Scars [An Exclamation Point Fan Fiction]

PART 34

*BRADY'S POV*

After I hang up with Paul I fill my mom and dad in on my plan for the night. I'm hopin it works, and can bring some sort of happiness for Nikki. Seeing her the way she is breaks my heart. I don't know how far she's willing to go, and that scares me. Close to six thirty my parents get in their car, while Nikki and I get in mine. She stares out the window during the long drive. I turn the radio on to drown out the silence.

"And now here's this season's winners of the X Factor with their new single, Dare You. This is Exclamation Point. See them tonight in Austin!"

Paul's voice fills the car. I look over at Nikki. Her eyes are closed and she's biting her lip. She lifts her hand to the volume control, and turns it up. A single tear falls from her cheek before she quickly turns the volume all the way down. 

"Brady where are we going?" She asks, her eyes still closed.

"We're meeting some of mom and dad's old friends for dinner." I lie.

She nods her head and leans back into the seat.

Finally we pull up to the arena. Nikki opens her eyes.

"You lied to me." She says, glaring at me.

"Yeah I did." I say unbuckling my seatbelt.

"I'm not going in there Brady. I won't go."

"Nikki listen to me." I say forcefully. "You're going. I don't give a fuck about what happened between you and Paul. You're having fun tonight. So get out of the car and enjoy yourself."

She stares at me for a couple seconds before getting out of the car. We meet up with our parents at the front. Walking inside we see the contestants from X Factor. Paul and Danny are at the end of the table. Nikki and Paul look up at the same time. She stops and stares at him. They hold each other's gaze for a moment, before a fan demands a picture with Paul. Nikki walks faster and joins our mom. Paul looks at me and nods. It's show time.

*NIKKI'S POV*

I can't believe Brady made me come here. Paul and I locked eyes, and it took every ounce of restraint I had to stop myself from running into his arms. I walk faster to my mom, and grab her arm. She rubs my back as we find our seats. Of course we're sitting in the front. The show starts, and the TOP 16 come out and sing a group song. They do  a bunch of solos before he girls sing, then the guys come out to end the show. I can't tear my eyes away from Paul. He stares at me too. Jared and Chris nudge each other, all the guys walk off stage except for Paul and Danny. Stools are brought out and Danny is handed his guitar. While Danny is getting set Paul speaks.

"I hope you're all enjoying the show." All the girls scream. Paul laughs. "Well that's a good sign." He looks over at Danny who nods. "Tonight we have a surprise for you. This is an original song. It's called Hold You. We wrote it a few years ago, but I can't help thinking about one particular girl when I sing it." Girls cheer again. I see Chris and Jared walking off the stage towards the audience. "So my friends Chris and Jared are going to help me, by bringing her on stage." High pitched screaming fills my ears, as I fell two hands grab my wrists. "She's beautiful, smart, and one of the best girls I hav ever met." I'm being dragged away, as I hear Paul's voice describing this girl. "I met her a little over a year ago. She was sitting on the side of the road. Her car has just broken down. I came over and fixed her car." It's me. I gasp as I'm being led closer to the stage. "But she had a boyfriend. He was a pretty bad one too. Fortunately for me they broke up." He winks, and the girls go crazy. "I fell pretty hard for this girl." My feet are on steps. I know I'm closer to the stage. "We started dating, and it was great. I love her." He turns to the side of the stage I'm being led across. "But I lost her." He takes acouple steps toward me. I'm so close to him. "I want her back." He says taking my hand. He pulls me to the center of the stage. Electricity shoots through my hand, at the touch of Paul. "This song is for her." Paul gently pushes me so I'm sitting on a stool between him and Danny. The song starts.

"See you realize that I need you. I never told you how much I love your smile." Danny sings. Paul takes my hand again. I turn and face him as he sings. "Everyone's been trying to break you down, but I want you to know."

As they sing, I feel tears building up in my eyes. Paul is still holding onto my hand. I squeeze his hand, and he smiles at me. I feel myself starting to melt. They finish their song. I put a shaking and on Paul's cheek. I smile, for the first time in months, a real smile. Paul smiles back and takes my hand, playing with my fingers. I let go and wrap my arms tightly around his neck. He puts his arms around my waist and lifts me up. I let out the sob I'd been holding back, as the stadium erupts with applause. Flashes go off, girls cheer. I let go and look at Brady, with a mischevious smile on his face. He did this. I look back at Paul as he wipes the tears off my cheeks. I put both hands on his neck, pulling him closer, and press my lips against his. The rest of the Top 16 come out, and say good night. Paul pulls me backstage, leading me toward a dressing room. Closing the door, he presses my back up against the door, kissing me again. I run my fingers through his hair. His hands on my hips. He pulls away breathing heavy.

"God I've missed you Nikki." He whispers, before softly kissing me again. I pull him closer, afraid of losing him again. I can't take it anymore. I need him now. I reach for the hem of his shirt, and start pulling it up. Paul's hands are on mine, as he breaks the kiss. "No. That's how I lost you the first time." He says. He runs a hand through my hair.

"I need you Paul." I whisper. He presses his lips to mine. I reach for his shirt again, this time he doesn't stop me, as I quickly pull it off of him. He has one hand on my neck, keeping me close. The other locks the door, before he leads me to a couch. Paul pulls off my shirt,, then picks me up. I wrap my legs around him, as he sits on the couch.

"Are you sure?" He whispers, breaking our heated kiss.

I nod my head. Resting it on his forhead. "I'm sure." I whisper. I leandown and kiss him. He hands shake as he helps me undress. We're both undressed now. Sitting on top of Paul I stare into his eyes. Both of our breathing's heavy.