Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2001 16:38:06
From: Jeff Langdon <jeff_langdon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Westlife Romance - Chapter 49

Westlife Romance - Part 49

"You...you're still here..." Kian stammered.  Deep down, he was ecstatic
that Nicky decided against leaving, but still, he was in shock.

"Yeah...I never boarded that flight," Nicky explained, still unsure as to
how the other lads would react.  "I'm so sorry about everything..."

"Don't be silly," Mark continued.  "It's awesome that you've finally decided
to stay...Westlife needs you...we need you, Nix..."  He walked over to Nicky
and pulled him into a hug.

As Mark released Nicky from his embrace, Kian walked up and also hugged
Nicky.  Both lads were so overcome with emotion that neither of them noticed
Bryan glaring at Kian.

Of all the lads, Shane had the most muted response.  While the others did
not attach much significance to Shane's cool reception, Nicky was much more
sensitive.  He could sense that something wasn't right, but he couldn't
pinpoint the actual cause of Shane's attitude.

Breakfast was one of the most relaxed in recent memory.  With the exception
of an awfully quiet Shane, everyone else seemed more or less back to their
former selves.  Of course, no one noticed Bryan's occasional glares at Kian.

As there was nothing planned for the morning, the lads retreated to their
rooms after breakfast to catch up on some more rest before heading to
another photo shoot in the afternoon.

"Hey, Bryan?" Nicky called out as they walked towards their room.

"What is it?" Bryan asked as he smiled at Nicky.  He couldn't help it.
Every time he looked at the love of his life, a smile would form on his
face.  He had not felt so happy, so complete, in such a long time.

"I'm gonna go talk to Shane for a bit.  I'll be right back, okay?"

"Of course," Bryan laughed.  "You don't have to report your every move to
me, you know..."

Nicky kissed Bryan on the forehead.  "I know...I didn't want to just leave
you here without telling you..."

Bryan was touched by the consideration that Nicky was showing him.  For the
first time in his life, he felt special.  He felt cherished.

	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*	*

Shane stared at the ceiling, a million thoughts going through his mind.  He
was happy that Nicky decided to stay, but at the same time, he didn't know
how he could face his band mate day in and day out with all the secrets that
he was hiding.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.  He trudged to the
door and opened it without even checking to see who it was.  He was
surprised and caught off guard when he saw Nicky standing in front of him.
"Uh...Nicky...what are you doing here?" he stammered.

Nicky's heart sank as he heard Shane's words.  It was obvious that Shane
didn't want to see him.  He only wished he knew why Shane was acting so cold
towards him.  "Can we talk, Shane?"

"I suppose," Shane answered softly.  His mind was racing.  "What did Nicky
want?" he thought.  "Did he find out about my betrayal?  My lies?"

Nicky walked in slowly and sat down on Shane's bed.  The younger boy
followed and sat in the chair across from the bed.  Neither lad said a word.

"Shane," Nicky finally began, "I just want to say how sorry I am for the way
I've treated you the last while.  I'm so sorry."

Nicky's apology only served to make Shane feel even more guilty.  "It's
okay, Nix.  No worries..."

"You sure?" Nicky asked, uncertain if Shane really meant what he said.

"Of course.  Don't worry about it..."

"Shane...please tell me what's wrong," Nicky continued.  "You seem
so...distant..."

"It's nothing," Shane answered, avoiding Nicky's eyes.

Nicky wasn't satisfied.  He got on his knees and knelt by Shane's feet.
"Please tell me what I did wrong, Shane?" Nicky pleaded, his voice trembling
with emotion.  Shane was one of his best friends, and this distance that has
developed between them was killing him.  "I need to know, Shane...I need to
make amends for my wrongs.  Please..."

Shane's heart was aching, caused by Nicky's outpouring of emotion.  Despite
his best efforts, he couldn't handle keeping it inside anymore.  "It's not
you, Nix," he finally admitted.  "It's me..."

Nicky was puzzled.  He had no idea what Shane was talking about.  All he
could do was look to Shane for elaboration.

"Nicky...this is very difficult for me..." Shane continued, as tears began
to fall.  "I haven't been completely honest with you..."

"It's okay, Shane...if you don't want to talk about it now, we don't have
to."  Nicky had no intention of making Shane cry, and seeing the tears fall
made Nicky relent in his questioning.

"No," Shane said with determination.  "I need to say it now."  He only hoped
that once the truth was out, he would not have lost one of his best friends.
  Taking a deep breath, Shane continued.  "Nicky...the truth is that...I had
known all along that Kian was...was...cheating on you..."

As Shane looked at Nicky in the eyes, all he could see was a look of shock
and disbelief...

...to be continued....