Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 13:23:05 -0800 (PST)
From: Kirk Landers <ilj4ever44@yahoo.com>
Subject: Phases- part 17

Copyright and Disclaimer:
1. This is a fictional story with fictional
characters.
2. No one is to steal this story under any
circumstances.
3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so
if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it,
this isn't the story for you.


Well hope everyone is doing well.  Want to thank you
all for continuing to read this story.  Here's the
season 1 finale entitled "Help."  Once again, wanted
to assure everyone that this story will continue, but
I'm just going to be taking a break for a month or so.
 Thanks so much!

'HELP'

Everything seemed to be like a dream.  All Nick and
Kurt could remember was running to the now smashed car
Leo was in.  The hurried and broke the window to get
to him, he was laying in the seat unconscious.  Nick
was able to pry open the bunt up door while Kurt
called 911 and pull him from the car laying him on the
ground.  Next thing they knew police and ambulances
were at the scene and loading Leo up in the ambulance
to take him to the hospital.  Nick rode with Leo to
the hospital while Kurt took their car and followed
them.  When they got to the hospital Leo was rushed to
the emergency room and Kurt and Nick stayed behind
watching their best friend be pushed away by the
paramedics, not knowing whether their friend was going
to survive.

"I can't believe this," Kurt said shaking his head,
"What was he thinking?"

"He wasn't," Nick replied. "He was drunk."

"Was he trying to kill himself?" Kurt asked.

"It looks that way," Nick said, "We saw it, he drove
straight into a wall.  What other motive is there
besides attempting suicide?"

"I should have kept better watch over him," Kurt said
to himself, "You told me he was in trouble, but I
didn't take it that seriously.  I just thought he'd
get through it.  I didn't expect it come to this."

"It's no one's fault here," Nick said holding Kurt,
comforting him. "He just needs to get help."

"If he makes it through this," Kurt sighed, "What if
he doesn't?"

"Don't say that," Nick said shaking his head.

"Why not?  We're both thinking it," Kurt said, "What
if he doesn't make it?"

"He will," Nick replied, "He'll be fine.  Paramedics
said he didn't seem to have any internal bleeding."

"What if he goes into a coma like Jesse?" Kurt asked
worried. "We've lost too much this year, Jesse, Ryan
and now Leo?"

"Let's just wait and see what the doctors say okay?"
Nick asked.

"Okay," Kurt replied trying to regain his composure.

After hours of waiting a doctor emerged to the waiting
room where Nick and Kurt were sitting and approached
them.

"How is he?" Nick asked.

"He'll be okay," the doctor answered, "He got some
bruising and a minor concussion, but he'll be fine."

Kurt sighed with relief, "Thank God."

"Police reported that his blood alcohol level was
twice the legal limit," the doctor said. "I suggest
you get him some help."

"Absolutely," Nick agreed.

"We're going to keep him over night for observation,
so I suggest you two go home and get some rest," the
doctor said.

"All right," Kurt said, "Thank you."

The doctor left leaving Nick more determined than ever
to make sure Leo gets the help he needs.

"Well this was the final straw," Nick said as him and
Kurt headed out of the hospital. "He's going to
rehab."

"Rehab?" Kurt asked, "I just thought counseling would
be best."

"Kurt, you saw what just happened," Nick replied, "He
just tried to kill himself."

"I know, but I don't want to just ship him off," Kurt
said.

"It's for the best," Nick said, "It's what he needs."

"I don't want to just send him away," Kurt said,
"There has to be another way."

"We'll do whatever it takes," Nick said.

The next day Nick went to a rehab clinic near Santa
Barbara to speak with a doctor there about checking
Leo in.  The doctor's name was Rita Combs and had a
very kind and gentle nature about her.  When Nick
spoke with her, she saw how desperate Nick was for Leo
to get help.

"It's just gotten so bad doctor," Nick said.

"I see how troubled you are by all of this," Rita
said, "And I fully agree that we move as soon as
possible.  Why don't you start by telling me a little
bit about Leo's history."

"Well," Nick began, "Leo's always been a little bit of
a wild card, but when he got into a relationship with
his boyfriend Jesse, it really calmed him down.  But
then Jesse got in an accident and is now in a coma and
Leo just fell off the edge.  He began drinking a lot
more than he used to and now it's all he does.  His
family actually has a history of alcohol abuse, his
father was an alcoholic."

"And you said he just got in a car accident last
night?" Rita asked.

"Yes," Nick replied, "He was drinking and I think he
was trying to kill himself."

"Well then it's very important that we get him here as
soon as possible," Rita said.

"But if he doesn't think he has a problem, how are we
going to get him here?" Nick asked.

"By staging an intervention," Rita said, "Does he have
family?"

"He does, but he doesn't speak with them," Nick said,
"Me and my friend Kurt are all he has."

"Maybe you should try contacting his family," Rita
said. "Otherwise, the best thing is to just have the
three of you in a room together and I'll be there to
help you and Kurt out."

"When?" Nick asked.

"Today," Rita said. "You said he gets out of the
hospital today right?"

"Yeah, Kurt's on his way now to pick him up and take
him home," Nick replied.

"Then lets go over there now," Rita said.

"Okay, I just have to make one quick phone call," Nick
said.

The two then headed off back to Kurt and Leo's place.

Kurt and Leo both arrived back to their apartment and
Kurt helped Leo to the couch in the living room.

"Do you want something to eat?" Kurt asked.

"Sure," Leo replied. "Sounds great."

Kurt went into the kitchen and made him a sandwich,
when he joined him in the living room the two sat
quietly together.  Kurt had so much on his mind he
didn't know what to say.  After a few more painfully
long minutes there was a knock on the door.

"That must be Nick," Kurt said getting up and
answering the door.  When he opened the door he was
surprised to see someone with Nick.

"Hi," Nick whispered, "This is Dr. Combs.  She's going
to help us lead an intervention."

"What?" Kurt asked not knowing what was going on.

Kurt looked back over in the living room to make sure
Leo couldn't hear anything.  To be safe he stepped
outside and closed the door behind him.

"Why didn't you tell me you were having him sent off
today?" Kurt asked.

"There wasn't time," Nick said, "We need to move fast
here.  And I have someone on their way who I think
will really get through to Leo."

"We don't need to send him away," Kurt said, "We just
need to spend some time with him.  Take him to
counseling.  His boyfriend is in a coma, he's sad,
he's trying to cope."

"It's worse than that Kurt and you know it," Nick
said, "This will help him."

"You mean help you," Kurt said getting upset, "You
just don't want to have to deal with him anymore so
you're shipping him off to some rehab center where
he'll have no one.  Well I'm not going to be a part of
it."

"Kurt, you and I are all he has, you're already a part
of it," Nick shot back, "He needs you now and this is
what's best for him."

"I know you're scared," Rita said to Kurt, "But I want
to assure you that you and Nick are both doing the
right thing."

"We can't always watch out for him," Nick said, "Let
Dr. Combs help."

"I hate the idea of ganging up on him like this," Kurt
sighed.

"I know, but we have to get through to him," Nick
said. "We almost lost him last night Kurt, we can't
risk letting that happen again."

Kurt sighed, knowing it was the right thing to do, but
never the less not liking it one bit.  The three then
went inside.

"Hey Leo," Nick said as he walked in.

"Hi," Leo replied turning around to face them, he was
surprised to see someone else with Kurt and Nick, "Oh
hi. I'm Leo."

"Hi Leo," Rita said going over and shaking his hand,
"I'm Dr. Combs, I'm from the Truth Rehabilitation
Center up in Santa Barbara."

"Huh?" Leo asked confused.

"Nick and Kurt fear that you have an addiction to
alcohol," Rita answered.

"I don't," Leo quickly replied, "Last night was a wake
up call for me and I won't drink anymore."

"It's never that simple unfortunately," Rita said.
"Nick and Kurt both want to share their concerns with
you."

"Leo," Nick began, "I'm really sorry it came down to
this."

"Nick, it's not that big of a deal," Leo replied, "Is
this about our fight last night?  We both just over
reacted.  I'm fine."

"Leo, I've watched you ever since the accident with
Jesse," Nick said, "And you've slowly gone downhill
and it's come to the point where I'm scared you might
kill yourself."

"Kurt, why don't you say something," Rita motioned for
Kurt to begin.

"Don't Kurt," Leo warned, "I've gotten used to Nick
trying to tell me what to do, I can not take it from
you too."

"Leo, you know how much I love you," Kurt said, "And
you know for me to do this, that I'm incredibly scared
for you.  Please, you need to get help.  I don't want
to lose you."

"You both are just over reacting here," Leo said, "I
had a few drinks to deal with what happened to Jesse.
I'll be fine."

"You're not fine," Nick said, "You are hurting
yourself.  You tried killing yourself last night."

"I wasn't," Leo replied, but Nick and Kurt both knew
he was lying.

"There's a place I would like you to come stay for a
little while," Rita said. "I think it will really help
you."

"I don't know you," Leo snapped, "I am not going
anywhere with you."

"Leo, please," Kurt said.

"You have to do this," Nick stated.

"I'm out of here," Leo said heading for the door, when
he opened it, he was shocked to see his mom standing
there about ready to knock on the door. "Mom?"

"Leo," his mom, Clair, sighed, shocked to see the
bruises on his face. "Honey are you okay?"

"What are you doing here?" Leo asked.

"I got a call from Nick a little while ago," Clair
replied.

"You called my mom?" Leo asked incredulously to Nick.

"I feel she can get through to you," Nick said.

"Come on in Mrs. Washington," Rita said as Clair
entered the room.

"Mom, I haven't spoken to you in years and suddenly
you showed up?" Leo asked.

"Leo, when Nick told me what happened I realized how
stupid I was," Clair said, "Gay, straight, whatever,
you're my son and I love you.  I heard you tried
killing yourself last night."

"Mom-" Leo began, but Clair cut him off.

"Leo, our family has a history of alcohol abuse,"
Clair stated. "Your father was one for thirty years
before he decided to get help for it, his grandfather
died from it.  I heard what happened to your friend,
Jesse."

"My friend?" Leo asked, "Mom, he was my boyfriend, you
can't even say it."

"Leo, now is not the time for this," Clair replied,
"I'm sorry it's taking me longer to adjust to it than
other people, but it doesn't mean that I don't love
you and I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I'm fine," Leo replied.

"Don't make me have to bury my own son," Clair said
sadly, "Don't let that happen, please Leo."

"Listen to your mom," Rita said.

"Leo, you know for her to put aside your guys'
differences from the past and come here that it's a
lot more serious than you want to admit," Nick said.

Leo looked at his mom and saw the pain in her eyes, he
then looked over at Nick and Kurt who were both
genuinely worried for him.  Leo's eyes slowly began to
fill with tears, after trying to fight what he knew
was true for so long, he gave up the fight, and knew
he had a problem.  Leo cried softly as his mom held
him tightly in her arms.

A few hours later, Leo had packed a couple bags and
was ready to go to the rehab clinic.  His mom had
agreed to take him there so he now had to say his
goodbyes to Nick and Kurt.  He set his bags down and
went over to them.

"Can I talk to Kurt and Nick privately for a few
minutes?" Leo asked.

"Sure, we'll be outside," Clair said as she and Rita
went outside of the apartment.

"I'm so sorry for everything I put you two through,"
Leo sighed feeling so horrible that he put his friends
through all of this. "I knew I had a problem.  But
ever since the accident I couldn't function without
alcohol.  I always needed that high."

"I know and I know you've been through a lot," Nick
offered.

"I'm so sorry for putting you two through this," Leo
said, "I have been horrible to you both and you both
just stood by me the entire time."

"It's okay," Kurt said, "Just get better."

"I will," Leo replied. "And Nick I know I've been the
worst to you.  I'm so sorry."

"Leo," Nick said, "I know I've been a pain to you
through all of this, but it's only because I love you.
 You know that right?"

"I know," Leo replied, "I love you too.  I love you
both so much."

The three of them all went in and hugged each other
tightly, all of them having tears in their eyes.

"Will you guys do me a favor?" Leo asked.

"Of course," Nick replied.

"Will you go and check in on Jesse while I'm gone,"
Leo said, "Just see how he's doing."

"We will," Kurt promised.

"Thanks," Leo said. "Well, I guess that it's then."

The three walked outside and joined Clair and Rita in
the hallway.

"Call us when you get there," Nick said.

"Oh, he can't make any calls for three days," Rita
said, "It's the detox period."

"Oh," Leo said sadly, "Okay.  Well I guess I'll talk
to you guys in a few days."

"All right," Kurt sighed giving Leo another hug, "I
love you."

"Love you too," Leo replied.

Leo then grabbed his bags and him, his mom, and Dr.
Combs headed out.  Leo looked back at the guys one
last time before closing the door.  Nick and Kurt
stood and stared blankly at the closed door, both so
proud that their friend was finally going to get the
help he needed.

Nick went home soon after to rest, both him and Kurt
were emotionally drained from their day and it was
only four in the afternoon.  While they were sad to
see Leo go, they were both happy that he will be
getting better and getting the help that he needs.
Nick was sitting on the couch of his living room and
drinking a cup of hot tea when he remembered he told
Bradley he would call that day.  He took out the
business card from his wallet and called him up.

"Hello?" Bradley answered.

"Is this the man who made a mess in the grocery store
yesterday?" Nick joked.

"Hey," Bradley replied happy to hear Nick's voice.
"Good to hear from you."

"Yeah, well I was just relaxing here at my place when
I remembered that I said I'd give you a call today,"
Nick said.

"I'm glad you did," Bradley replied.

"What are you doing?" Nick asked.

"Absolutely nothing," Bradley replied, "Does that make
me sound lame?"

"No, actually it's perfect," Nick said, "Do you want
to grab something to eat tonight?"

"Yeah," Bradley said, "That sounds great."

"Good," Nick said, "How about we meet at Charlie's
Steakhouse at six."

"Perfect," Bradley replied, "I'll see you tonight."

"All right," Nick said, "Bye."

Nick hung up the phone and then headed to get ready
for his date.

Meanwhile, Kurt was on the balcony of his apartment
looking at the view and thinking about Leo, hoping he
would be okay.  Usually when he felt stressed he would
talk to Ryan, but he realized he couldn't do that
anymore, so he decided to try and call Reese instead.

"Hello Mr. Parker," Reese said smoothly when he
answered the phone.

"Hey," Kurt sighed.

"You okay?" Reese asked.

"Tough day," Kurt replied, "And I thought I'd only
have to put with tough days from you at the office."

"You want to talk about it?" Reese asked.

"It's Leo," Kurt replied, "He just left for rehab
today."

"Rehab?" Reese asked.

"Yeah, it's a long story," Kurt replied.

"Well, I'm all ears," Reese said, "Talk to me."

"Do you really want to hear me ramble all day?" Kurt
asked.

"Actually, I have a better idea," Reese said. "Why
don't I pick you up and we'll go for a drive and you
can tell me all about it?"

"Really?" Kurt asked.

"Absolutely," Reese replied, "It sounds like you need
to get out.  I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"Thanks Reese," Kurt said.

"Not a problem," Reese replied.

Kurt hung up and got ready to go out with Reese.  When
Reese arrived he pulled up in his black corvette
convertible, Kurt had never seen Reese's car before so
he was very impressed.

"Nice corvette," Kurt said as he got in the car and
sat in the black leather seat.

"Thanks," Reese replied, "A little perk I got from
accepting the job at West Coast Style."

"Why didn't I get a new car?" Kurt joked.

"Maybe when you get a promotion," Reese winked as he
drove off, "So how are you holding up?"

"Well you know," Kurt said, "Been better.  It's been a
rough month.  Ryan leaving and now Leo."

"But Leo's going to get better," Reese encouraged.
"I'm sure he'll come out of this better than ever."

"I hope so," Kurt sighed, "I just feel so bad for him.
 His boyfriend is in a coma."

"That's horrible," Reese said as he reached over and
held Kurt's hand, Kurt's first reaction was to pull
away, but instead he decided to hold Reese's hand and
gave him a smile.  Reese was a really sweet guy Kurt
thought, so maybe it was okay to start something up
with him. "So have you been getting any more flowers
sent to you?"

"I got some yesterday," Kurt replied. "I just decided
to ignore it.  Maybe you're right, maybe it's just
some secret admirer who is just to shy to reveal
himself."

"Yeah," Reese replied, "I'm sure it's not a bad thing
to get flowers right?"

"I guess not," Kurt said. "I just wish I knew who it
was."

"I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," Reese said.

"So where are we going?" Kurt asked.

"You'll see," Reese replied with a smile, "I think
you'll like this."

Reese and Kurt continued on their drive, Kurt talked
to Reese about everything and felt really good to be
able to talk to someone about everything that has been
going on.

At six, Nick and Bradley met up at Charlie's
Steakhouse and sat down to eat.

"So, tell me," Nick began, "Why were you so nervous
about coming up to me yesterday?"

"Well, I don't normally make the first move," Bradley
said, "I'm a very shy guy.  But when I saw you at the
grocery store yesterday I knew if I didn't say
anything I might not see you again."

Nick smiled, flattered, "And I guess knocking over all
those apples didn't build your confidence up much."

"it didn't help," Bradley agreed with a laugh. "And I
figured you had a boyfriend already."

"Actually, I just got out of a relationship not too
long ago," Nick said.

"Oh really?" Bradley asked, "Well, if it's too soon, I
completely understand."

"No," Nick said, "It's actually perfect timing.  I was
seeing someone across the country before and I was
just telling my friends I'd like to date someone who
lives here, and then you came along."

"Good timing on my part!" Bradley said giving himself
a pat on the back.

"Very good timing," Nick smiled. "So what's your
story?  Good looking guy like you, I find it
surprising you get nervous talking to people,
especially being an event planner."

"Not so much people I get nervous around, more so
people I like," Bradley said.

"And you think you like me huh?" Nick asked.

"It's looking that way," Bradley replied.

"Well, first we have to do a little survey here," Nick
said taking a sip of his wine, "Favorite film?"

"Easy, Casablanca," Bradley answered. "Type of music?"

"Jazz," Nick replied, "Favorite book?"

"To Kill a Mockingbird," Bradley answered, "Favorite
tv show?"

"Law and Order," Nick said, "What's your real favorite
movie?"

"Sleepless in Seattle," Bradley admitted.

"My real favorite show is Project Runway," Nick
admitted.

They both shared a laugh.

"So what do you think?" Bradley asked.

"I see potential," Nick replied. "You?"

"Much potential," Bradley agreed.

The two spent the rest of the evening having a very
fun and perfect first date.

Later that night, Reese had finally taken Kurt to
their destination.  Kurt looked around and saw
nothing, just dirt land all around them.

"What are we doing here?" Kurt asked getting out of
the car.

"Look up in the sky," Reese said.  Kurt looked up and
saw more stars than he had ever seen in his life.
Living in LA, you never see stars like that with the
smog and the city lights.  It was beautiful.

"Wow," Kurt said in awe, "It's amazing."

"Neat huh?" Reese asked, "I know it looks like with
everything that's been going on in your life that the
world is about to swallow you whole, but look up, look
at how big this universe is.  Suddenly your problems
don't seem quite so big anymore do they?"

"No, they don't," Kurt agreed.  He looked over at
Reese and for the first time since Ryan left, he saw
someone he felt he could really connect with. "Thank
you."

"No problem," Reese replied giving Kurt a hug.  Kurt
leaned in and gently kissed Reese on the lips.  The
two both shared a minute looking at one another before
kissing each other again, this time gently slipping
their tongues inside each other's mouths.  They spent
the next two hours kissing in the middle of no where,
under a sea of a billion stars.

Meanwhile, at the rehab clinic Leo was just finishing
putting his clothes in the drawers of the dresser in
his room.  He set a picture of him, Nick and Kurt on
his bedside stand and next to it he put a picture of
him and Jesse.  Leo looked around at his new
surroundings, he was sad that he had to be there, but
knew it was the right thing for him.  His mom then
came in to say goodbye.

"Leo, I'm going to get going now," Clair said.

"Okay," Leo replied.

"Get better okay?" Clair asked, "I'll come visit you
soon."

"All right," Leo said, he went and hugged his mom,
"I'm so sorry you had to come and see me like this."

"Oh sweetie," Clair sighed hugging Leo tightly, "I'm
glad I could help.  I know I haven't been a good
mother to you lately.  That's all going to change."

"I love you," Leo said.

"I love you too," Clair replied. "I'll see you soon."

"Mom," Leo said as his mom headed towards the door.

"Yes?" Clair asked.

"I wish you had gotten a chance to know Jesse," Leo
replied, "I think you would have liked him."

"I'm sure I would have," Clair replied. "Bye Leo."

"Bye," Leo sighed as his mom left.

Leo looked at the picture of him and Jesse and sighed,
"I'm so sorry Jesse."  Leo felt ashamed to not have
honored Jesse better and lived life with out him more
responsibly.

Late that night, Reese brought Kurt home.  As he was
getting out of the car he leaned over one more time
and gave Reese a kiss.

"Thank you for tonight," Kurt said.

"My pleasure," Reese replied, "I'll see you at work
tomorrow."

"Good night," Kurt said closing the door.

As Reese drove away he took out his cell phone and
called his assistant, Cindy.

"Hello?" Cindy asked answering the phone.

"Cindy, it's me," Reese said.

"Oh, hello sir," Cindy replied.

"Cindy, I told you before, don't call me sir, just
call me Reese."

"Yes, of course Reese," Cindy said.

"Tomorrow when you get into the office I need you to
do two things first," Reese said.

"Okay, let me just grab a pen and paper real quick,"
Cindy said getting out of bed and grabbing a pad of
paper and a pen by her phone, "Okay."

"All right," Reese said, "I have an envelope with a
check in it for twenty thousand dollars written out to
a woman named Laurie Covington.  I need you to mail
that to her in Florida, her address is on the
computer."

"Okay," Cindy said writing that down. "Anything else?"

"Yes, call Luscious Flowers and tell them to stop
sending flowers to Kurt.  It's no longer necessary,"
Reese said.

"All right, is that all?" Cindy asked.

"Yes, that's it for now," Reese replied, "I'll see you
in the morning."

"Good night," Cindy said hanging up the phone.  Reese
put away his phone and continued with his drive home.



To Be Continued...

End Of Season 1

Hope everyone enjoyed, with any comments, questions or
feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com.
Thanks so much!