Chapter 91:
Storm Warning
With a soft click the door opened and
Xavier walked calmly into the room, his eyes adjusting rapidly to the
semi-darkness. The room was a mess; clothes strewn everywhere, damp towels
thrown carelessly on the floor, half-empty cans of soda perched precariously on
top of the TV. Xavier ignored it all, his eyes searching carefully for what he
knew would be here. He paused for a moment, pondering, then knelt down under
the bed, reaching with a long arm to drag out what he had been seeking. His
eyes glittered in satisfaction and he stared long and hard at what lay before
him, impressed. It took only a minute to complete his task and then he gone,
leaving as quickly as he had come.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nick hurried down the corridors of the McKale center, in a panic. Shit! Shit! Shit! It was
all he could do to keep from screaming as he frantically searched the arena,
not stopping for a second as he questioned anyone and everyone about Brian's
whereabouts. He was met with blank stares or indifferent shrugs and frustrated,
he continued on, picking up the pace, hoping the guys were having better luck
than him.
It had taken only a moment, a bare split
second, and Brian was gone, vanished. Nick had been laughing, joking with him
as they dressed for the show and then bam! he had turned around to find that
Brian had disappeared.
Alarmed, Nick had rushed to locate AJ,
Kevin and Howie. He found them deep in conversation with Sam but upon seeing
Nick's flushed and anxious face they had immediately stopped. Even though Sam
swore Xavier was with Eric at that very moment, Nick would not calm down and
they had all split up, taking a different section of the arena to search for
Brian.
Some twenty minutes later Nick had still
not located him. Panting from exertion and fear, he leaned against a wall,
closing his eyes to try and regain some control. He prayed that it wouldn't be
much longer until….Pray! Nick's eyes shot open and he pushed away from the
wall. Pray. He knew that every arena had some sort of chapel room, a small
place for team players or visiting guests. Now all he had to do was find it.
Grabbing the nearest maintenance help he urgently asked for directions. The
young helper looked at Nick with disbelief, then pointed sarcastically to a
room a mere twenty feet away.
Nick stood before the door, hesitant.
Cautiously, almost timidly he slipped in, scanning the small room. There in the
dim light, faintly illuminated by an arched stained glass overhead, sat Brian,
his body slightly bent over. Nick heard the faint whoosh of the air conditioner
kick in but it didn't muffle the bitter, anguished words as Brian pleaded,
begged God for help.
"Why didn't you rescue me?" Nick
heard Brian demand, his voice in torment. "Where were you? If you loved
me, where were you?"
Nick leaned his head dejectedly against
the wall, knowing Brian's words were meant for God, but felt the meaning hit
home to him personally. Why hadn't he been able to rescue his friend? And
was he truly a friend? If so, why didn't he see the agony, the suffering Brian
had endured?
"Nick?"
Nick jumped noticeably, seeing Brian
twisted in his seat, a concerned look on his face. Nick shifted uncomfortably.
"Are you okay?"
"Yes." Nick shook his head.
"No." He sighed. "I don't know."
"Yeah, me neither." Giving him a
tired smile, Brian indicated for him to sit down.
"Jeez, Bri, you scared the shi…"
Nick glanced at the cross…"uh, daylights outta me. I've been looking all
over for you! Next time, just tell me where you're going, okay?"
Brian smiled apologetically and leaned
back against the chair. "Sorry."
Nick eyed him closely and glanced at his
luminous watch. "It's almost time. We need to go. You, uh, finished
here?"
Brian gave a small grin, seeing Nick's
discomfort. "Yeah. I was just having a little one on one argument with
God."
"Who won?"
Brian burst out laughing, shaking his head
and Nick grinned back, happy to see Brian relaxing a bit. He began to rise when
he felt Brian's tight grip around his wrist. Startled, he gave Brian a puzzled
look.
"Nick? Would you mind if I prayed?
With you? You don't have to say anything," he added quickly, sensing
Nick's hesitation.
Slowly sitting back in his chair, Nick
nodded, seeing the pleading look in his friend's eyes. "Sure, Frick."
He watched as Brian leaned forward, his
hands intertwined, his head bowed. For a moment Brian said nothing and Nick
began to fidget awkwardly but stopped when he heard Brian's earnest plea, the
soft drawl of his accent heavy with sincerity.
"Heavenly Father, help me to let go
of my fear, my doubt and confusion. Help me go forward in peace and confidence.
Today I am willing to face my discomfort, knowing that healing and release are
on the other side. I will do my part, including letting go of fear and trusting
you to do the rest. God, help me remember that what seems hopeless today can
often be solved tomorrow, even if I can't see the solution. Help me go on with
my life, in spite of my circumstances, trusting that things will work out.
Amen."
Brian kept his head bowed for a moment
longer then sighed and glanced at Nick with a small smile. "Thanks."
"No problem."
Noticing the stiffness in Brian's
movements as he tried to stand, Nick reached out to lend a supporting hand.
Brian gave him a grateful look and Nick nodded, holding the door open for him.
"Everything is going to be fine," he promised as he followed Brian outside.
Nick's eyes narrowed in determination "Trust me. I'm gonna make sure of
it."
* * * * * * * * * * *
Another dead end. Howie sighed in
frustration as he scanned the deserted hallway. Where the hell was Brian? If
we don't find him soon…he took a quick glance at his watch. Shit! It was
almost time to go on. He turned and hurried back the way he came, seeing AJ and
Kevin standing at the end of the hall.
"Any luck?" he panted as he
jogged up to them.
"Nope." Kevin rubbed his chin
thoughtfully. "Let's go get Nick. Maybe he's found Brian." All three
rounded another corner and simultaneously stopped, the large form of Xavier
blocking their way.
***
