I'll Always Remember You

Everyone Knows I Have A Secret

Rocky's POV

I have texted her at least fifty times in the last two minutes. No response.

Where in the world was she?

Amanda reported that she left Starbucks okay. So I called Maddie. Maddie had no idea, but Riker was gone too.

If they were together, I'd be fine, but we couldn't get a hold of either of them to know.

Nicki's POV

We stared at each other in silence, tears both flowing profusely from our eyes.

"Come here." Riker finally managed to say.

I walked over to him as steadily as I could, but as soon as I reached him, I collapsed into his arms.

He held me tight and cried with me. I never wanted the feeling of hugging him to go away. It was so comforting, but for him it was a nightmare. He felt like he had to stay strong for me, which only made him break down more.

"You're staying. And you're going to fight for it. I want you to fight. If you have no other will to, remember me. Remember that I want you to fight. You're my little sister and I love you. We've become so close. I'm so proud of everything that you do. Please. Fight."

I nodded. He was right. I had to fight for not only myself, but for my family. They meant the most to me.

Riker let me go and we walked back to our cars together.

"Are you sure you want to drive by yourself?" He asked.

"I think I'll be fine, but if you want to you can. How will you get your car home?"

"I'll come back and get it."

"I'll just drive by myself. How about you follow me home?"

"Sounds like a plan."

As soon as I got into the truck, I checked my phone.

100 unread messages and 50 missed calls.

Oh no.

Rocky had been worried. I should've told him that I was meeting up with Riker. I rushed home as fast as I could.

When we arrived, Riker helped me out of the truck and linked arms with me as we walked to the front door. Maddie and Rocky were sitting on the couch, both looking as if they were about to die from worry.

"NICKI DONT YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??" Rocky started in.

I cowered beneath Riker.

"Rocky, this isn't the time. Please calm down. Blame me." Riker explained.

"Fine, but I was worried sick."

No one talked. Maddie's eyes were glued to me.

She understands.

I gave her the look that would keep her mouth shut in front of Rocky.

Maddie and Riker left, only a few minutes after Riker and I returned. Leaving Rocky and I alone.

"Where did you go?"

"The field of flowers."

"Are you okay? You look upset."

I turned my inner actress on and gave the most dazzling smile I could.

"Of course! I'm totally fine!"

He perked up, obviously fooled, but probably still confused.

"So mom called. She wants to know if we would like to tag along to Colorado for Christmas?"

"I'd love too! That means I can meet more of your family!"

"It sure does. They'll love you! And baby Lynch!" he winked.

Later that night Amanda and Ross came over. Amanda and I stepped out to the back porch.

"How's everything been?"

"I just saw you this morning. It's still great!" She teased.

"Oh yeah. Whoops."

"It's okay. Blame it on the baby."

"I will!"

"So are you getting pumped to find out what it is?"

"Yes! I actually go tomorrow. I told Rocky in two weeks but I wanted to surprise him."

"Oh my goodness. He's going to love that!"

"I know. So when are you and Ross going to have a baby?"

"Slow down! We aren't even married yet!"

"Well as soon as you get married, get pregnant."

"Why?!?"

"You would have cute babies."

"You're crazy, Nicki. Absolutely crazy."

"Did you just now figure that out. We've been friends forever. You should've know that."

"Oh trust me, I did."

We laughed and joked with each other for a long time. That was the thing I loved about Amanda, she was someone that I could always joke around with.

Until she finds out my secret.

"So, you're obviously hiding something. What is it?"

Of course. Everyone knows that I have a secret.