Chapter 39

In her sister's car, outside the dilapidated building that was once her home, Katarina sobbed on Billie's shoulder, never having felt such a devastating loss in her life.  "I lost him Billie...I lost him!"

"I'm so sorry Rina," her sister replied shakily and hugged her tightly, "I wish there was something I could do."

But they both knew that no one could do anything to change destiny.

It was destiny that caused Nick to have his accident.

It was destiny that brought Nick and Rina together.

And it was destiny that took him away again.

For good.

Katarina would never forget the sound of the building crashing to the ground in a heap of flames, with the knowledge that somewhere in that devastation was the only man she'd ever loved.

The only man she could ever love.

She could still hear Brian screaming for the loss of his best friend while Leighanne gripped his hand.

She could still see Sarah holding A.J as he sobbed in her arms and Kevin collapsing to the ground in a heap of tears with Kristin by his side, comforting him as best she could.

She could still feel Howie's tears on her shoulder...

Now what were they supposed to do?

How could any of them move on after witnessing something so traumatic?

How was she ever going to live without him?

The familiar music that quietly drifted from the radio into her ears, caused her eyes to overflow with tears as memories of being held in Nick's arms pierced her heart relentlessly.

"Sayin' I love you
 is not the words I want to hear from you.
 It's not that I want you
 not to say it but if you only knew
 how easy it would be to show me how you feel.

 More than words is all you have to do to make it real.
 Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
 'cuz I'd already know...

I never even got to tell him that I loved him...and now he'll never know.  I didn't get to show him...

Suddenly Billie stiffened.  "Rina."

"...What?"

"Look at this."

Katarina lifted her head and stared at her sister, puzzled.  "What?"

"Just look," she replied without looking at her.

With tired eyes she looked toward the direction that Billie was so interested in and instantly her eyes widened.  In the distance she could see a figure staggering toward them...a familiar figure that Katarina knew like that palm of her hand.  Not quite believing it, she rubbed her eyes and peered in the same direction.

"Dear God," Billie gasped, "it's him!"

Katarina jumped out of the car and raced toward him, nearly knocking down anyone who was in her path.  "Nick!  Nick!!"

He lifted his head.  "Rina!"

Elation swept through her as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her close.  "Oh God Nick!" She buried her face into his neck.  "I thought I lost you!"

"R...Rina..."

He suddenly felt so heavy and Katarina realized that he was collapsing.  "Nick?!"  She came down with him and when she peered into his face she held back an urge to bawl.  "Oh Nick..."

His eyes locked with hers.  "...It's...bad...isn't it?"

She brushed his bangs off his forehead.  "It doesn't matter Nicky.  As long as you're here...with me."

Despite his failing health, he managed a smile.  "...L...Love you Rina."

Katarina returned his beautiful smile with her own and just before the paramedics came to the rescue, she leaned forward and kissed him tenderly on his warm lips.

"I love you too Nicky."

***

 

 

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