Home Away From Home

Chapter 18

After the ceremony, the party began. They danced to "Could I have this kiss forever" by Whitney Houston and Enrique Iglesias for their first dance. Nick couldn't keep his eyes off Valerie. He just couldn't understand how someone could be so beautiful. Valerie smiled at him. After they danced, people joined them. There weren't as many people there, but they managed to make the party amazing. Later on, their cake came out and they put it on each other's faces. They both laughed and fed each other a piece of cake. People started going home and Nick and Valerie danced together, alone outside. Her head was on his chest and his chin was on top of her head. They both felt complete in each other's arms.

"So how does it feel to be Mrs. Valerie Conan?" He asked.

"I expected it to be better, but it's not bad."

"You and your sarcasm." He rolled his eyes, but he knew he loved it.

"Now you're stuck with it forever."

"I can live with that." He smiled. "Is it okay if I talk about going back to the army or no?" He knew it was a bad timing, but they had to talk about it eventually.

"I'm always okay with you talking about the army, but I don't want to think about you leaving today. I know you're leaving soon and it kills me to think about it. So let's not today." She didn't want to think about him leaving her when he finally became officially hers.

"Sure, sweetheart." He kissed her and they continued dancing. Later that day, Nick slept in Valerie's house because Sally was taken back to the hospital. Before Valerie fell asleep in his arms, she asked him,

"Will we ever get our own place?" She was curious if they'd ever go on their own.

"Yeah, I really want to. I want to live in a big house with our 3 kids running around with you sitting in my lap. I want us to be happy. I want us to have a family. I want to be a great father my dad never was." His father disappointed him in his life and he didn't want to do the same to his kids.

"You will be. You are a better man than him after all."

"Good night my wife." He smiled.

"Good night my husband." They fell asleep with smiles on their faces.

A month later and Nick's and Valerie's marriage was very strong. They couldn't get away from each other. They were happy, but Sally wasn't. She was dying. She knew she was, and it hurt every second. The pain was unbelievable. She cried herself to sleep every night, but now she's too weak to even do that. When Nick and Valerie come by, she makes sure she looks as strong as ever. The pain was getting out of hand. Sally decided to not take the pills anymore, she knew they weren't helping. She knew she was going to die and no one can stop that. That day when Sally felt it was her last, Nick, Valerie, and Zack came by. She tried her hardest to keep a smile on her face, but she couldn't. Nick could feel something was wrong.

"Mom, is everything okay?" He asked, worried.

"Yes, sweetheart. Everything is fine." She lied.

"Mom, I know you're lying. You look like you can't take another breath." It was scary to see his mother like this.

"Should I call the doctor?" Valerie suggested.

"No, all of you come over here." She grabbed Nicks and Valerie's hand, Valerie grabbed Zack's. "I have to tell you guys something." She continued. She knew she had to tell them.

"What is it, mom?" Nick asked.

"You guys are the best family I've ever had. Valerie, I'm so glad you married my boy. You guys are perfect together. Your love is unbelievable. Zack, one day you will find your true love and I hope you guys live happily ever after like your sister here. Now Nick, my sweet sweet boy. Without you I don't know where I would be today. As soon as your father left, you instantly became the man of the house. You are helping me stay alive, but every person has an end, and today is mine. I know you guys hate hearing this, but I'd rather you guys know then let it be a surprise." She tried her best to smile, but she knew that there was nothing that could make this better. She was leaving them. She didn't want to, but she had no choice.

"Is this a joke?" Nick asked, tears filling his eyes.

"No, sweetheart. I'm afraid it's not. But its okay, I'm going to be okay. I'm going to hang out with Val's and Zack's mom." That's the only thing she was happy about, reuniting with her best friend.

"You can't leave. Mom, please don't go." His hand tightened around hers, afraid she would leave him any second.

"I don't control death. We all have our time, and my time has come." She slowly kissed them all on the cheek. "One last group hug." They all hugged and then just looked at her. "Guys, I'm going to be fine. Will you guys be all right?" They all wiped their tears. She wiped away her tears. "Zack I know you're a strong man and Val, I know you will be alright. But Nick, what about you?" She wanted to know if her son would be okay.

"What about me?" His voice was low, Sally barely heard him.

"Will you be okay?" Her eyebrows rose as she waited for his answer.

"My mother is dying! How do you think I will be?" His eyebrows scrunched together as his voice rose. He knew he would break if she was gone.

"Nick, I don't want you to mourn. I want you to be happy." And she did. She didn't want him being unhappy because of her.

"I don't think I can be happy." His voice cracked.

"Val, will you take care of him?" The only other person she trusted Nick's life with was hers.

"Of course."

"I love you guys. So much, -" Sally tried her best to smile as her eyes began to close.

"Mom? Mom? Mom!" Nick cried loudly. "Mom! No! Mom!" Her heartbeat was gone. Valerie took Nick and hugged him tightly. She was crying herself and watching her brother and husband cry, she wanted to burst. "Mom!!" The doctor's came in and took the three of them out of the room. "Mom! No! Don't take me away from her!" Valerie just hugged him tightly. Zack stopped crying and just stared at Nick. He's never seen Nick like this before; he's always been the strong one. Valerie was able to calm him down half an hour later. They sat down in the chairs waiting to hear something. Nick couldn't take it; he got up and started walking.

"Where are you going?" Valerie asked.

"For a walk." His voice was harsh.

"Maybe I should come with you." She got up.

"No, I want to be alone!" He couldn't look at her. He just kept walking.