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Nick's Point Of View (POV)

“So, I went downstairs to talk with security and to see what was up. This is what the package had in it.” I handed Brian t he package that I kept outside the room when I went in to see Hailey. Brian looked inside and took the contents out with a puzzled look.

“My God.” Brian whispered as he looked at the pictures. There were a set of five pictures, all with Hailey and myself. “This is from Florida our first concert. I don’t understand, this isn’t a fan, this is a psycho.” The pictures were ripped in half of me and Hailey. My side was in this “heaven format” and Hailey’s had her in different scenes of being hurt or pretty much mutilated.

“I don’t understand how anyone knows this far in advance of what hotel we stay in. Denise is trying to get us another reservation somewhere else. It’s hard in a town like Lexington.”

“Well, you guys can come with me and stay at my parents for the time being. Nick, you shouldn’t tell her. She doesn’t need to know.”

“She got a phone call today…no number but she said they said, ‘stay away from Nick’ and hung up.”

“What, how do they have her number?” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I can’t keep this from her, she already knows something is up.”

“Well, don’t show her the pictures, tell her that security took them. I’ll hold onto them now.”

“Shouldn’t I just throw them out?”

“I wouldn’t yet. We don’t know how serious this is. It may not be anything at all.”

“Well, we’ll stay here tonight and see if we get anything else or another place to say.”

“Okay man. I’ll see you tomorrow on the farm for sure though?”

“Yeah.”

“Bring Hailey my parents would love to meet her.”

“Thanks. I’ll call you in the morning.” I gave Brian a hug and went back to my room. I had to knock on the door because I had her lock it from the inside as well.

“Hold on,” I heard her yell out and start to unlock the door. When she opened the door she smiled sweetly. I just wanted to hold her in my arms to keep her safe. “Hey you.”

I shut the door behind me and locked it up. What was I going to tell her? I wanted to tell her the truth, it’s something we both are working on with her eating and all.

“I need to tell you something but I want you to not worry and know that the situation is being handled.” Her blue eyes grew intense as she sat on the bed. I saw her wince a little as she lifted her leg up onto the bed. “Let me get you some ice first because I forgot.” I got the ice bucket and quickly went down the hall and back within a minute. I put some in a towel and set it on her knee that was propped up onto a pillow.

“Nick what’s going on, you can tell me whatever it is.”

“I know I can and I want to. But you also have to trust me.” She nodded her head and took my hand into hers. I began telling her about the pictures, leaving out most of the details. “So, you need to tell me right away if you see or hear anything that doesn’t feel right.”

“I promise. I see why you wouldn’t want to tell me, I’m glad you did though.” She pulled me next to her to lie down. Once again our faces came close, our lips brushed each other and I could hear our breathe becoming heavier. “Nick, I—“

“Shh,” I brushed my thumb over her cherry lips. I leaned in a little more and kissed her. I pulled away for a brief moment, her eyes were closed, lips soft and full. I studied her face for a minute longer to know it was okay and tilted my head back down in for another kiss. A minute later we pulled apart and she was smiling. I kissed her dimple on her cheek.

“I’ve been waiting for that.”

“Me too,” I answered back, running my hand through her long golden hair.

“I need you to know, it’s been a long time since I’ve—“

“I won’t go any faster than you want.” She pulled me in for a hug and we spent the rest of the night in each others arms.

~*~*~ Later that Night*~*~

“Hale’s, your phone…it’s ringing.” I shook her gently. “Where is it?”

“What?” She turned into me sleepily.

“Your phone, it’s been ringing non stop. You may want to get it. Where is it?”

“I don’t know?” She sat up and rubbed her eyes “What time is it?”

“Three am.” Her phone began ringing again.

“I think it’s in the bathroom.” She went to get up but I did before she could. I went into the bathroom and there it was glowing and singing a Chris Daughtry song at me on the counter.

“Hello?” I answered. “Hello?” I asked again and then there was a click. I brought it over to the bed and she was already lying back down. I climbed into bed and just as I went to lie down the phone started again. “You answer it, they hung up on me last time.” She groaned a little and took the phone.

“Yeah?” she answered. “Excuse me?” She now sat up all the way against the head board. “How did …who is this?” I turned on the night stand light and her eyes were on me. They were filled with fright and nervousness.

“Hale’s give me the phone.”

“They hung up…” She put her phone down slowly from her ear. “They said that I should get out of your room.”

“I’m calling security. We’re going to have to give your phone over.” I got out my cell phone and called our security explaining everything that happened. “They’ll be up but we’re going to go to Brian’s for the night.”

“Nick what about the other’s?”

“They’re fine; we’re just worried about you. I’m calling Bri, go get your things.” She nodded her head and stood up and limped to the door. Can’t this girl get a break? I thought to myself. “Hales wait.” She turned around and I walked up to her giving a hug and kissed her. She smiled and walked out of the room.

Hailey’s POV

I went into my room careful not to wake up Katie and most likely Howie too. I turned on the bathroom light so that it wouldn’t be too bright and packed up suitcase. I rolled it out into the hall way where Nick and two body guards and A.J. were waiting.

“Hey babe, you’re going to be fine. This kind of stuff happens; we’ll just get you a new number and locate to a different place.” A.J. pulled me in for a hug.

“Let Katie know what’s going on in the morning for me?”

“Of course. I’m sure Brian’s parents have breakfast made right now with a bed and clean sheets ready to go. You’ll love them.” I looked over at Nick.

“It’s true. Come on, see you tomorrow Bone.” Nick and A.J. hugged briefly and we walked down the hall to the elevator at four a.m.

“Tired?” Nick asked as I leaned against the inside of the hotel. I shook my head and yawned. “You can sleep in tomorrow.” Nick put his arm around me and the elevator opened. A van was waiting for us out front. We climbed in the back and buckled in. I lied my head down on Nick’s shoulder and put my knee over his lap; he gently messaged it.

“I feel bad for going to Brian’s parents.”

“Don’t, they’re used to the five of us showing up at odd times like this. They’re the greatest, been more of a Mom and Dad for me than my real parents…” Nick’s voice trailed off and I could hear a tone of hurt in it. I played with his long locks of blonde and closed my eyes. It was about a thirty minute drive but I was asleep in five.

We arrived shortly to the Littrell farm. Hailey was passed out on my shoulder and I saw Brian come out of the house in his sweat pants and Kentucky shirt. Eric, one our body guards opened the door and I unbuckled Hailey’s seat belt. I picked her up into my arms and got out of the van.

“Hey Nick, are you doing alright?”

“Yeah, thanks man for letting us crash.”

“Nick?” Hailey lifted her head from my shoulder.

“We’re at Brian’s.” I set her down to the ground. Brian pulled her in for a hug and I saw her fall into him.

“Whoa there doll.”

“Sorry, just stiff.”

“I’ll bring her in Nick, why don’t you get your stuff and come in.” Brian carried her in his arms into the house. I couldn’t help but feel a slight pain of jealousy. “It’s only Brian.” I said to myself and got one of the bags. We brought them into the living room, Hailey was lying on the couch that was pulled out into a bed all made up and under the covers.

“Kevin’s in the extra room.”

“Oh, I forgot he came with you. This is fine, it’s comfortable, and I’ve slept on with A.J. and Howie so the two of us will be great.”

“You want to go to bed?”

“I’m kind of awake.”

“Want some tea?”

“Sure.” I pulled the sheets over Hailey’s shoulders and followed Brian into the kitchen.

“I can’t believe this is happening. We’ve had some crazy fans in the past but never this crazy. Did they take her phone?” I nodded my head and took out to coffee mugs from the cupboard while Brian boiled the water.

“I just don’t get how someone could her cell phone number?”

“Maybe it’s someone crazy she knows?”

“Anything’s possible. I just need her to focus on letting her knee heel and to be eating.”

“How are you doing with eating and everything?”

“I’m fine, she’s been helping a lot but she’s not eating like she should be for the amount she works out.”

“She felt lighter when I brought her in. Well, Mom won’t let her not eat while she’s here.” We both laughed knowing how much Brian’s mom loved to cook. The water boiled and Brian poured us each a cup of tea.

“Tea man, look at what we’ve become.” I said taking a sip of the warm, honey liquid. We finished our cups and headed to bed.

“I’ll shut the doors in here so that no one disturbs you.”

“Thanks Bri, goodnight.” I climbed into bed carefully not to stir her. I prayed to God that tomorrow everything would be fine and fell asleep soon after.



I awoke to the smell of the crackling bacon and blue berry pancakes and fresh brewed coffee. I looked over next to me and Hailey was still sleeping. Damn the girl could sleep. I got out of bed or the couch I should say and made my way to the kitchen. Brian, Kevin, and his parents were all in there.

“Nickolas!” His Mom, Jackie, came right over to me from the stove and pulled me in for a hug. “It’s so good to see you! I’m sorry you have to go through this with your girlfriend though!”

“She’s not my girlfriend…but thanks. Hello Harry,” I shook Brian’s dad’s hand. I looked at the clock on stove. It read ten-thirty-five.

“Hey Nicky,” Kevin patted my back and poured himself another cup of coffee.

“Hey,” I sat down at the table and Jackie, brought me over a plate of pancakes.

“Coffee or juice?” she asked me in her southern accent.

“Coffee, please.”

“We’ve made plenty, so when, Hailey, that her name?”

“Yes.”

“So when she wakes she can help herself. We have to go into town today to get some things for the farm but make yourself at home.”

“Thanks for your hospitality once again.” I took a bite of the pancakes and chatted with Kevin and Brian. I helped clean up the kitchen with the guys and it was almost noon.

“She still sleeping?” Kevin asked drying a plate.

“Guess so,” I walked out of the kitchen and into the living room where she was still sleeping. She was tucked in the fetal position, her hair spilling across her face. I sat down next to her and brushed the strays behind her ears. I heard her murmur a bit and roll towards me. She was still asleep. I picked out some clothes to wear and grabbed my shower bag so I could shower and get ready for the day.

“Nick, I got off the phone with A.J. and they’re moving them outside of Lexington about thirty minutes from here.” Brian had peeked through the bathroom door to tell me. I was brushing my teeth and had just stepped out of the shower.

“Okay, do they want us to go there?”

“I told them you guys could stay here. A fan is more likely to find a hotel than my house.”

“That’s true,” I rinsed my tooth brush. “I’m going to get dress then be down in a minute.”

“Alright.” I threw my clothes on went downstairs.

“Nick is she sick or something? She hasn’t woken up once?” Kevin asked as we looked over her.

“I don’t know? Hale’s time to get up, it’s almost one,” I rubbed her back and she moaned a little before opening her eyes. She blinked a few times to adjust to the light. “Good morning sleeping beauty,” she smiled and closed her eyes. “You hungry? Brian’s mom made some fabulous blue berry pancakes.” She shook her head no and burrowed into my lap.

“WAKE UP!” Brian yelled and jumped up onto the mattress.

“Go away!” She pulled the pillow over head and then threw it towards Brian.

“Someone is NOT a morning person today.”

“Kevin, I am NEVER a morning person.” She sat up with a painful expression on her face.

“Are you okay?” I asked helping her sit up. She shrugged her shoulders like she usually did when she didn’t want to tell the truth. I pulled the sheets down and off her legs.

“Girl that knee does not look good!” Brian said getting closer.

“Can you move it?” I asked gently pushing on her knee to feel how swollen it was. I saw her try to bend it and she cried out a little and then burry her face in a pillow.

“Dammit!” I heard her muffle into the pillow. I couldn’t help but laugh at how cute it sounded.

“Maybe you just need to move it around?” I asked trying to be optimistic. “Did you bring your brace?” She nodded her head that was still under the pillow.

“How about you go shower and we’ll warm up you some breakfast and get you moving a little.” She sat up and sighed. Brian and Kevin went into the kitchen and she looked up at me with frustration in her eyes.

“Do you think it’s more than a sprain?” I helped her get her legs over the bed.

“I don’t know? I just know I have two days for it to heel.” She put her arm around my neck and we stood up together. She stepped down and immediately all of her weight was on me. This wasn’t a good sign. “Do you want to keep walking or do you want me to carry you?”

“Keep walking, I haven’t moved it since yesterday really so I need to get blood flow in there,” we continued to head to the stairs. She placed her left hand on the railing, I held onto her right arm and put my left arm around her waist. Slowly but surely we made it to the top of the stairs.

“Have a seat on the tub; I’ll get you some towels.” Nick left for a moment and I started the shower. He returned with a towel and wash cloth. “I’ll put your suit case in Brian’s room, you okay to get in and out on your own?” She nodded her head and thanked me. I hated to see her discouraged. I knew she didn’t like being vulnerable. “Just yell when you’re done, I’ll help you out.”

“Could you grab me a couple Advil too please?”

“Sure thing.”

Hailey’s POV

I slipped my clothes off and stood up on one leg in the tub. I wasn’t even going to try to stand on my bad knee on a wet surface. If it weren’t already blown, it would be. I’d just take it easy today and tomorrow and be good for the show Friday...right?

I let the hot water run through my hair and down my body, warming me and allowing my muscles to relax. I could handle a psychotic fan but this knee thing…please. I didn’t even do it, I had a different psychotic person push me down. After ten minutes I sat back down on the tub and dried my body off with the large, white fluffy towel Nick brought me. A bottle of Advil sat on the counter, along with my tooth brush and tooth paste.

“He’s too good to me,” I said to myself and opened the Advil. I popped four in my mouth, stuck my face under the sink faucet and took a drink of cold water. I brushed my teeth and tightened the towel around my body. “I can do this, Brian’s room is…well, I’m not sure which room his is?” I opened the door and steam poured out. I could hear Nick’s voice downstairs, not talking with Brian or Kevin, it sounded like he was on the phone. I held onto the wall and limped, looking around in each room.

“Your stuff is in here,” Brian popped out of a room that I assumed was his. He came by my side and ushered me in.

“Thanks.”

“You’re walking a little better, the shower help?”

“Yes, thank you.”

“I’ll let you get dressed,” he closed the door and I went through my suit case. I looked out the window; it was going to be a hot summer day. I put on a white halter top and a pair of jean shorts, along with my bulky black and green brace on my knee. I stood up and it immediately had much more support.
I saw Brian’s guitar lying on his bed, picked it up and began to strum. It had been a while since I played but my fingers instantly remembered chords and places to go.

“I didn’t know you could play,” Brian popped his head in.

“Oh—hey, yeah a little. I actually learned a lot of your guys’ songs because they’re beautiful. ‘That’s What She Said.’…yeah amazing song and amazing to play. I set the guitar down and Brian put it back in my lap.

“Play it.”

“Play what?”

“That’s What She Said,” he sat next to me.

“Okay…?” I held the guitar in hands, plucked a few strings to familiarize myself with the song and began to play and sing.

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

There are people who say what you wanna hear,
even on a rainy day they'll tell you the sky is clear.
When you really really love someone am I right
when I say that you want them near?
And if can’t even tell them things
that they wanna hear—

Always for ever
one thing she said
never say never
the simple lies that she said I will never leave you
all the love I thought she had
but can you blame me no
cause that’s what she said
that’s what she said
she told me we'd see forever
that’s what she said she said yeah.

There are people
who say what they really mean,
she said she'd always be there,
she said she'd always care,
but just when you think that you can trust that someone you love
tell me why do you know that stars can fall from above?

Always forever
one thing she said,
never say never.
Those simple lies that she said,
I will never leave you,
all the love I thought she had
but can you blame me no
mm



’cause that’s what she said
that’s what she said
she told me we'd see forever.
that’s what she said
ooh ooh ohho yeah
that’s what she said
she told me we'd be together
that’s what she said she said

’Cause you made promises that you couldn't keep
but you're not hurting yourself
you're only hurting me
Why would you say things that you really didn't mean?
Oh how can I make you see just what you did to me?

Ooh you said how much you really care,
just when I thought I was in love
girl how could you care
if I were you I could not lie even once to the face of the one
that I love so much?

Always forever,
one thing she said
never say never
those simple lies she said.
I will never leave you
all the love I thought she had.
but can you blame me no
mm
cause that’s what she said
that’s what she said
she told me we're see forever
that’s what she said
ooh ooh yeah
that’s what she said
she told me we'd be together.
oh that’s what she said…


"That's what She Said"- Brian Littrell