Chapter 11

A short while later, Nicole and Kevin came downstairs. Kevin was carrying Nick and Nicole was carrying Steven. Both boys decided that they didn’t want to be alone. 

Brian and LeighAnn could tell right away that Kevin and Nicole had finally broke the bad news to the boys. “Hey Stevie and Nick! Want to go watch a movie?” LeighAnn asked, knowing that Nicole and Kevin didn’t have time to sit with both boys for the rest of the day. 

Steven and Nick looked up at their parents. “Go ahead. We’ll be right in here.” Kevin said, as he encouraged the boys to go with LeighAnn. 

“I called the other guys while you were upstairs. They are all on their way over.” Brian said. 

“Thanks for looking after that Brian.” Kevin said as he patted Brian on the back and sat down at the kitchen table. 

Nicole leaned against the counter with her hands covering her face. “Where do we begin?” Nicole asked. Kevin’s family wasn’t very large, but Nicole had 4 siblings and 7 aunts and uncles. 

“Just let your mother look after calling your family Nicole. We can’t possibly look after everything.” Kevin suggested. 

“That’s a good idea. She probably has all ready called everyone, knowing her.” Nicole said. 

“When I spoke to my mom, she had all ready spoken to your mother Kevin. So just let everyone else handle all the calls.” Brian said as the doorbell rang. “That’s probably the other guys. I’ll go get it.” Brian said as he walked out of the kitchen. 

“I really wanted it just to be family today.” Nicole said quietly. 

“So did I. But then again, the guys are like family to me.” Kevin said. 

Brian opened the front door and let AJ and Howie in. “How’s Kevin?” Howie asked. 

“I’m not sure it has totally sunk in yet. I think they’re both still in shock.” Brian replied. 

“I can’t imagine what it’s like to have your own child die.” AJ said quietly. 

“I guess Nick was coming over by himself.” Howie said. 

“Yeah, he was at a friends place. But he said he’d be over right away.” Brian replied as they all walked towards the kitchen. 

“Kevin. Nicole. I don’t know what to say.” Howie said. He was the first to speak. 

“Thanks Howie.” Kevin said as he got up and accepted the hug from his fellow group member. Howie gave Nicole a hug as well, but she didn’t say anything. Howie was right. Just what do you say in a situation like this. AJ followed behind Howie offering his condolences as well. 

“Is there anything that we can do?” Howie asked. 

“I don’t even know what needs to be done.” Kevin replied, as the phone rang. 

Nicole looked at the display and said, “It’s your mother Kevin. Can you get it? I’m just not in the mood to talk.” 

Kevin got up to answer the phone. Nicole walked to the patio door and simply just stood there. A few minutes later, Kevin came behind her and embraced Nicole from behind. “My mom is just about to catch a flight. She should be here in a few hours.” Kevin said. 

“I’ll go upstairs and get the spare rooms ready.” Nicole said. 

“No Nicole. I’ll give Maria a call. I’m sure she would be willing to come and help out for a few hours.” Kevin said. 

“I don’t need Maria Kevin.” Nicole said in a harsh tone. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she turned around and looked up at Kevin, and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend for that to come out so harshly.” 

“It’s ok. I just don’t want you to wear yourself out Nicole. There is a lot that needs to be done in the next few days, and housework is the last thing you want to think about I am sure.” Kevin said as he took Nicole in his arms. 

“You’re right. Go ahead and give Maria a call.” Nicole finally agreed. She didn’t have the energy to fight with Kevin. 

A few minutes later, Kevin hung up the phone and said, “She is on her way over.” 

“I think I am going to go lie down for a little while. I’m feeling very tired all of a sudden.” Nicole said. 

“Do you want me to come up with you?” Kevin asked. 

“No. I’ll be all right.” Nicole replied. 

Kevin stopped Nicole before she left the kitchen. “Nicole, you don’t have to go through this alone. If you need me, please come and get me.” Kevin said. 

“I will, thanks.” Nicole said once Kevin released her arm. 

A few minutes after Nicole went upstairs, Nick and Steven walked into the kitchen. “We don’t want to watch a movie.” Nick said. 

“Want to come and sit outside with me for a little while?” Kevin asked. They both shook their heads and followed Kevin outside. 

Howie and AJ watched as Kevin and the boys got comfortable in the hammock. “He’s holding it all in isn’t he.” AJ said. 

“He’s trying to make sure everyone else is all right before himself as usual.” Howie replied. 

“He’s just trying to be as strong as possible. I’m sure he’ll let his guard down once his mother gets here.” AJ said. 

“Just when they were trying to work on their marriage, something like this has to happen.” Howie said. 

“This might bring them closer you know.” AJ said. 

“It’s hard to tell right now. Nicole seems to be keeping very much to herself and Kevin is trying to reach out to her, but she’s pushing him away.” Howie said. 

“Only time will tell I guess.” AJ said, as LeighAnn walked into the kitchen. 

“Those poor boys. They’re heartbroken.” LeighAnn said. 

“The best thing for them right now is to be with Kevin and Nicole.” Howie said, as the doorbell rang. “I’ll go get it.” Howie said.