there togehter, sound asleep. He walked over to his moms' side of the bed and profusely tapped her on the arm repetatively.

Finally eyes began to flicker, a brow started to crease and a few mumbles were heard as Alyssa woke from the her sleepy state. She opened her eyes and then abruptly closed them from the brightness of the sun. Opening them slowly this time she saw her son's smiling face directly infront of her. She had to back away and let her eyes come to focus more. She gave him a small smile and then stretched, completely forgetting her partner next to her. Her elbow made direct contact with his left cheek. The impact caused him to immediately awaken and groan in pain. Alyssa looked back at Tyler then at Nick who was now sitting up, staring at her like she had gone completely mad.

"Morning." She smiled sheepishly.

"Yes, a very lovely morning. Thanks sweetheart." He replied sarcastically, gently touching the side of his cheek where Alyssa had made contact. He groaned as he felt a bruised starting to set in.

"Sorry about that..." She started.

"It's all right." He cut her off, assuming the incident was a mistake.

By this time Tyler had climbed up on the tall bed, a difficult task for someone as short as he, but he managed. He was volleying between each parent as they spoke wondering when the best time to make his presence known. "Hi." He finally spoke up with a high pitched voice and a wave of his hand. It certainly caught their attention, for they stopped concentrating on the injury and smiled at him.

"Hey buddy, good morning." Nick said reaching out and grabbing his son by the waist and lifting him into his lap, completely forgetting the throbbing sensation pulsating in his cheek.

Tyler rested against his father's chest and stared at his mom who was smiling at them both.

"So little man, what do you want to do today?" Nick asked the inquisitive boy.

"I dunno." He replied and then asked, "Mommy, what you want to do?"

"I don't know Ty." She paused and then a lightbulb went off in her blonde head. I know! How about we go to the mall and go shopping?" She perked up at the idea. Shopping was by far one of her favorite activites and Nick knew it.

"Lyssa, don't you have to work today?" Nick asked, a worried expression on his face. His wife and a credit card, especially his, didn't mix well. They never had. He could never understand her fetish for shopping. She had plenty of clothes, more than three average people put together, but yet the woman continued to shop.

"Unfortunately for you, no I don't" She smiled. "So it looks like we're going shopping."

Tyler clapped his hands. Shopping meant that he got to ride the train in the mall for more times than he could count, if he in fact was able to count that high. He could only get to eight and then he would get confused but ask him his abc's and he would tell you them in a heartbeat.

And so, they all got up and got dressed for a full day of shopping, much to Alyssa's delight and to Tyler's delight in riding the train. It was weird, for a Saturday the malll wasn't crowded, but that was a good thing. Although the fact that Nick didn't get noticed by anyone was weird and also a little heart wrenching for him, but in the end, the day went along perfectly well. Alyssa made up for his gloomy mood by purchasing some extravigant lingere that made Nick smile with a deviliously handsome smile that send her heart racing and her blood boiling. All in all, Alyssa only spent a couple grand, not much to her standards and that night, they were happy to explore deeper into one of her expensive, yet pleasing purchases.

"Alyssa! Telephone!" Nick's masculine voice broke through her feeling of contemptness as she sat in the bath, surrounded by fragrant bubbles and bath salts. She had been in utter heaven. Ever nerve was sensitive and the soothing water released all the tension from the tip of her pink toes to the top of her blond head. A few seconds later she could hear the pitter patter of little feet running towards her bathroom door. She eyed it suspiciously, waiting for the culprit to enter. The door slowly opened then a bushy blond head stuck its way through and bright blue eyes looked at her curiously. She couldn't help but smile and waved the tiny tot into the bathroom.

"Daddy told me to bring phone." He said indicating the small black device in his hand.

"He did, now did he?" She said taking the phone from his hands. "And what is your daddy doing that is so important that he can't give me the phone?" Tyler shrugged his shoulders, half in confusion as to what she said and the other half because he really didn't know what his daddy was doing. "That's all right sweetie. Go play with your toys and I'll fix you some dinner in a little bit okay?" The kid perked up and literally bounced out of the bathroom. She laughed out loud and looked at the phone, momentarily forgetting it was there. She placed it to her ear and asked, "Hello?"

"Alyssa!" The sing-song voice of Kerri rang in Alyssa's head.

"Kerri!" She matched her best friends' enthusiasm with much more exuberance.

“Guess what!” She stalled a minute, knowing full well when someone kept a secret from Alyssa that it would gnaw the woman to death. She didn’t leave her waiting long, “I met a guy.”

“Well that’s one for the record books! What does he look like? What’s he like? What kind of job does he have? Where did you meet him?” Alyssa was throwing out so many questions that Kerri’s head was spinning from overuse.

“Well, his name is Eric and he works at a Law firm. We met by accident. I was at the grocery store picking up some stuff and I rounded the corner and we bumped buggies. We did that a few more times that night and had a pleasant conversation after the third of forth time it happened and then he asked if I'd have dinner with him. He’s really very cute. He has brown hair and these gorgeous hazel eyes that change colors in different environments. He’s really tall too, about Nick’s height. He has a voice that is so rich and smooth that I could sit there and listen to him for hours on end. Oh God Alyssa, is it too early to feel so comfortable with him? I mean, we’ve only known each other a little over two weeks.”

“He sounds dreamy! But Kerri, I’m sure it’ll be all right. I was comfortable with nearly everything about Nick when we first started dating. The only thing that freaked me out was just how busy he was and the masses of screaming girls he had following him.” Alyssa answered, remember those times as if they were yesterday.

“I know, I know. It’s just I haven’t seriously dated in a long time and this one feels like the one I could potentially take home to meet the parents at some point in time. He’s really serious about his career and is very focused, something that I am not. That’s what scares me!” Kerri let out an exasperated sigh.

“Hon, you’re overreacting. Take it one day at a time.” She smiled. It was usually her going to Kerri for advice and it felt good to be the one giving it, instead of receiving it.

“I will, it’s just he is such a great guy.” The smile was evident in her voice. “Well, I’ll let you go. Nick was kind enough to inform me that you were soaking in the bathtub and I’m sure you’re starting to shrivel up like a prune.”

Alyssa look at her hand and laughed. It was true, they were starting to get wrinkled from the long exposure to the water. “You’re right, it’s time to get out. I need to go fix my son and my wonderful husband something to eat.”

“Love you lots!” Kerri shouted into the phone.

“Good Lord Kerri, sometims I question your maturity level” Kerri laughed. “All right, I’ll talk to you later. I want to meet this guy of yours sometime. Don’t keep him chained up in a closet.”

Kerri laughed loudly, “That’s not a bad idea Lyss! Buh Bye!”

Alyssa was met silence as she clicked her phone off and put it beside the bathtub. She let out a laugh at Kerri's last comment. It figures the woman would say something like that!

Sighing to herself, Alyssa proceeded to slowly get out of the tranquility of the bathtub. She hated to leave it, but knew she had to. She wrapped into a towel, pulled her hair into another one and slipped her fluffy slippers on. Not long after, she was dressed with her hair dry and was heading down the stairs. As she descended, the sound of rhythmic bangings from a certain drumset, played by a certain blond became louder and louder. She inwardly smiled, but her head wasn’t too happy by all the ruckus. She first stopped at the kitchen and grabbed pack of frozen hamburger meat and set it out to thaw. Next she descended down another flight of stairs to what used to be the basement, but was now entitled “Nick’s jam room”. She leaned against the door frame and watched. His hair was all in disarray, he was glistening with sweat and he had a look of sheer determination on his face. His hands were flying in the air and then coming down in musical patterns. He had headphones on, so obviously he was oblivious to her presence and was probably drumming to a favorite song of his.

She fell in love all over again in that very moment. Just the simplicity of being able to watch him do something he loves, something he has a passion for and him not even knowing she was present was, needless to say, perfect. The song slowly ended and another one started playing and he started drumming the beats to that one. She smiled as she watched him. Two months had passed since she had told him they were going to have a baby. Since then everything was pure bliss. They had their little squabbles now and then, but they never amounted to anything drastic. Nick had taken care of her, making sure she had anything and everything she wanted. She couldn’t have asked for anything more or anything less. The past months had been an eye-awakener for the two of them. They were obviously madly in love, more than they were before and that fact was overwhelmingly blissful and wonderful to know for both of them.

Alyssa turned to leave the room, a smile on her face, as her husband continue to play unaware that she had been watching. She ascended up the steps, her mind on Nick and the food she needed to prepare but then she had an odd feeling.

It was bizarre and was abnormal, even in the condition that she was in now. It was a twinge, a kind of pulling feeling at the pit of her stomach. She stopped in the middle of the staircase and looked down at her stomach and upon doing so hunched over in pain. A fierce, fiery pain ripped through her stomach, sending a small agonizing moan to escape her.

The drumming had stopped not long after she felt the pain and she could hear the faint sound of Nick’s happy whistle as he was closing the room he had just occupied up. She knew the exact moment he turned around, as the whistling ceased to exist and the moment he froze to his spot at the base of the steps. Though she was well aware of these moments, she could do nothing but stay there, knees on one step, her head on another and her hand placed upon her stomach in motherly protection.





*****

Yes, I know it's a short chapter, but it's short for a reason! It's a pivitol chapter in this story! I know I have been away from this story for awhile, and I sincerely appologize. I've just been so busy and really haven't had time nor have I been compelled to write, until my good email buddy Ashley mailed me recently! Then I was inspired to write. :D I'm stil here and i hope to have the story finished by summer. :D So withing the next month or so it should be done. I want to start typing at least two chapters a week.

The drumming had stopped not long after she felt the pain and she could hear the faint sound of Nick’s happy whistle as he was closing the room he had just occupied up. She knew the exact moment he turned around, as the whistling ceased to exist and the moment he froze to his spot at the base of the steps. Though she was well aware of these moments, she could do nothing but stay there, knees on one step, her head on another and her hand placed upon her stomach in motherly protection.


*****


Everything seemed to have just stopped. His mind stopped functioning as his eyes landed on his wife, on the steps hunched over. His brain was screaming for him to move but the rest of his body refused to obey the command. All basic instincts failed at that moment as he watched, in slow motion the scene in front of him.

It wasn’t until a barely audible cry of pain escaped her lips that his limbs finally listened to the central nervous system. His limbs finally worked the way they were supposed to, first with his legs carrying him to her side and then his arms which wrapped around her in a comforting manner.

His eyes were frantically looking over her form, unsure as to what to do next. “Alyssa, what’s wrong? What’s happening?” He questioned trying to find the source of her anguish.

She took in a sharp breath and whispered, “Stomach, it hurts” Just those few words evidently caused pain to seep through her frail body.

He said the one word that came to mind next, “Hospital?” He questioned thinking of no other alternative in which to relieve her of her pain.

She nodded her head, a few tears escaping her eyes. “Come on sweetie.” He whispered, wrapping one arm around her back and then the other arm linked under her legs. She let out a small cry as he lifted her up and Nick nearly lost it all at that moment. He couldn’t take seeing her in pain, it just tore his insides to pieces. He slowly took her upstairs, careful not to jar her anymore than was necessary. He placed her on the living room couch with instructions that he would be right back.

Nick ran upstairs and checked on Tyler who was still in his room playing, oblivious to the happenings going on below. Nick then went to his room and grabbed the phone to call Ms. Forrester and briefly explained the situation. Luckily the woman agreed to come to his assistance to watch Tyler. He hung up with her, thanking the almighty that the older woman only lived ten minutes away. Nick grabbed a bag and placed a few of Alyssa’s necessities in them, just in case. He then put on a clean shirt and raced down the stairs just as Ms. Forrester was walking into the door.

The older woman only had to take one look at the scene in front of her to know the severity of the dilemma. She looked at Alyssa, lying on the couch and the woman went into protection mode. She raced to Alyssa's side and whispered kind words of encouragement and told the his wife that all would be okay. She was protective over the younger woman and the two held hands for a moment as a show of support. Ms. Forrester then waved for him to get Alyssa to the hospital immediately. Nick picked his wife up in the same way he had earlier and carried her out to the car, careful not to cause her anymore pain than what she was currently in. Once he had her comfortably strapped in, he ran to his side, started the car and whipped it out of the driveway.

Never had a fifteen minute ride seemed so long. It was as if time was slowly creeping by with every sniffle Alyssa made or every sharp intake from the smallest jar. His nerves one on end and he knew not how to comfort her. He reached over and grasped her hand and she held on to it as if for dear life. He reflected on everything during that drive. Their marriage, their son Tyler, the problems they went through, the rekindling of their marriage. But most of all he thought about her and nothing else. How she had been so strong through everything and never showed the pain she was in during those years he was MIA (missing in action). Now her strong façade was broken and never in their time together had he seen in such bad shape.

Finally they arrived at the Emergency Room and Nick stopped in front of the doors. He hopped out of his side and ran to hers, signaling the on-duty nurse to get some help. By the time Nick had Alyssa out of the car, the nurse had a wheelchair waiting. He gently placed his wife in the chair and watched as the nurse took charge. Alyssa looked back at him as the other woman wheeled her through the Emergency Room doors. Nick's eyes followed her the whole was until she was finally out of sight.

A car honked it’s horn at Nick and he looked at it perplexed then realized that he was still standing there, making it imposible for others to get to the entrance. He got back into his car and pulled into the designated parking area for Emergency Room patients only. He threw the car in park and then made a mad dash for the Emergency Room entrance. He stopped at the counter, somewhat out of breath and was met by a friendly smile from the middle aged receptionist.

“Can I help you sir?” The woman, who was probably in her early forties asked.

“Alyssa Carter.” Nick choked out.

The woman typed in the name and looked at the screen and back at Nick with a sympathetic smile. “I’m sorry, but her name hasn’t been entered into the computer yet. Perhaps if you tell me what she came in here for, then I can direct you where to go.”

Nick let out an audible sigh in frustration. “Well she’s pregnant for one thing and she was having severe stomach pains.”

“Ah yes, I remember.” She smiled and picked up the phone and had what seemed like the longest conversation to Nick. Finally the woman hung up. “She has already been taken back and I’ve sent for a nurse to lead you to her."

Nick nodded his thanks and waited by the doors for the nurse who would take him to his wife. Finally, as if by request the doors that separated the Emergency Room from the waiting room area opened and a nurse clad in white stepped out. “Mr. Carter?” She questioned and Nick nodded. “Follow me please if you will.” And she led the way through the winding halls and at least two other sets of doors before stopping at ER room number twenty-one. “You may go in sir, she’s been asking for you.”

“Thanks.” He mumbled and twisted the doorknob and entered the small room. Alyssa was lying on her side and he walked over and sat in the chair that was next to her.

Alyssa gave him a small smile which in itself looked painful. “Hey.” She whispered.

“Hey.” Nick croaked out in an unsteady voice. “How are you feeling.” That was probably the lamest question he could ask, but nonetheless she answered.

“Not so good. It hurts.” And that fact was apparent in her face. Her brow was glistening with sweat, her forehead was scrunched up and her entire body was tense.

Nick reached out and brushed her hair away from her face and then placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She looked up at him with pitiful eyes and Nick would have lost his cool at that moment if it wasn’t for the knock that sounded at the door.

The door slowly opened and in walked two nurses and a doctor who carried a clipboard in his hands. The doctor approached Nick and stuck out his hand, “Mr. Carter, I’m doctor Bysshe and I’ll be taking care of your wife.” The two men dropped hands and Bysshe continued talking. “Mr. Carter, perhaps you can shed some light on as to what exactly happened to Alyssa?”

Nick ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t know. I found her on the steps hunched over in pain. She said to take her to the hospital and so we’re here.”

The doctor nodded and scribbled some notes. “Mr. Carter what did your wife have to eat last night?”

Nick let out a long breath as his brain searched for the right answer. “We both had a sandwich. Her was turkey and mustard.”

“Did you have the same?” He scribbled more notes on his clipboard.

“No, I had ham and cheese.” Nick was looking at the man in front of him. The guy was about his height, a bit shorter with thinning hair. He looked to be in his late forties, early fifties. But what Nick didn’t understand was why he was asking about food! “Dr. Bysshe, is it relevant to be asking what we ate last night?”

The doctor smiled, “Yes Mr. Carter it is. It could be possible that your wife could have gotten ahold of some bad meat." He continued to explain, "Usually when one is pregnant, their stomachs and immune systems are more sensitive to foods and so therefore the slightest agitation could result in uncomfortable stomach cramps. We’re just trying to approach all possibilities.”

Nick nodded his understanding as the two nurses started wheeling Alyssa’s bed out of the room. “Where are they taking her?” He questioned.

“We’re going to run a few tests. There will be an Ultrasound performed, an X-ray, and a few other similar tests. She’ll be back in about an hour.” The doctor then scribbled more notes onto his clipboard before shaking Nick’s hand again and leaving Nick in the room, all alone.

Nick sat back down in the chair he had occupied earlier and finally broke down. His entire being shook in convulsive sobs. This wasn’t fair! They had been through so much and now this! Of course he was overreacting, but he had to mentally prepare himself for the worst case scenario, something he seriously did not want to think about. He let out an audible sigh and then placed his head in his hands, shaking his head in disbelief. And so started the longest hour in his entire life.

Yes, I am back with another chapter! Never fear, I have not forgotten all you who have been so kind as to review. This past month has been hell with school and a project that is worth 40% of my finaly senior english grade, aka, if I don't pass I don't graduate. Well I passed, thank goodness and now I have faithfully returned with a chapter and the results you have been needing. I would love ten reviews for this chapter! Both from my regulars and from those new people who have never reviewed before! I hope to have this story done soon. It's finally winding down and I truly hope that you all are thoroughly enjoying it. Anyway, please be on with reading the story!

~*Kristina*~

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The room was oppressive, the white walls and the cramped space seemed to suffocate him beyond belief. He was starting to feel as if his skin were crawling in anticipation; every muscle within his body was tense. Alyssa had been brought back to the room hours ago but they had not heard anything from Doctor Bysshe. Alyssa had been put on a small dosage of Morphine through the IV placed in her left arm. The heart monitor hooked up to her beeped at regular rhythms while every thirty minutes it took her blood pressure, temperature and heart rate. She had been sleeping for hours, leaving Nick alone with his thoughts and feelings. He had no comfort, no one to tell him that everything would be okay. During the first hour, while she had been taken to have tests administered, he had thought about calling someone, someone who loved them both. Maybe her would come, but they lived in North Carolina and if it wasn’t serious it would be a wasted trip. Then he thought of his own family, but dismissed the thought because of the fact that he didn’t want her overwhelmed by five more people hovering over her when she woke up. So there he sat, all alone thinking of literally everything.

Nick looked over at his wife, the one that had bore his first son and now carried his unborn child. His heart lurched as he thought of her in that bed hooked up to so many machines and feeling so much pain. For some reason he had blamed himself. Maybe it was payback for him not being there all those years when she needed him. How he just ignored her and Tyler and went about his life selfishly. Then he scolded himself, knowing that she wouldn’t be punished for his bullshit. He was growing more irritated by the moment. How long does it seriously take for the nurses and doctors to look at some tests results in order to figure out what is the matter with Alyssa? He swore that if he had become a doctor instead of the profession he chose, he would give people the results to their tests within an hour after they had been administered.

At this thought, there was a knock at the door and then it opened and Dr. Bysshe and a nurse stepped in with that same clipboard in his hand and the same small smile upon his face. The nurse bee-lined to Alyssa’s side and gently woke her up. Alyssa looked around the room before familiarization and realization dawned on her. Nick bent over and stroked her forehead and gripped her hand in a reassuring manner. “What’s going on?” She whispered, barely audible for the three other occupants in the room.

“Mr. and Mrs. Carter after reviewing the tests that were performed I am pleased to say that there is no severity in the pains Alyssa is experiencing.” Nick released a breath that he hadn’t even realized he had been holding and heard Alyssa do the same.

“Well what exactly is it?” Nick questioned, feeling the impatience growing at the back of his neck. To relieve it, he rubbed the spot in hopes that it would relieve the tension.

“Alyssa is experiencing what is called Ligament Pains.” He looked at his clipboard and nodded to confirm his diagnosis.

“Ligament Pains? What exactly are Ligament Pains?” Alyssa whispered. She had since been placed in a sitting position by the nurse and was looking quite a bit better now that she knew it wasn't as serious as she had predicted.

“The womb is held in place in the pelvis by a series of ligaments that tether it to the sidewalls. Two of these, the round ligaments, have to stretch as the womb grows. Occasionally the pull is a little too much, and a small amount of bleeding occurs on to the ligaments, producing a sharp pain. The pains that you felt earlier today were your ligaments stretching too much.” He gave them the medical dictionary definition of the diagnosis while sowing them both on Alyssa’s stomach exactly what he was referring to.

“So the baby is okay? There is nothing wrong with it?” Nick questioned sitting down in the chair once again by Alyssa’s bed. Dr. Bysshe smiled a knowing smile. This question was a common amongst expecting parents. “Everything is fine. The baby is in perfect health. In fact, if you would like to know we can tell you the sex of your baby.”

Alyssa looked at Nick and Nick looked at her. Neither knew if they wanted to be surprised or if they wanted to know the details. Nick shrugged his shoulders, leaving the decision up to her. Alyssa searched her brain as to whether she would like to know or not. She weighed the pros: it would be easier for them to prepare the baby’s room, choose a name and to find the baby clothes that would match its gender. Then she weighed the cons: the mystery and the surprise at birth would be gone, her and Nick wouldn’t debate for days on end about names to choose for the baby. Either way she looked at it she couldn’t choose. She wanted to know but yet she also wanted to be surprised.

“I see that you are undecided at this possibility. I am going to release you shortly and allow you to go home. If at a later date you do want to know the gender of your unborn child give us a call and we’ll set an appointment up at my office and will give you the results.”

Alyssa and Nick were both relieved that she was being let out of the hellhole otherwise known as a hospital. Neither liked the environment, the white walls and the stench that was constantly present were frightening. They were also relieved by the fact that they wouldn’t have to choose if they wanted to know if their child was a boy or a girl.

“Now, I need to run over some rules for you when you get home. You will need your rest. I don’t want you to do any physical activity for the next month. Eat healthy. Protein, vegetables and fruits are imperative. I can’t stress that enough. After you leave, if you have any further questions call my office any time of the day. There is a nurse on duty twenty-four hours a day.”

Alyssa nodded to the doctor clarifying that she would in fact do as he said.

“Now, I bet you would like to leave right?” He gave a small chuckle at his own sense of humor while staring at the married couple.

“Yes please doctor.” Alyssa spoke in her normal voice. The morphine was slowly wearing off, though she could still feel its effect on her body but it wasn’t nearly as powerful as compared to an hour ago.

“Well, all I need is for you to sign this Mr. Carter and then I will give it to the front desk. I will have a nurse bring a chair by momentarily to take you to your vehicle.” He approached them and shook Nick’s hand with a pat on the back for reassurance that Alyssa would be okay. He had noticed how quiet the younger man was and thought that a little reassurance would cheer him up. It did, for Nick gave the man a manly hug and profusely thanked him for all his help. Moving on to Alyssa, Dr. Bysshe took her small hand in his and said with a smile on his face, “everything will be just fine. Don’t you worry about a thing. You and the baby are fine and it will be here in a few more months.” She nodded and he continued, “Just take it easy alright?”

Alyssa nodded again and the two shared a hug. “Thank you Doctor, thank you a lot.” She smiled as the older man exited the tiny room. Nick clasped his hand with hers and ran small circles over it with his thumb. She smiled up at him and placed her hand on her stomach. “All will be fine.” She whispered just as a nurse brought a wheelchair into the room, ready to take her out the car and back home where she and Nick could patiently wait for their unborn child.




*****


The days of the following week after the hospital visit passed in absolute boredom for Alyssa. Day one wasn’t all that bad. She was allowed to get a peaceful eighteen hour sleep in which no one disturbed her. After what she declared as the best sleep she had ever had she was restless. She wanted to get up, play with her son, whom she hadn’t heard from since before the hospital visit, and she wanted to see what Nick was doing upstairs. Sure, she liked her quiet moments but not when she had to be alone for nearly a full day! She looked on the nightstand and spotted a mysterious little object that would easily solve all her problems. She grasped the ceramic structure and proceeded to shake it with little energy. The sound of metal clanking against the glass object was melodious yet annoying all at the same time. Once the ringing finally subsided, she could hear feet climbing the stairs at a relatively fast pace before a blonde head stuck itself in the door. The two made eye contact before her husband came in and said with an amused voice, “You rang?” This emitted laughter from the both of them. They talked for a bit about what had been going on. Tyler and Ms. Forrester were at the zoo, leaving only the two of them in the house. He was downstairs watching television, giving her the time she needed to rest.

Day two wasn’t exactly eventful either, the same thing happened! Literally. She had slept for nearly twenty hours only to awake to a quiet house. Ms. Forrester had taken Tyler to the Natural Science Center and Nick was downstairs working in the at-home studio.

Day three came and gone with nothing but a headache and a backache from lying in the bed. Though she did manage to convince Nick to let her out of the bed for a bath. Before he had only let her use the bathroom for personal uses and for brushing her teeth, but nothing else. The bath was especially the best part about the day. It rejuvenated her and awakened her, causing her to grow even more restless.

The fourth day, Ms. Forrester and Tyler finally stayed at home and Alyssa finally was permitted to see Tyler. Nick had decided that I was best if Alyssa took it easy and that meant no seeing the kid who always acted as if he were on a sugar high. When Tyler bounced in the room with a crown on his head, a cape and a wooden pony between his legs, Alyssa couldn’t help but burst into a fit of giggles which got her a disapproving glance from Nick, who she shooed away before he could make a protective comment. She waved her son over to her, who followed her command by skipping and acting like he was riding his pony. He made a whinny sound as he pulled his horse to a stop with a “whoa there boy.” This sent Alyssa into another fit of giggles. The two sat there on the bed talking about what he had seen at the zoo and the Natural Science Center. She basked in the conversation and the interaction she had missed for days. Later that evening she had called Kerri just to talk, but they were only able to talk for a few hours until Kerri finally had to go as Eric, the guy she had been dating for an official month had arrived and Alyssa threw the phone to the end of the bed with an exasperated sigh before giving up and drifting into a fitful sleep.

By the fifth day, there were movies and DVD strewn around the room in cluttered piles. She had lost count as to how many she had watched. Now she turned her attention to daytime television which seemed to bore her even more.

The sixth day was the last straw. She had had it with sitting in the bed all day and only getting up when nature called or when it was time to shower. She was tired of the television, the videos and the periodical visits she had received. Nick was no help, he clamber over her for her every need as if she was a recent invalid and it was driving her nuts! Finally, in a rebellious act she climbed out of bed and marched straight to the door. She opened it with self-determination. The coast was clear and stepped outside the suffocating room and slowly and very carefully climbed down the steps. Once at the bottom she released a huge sigh of relief and turned to the right towards the back patio where she stepped outside and breathed in a breath of fresh air. It calmed her nerve and racked her senses at the fresh scent. It didn’t last long, her husband soon joined her and stared at her with a look that said, ‘you’re in big trouble missy.’