Chapter 29

 

A little over an hour later, it was time for Nick to be taken to the OR for his surgery.  Right before he was taken in, Dr. Fergeson let everyone, including the four Backstreet Boys, to come in and see him, for what could be the last time.

 

Jane and Bob let Brian, AJ, Kevin, and Howie go into Nick’s room first.

 

“Hey guys,” Nick said groggily, when they came in.  He had already been given medicine to relax him, and it had taken affect.  He was nervous about his upcoming surgery, but he knew it was his only hope.  Without it, he would surely be dead in a matter of days.

 

“Hey, Nick,” they said. 

 

“We only have a few minutes with you, so we’ll make this quick,” Brian said.  He stepped up to Nick and gave him a light hug, being careful not to disturb the monitors hooked up to Nick.  “I love ya, Frack.  Be strong for me.”

 

“I love you too, Frick,” Nick said, smiling sadly up at his best friend. 

 

“Nick, you’ve made it this far,” Howie said, hugging him next.  “You can make it all the way.”

 

“You have to make it all the way, Nick,” Kevin added.  “I mean, we need you to get on stage with us to perform.  How else will we keep our popularity?”

 

AJ’s mouth dropped open.  Had Kevin really said that?

 

Kevin noticed AJ’s expression and laughed.  “Chill, Bone, I’m kidding,” he said.  He turned back to Nick.  “Nick, I don’t give a rat’s ass about performing.  All that matters is you getting better,” he said sincerely.

 

Nick smiled slightly.  “I’ll try not to let you down, Train,” he said.

 

“You’ll try?  That isn’t good enough, Nick.  You absolutely can’t let him down,” AJ said.   

 

Nick smiled sadly up at AJ.  “If I have my way, I won’t let any of you down,” he said.  “But it’s pretty much up to God now.”

 

“And God’s with you,” Brian said.  “He’ll be watching over you.  He’ll get you through this.”

 

Nick nodded. 

 

Just then, there was a knock at the door, and in stepped Jane.

 

“Well, Nicky, we’ve got to share you with your family now,” Howie said.  “We’ll see you later.”

 

“Okay,” Nick whispered.  “I love you all.  Bye.”

 

“Bye,” they all whispered and left the room, letting Nick’s family in to say their goodbyes to him.

 

***

 

 

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