Date: Wed, 11 Apr 2001 06:56:50 From: Jeff Langdon Subject: Westlife Romance - Chapter 20 This story is pure fiction and involves the members of Westlife. I am in no way implying anything about the sexuality of any of their members. This is purely a fictional story. Enjoy! I would really, really appreciate some feedback on the story...so please send any comments and/or suggestions to jeff_langdon@hotmail.com. I would love to hear from you!! * * * * * * * * * Westlife Romance - Part 20 Nicky managed to dry his tears and regain his composure before the car arrived at the hotel. Once there, the lads filed out and headed to the elevator. "So where are we going for dinner tonight?" Bryan asked. "I told you ten times already," Shane replied, pretending to be exasperated, "we're going to the Japanese restaurant." "I was just making sure," Bryan answered with a goofy grin. The ride to their private floor was quick, and Nicky was even quicker to retreat into his room. Since that fateful night, arrangements were made to give Bryan and Nicky the room with two beds while Kian was moved into a single room. As Nicky disappeared into the room, the other lads exchanged worried glances. "Let me go see if he's alright," Mark offered. The others agreed. Bryan was afraid that if he got too close with Nicky, he might give Nicky the wrong idea. Shane still couldn't deal with his guilt and felt awkward around Nicky and Kian, well, Nicky has yet say much to him since that night. Mark knocked gently on the door and Nicky answered after a few seconds. "Hey Mark," Nicky smiled, "what's up?" "Can I come in for a bit?" "Of course you can, Mark!" Nicky opened the door wider to let his friend in. "You looking for Bryan? He's not back yet," Nicky said as he cleaned up a few things that were lying around the room. "No, actually, I came to see you," Mark replied. "Okay..." Nicky answered, somewhat surprised. "What about?" "I just wanted to see how you were holding up," Mark started, treading carefully with the words that he chose. "You've been awfully quiet today." "I'm fine, Mark. I'm just a bit worn out, that's all." "You know that we're here for you if you need us, right?" "Yeah, and I appreciate that, Mark." "No problem, Nix," Mark replied. "So you ready to go out for dinner?" "You know what? I think I'm just going to stay in tonight. I really don't feel like going out." "You sure?" "Yeah..." Nicky answered. "Quit worrying about me! I'm older than you, remember?" Nicky joked. "I'm supposed to be worrying about you children." "Oh, so we're children now, huh?" Mark grinned. "That's right. And now you kids should all go out and play and have fun." "Okay, okay!! I know when I'm not wanted around here," Mark mock pouted. Then getting serious again, "My mobile phone is on if you need us." As the door closed behind him, Mark sighed. Nicky's façade didn't fool him, but at the same time, there wasn't much that he could do. As he walked into the lounge, he found three anxious pairs of eyes focusing on him. "Well?" Shane finally asked. "Is he alright?" "He says he is," Mark replied. "He isn't talking, is he?" Bryan answered. "Nicky's putting up walls all around him," Mark continued. "I can't get through. And he says he's not coming for dinner either." As he said this, he could see Kian slump dejectedly in his chair. A few hours later, the hotel floor was nearly deserted as the lads went out for dinner. Nicky went into the lounge to get himself a glass of hot water. As he walked in, he came face to face with Derek. Both boys looked at each other awkwardly, not really knowing what to say. "Hi Derek," Nicky finally said. "How's it going?" "I'm doing okay, Nicky. Thanks," Derek answered softly. As Nicky poured himself a glass of water, Derek stood there, not knowing what to do. "Uh, Nicky..." "Yeah?" "I know that you probably hate me so much right now," Derek continued, his eyes on the floor. "But...but I wanted to say thank you for allowing me to keep my job." "It was a management decision," Nicky replied. "You should thank them." "Yeah, but I know that you must have put in a good word for me or else I would be back in Dublin already." "Well, don't mention it," Nicky answered. "Just keep doing the good job that you've been doing, and you'll do fine." Nicky began to walk out of the lounge but turned around to face Derek. "And Derek?" "Yeah?" "Take good care of Kian. He needs you right now." "I'll take care of him..." As Nicky went back to his room, Derek remained in the lounge drinking his coffee. A sly mile formed on his face. "Silly boy," he thought to himself. "That was easier than I thought." Nicky went back to his room, put on some soft music and began reading some books that he had bought a few days back. He realized that it had been a long time since he had time alone to read. About half-an-hour into the reading, Nicky heard a soft knocking at his door. Getting up from the chair, he walked to open the door. "Bryan, Bryan, you keep forgetting your keys," he thought to himself. He opened the door, about to make a remark when he realized that it wasn't Bryan. "Kian..." "Can I come in, Nicky? We need to talk..." ...to be continued.... * * * * * * * * * Hope you enjoyed this segment. Let me know what you think!! I'd love to hear any comments/ideas/questions. Please e-mail me at jeff_langdon@hotmail.com.