Date: Tue, 9 Mar 2004 12:18:38 -0800 (PST) From: Alex Subject: Shut Up : Part 7 Disclaimer: This is my own personal work of fiction. The celebrity's (The members of 98 degrees & Jessica Simpson) used are in no way the way I make them out to be. I am in no way trying to say anything about there sexuality. This story is for PURE ENTERTAINMENT ONLY. Note From Author: I know that Nick and Jess are still married and I wish them the best of luck. Drew is married to and I wish him the same. I wish all the other members a good luck too! -------------------- Were we left off.... "Its almost nine o' clock now though. Its getting worse." "I know, and I was hoping that I wouldn't have to confront dad on this trip when your here." That kind of hurt me inside because it felt like Nick was telling me that he doesn't want to tell his dad. "I can always catch a flight..." Nick cut me off. "I'm sorry.. I didn't mean it that way. Its just that I don't feel like this is the right time to be telling my dad. That is his brother lying in the hospital." "I understand but I'm sure things will work out. They always do." "Ya.." Nick put his back to the counter and leaned back a little. Tilting his head back. I walked over to him without him noticing and started my tongue at his chest and went to his chin. When I pulled back he looked at me as I leaned in and gently kissed him on the lips. "It will be fine Nick." Nick pulled me into a hug, just as the door opened. Standing in the doorway with a shocked look on their face was... --------------------- Shut Up - Scene 7 --------------------- Nick's mom. She was carrying a suitcase and a small bag. She set them both down and just walked out. She ran back out as Drew pushed by her. "What the heck was that all about Nick?" Drew said. "Woah.. Woah.. Woah.. man. That was nothing but a hug?" Nick replied. "What the hell Nick? Why would you do that to mom!! It was enough that you even had to tell her but that!! Can't you keep your hormones under control?" "I JUST TOLD YOU DREW, it was a hug. Get the hell over it? Where did she go?" "She went to get dinner out of the car. SHE thought she would do something nice." Nick started to slip on some shoes. "What are you doing Nick?" Drew said. "I'm going fishing, what the hell does it looking like I'm doing??" "I don't really think that is a good idea right now?" "Drew, why don't you just shut up and get over it. Your just a mama's boy. She can handle herself." Drew started to get a mad look on his face just as there mom walked in. She looked from both boys to me before she spoke up. "I don't know what's going on here and right now I don't care. I have a sick member to deal with. So, since my boys are being so rude. I'm 'Mom", she said with a smile, "I'm tired and I'm going to bed. I don't need an explanation and I don't want one. Nick.. Drew.. if I hear arguing your both going to be sleeping outside. Now, if you will excuse me." With that she smiled at me and walked down the hallway closing her door. "Look what you did Nick!!" "Drew, your really starting to piss me off." "Get over youself." With that Nick slide off his shoes and walked down the hallway himself. Slamming the door behind him in his room. Drew just look from me and blew off steam. He did the same that Nick did. This time into his own room though. I was left not really knowing what to do. I just took a drink of the water I had gotten and went back to Nick's room. I walked in silently closing the door. I slipped off my shorts and shirt and got into bed. I didn't hear nick moving. I just rolled over on my side and closed my eyes. Then after a few minutes I heard Nick, he sounded like he had been crying. But he was trying to had that too. "Jason?" "Ya Nick?" "Do you think that they hate me?" "Of course not baby, your mom was shocked that's all. Drew will give in too. I hate to say it but he is a mama's boy. That's not bad. He just cares about you. Just give them both time. They both love you." "Ya.. I hope you right. Night." "Goodnight Nick." I fell asleep. I woke up at around eight in the morning. I woke up and looked over to Nick's bed. He was nowhere. I got up and slipped on my shorts and shirt. I walked into the hallway and didn't here anything. All that I smelled was coffee. I walked to the front window in the living room and looked out. There had to be a foot of snow or more. I was shocked. I had never seen that much snow before in my life. I moved to the kitchen. There was a note on the counter. Nick, I hope that you slept well. Your brother and I went up to see your Uncle. We are then going to pick up your father. We are going to eat at a small restaurant off of the airport I can't remember the name but we have been there a lot. We were hoping that you could join us. I'm ready to talk. Love, Mom I smiled as I poured myself some coffee. I took a sip and then sat it down wondering where in the heck Nick could be. I sat down at the table and noticed that Nick's shoes were gone. The curtains at the sliding glass door were pulled back. I took a sip of my drink, sat it down, and looked outside. Sure enough, there was Nick. Sitting on a small 2 person swing with a blanket. Looking outside. The newspaper was beside him. I slipped on my shoes and opened the door. He looked at me and smiled. "Mornin' sunshine." "Good morning Nick." I walked to the swing. I was freezing and Nick could tell. He tossed the paper to the deck. He opened up the blanket for me. I noticed that he was only in some shorts. "Aren't you freezing??" I said this I sat beside Nick. He put his arm around me and I leaned into him, wrapping the blanket around us. "Naw, I used to do this when I was in high school. It gives me a good chance to let me think. Its good for ya." "I think your crazy." There was a few moments of silence as I moved my hand to his thigh and massaged it a little. "Are you ok Nick?" "Ya, I guess so. I'm just dreading today.. you read the note didn't you." "Its a good think though Nick. At least they want to talk." "She wants my dad to be there though. I don't think I can handle that. He would die." "Everything is going to be ok Nick." Nick kissed the top of my head. "I hope so" "Maybe I should call the guys." I said after a minute or so. "For what?" "Nick, listen to me and I'm not going to back down when I say this. This is between you and your family. They don't know me and me being there might be good for us, but not for them. They are going to feel like you are pushing them away. That is what they don't want. You need to be open and honest with them about this. They love you and you love them." "But.." I interrupted Nick before he could speak. "Nick please don't. I care about you more than I ever thought I could right now. This needs to be on your own. I'll be here when you get him." "I never thought I'd say this, but your right. This is between them and I. I shouldn't have brought you through that. I'll give the guys a ring." Nick and I sat outside for about another ten minutes until we got up and went inside. He took my coffee in his room with him. Making me laugh. While he got ready to take me to the hotel I called the guys. Jeff answered. "O.. Hey Jason. We were just about to call there to see how everything was" "Its not good Jeff." "What do you mean?" I could hear the concern in his voice. "Nick's mom came home at the wrong time last night" "Ooo.. not good. Was it what I'm thinking." "I hope not. We were just hugging. But she kinda threw in the towel with it all." "I can only imagine the tension. Nick's mom is great lady.. but she's a tough old bat too." "Well, there is good news too. She is agreeing to meet him over lunch." "What time are you guys going there?" "NICK is going there in an hour or so." "Your not going??" "No. Nick wanted me but I told him that I really didn't want to. This is his game, not mine. It would be better off for him and his family in the end." "True.. True. So what are you going to do today." "I don't know. I was hoping that you guys could help me with that one." "We don't have any plans really. We rented some movies and of course some games", I heard him laugh, "We were planning on heading to the mall for some Christmas shopping. You are more than welcome to tag along." "Sounds good. I can have the other two meet us there later." "I'm game, and Justin's down for anything." "I should be there shortly." "Ok, later man." I hung up the phone, and just then Nick came up from behind me. Hugging me. He smelled good and his strong arms wrapped around me felt even BETTER! "Is it ok with them?" He said. "They don't care. We are probably going to hang out at the motel for a little while and then head to the mall for some shopping." "Shopping with those guys," he let out a laugh, "Have fun." "What's that supposed to mean?" I said turning to face them. "They are worse than girls. I mean, don't get me wrong we all love to shop. But the LOVE to shop. You'll have fund though. They are entertaining." I kissed Nick on the lips gently. He then moved in for a more passionate kiss. "Your going to be ok Nick. I promise." We hugged for a short amount of time before we left. It was a short drive to the hotel. Nick and I both got out when we arrived. Nick just walked in. Jeff was reading the paper and Justin was flipping channels. He flipped off the TV when we walked in. "Hey guys!! Its been awhile." Justin said jumping up. "Its only been a day man" Nick said while shaking hands with Justin and laughing. "It seems like forever." "Ignore him guys." Jeff broke in "So how have the two of you been." I looked to Nick. They both knew that I was fine. "I'm ok I guess. Jason said that he told you what was going on." "Ya man, I'm sorry to hear about that." Justin said. "I appreciate it guys. Hey, I have to run. Do me a favor and keep Jason entertained. I'll catch up with you guys in a few hours." With that Nick left. I felt bad to see him leaving alone. I could tell that there was fear in his eyes. After I watched Nick go I looked over to Jeff who was talking. "I was thinking that we hit the mall first. We have a few hours before we have to meet Nick. I know I need to get shopping for a lot of people. Justin too. What about you Jason. Gotta do any buying?" "Ya, I probably should. I haven't gotten anything and Christmas is two days away. The mall is going to be crazy." "Ya, that's what I'm hoping for. Then we won't get noticed." Justin said "Not to be like your boss, but that's what we want. Get your name out there EVEN MORE." "This is going to be a long day if your going to be spittin out that crap." Jeff said that with a grin. "Don't worry." --- The scene goes to Nick. Nick pulls into a small family restaurant. He turns the SUV off and just sits there for a few moments before grabbing his keys and hopping out. Nick walked slow. By the look on your face, You could tell that he wasn't the least bit ready for what he was about to face. Nick walked into the restaurant and he saw Drew wave a hand. Nick nodded and walked over. His dad was fiddling with his silverware. Nick looked at his mom who looked away with a tear in her eyes. Nick sat down. "Mom.. Dad.. Drew. I want to thank you for the invite." "Son, your mom won't tell me what's going on but look at her face. Something isn't right here and someday needs to fix it. We should be at the hospital right now. As a family. A TOGETHER family." Everybody was silent after Nick's dad spoke. "And where's Jessica." That made Nick's mom brake down in tears. Drew looked down and there father looked at Nick. "She won't be coming dad." "That Jess, she's probably out shopping away her life." "I wouldn't know dad." "What?" He had a puzzled look on his face. "Dad, Jess and I are getting a divorce. Its over between us. That's why we are here today" "Nick, I'm sorry for sounding cocky. We are going to be here for you no matter what. We love you and you are our son." Nick's eyes started to tear up and his dad put his arm on his shoulder. "Dad, Mom, Drew already knows what's going on." This got a saddened look from there mother. "Things have been changing in my life. Jessica and I are going our separate ways, not because of her, but because of me. I love her with all my heart and I always will but there has always been something missing. I couldn't put my finger on it until a few days ago. Mom, met that reason last night." Nick's mom got up and walked outside of the restaurant and Drew followed her. "What the hell is going on here Nicholas?" "Dad, that someone is Jason." "JASON? What are you talking about?" "Dad.. I think I might be having mixed feelings about my sexuality?" "Woah...you know. Your mom was right.. we shouldn't have came." With that he also got up too and walked outside. Nick followed. Drew and his Mom were sitting outside. "Its time to go hun. We are going HOME." "Dad, Mom, you guys have to hear me through on this. Don't leave me like this." They kept walking "Please, its still me. Its still Nick. Drew.." Drew gave Nick a sympathetic smile. They got to the car and everybody hopped it. "You guys come on. Please!" They just drove away. Leaving Nick in the parking lot. Nick couldn't believe what had just happened. He knew that his dad wouldn't have taken it well but his whole family just walked out on him and left him in the dust. All alone. --- The scene goes to Jason, Justin, and Jeff The three guys are walking through the mall. All of them holding something to drink and talking. They all also have bags. "Are you going to be around for Christmas?" Justin said. "I hope so. Nick invited me and everything." I said. "We figured he would. You know, Nick has really been different lately." Jeff said. "How so?" "I dunno. We can tell that he has been different around you. Not in a bad way. In a REALLY good way. He's happy and that is all that we want for him. We were all shocked at first but we can get used to it. We are closer than brothers and we know what's going on. And Nick is just a better man with you." Jeff said. "Its only been a few days though guys. We don't want to jump on anything." I replied. "Your not jumping on anything. This is how relationships work. We all have conflicting schedules so that is just how things work out. Have you thought about what your getting him for Christmas?" Justin. "Yes and No. I don't know what to get him. I mean. What do you get the man who has everything." "We have always felt the way. I'm sure that you'll find something though. I saw that you picked out some shirts that are defiantly not for you." Jeff said. "Ya, but that's a shirt. You can get those anywhere." I smiled. "True.. you'll think of something. We are always here for you." Jeff said. Right after he said my cell phone went off. I opened it. "Talk to me." "Jason.. its Nick. I'm here." "O.. hey baby." Jeff & Justin were both looking at me so I mouthed to them. 'NICK'. They both nodded an ok. "Are you still at the mall?" "Ya, are you on your way." "I don't think so babe." "Are you ok Nick? Did you talk to your parents." "I don't want to talk about that. I just wanted to let you know that I'm at the Hilton. Its a few hotels down from the guys. I got us both rooms. But I wont' be coming to the mall." "Are you sure your ok Nick?" "I'm fine. I'm just gonna lay down. I'll see ya when you get home. Have fun." "Alright. If you need me I'm only a call away." "I know. Night." I snapped my phone shut and looked at the guys who were looking at pets in the pet store. I walked over. "Don't tell me your going to bring home a gerbil or something guys.." "Naw, I was thinking more along the lines of a snake or something" Jeff said while Justin rolled his eyes. Jeff walked off to look leaving me and Justin alone. I was feeling a bit down about the whole Nick thing. "Are you all right Jason?" "Ya.." "I haven't know you for all that long but I can tell when something's wrong. They should call me dr. Justin." That made me laugh. "Thanks. I'm just worried about Nick. I guess he talked to his family and he just didn't seem to happy about things. He got us our own rooms at the Hilton I guess." "I'm sure things will blow over. We're almost done. You can go check on Nick." "You guys can come if you'd like." "Naw, Nick was never to open with things like that. He likes to be alone." With that Justin went and got Jeff and we all left the mall. We filled in Jeff along the way. He acted the same way as Justin did. We got to the Hilton and they just dropped me in. I walked into the hotel and asked to get into Mr. Lachey's room. They asked for my name. I gave it. And then they gave me a key card. I went up to the floor and slid the key card through the door. It opened and I walked in. I could hear the radio on in the back room. The door was closed. I went to the room and slowly opened the door. Nick was lying sprawled out on the bed sleeping. He was wearing a t-shirt and had put on some basketball shorts. He had the radio on, and that is what I was hearing. I slipped into the bathroom and did my thing. I came out and slipped into some shorts and a t-shirt myself. I wasn't sure how to approach Nick. I didn't want to push him away, but yet I also wanted to be here for him. I went into the next room. Witch was a small glass room. It was meant to be a winter porch. It worked. I sat down on the love seat and pulled a blanket around myself. I looked outside as the snow started to fall again. Just a few days ago I was the head of a large organization. And now, I'm here with one of our biggest members. Feeling bad. I was always told not to mix business with pleasure and that was exactly what I was doing. And I was loving it. I was loving Lachey. That thought made me laugh. The snow continued to fall as I lie awake. -------------------- I wanted to end it like that. And leave it all a mess. Don't forget to check out My Everything. Witch is better than ever!! And check out 'The Way I Feel For You' The writer is ALIVE!! I've been waiting. Also, sorry for the long delay in the story. I had to give into a new computer and lost the first version of scene 7. Thank you for being patient. Comments are always welcome. storysendsu@yahoo.com Thanx guyz! --Alex