The Hardest Part ~PG-13~ Chapters 11 - 20
Title: The Hardest Part ~PG-13~ Chapters 11 - 20
By: Nikki
Rating: PG-13
Chapters: 11 - 20
Characters: Orlando, Tiffany, Karl and Nikki
Status: Still working on it
Summary: Life comes out you fast.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters.
Chapter 11
It had been three days since Nikki's accident and according to the doctors, she was showing improvement. Obviously enough because they were telling her she may be discharged before the two week mark. She hoped she would because she was becoming quite tired of staying in that hospital bed all day and all night.
Karl remained faithfully by her side, leaving only to go to the restroom or to get something to eat. She also realized that they still hadn't called her parents. Something which needed to be done and soon or they for sure weren't going to allow her to stay.
Then her mind strayed to Tiffany and Orlando. The past few days they'd been coming in to see her separately and while there, neither ever mentioned one word about the other. It was plain to see that there was trouble in paradise and more than likely it was from her stubbornness and fear of being hurt again.
"Nikki, baby, wh...what's wrong?" Karl asked worriedly by her side.
"It's nothing...I'm fine."
"Yeah ok, now tell me the truth. What's wrong?" He replied with a smirk, not quite believing her.
"I'm just worried about Tiffany that's all."
"Ah, so you have noticed?"
"Noticed what? That she and Orlando are coming to see me on separate visits? That they don't even mention each other? Or could it be the broken look in her eyes?" Nikki replied sarcastically.
"The past few days, Orlando has tried to talk to her and everytime he does, either someone interrupts, that someone being Lij, or she gets upset and as he says, panics. It's really taking it's toll on him too. You don't notice it because you don't know him as well as we do just like Tiffany doesn't know me all that well either. They've been more on the hate side of each other for the past couple days. Everything between thems turns into an argument."
"Well you know what has to be done don't you?" Nikki replied.
"I think I do but are sure it will work?" Karl asked with a smile.
"It worked for us didn't it?"
"That it did. But there's a difference. We didn't hate each other."
"She doesn't hate him Karl, it's quite the opposite. She loves him but she's afraid of being hurt again. Her family is a factor, yes, but she's using it as an excuse. She's afraid to tell him and the only way to get her to do so is to force her in a room with him with no way out."
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
"Um...today? No, I don't think so." Nikki smiled flirtatiously as he grew closer.
"Well I do...very much." He whispered, enveloping her in a sweet kiss.
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Three hours later Tiffany ran rampant looking for her shoes to her costume. She couldn't find them anywhere and the last place she'd seen them was in her and Nikki's trailer. She'd turned it upside down three times already. She was about to lose it. There was too much going on in her head right now and the last thing she needed was to lose part of her costume.
In the midst of running around on a wild goose chase, she was trying to avoid Orlando. It seemed everytime they ran into each other and she saw the undeniable hurt look in his eyes, something in her snapped and they would begin to argue. She knew she was hurting him but she knew the only other option would be to open up to him. For her, it was too dangerous. Risking too much.
Yes, she loved him, but was she really ready to give up her life at home and risk her heart just to stay here with a man she loved but really knew nothing about?
Sure they talked and they knew each other inside and out but how did she know things wouldn't go terribly wrong in the following months? She'd be left here with nothing, no family, nothing. Granted she'd have Nikki but if things with Orlando didn't work out, it would be too painful to stay.
Just as she started throwing things about in the costume room in a desperate hunt for her shoes, Orlando walked in.
"Did you lose something love?" Tiffany head shot up and their eyes met. Her heart was in her throat and she could see that he didn't realize who he'd been talking to.
Their eyes grew tense.
"A ha, I've got them. Now if you'll excuse me..." She said trying to get by him. He reached out and gently took her arm.
"What are we doing Tiffany? Why are we avoiding each other like this? This isn't us..."
"Maybe it isn't YOU. Look I don't have time for this okay? I'm sick of fighting day in and day out so why don't we both just stay out of each other's way okay?" She replied through clenched teeth.
"Stop running from me! What are you so afraid of? We used to be able to talk to each other love, what happened?" Just as he said that and she heard the pain in his voice, her eyes widened. The door had just shut behind Orlando.
He quickly turned around and immediately began banging on it, yelling and trying to get out. He then heard giggling on the other side of the door that belonged to no other than Elijah. It was then that he remembered once in you couldn't get out.
"What are you doing? Open that door!" She screamed.
"Hey, don't scream at me! I didn't bloody well shut that door! It was Elijah. He's on the other side giggling his posy little ass off on the other side of the door and if you remember correctly, Nikki and Karl were locked in here before. There's no way out until someone gets the key and lets us out." He said in anger then softened his tone at the end.
"Yes I remember and for your information I'm not running!" She shot back.
"Oh really? Then why is it everytime I try to talk to you, you break into tears and leave?"
"Because you don't understand why I have to leave!"
"No one is making you leave but yourself." He whispered as he slumped against a wall.
They sat in uncomfortable silence for about five minutes when he thought, well it's now or never. He rose to his feet and stood before her on the other side of the room.
"Can we please talk about this? This is driving me crazy. I don't want you to be angry with me or us to be at odds with each when you leave love." He softly pleaded, placing a kiss to her hand.
"Orli, I want to, I really do. I'm just not sure I can." She told him as tears already began to form.
"Yes you can. Tiffany we always tell each other everything...why is this any different? Why can't you open up your heart to me about leaving? What is it that you're so afraid of?" He asked, getting slightly irritated.
Tiffany knew if she didn't say it then, it would destroy this man. For once in her life she was going to throw caution to the wind and go for it.
"I'm afraid of being hurt again! That's what I'm afraid of. I love you Orlando and because I love you the risk would be too great. As much as I want to stay I'm afraid that if I do, things will only take a turn for the worst." Orlando tried to take in everything she was telling him. His heart had swelled just hearing the words come from her.
He brought his hand up to cup her cheek.
"So because you love me, you want to leave me? Tiffany, love, I can understand you being afraid of being hurt again. Everybody is and has been at one point in their life or another. But the one thing you've failed to take into consideration about this whole ordeal is the way I feel."
"And how is that?" She asked brokenly, knowing that if he said what she wanted to hear, she would be ruined. He'd have her heart and there wouldn't a force strong enough on this earth to make her leave.
"I love you too." He said just above a whisper. Within a moment, she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his in a passionate kiss.
"Do you think you could manage to add another person to your trailer?" She asked breathlessly as she pulled away. His eyes widened as did his smile.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"I'll stay." As he let out a whoop the costume door flew open and Elijah walked in, with Viggo and Karl.
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Chapter 12
That evening Tiffany made a surprise visit to Nikki to tell her the news. Nikki couldn't believe her ears.
"YOU'RE STAYING?!"she sayed with glee.
"Yep!"
"Girl,you have no idea how happy this makes me."
"How's Karl doing?"
"He's better."
"That's good."
"I'll be getting out of here tomorrow."
"Are you serious?"
"The doctors said that I'll be fine."
"Nikki..."she paused.
"Yeah?"
"You know you might need a heart transplant right?"
"Girl,I'm fine."
"No you're not Nikki. What if this happens again? You might die."
"Did I die this time?"
"Girl,please be serious here. You know your heart isn't in the best condition."
She sighed. "I know...you're right."
"I've give up my heart."
"Tiffany no! You're my best friend and I cannot have you dying on me now."
"I was only kidding."
"But who would be willing to give up their heart?"
"We could put something in the newspaper."
"But what in the newspaper?"asked Karl as he came in the room.
"Karl,Nikki needs a heart transplant."
He looked at Nikki. "Are you serious?"
She nodded. "Pretty much. That's what Tiffany told me."
"Well,if Tiffany is that worried I don't see any reason why we couldn't start tomorrow."
"Karl,god I love you so much. But I'm supposed to get out tomorrow."
"I'll take you home,but you are not to go on the set until after your transplant."
She looked at Tiffany. "God he sounds like my dad." The girls both laughed at that.
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Chapter 13
It was nearing Nikki's release time and Tiffany, Karl and Orlando all waited patiently in her room for the doctor to come.
"You guys, there's a little problem with this whole transplant thing...how am I supposed to pay for it?" Nikki asked, nervousness in her tone.
"You just leave that to us Nikki love." Orlando replied with a smile, receiving skeptical glances from Tiffany, Karl and Nikki.
"No, no way are you paying for it Elfy." Karl said in shock.
"Did I say that? No. If you humans would only hear the way your ears were meant to we'd avoid circumstances like this." He replied smugly. Just then the doctor walked in.
"Well how are we feeling Ms. Bateman?"
"Um...okay I guess. Ready to get out of here. I was actually wondering if I could speak to you about the possibility of having a heart transplant Dr. Fazullah."
"Wow, I didn't expect to hear that. I don't see why we can't look at that as a possibility."
"In your opinion Dr. would it be recommended that she have one?" Karl asked.
"Honestly, in my professional opinion, having one would benefit Ms. Bateman in the long run but with things like this we've got to look at it from all angles. One thing about these surgeries that nail everyone is payment."
"We're aware of the cost and we're working on that right now." Orlando replied with a grin. It was then that Tiffany took the opportunity to excuse them both and get to the bottom of it.
"What the hell are you doing?" SHe shrieked.
"I have an idea."
"Orli, baby, I love you and all, but you aren't exactly the brightest crayon in the box when it comes to ideas."
"Gee thanks for the support love. I was thinking of going to Peter and maybe having everyone, crew and all pitch in a bit and us pay for it as a whole." He replied with a grin that melted her heart. She responded with wide eyes.
"Okay, I take it back. You are a genius! Why don't I go in and tell Nikki that we've been called to the set and we can start talking to everyone now?"
"Sounds good. I'll meet you in the car." He quickly kissed her as they went their separate ways.
Just as she went the doctor came out.
"Now that the docs gone, mind telling us what the elf is raving about?"
"Wish I could but he wouldn't let up. While we were out Peter called and wants he and I back on set."
"Damn, I wanted you guys to come and celebrate back at home with me." Nikki pouted.
"Oh don't worry we will and besides, it's only going to take a minute. Anybody else you want us to bring?"
"Anybody but Elijah...we don't need her having another heart attack." Karl sounded off as they all burst into laughter before she left.
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Chapter 14
That afternoon Karl brought Nikki home. He stayed with her for a little bit even thought he was due back on the set that night.
"Tell Orlando that I said thank you,"she told Karl as they sat on his bed.
"It's already been taken care."
She looked at him. "And thank you."
"I love you Nikki. I don't want you to die. You're too young. I care about you so much." He moved over and their lips met.
"You guys have no idea how much this means to me."
"Oh,I think they do." He kissed her again. "Did Tiffany tell you?"
"Yeah. That was the first thing she told me when she came in my room."
"Good."
"I wonder how Orlando took it."
"He seemed very happy."
"I could tell." She went silent.
"Are you all right?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine."
"I'm just glad that I get to go home for a little bit tomorrow. You're coming with me."
"I thought so. How is Pete taking this?"
"He's been asking about you."
"Really?"
"Yeah.I told him about raising money for the transplant and he thought of so many ideas. He's even talking about stopping shooting for a while to help out."
"Are you serious?"
"Yep."
"Wow."
There was knock on the door. It was Orlando. "What's up?"
"We need to go Karl,"he said. Tiffany was behind him.
"Can I see Nikki?"she asked.
Karl smiled. "You sure can. We'll leave you two alone,"and they left.
"What's up?"asked Nikki as Tiffany sat by her on the bed.
"I just wanted to see you. I guess we won't be room mates anymore."
"Guess not."
"Are you excited about moving in with Karl?"
"Yeah. But you know I'm going to miss having you around."
"I'll miss you too." She looked like she was about to cry.
"Please don't cry Tiffany."
"I'm sorry..."
"What about you and Orlando?"
"I'll be moving in with him too."
"Aren't you happy?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
"Then tell me what's wrong."
"I guess it's just going to be strange not having you around."
"But we can always see each other. I'm going to get through this transplant just fine hon."
"That's the Nikki I like."
"You want to stay here for a little bit?"
"Sure. Since I've got nothing to do."
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Chapter 15
Once Karl and Orlando returned, they found Tiffany and Nikki stuffing their faces in front of the telly watching some chick flick. Karl groaned and Orlando giddily jumped on the couch, snuggling next to Tiffany and tuning in.
Nikki and Tiffany instantly started laughing as did Karl. Orlando looked around him with an expression of mock hurt.
"What?"
"Nothing, you've just proven my point." Karl replied.
"Oh yeah, and what might that be you wanker?"
"That you really are a prissy elf!" Orlando responded to Karl's statement by chunking a pillow at him. He then turned to Tiffany.
"What do you say we pack up your stuff and head over to my place?" He whispered sexily in her ear, teasing it with a flick of his tongue.
"Mmm, don't you mean...our place?" She answered, gripping his thigh.
"Um...HELLO? We're still in the room here guys! Mind taking this to your own damn house?" Karl snapped. Tiffany and Orlando laughed and headed into her room to pack up stuff.
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After having moved everything in to Orlando's place, Tiffany went straight to the fridge to get something to drink. As she leant over to grab a bottle of water, she felt Orlando's hands come around her waist and his lips against the nape of her neck.
"A little impatient are we?" She giggled.
"You have no bloody idea...I've wanted you all day." He growled huskily as he grinded himself against her backside.
"Best not keep you waiting huh?" She replied as she turned in his embrace and fiercely latched her lips to his. Little did he know that she had a now open bottle of water raised above his head.
As the kiss grew in intensity and just as she was about to tip the bottle, Billy bust through the door. In startlement, Tiffany tipped the water over Orlando's head and Orlando let out a shrill scream.
"Oh my god, Orli, baby I'm sorry!" She squealed, covering her mouth, trying to keep laughter at bay. He scowled playfully at her and then turned to Billy.
"Alright you tosser, you better have a bloody good excuse for coming in here without knocking."
"Just...sorry to interrupt...but thought you might like to know that Elijah kind of um...well he...he borrowed your car and it now sits at the bottom of the lake." Billy looked to Orlando, wincing in anticipation. The anger in Orlando's face was undescribable and Tiffany quickly latched to his arm, trying to keep him from tearing Billy to shreds.
"By the time I count to bloody f---ing three, you had better be out of here!!! 1...2..."
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Chapter 16
During the last part of the movie Nikki got off the couch.
“Where are you going?”asked Karl.
“I’m going to take a shower. You can go to bed if you want to.”
“Thank god. I was getting tired of this movie.”
She laughed and went to take a shower.
About 15 minutes later,Nikki got out of the shower and couldn’t believe what she saw. There was Karl in the bed,naked. Oh my god,thought Nikki as she just stood there speechless. What am I going to do? The only thing I’ve got over me is a towel!
Karl came over to her and looked at her with a grin on his face. “You’re very beautiful. I know that I can’t stop telling you that. But I think you’d look even more beautiful if you took that towel off.” He pulled her closer to him and their lips met. He moved his hands down and took the towel off him.
“Are you sure this isn’t too soon?”Nikki asked as they walked to the bed.
“It’s never too soon. I love you.”
She smiled. “I love you too But we aren’t even going to get married yet.”
“Hang on. I need to find something.”
She looked at him and didn’t say anything.
He reached under the covers and showed her a little black box. She gave him a big grin. “I have a question for you,”he said.
“Yes?”
“Will you marry me?”
“You know I would!”
He smiled and kissed her and put the ring on her finger. “I knew this wouldn’t be right if we didn’t do this right now.” He started to kiss her. “I love you Nikki.”
“I love you too Karl.”
“I’ll never leave you.”
“You know I’ll never leave you.”
“I want you to have my children.”
“I would love to have your children.”
“That’s why I thought we could start now.”
“It seems right.”
He kissed her neck. She let out a little groan.
Three hours later they were looking at each other with smiles on their face.
“Are you sure that was your first time?”asked Karl.
She nodded.
He kissed her again. “It didn’t seem like it.” He looked at her and didn’t stop kissing her.
“You want to go again?”
“I’d love to hon,but we really need sleep because we’re moving into my house in a couple of hours. But we can do it more tonight.”
“I’d love that.”
He kissed her again. “Good. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“ ‘Night.”
“Goodnight.”
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Chapter 17
As soon as Billy disappeared out of the door, Orlando began to pull away to storm out after him. Tiffany hurriedly ran to the front door shut it and locked it, blocking the way with her body.
"Love, this is not a time to play games." Orlando warned.
"I'm not joking baby. Listen to me, if you go after them now, you'll only do something you'll seriously regret. You're too angry right now."
"AND I HAVE A DAMN GOOD RIGHT TO BE!!!" He shouted, instantly regretting yelling at her. The hurt shone in her eyes but he knew she understood what brought it on.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled love. But I can't just let him get away with that. I mean MY CAR is now at the bottom of a lake. Do you have any idea how much that is going to cost to repair?" She then took a step closer, cupping his face in her hands.
"And we'll take care of that by making Elijah pay out of his own pocket. He's the one who put it at the bottom of the lake."
"That's not the only thing I'm ready to rip his sodding head off for..." He replied, cocking a brow.
"Oh I think I've got a way to solve that."
"Please if you have any idea as to how to rid me of him tell me! I've tried everything and it doesn't work. I want time alone with you." He pouted as she laughed and tenderly kissed him.
"Do you have any rope and rags and three bags?" Orlando's smile widened at the thought of what she had in mind.
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"YOU"RE WHAT?!" Tiffany shrieked in excitement.
"We're getting married! He asked me last night before we...well,"
"Oh my GOD!! Oh I'm so happy for you! I better be the matron of honor."
"Of course." Nikki replied, thrusting her hand in Tiffany's line of sight to show off the ring.
"Wow, look at the rock on that huh? So you guys finally did the deed huh?"
"Yes, not like you and Orlando haven't before." Nikki smirked.
"We haven't. Everytime we get close to, someone interrupts us or something happens. I swear everyone thinks we've long since done it but that's not even close to the truth. We get enough into it to get each other all hot and bothered and some bonehead like Lij or Billy storm in and destroy everything."
"Seems like Karl should have left ya'll locked in that room a little longer huh?" Nikki laughed.
"We'd go in there but it's going to be put to good use tonight." Tiffany hinted.
"Oh no, do I even want to know?"
"Even if you don't you'll find out soon enough. We need to borrow Karl for about fifteen, twenty minutes...that okay?"
"Fine by me. So...wow, you've got me now! I thought for sure you and Orlando have been sleeping together. You're always all over each other and you sure act as though you have."
"It's cause I love him so much and can't get enough of him and at the same time we literally CAN'T get enough. Besides, I recall a few times where I'd barge in on heated moments between you and Karl." Tiffany shot back.
"Can you believe it?"
"What, that we got two incredible, sexy as hell men that love us? One of which you'll be marrying?" Tiffany smiled. They both started cracking up and giggling about everything when Orlando and Karl popped in with a rather amused expression.
"Tiff, love, we need to get going so that Karl here can get back to his celebration."
"Okay. Nikki I promise we'll have him back here in a flash." Tiffany grinned, hugging her and happily leaping into Orlando's arms and kissing him, taking him by surprise. He laughed as he kissed her back.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing. I love you."
"I love you too." He replied softly as Karl came up behind Orlando, grabbed him by the ear and drug him backwards.
"You said you needed my help to get time alone, not to sit and watch you two have that time. Now which one of us is covering who?"
"I'd say leave Lij to Orli, I'll handle Billy and you can handle Dom." They all three grinned in agreement to Tiffany's order.
"Okay, meet back at the costume room...and don't forget they have to be gagged!" Orlando said quietly as they all began to go their separate ways. As soon as Karl was gone, Orlando whispered loudly for Tiffany to wait for him.
"Orli, what are you doing? You're supposed to go after Lij and we can't keep Nikki wai..." She was cut off by a full on, open mouth kiss, one that left her weak in the knees.
"Just wanted to give you a little something to look forward to once we're finished becasue after this, I plan on having a very long, uninterrupted amount of time alone with you." He said huskily, pulling her tight against him and groping her from behind. She nipped at his neck and pushed him away with a grin.
"GO!" She laughed as he winked and she ran in the other direction.
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Orlando quietly entered the room, using the skills he'd picked up training to be graceful and got the rope and gag ready upon seeing Elijah sprawled half hazardly across the couch.
If he wanted to do this and have it go as planned, he'd have to be quick. With a deep breath he pounced on Elijah, instantly startling him awake. His wide blue eyes stared up at Orlando in fear as Orlando held the gag taut between his hands.
"Or...Orlando what are you doing? Wh...what are you planning to do with..."
"You talk too damn much Lij..." Orlando said then in one swift movement gagged him and tied it behind his head.
"Payback's a bitch isn't it?"
After binding his hands in rope behind his back and placing the bag over his head, Orlando slung Elijah over his shoulder and made a dash for the room, Elijah grunting from the pressure of Orlando's shoulder ramming his stomach with every bump.
By the time he got there, Tiffany and Karl were holding onto the other two, each having smug grins.
"Shall we?" Karl smiled. They all nodded as Tiffany opened the door and they all three shoved Dom, Billy and Elijah into the room, pulling the door closed, instantly locking them in.
Karl and Orlando burst into laughter upon hearing the muffled screams and bodies slamming into each other.
Tiffany then latched onto Orlando's waist from behind, pressing herself against him.
"Karl, if you don't mind...there's something I need to take care of...I'm sure Nikki's still awake. She'll be dying to know what's going on." Tiffany said from behind Orlando, grabbing his ass rather hard as she lightly licked at his shoulder.
"Oh no...I'll be more than glad to return to my fiancee! You guys have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"WHich isn't a whole lot Karl." Orlando shouted as he walked away.
Once he was long out of earshot, Tiffany turned Orlando around and instantly jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him into a kiss.
"A little fiesty there love?" He growled.
"You have no idea..." She purred as he basically ran back to his place.
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Chapter 18
During a time of two weeks the cast had gathered about over a thousand dollars for the surgery and there was a donor in place and Nikki's surgery would be the Wednesday of that week.
"Karl,I'm so nervous about this,"Nikki said the night before as they sat on the bed.
"You're going to be fine baby,"he said as he pulled her closer to him and kissed her on the cheek.
"What if I don't pull through?"
"Knowing how strong you are baby,I think you'll do just fine. I'll be able to check with the doctor to see how you're doing all right?"
"Ok."
He kissed her again. "You're going to do just fine. Knowing how fast you recovered from the fall. I was surprised that you didn't kill yourself."
"The ground wasn't that hard."
"Could you actually feel the ground as you hit it?"
"Just a little."
"I see."
"I almost thought my heart was going to give out."
"I almost thought I had lost you."
"But I was all right."
"I'm glad too."
"Karl...?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you so much."
He smiled and kissed her. "I love you Nikki. I don't want you to leave me."
"I would never want to leave you Karl. Not after all you've done for me."
"Then you'd better not leave me!"he started to tickle her.
"Stop it!"she yelled. She started to kick him.
"Ok ok! I'll stop!"he was still laughing.
"Well,I had better get to sleep. We need to be at the hospital at 8:00."
"That's right,"he kissed her as they layed in bed. "I love you."
"I love you too,"she whispered as they finally doozed off to sleep.
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Chapter 20
"Tiffany!"Nikki yelled as she saw her best friend come through the door.
"Nikki! Are you all right?"
"I'm starting to calm down."
"Karl told me that you were freaking out. I thought I'd come in and try to calm you down before they took you back."
"Tiffany,I'm scared."
"I know you are Nikki. But you know it's for the best. Karl and I don't want to lose you."
She smiled. "Yeah. I know."
"You're going to pull through this Nikki. I have so much confidence in you."
"Thanks."
"I mean it Nikki. That's what friends are for right?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
She looked she was about to cry.
"Tiffany,you're not going to make things any better if you cry."
"I know. I guess I'm a little worried."
"Oh that helps!"
"I'm sorry."
"Tiffany...I have to tell you something..."
"What?"
"Tiffany...the doctor says I'm pregnant."
"Oh my god. You aren't kidding?"
She shook her head in silence.
"Does Karl know?"
"No. But I don't want to make this worse for him. I'm just so scared Tiffany. If I don't pull through,the baby dies too."
"You're going to be just fine."
"I think I need to tell Karl."
"You want me to go get him?"
"He's still here?"
"He hasn't left the hospital in two days."
"My god...Please go get him."
"All right. I'll be right back,"and she headed out to the waiting room.
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"Karl,"Tiffany said as she went back to the waiting room.
"Yeah?"
"Nikki wants to see you."
"How's she doing?"
"She's starting to calm down. But she needs to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you!"
"Very funny."
"Karl really,it would make her feel a whole lot better if she told you."
"But she's all right?"
"Yes she's fine. But I need to call Orlando with the news so you had better go back there."
"All right then. Take care,"and he headed back to the waiting room.
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"Hey baby,"Karl said as he entered Nicole's room.
"Hi."
"Tiffany told me you had something to tell me."
"Yeah. You had better sit down though."
Karl sat down and looked at here.
"Karl...I'm pregnant."
"What?"
"I found out this morning."
"Was that why you were so scared?"
She nodded. "But I didn't know how to tell you."
"Well,you just told me and I took it just fine."
"Karl...if I don't make it the baby dies too."
"You're going to be just fine baby."
"Karl,thank you so much for all of this."
He kissed her forehead. "You're welcome. Well,I had better go since they're going to take you back soon. You be brave for me all right."
She nodded. "I will,for you and Tiffany."
"Thanks. I love you."
"I love you too,"and she watched as he left the room.
By: Nikki
Rating: PG-13
Chapters: 11 - 20
Characters: Orlando, Tiffany, Karl and Nikki
Status: Still working on it
Summary: Life comes out you fast.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of these characters.
Chapter 11
It had been three days since Nikki's accident and according to the doctors, she was showing improvement. Obviously enough because they were telling her she may be discharged before the two week mark. She hoped she would because she was becoming quite tired of staying in that hospital bed all day and all night.
Karl remained faithfully by her side, leaving only to go to the restroom or to get something to eat. She also realized that they still hadn't called her parents. Something which needed to be done and soon or they for sure weren't going to allow her to stay.
Then her mind strayed to Tiffany and Orlando. The past few days they'd been coming in to see her separately and while there, neither ever mentioned one word about the other. It was plain to see that there was trouble in paradise and more than likely it was from her stubbornness and fear of being hurt again.
"Nikki, baby, wh...what's wrong?" Karl asked worriedly by her side.
"It's nothing...I'm fine."
"Yeah ok, now tell me the truth. What's wrong?" He replied with a smirk, not quite believing her.
"I'm just worried about Tiffany that's all."
"Ah, so you have noticed?"
"Noticed what? That she and Orlando are coming to see me on separate visits? That they don't even mention each other? Or could it be the broken look in her eyes?" Nikki replied sarcastically.
"The past few days, Orlando has tried to talk to her and everytime he does, either someone interrupts, that someone being Lij, or she gets upset and as he says, panics. It's really taking it's toll on him too. You don't notice it because you don't know him as well as we do just like Tiffany doesn't know me all that well either. They've been more on the hate side of each other for the past couple days. Everything between thems turns into an argument."
"Well you know what has to be done don't you?" Nikki replied.
"I think I do but are sure it will work?" Karl asked with a smile.
"It worked for us didn't it?"
"That it did. But there's a difference. We didn't hate each other."
"She doesn't hate him Karl, it's quite the opposite. She loves him but she's afraid of being hurt again. Her family is a factor, yes, but she's using it as an excuse. She's afraid to tell him and the only way to get her to do so is to force her in a room with him with no way out."
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
"Um...today? No, I don't think so." Nikki smiled flirtatiously as he grew closer.
"Well I do...very much." He whispered, enveloping her in a sweet kiss.
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Three hours later Tiffany ran rampant looking for her shoes to her costume. She couldn't find them anywhere and the last place she'd seen them was in her and Nikki's trailer. She'd turned it upside down three times already. She was about to lose it. There was too much going on in her head right now and the last thing she needed was to lose part of her costume.
In the midst of running around on a wild goose chase, she was trying to avoid Orlando. It seemed everytime they ran into each other and she saw the undeniable hurt look in his eyes, something in her snapped and they would begin to argue. She knew she was hurting him but she knew the only other option would be to open up to him. For her, it was too dangerous. Risking too much.
Yes, she loved him, but was she really ready to give up her life at home and risk her heart just to stay here with a man she loved but really knew nothing about?
Sure they talked and they knew each other inside and out but how did she know things wouldn't go terribly wrong in the following months? She'd be left here with nothing, no family, nothing. Granted she'd have Nikki but if things with Orlando didn't work out, it would be too painful to stay.
Just as she started throwing things about in the costume room in a desperate hunt for her shoes, Orlando walked in.
"Did you lose something love?" Tiffany head shot up and their eyes met. Her heart was in her throat and she could see that he didn't realize who he'd been talking to.
Their eyes grew tense.
"A ha, I've got them. Now if you'll excuse me..." She said trying to get by him. He reached out and gently took her arm.
"What are we doing Tiffany? Why are we avoiding each other like this? This isn't us..."
"Maybe it isn't YOU. Look I don't have time for this okay? I'm sick of fighting day in and day out so why don't we both just stay out of each other's way okay?" She replied through clenched teeth.
"Stop running from me! What are you so afraid of? We used to be able to talk to each other love, what happened?" Just as he said that and she heard the pain in his voice, her eyes widened. The door had just shut behind Orlando.
He quickly turned around and immediately began banging on it, yelling and trying to get out. He then heard giggling on the other side of the door that belonged to no other than Elijah. It was then that he remembered once in you couldn't get out.
"What are you doing? Open that door!" She screamed.
"Hey, don't scream at me! I didn't bloody well shut that door! It was Elijah. He's on the other side giggling his posy little ass off on the other side of the door and if you remember correctly, Nikki and Karl were locked in here before. There's no way out until someone gets the key and lets us out." He said in anger then softened his tone at the end.
"Yes I remember and for your information I'm not running!" She shot back.
"Oh really? Then why is it everytime I try to talk to you, you break into tears and leave?"
"Because you don't understand why I have to leave!"
"No one is making you leave but yourself." He whispered as he slumped against a wall.
They sat in uncomfortable silence for about five minutes when he thought, well it's now or never. He rose to his feet and stood before her on the other side of the room.
"Can we please talk about this? This is driving me crazy. I don't want you to be angry with me or us to be at odds with each when you leave love." He softly pleaded, placing a kiss to her hand.
"Orli, I want to, I really do. I'm just not sure I can." She told him as tears already began to form.
"Yes you can. Tiffany we always tell each other everything...why is this any different? Why can't you open up your heart to me about leaving? What is it that you're so afraid of?" He asked, getting slightly irritated.
Tiffany knew if she didn't say it then, it would destroy this man. For once in her life she was going to throw caution to the wind and go for it.
"I'm afraid of being hurt again! That's what I'm afraid of. I love you Orlando and because I love you the risk would be too great. As much as I want to stay I'm afraid that if I do, things will only take a turn for the worst." Orlando tried to take in everything she was telling him. His heart had swelled just hearing the words come from her.
He brought his hand up to cup her cheek.
"So because you love me, you want to leave me? Tiffany, love, I can understand you being afraid of being hurt again. Everybody is and has been at one point in their life or another. But the one thing you've failed to take into consideration about this whole ordeal is the way I feel."
"And how is that?" She asked brokenly, knowing that if he said what she wanted to hear, she would be ruined. He'd have her heart and there wouldn't a force strong enough on this earth to make her leave.
"I love you too." He said just above a whisper. Within a moment, she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his in a passionate kiss.
"Do you think you could manage to add another person to your trailer?" She asked breathlessly as she pulled away. His eyes widened as did his smile.
"Are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"I'll stay." As he let out a whoop the costume door flew open and Elijah walked in, with Viggo and Karl.
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Chapter 12
That evening Tiffany made a surprise visit to Nikki to tell her the news. Nikki couldn't believe her ears.
"YOU'RE STAYING?!"she sayed with glee.
"Yep!"
"Girl,you have no idea how happy this makes me."
"How's Karl doing?"
"He's better."
"That's good."
"I'll be getting out of here tomorrow."
"Are you serious?"
"The doctors said that I'll be fine."
"Nikki..."she paused.
"Yeah?"
"You know you might need a heart transplant right?"
"Girl,I'm fine."
"No you're not Nikki. What if this happens again? You might die."
"Did I die this time?"
"Girl,please be serious here. You know your heart isn't in the best condition."
She sighed. "I know...you're right."
"I've give up my heart."
"Tiffany no! You're my best friend and I cannot have you dying on me now."
"I was only kidding."
"But who would be willing to give up their heart?"
"We could put something in the newspaper."
"But what in the newspaper?"asked Karl as he came in the room.
"Karl,Nikki needs a heart transplant."
He looked at Nikki. "Are you serious?"
She nodded. "Pretty much. That's what Tiffany told me."
"Well,if Tiffany is that worried I don't see any reason why we couldn't start tomorrow."
"Karl,god I love you so much. But I'm supposed to get out tomorrow."
"I'll take you home,but you are not to go on the set until after your transplant."
She looked at Tiffany. "God he sounds like my dad." The girls both laughed at that.
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Chapter 13
It was nearing Nikki's release time and Tiffany, Karl and Orlando all waited patiently in her room for the doctor to come.
"You guys, there's a little problem with this whole transplant thing...how am I supposed to pay for it?" Nikki asked, nervousness in her tone.
"You just leave that to us Nikki love." Orlando replied with a smile, receiving skeptical glances from Tiffany, Karl and Nikki.
"No, no way are you paying for it Elfy." Karl said in shock.
"Did I say that? No. If you humans would only hear the way your ears were meant to we'd avoid circumstances like this." He replied smugly. Just then the doctor walked in.
"Well how are we feeling Ms. Bateman?"
"Um...okay I guess. Ready to get out of here. I was actually wondering if I could speak to you about the possibility of having a heart transplant Dr. Fazullah."
"Wow, I didn't expect to hear that. I don't see why we can't look at that as a possibility."
"In your opinion Dr. would it be recommended that she have one?" Karl asked.
"Honestly, in my professional opinion, having one would benefit Ms. Bateman in the long run but with things like this we've got to look at it from all angles. One thing about these surgeries that nail everyone is payment."
"We're aware of the cost and we're working on that right now." Orlando replied with a grin. It was then that Tiffany took the opportunity to excuse them both and get to the bottom of it.
"What the hell are you doing?" SHe shrieked.
"I have an idea."
"Orli, baby, I love you and all, but you aren't exactly the brightest crayon in the box when it comes to ideas."
"Gee thanks for the support love. I was thinking of going to Peter and maybe having everyone, crew and all pitch in a bit and us pay for it as a whole." He replied with a grin that melted her heart. She responded with wide eyes.
"Okay, I take it back. You are a genius! Why don't I go in and tell Nikki that we've been called to the set and we can start talking to everyone now?"
"Sounds good. I'll meet you in the car." He quickly kissed her as they went their separate ways.
Just as she went the doctor came out.
"Now that the docs gone, mind telling us what the elf is raving about?"
"Wish I could but he wouldn't let up. While we were out Peter called and wants he and I back on set."
"Damn, I wanted you guys to come and celebrate back at home with me." Nikki pouted.
"Oh don't worry we will and besides, it's only going to take a minute. Anybody else you want us to bring?"
"Anybody but Elijah...we don't need her having another heart attack." Karl sounded off as they all burst into laughter before she left.
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Chapter 14
That afternoon Karl brought Nikki home. He stayed with her for a little bit even thought he was due back on the set that night.
"Tell Orlando that I said thank you,"she told Karl as they sat on his bed.
"It's already been taken care."
She looked at him. "And thank you."
"I love you Nikki. I don't want you to die. You're too young. I care about you so much." He moved over and their lips met.
"You guys have no idea how much this means to me."
"Oh,I think they do." He kissed her again. "Did Tiffany tell you?"
"Yeah. That was the first thing she told me when she came in my room."
"Good."
"I wonder how Orlando took it."
"He seemed very happy."
"I could tell." She went silent.
"Are you all right?"
She nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine."
"I'm just glad that I get to go home for a little bit tomorrow. You're coming with me."
"I thought so. How is Pete taking this?"
"He's been asking about you."
"Really?"
"Yeah.I told him about raising money for the transplant and he thought of so many ideas. He's even talking about stopping shooting for a while to help out."
"Are you serious?"
"Yep."
"Wow."
There was knock on the door. It was Orlando. "What's up?"
"We need to go Karl,"he said. Tiffany was behind him.
"Can I see Nikki?"she asked.
Karl smiled. "You sure can. We'll leave you two alone,"and they left.
"What's up?"asked Nikki as Tiffany sat by her on the bed.
"I just wanted to see you. I guess we won't be room mates anymore."
"Guess not."
"Are you excited about moving in with Karl?"
"Yeah. But you know I'm going to miss having you around."
"I'll miss you too." She looked like she was about to cry.
"Please don't cry Tiffany."
"I'm sorry..."
"What about you and Orlando?"
"I'll be moving in with him too."
"Aren't you happy?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
"Then tell me what's wrong."
"I guess it's just going to be strange not having you around."
"But we can always see each other. I'm going to get through this transplant just fine hon."
"That's the Nikki I like."
"You want to stay here for a little bit?"
"Sure. Since I've got nothing to do."
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Chapter 15
Once Karl and Orlando returned, they found Tiffany and Nikki stuffing their faces in front of the telly watching some chick flick. Karl groaned and Orlando giddily jumped on the couch, snuggling next to Tiffany and tuning in.
Nikki and Tiffany instantly started laughing as did Karl. Orlando looked around him with an expression of mock hurt.
"What?"
"Nothing, you've just proven my point." Karl replied.
"Oh yeah, and what might that be you wanker?"
"That you really are a prissy elf!" Orlando responded to Karl's statement by chunking a pillow at him. He then turned to Tiffany.
"What do you say we pack up your stuff and head over to my place?" He whispered sexily in her ear, teasing it with a flick of his tongue.
"Mmm, don't you mean...our place?" She answered, gripping his thigh.
"Um...HELLO? We're still in the room here guys! Mind taking this to your own damn house?" Karl snapped. Tiffany and Orlando laughed and headed into her room to pack up stuff.
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After having moved everything in to Orlando's place, Tiffany went straight to the fridge to get something to drink. As she leant over to grab a bottle of water, she felt Orlando's hands come around her waist and his lips against the nape of her neck.
"A little impatient are we?" She giggled.
"You have no bloody idea...I've wanted you all day." He growled huskily as he grinded himself against her backside.
"Best not keep you waiting huh?" She replied as she turned in his embrace and fiercely latched her lips to his. Little did he know that she had a now open bottle of water raised above his head.
As the kiss grew in intensity and just as she was about to tip the bottle, Billy bust through the door. In startlement, Tiffany tipped the water over Orlando's head and Orlando let out a shrill scream.
"Oh my god, Orli, baby I'm sorry!" She squealed, covering her mouth, trying to keep laughter at bay. He scowled playfully at her and then turned to Billy.
"Alright you tosser, you better have a bloody good excuse for coming in here without knocking."
"Just...sorry to interrupt...but thought you might like to know that Elijah kind of um...well he...he borrowed your car and it now sits at the bottom of the lake." Billy looked to Orlando, wincing in anticipation. The anger in Orlando's face was undescribable and Tiffany quickly latched to his arm, trying to keep him from tearing Billy to shreds.
"By the time I count to bloody f---ing three, you had better be out of here!!! 1...2..."
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Chapter 16
During the last part of the movie Nikki got off the couch.
“Where are you going?”asked Karl.
“I’m going to take a shower. You can go to bed if you want to.”
“Thank god. I was getting tired of this movie.”
She laughed and went to take a shower.
About 15 minutes later,Nikki got out of the shower and couldn’t believe what she saw. There was Karl in the bed,naked. Oh my god,thought Nikki as she just stood there speechless. What am I going to do? The only thing I’ve got over me is a towel!
Karl came over to her and looked at her with a grin on his face. “You’re very beautiful. I know that I can’t stop telling you that. But I think you’d look even more beautiful if you took that towel off.” He pulled her closer to him and their lips met. He moved his hands down and took the towel off him.
“Are you sure this isn’t too soon?”Nikki asked as they walked to the bed.
“It’s never too soon. I love you.”
She smiled. “I love you too But we aren’t even going to get married yet.”
“Hang on. I need to find something.”
She looked at him and didn’t say anything.
He reached under the covers and showed her a little black box. She gave him a big grin. “I have a question for you,”he said.
“Yes?”
“Will you marry me?”
“You know I would!”
He smiled and kissed her and put the ring on her finger. “I knew this wouldn’t be right if we didn’t do this right now.” He started to kiss her. “I love you Nikki.”
“I love you too Karl.”
“I’ll never leave you.”
“You know I’ll never leave you.”
“I want you to have my children.”
“I would love to have your children.”
“That’s why I thought we could start now.”
“It seems right.”
He kissed her neck. She let out a little groan.
Three hours later they were looking at each other with smiles on their face.
“Are you sure that was your first time?”asked Karl.
She nodded.
He kissed her again. “It didn’t seem like it.” He looked at her and didn’t stop kissing her.
“You want to go again?”
“I’d love to hon,but we really need sleep because we’re moving into my house in a couple of hours. But we can do it more tonight.”
“I’d love that.”
He kissed her again. “Good. I love you.”
“I love you too.”
“ ‘Night.”
“Goodnight.”
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Chapter 17
As soon as Billy disappeared out of the door, Orlando began to pull away to storm out after him. Tiffany hurriedly ran to the front door shut it and locked it, blocking the way with her body.
"Love, this is not a time to play games." Orlando warned.
"I'm not joking baby. Listen to me, if you go after them now, you'll only do something you'll seriously regret. You're too angry right now."
"AND I HAVE A DAMN GOOD RIGHT TO BE!!!" He shouted, instantly regretting yelling at her. The hurt shone in her eyes but he knew she understood what brought it on.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have yelled love. But I can't just let him get away with that. I mean MY CAR is now at the bottom of a lake. Do you have any idea how much that is going to cost to repair?" She then took a step closer, cupping his face in her hands.
"And we'll take care of that by making Elijah pay out of his own pocket. He's the one who put it at the bottom of the lake."
"That's not the only thing I'm ready to rip his sodding head off for..." He replied, cocking a brow.
"Oh I think I've got a way to solve that."
"Please if you have any idea as to how to rid me of him tell me! I've tried everything and it doesn't work. I want time alone with you." He pouted as she laughed and tenderly kissed him.
"Do you have any rope and rags and three bags?" Orlando's smile widened at the thought of what she had in mind.
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"YOU"RE WHAT?!" Tiffany shrieked in excitement.
"We're getting married! He asked me last night before we...well,"
"Oh my GOD!! Oh I'm so happy for you! I better be the matron of honor."
"Of course." Nikki replied, thrusting her hand in Tiffany's line of sight to show off the ring.
"Wow, look at the rock on that huh? So you guys finally did the deed huh?"
"Yes, not like you and Orlando haven't before." Nikki smirked.
"We haven't. Everytime we get close to, someone interrupts us or something happens. I swear everyone thinks we've long since done it but that's not even close to the truth. We get enough into it to get each other all hot and bothered and some bonehead like Lij or Billy storm in and destroy everything."
"Seems like Karl should have left ya'll locked in that room a little longer huh?" Nikki laughed.
"We'd go in there but it's going to be put to good use tonight." Tiffany hinted.
"Oh no, do I even want to know?"
"Even if you don't you'll find out soon enough. We need to borrow Karl for about fifteen, twenty minutes...that okay?"
"Fine by me. So...wow, you've got me now! I thought for sure you and Orlando have been sleeping together. You're always all over each other and you sure act as though you have."
"It's cause I love him so much and can't get enough of him and at the same time we literally CAN'T get enough. Besides, I recall a few times where I'd barge in on heated moments between you and Karl." Tiffany shot back.
"Can you believe it?"
"What, that we got two incredible, sexy as hell men that love us? One of which you'll be marrying?" Tiffany smiled. They both started cracking up and giggling about everything when Orlando and Karl popped in with a rather amused expression.
"Tiff, love, we need to get going so that Karl here can get back to his celebration."
"Okay. Nikki I promise we'll have him back here in a flash." Tiffany grinned, hugging her and happily leaping into Orlando's arms and kissing him, taking him by surprise. He laughed as he kissed her back.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing. I love you."
"I love you too." He replied softly as Karl came up behind Orlando, grabbed him by the ear and drug him backwards.
"You said you needed my help to get time alone, not to sit and watch you two have that time. Now which one of us is covering who?"
"I'd say leave Lij to Orli, I'll handle Billy and you can handle Dom." They all three grinned in agreement to Tiffany's order.
"Okay, meet back at the costume room...and don't forget they have to be gagged!" Orlando said quietly as they all began to go their separate ways. As soon as Karl was gone, Orlando whispered loudly for Tiffany to wait for him.
"Orli, what are you doing? You're supposed to go after Lij and we can't keep Nikki wai..." She was cut off by a full on, open mouth kiss, one that left her weak in the knees.
"Just wanted to give you a little something to look forward to once we're finished becasue after this, I plan on having a very long, uninterrupted amount of time alone with you." He said huskily, pulling her tight against him and groping her from behind. She nipped at his neck and pushed him away with a grin.
"GO!" She laughed as he winked and she ran in the other direction.
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Orlando quietly entered the room, using the skills he'd picked up training to be graceful and got the rope and gag ready upon seeing Elijah sprawled half hazardly across the couch.
If he wanted to do this and have it go as planned, he'd have to be quick. With a deep breath he pounced on Elijah, instantly startling him awake. His wide blue eyes stared up at Orlando in fear as Orlando held the gag taut between his hands.
"Or...Orlando what are you doing? Wh...what are you planning to do with..."
"You talk too damn much Lij..." Orlando said then in one swift movement gagged him and tied it behind his head.
"Payback's a bitch isn't it?"
After binding his hands in rope behind his back and placing the bag over his head, Orlando slung Elijah over his shoulder and made a dash for the room, Elijah grunting from the pressure of Orlando's shoulder ramming his stomach with every bump.
By the time he got there, Tiffany and Karl were holding onto the other two, each having smug grins.
"Shall we?" Karl smiled. They all nodded as Tiffany opened the door and they all three shoved Dom, Billy and Elijah into the room, pulling the door closed, instantly locking them in.
Karl and Orlando burst into laughter upon hearing the muffled screams and bodies slamming into each other.
Tiffany then latched onto Orlando's waist from behind, pressing herself against him.
"Karl, if you don't mind...there's something I need to take care of...I'm sure Nikki's still awake. She'll be dying to know what's going on." Tiffany said from behind Orlando, grabbing his ass rather hard as she lightly licked at his shoulder.
"Oh no...I'll be more than glad to return to my fiancee! You guys have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"WHich isn't a whole lot Karl." Orlando shouted as he walked away.
Once he was long out of earshot, Tiffany turned Orlando around and instantly jumped up, wrapping her legs around his waist and pulling him into a kiss.
"A little fiesty there love?" He growled.
"You have no idea..." She purred as he basically ran back to his place.
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Chapter 18
During a time of two weeks the cast had gathered about over a thousand dollars for the surgery and there was a donor in place and Nikki's surgery would be the Wednesday of that week.
"Karl,I'm so nervous about this,"Nikki said the night before as they sat on the bed.
"You're going to be fine baby,"he said as he pulled her closer to him and kissed her on the cheek.
"What if I don't pull through?"
"Knowing how strong you are baby,I think you'll do just fine. I'll be able to check with the doctor to see how you're doing all right?"
"Ok."
He kissed her again. "You're going to do just fine. Knowing how fast you recovered from the fall. I was surprised that you didn't kill yourself."
"The ground wasn't that hard."
"Could you actually feel the ground as you hit it?"
"Just a little."
"I see."
"I almost thought my heart was going to give out."
"I almost thought I had lost you."
"But I was all right."
"I'm glad too."
"Karl...?"
"Yes?"
"Thank you so much."
He smiled and kissed her. "I love you Nikki. I don't want you to leave me."
"I would never want to leave you Karl. Not after all you've done for me."
"Then you'd better not leave me!"he started to tickle her.
"Stop it!"she yelled. She started to kick him.
"Ok ok! I'll stop!"he was still laughing.
"Well,I had better get to sleep. We need to be at the hospital at 8:00."
"That's right,"he kissed her as they layed in bed. "I love you."
"I love you too,"she whispered as they finally doozed off to sleep.
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Chapter 20
"Tiffany!"Nikki yelled as she saw her best friend come through the door.
"Nikki! Are you all right?"
"I'm starting to calm down."
"Karl told me that you were freaking out. I thought I'd come in and try to calm you down before they took you back."
"Tiffany,I'm scared."
"I know you are Nikki. But you know it's for the best. Karl and I don't want to lose you."
She smiled. "Yeah. I know."
"You're going to pull through this Nikki. I have so much confidence in you."
"Thanks."
"I mean it Nikki. That's what friends are for right?"
She nodded. "Yeah."
She looked she was about to cry.
"Tiffany,you're not going to make things any better if you cry."
"I know. I guess I'm a little worried."
"Oh that helps!"
"I'm sorry."
"Tiffany...I have to tell you something..."
"What?"
"Tiffany...the doctor says I'm pregnant."
"Oh my god. You aren't kidding?"
She shook her head in silence.
"Does Karl know?"
"No. But I don't want to make this worse for him. I'm just so scared Tiffany. If I don't pull through,the baby dies too."
"You're going to be just fine."
"I think I need to tell Karl."
"You want me to go get him?"
"He's still here?"
"He hasn't left the hospital in two days."
"My god...Please go get him."
"All right. I'll be right back,"and she headed out to the waiting room.
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"Karl,"Tiffany said as she went back to the waiting room.
"Yeah?"
"Nikki wants to see you."
"How's she doing?"
"She's starting to calm down. But she needs to tell you something."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell you!"
"Very funny."
"Karl really,it would make her feel a whole lot better if she told you."
"But she's all right?"
"Yes she's fine. But I need to call Orlando with the news so you had better go back there."
"All right then. Take care,"and he headed back to the waiting room.
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"Hey baby,"Karl said as he entered Nicole's room.
"Hi."
"Tiffany told me you had something to tell me."
"Yeah. You had better sit down though."
Karl sat down and looked at here.
"Karl...I'm pregnant."
"What?"
"I found out this morning."
"Was that why you were so scared?"
She nodded. "But I didn't know how to tell you."
"Well,you just told me and I took it just fine."
"Karl...if I don't make it the baby dies too."
"You're going to be just fine baby."
"Karl,thank you so much for all of this."
He kissed her forehead. "You're welcome. Well,I had better go since they're going to take you back soon. You be brave for me all right."
She nodded. "I will,for you and Tiffany."
"Thanks. I love you."
"I love you too,"and she watched as he left the room.