Chapter 12

Kate walked out of the hospital like she was hitted by a car. Even at her beggining with her relatonship with Richie things got worse. She was trying to understand why he put her to choose between him and her brother. Of course and he has every right to be upset but a dellima like that, is not what she was hoping.

Kate looked around as the cold wind of the winter made her cold. She couldn't find him. She wanted to talk to him. She was sure he didn't mean any of those words he said to her at her office, he was just upset. Kate was thinking where he might be. If she was him where she will go? She was keep asking herself. She stopped when she felt a drop of water on her head. She looked up at the dark sky. It was start snowing.

Kate walked faster to the back of the hospital. There she found him leaning against the wall wearing on of his hats. He was smocking a cigarette and Kate hated it. But she wanted to talk to him so badly than her hate for cigarette smock didn't stand a chance. While she was walked towards him she was looking at him. So tall, so good, so hurted and yet so beautiful. Her steps were leading to him even she didn't want it. But she wanted it very bad.

Richie was just standing there after she dropped his cigarette butt. he was feelling a weight on his chest. It was a time he was alone and all he got to do is think, and he did a lot. He regreted what he said. He was only thinking himself. But in a relatonship you have to think about the other person you hurt with your actions. And Kate was hurted as he was. He wanted to talk to her, apologize to her. But he knew she needed some time and space. he looked up to the night sky. he hoped he will see the stars but he faced dark clouds. Some snowflakes had already covered his coat as long as his hat. He need to go home before it get worse.

Richie looked at his left and there was where Kate was standing. He didn't think that she will want to see him or talk to him after the momment in her office. But there she was. Standing in front of him wearing only her doctor's robe and it was snowing.

"Richie..." she started. His fingers covered her mouth in the matter of seconds. "Shhh." he said and pulled her close. "You don't have to talk darlin'. I've been an ass earlier and i'm sorry. You don't have to choose your brother or myself. I was being shelfish and i'm sorry." Richie told her. He was looking in her eyes. His chocolate brown eyes were wearming her heart even it was snowing.

"Do you forgive me, Kate?" Kate placed his hand on his cheek. "What i am going to do with you, my little rockstar?" "I don't know Doctor. You give the orders, i just make them happen." he smiled and he kissed right there in the back of the hospital while it was snowing. "But this time i'll give you an order." he said and took of his coat. "What are you doing?" He placed it over her shoulders. "I am giving you my coat. It's snowing." he answered.

"Thank you." Kate answered and Richie smiled. He turned his back on her and walked to where he parked his car. "When i'll see you again?" she asked. "You have my coat darlin', just one more reason to see you." he asnswered as he arrived to his car. His answer made a big smile on Kate's face.

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Kate woke up next morning facing her snowing backward. It was snowing all night after she came back from the hospital. She hated night shifts because you loose the whole next morning but she got used to it. She made a hot coffee for herself and opened the curtains of the living room windows. It was snowing anymore. 

The kids were outside builting snowmans and just fooling around. Everybody loves snow. Kate loved it too. She remember when she was little how many snowmans she had built at their backyard in New York. She had missed her family like it was back then, before her mother passed. 

The bell rung. Kate smiled knowing who was behind that door. Her smile froze at her lips when she faced her father instead of Richie. "Good morning Cathrine. Can i come in?" Timothy asked his only daughter. "Yes." Kate answered and closed the door when her father walked in. 

"You have a very nice place here." he said looking around. "I am sure your son have showed you pictures of my house before." Kate answered and sut on hte couch. Her father was just standing there looking at her. "I have no idea what Jackson was up to. You have to believe me Kate." "No, Dad i won't. You rised him like that. All these are your fault. If Mum was here things will be different." Kate said and looked away. 

Timothy sighed and sut next to his daughter. "Kate, you were so young when your mother left. I did everything i could to make this work." "And you failed." Kate answered quickly. "Maybe but i tried to make things like they were before." her father added. "You didn't try enough, dad. You were gone the most of the time. I grow up with batlers. If i had a problem they will listen to me. I never saw you like a father, a real father. All it's left is the name." Kate answered.

Timothy heard his heart broke. he had no idea how his own daughter was feelling about him. All those years he thought that she loved him. He thought that she left home because she was wanted to be intipentent.But from what it seems, he was wrong. 

"Do i deserve a second chance? Jackson and you, Kate are the most presious human beings to me. Everything i did i did it for you. I wanted us to be a family again after your mother's death." he paused and looked at his daughter. "Do you remember our Christmass in Australia?" he asked her. She smiled. "How can i forget that? We were a family back then, dad. I don't know what we are now." 

"We are still a family sweetie. Let me proove it. Friday night dinner at our house. I am dying to meet Richie." "Leave Richie out of our family drama." Kate replied. She didn't want Richie to get involved. "You are dating him. That makes him a part of our family." Timothy got up. "I will be waiting, Kate." he added and walked out of the house leaving Kate alone with a mess in her head.

Timothy got in the car which was waiting him outside of Kate's house. "Back home, sir?" the driver asked. "No." Timothy answered from the backseat and gave the adress top the driver. "We leave right now, sir." the driver said and drove away.

Minutes later Timothy arrived at his destination. "Thank you, Oscar. Please wait here." Timothy ordered the driver as he opened the door. "As you wish sir." Oscar replied. Timothy walked in the entrance of the huge building. He searched the names on the bells and rung when he found Richie's name.

Back in the 13th floor Richie was sleeping. He opened both eyes when he heard the bell. He got up and walked to the small tv sreen next to the door. "Hello?" he asked the man he had never seen before. "Mr Sambora i am Kate's father. Can i come in?" Timothy asked. Richie froze. Her father? What in the world Kate's father want from him? He crealed his throat and answered. "Yes, of course Mr Jones." Richie answered and opened the door for Kate's father to come in.

He looked back to the living room which looked like a battle field. With quick moves he took everything from pizza boxes to some lyrics it didn't make any sense and threw them to the trash bin in the kitchen. Walking back to thebedroom Richie put on a pair of jeans and a shirt. He knew her father was on the best doctors in the country and he must give him a very good impresion to him.

Once he was ready he walked back to the living room and fixed the pilows on the couches. The bell rung. Richie lifted his head and checked the whole living room before he opened the door. "Good morning Mr Sambora." Timothy said. "Good morning Dr Jones. Please come in." Richie said trying not to sound nervous because he was. He closed the door behind him and asked. "Would you like anything to drink?" "A glass of water will be perfect. Thank you." Timothy replied. "Have a seat and i'll be right back." Richie answered and disappeared at the kitchen.

Timothy was looking around at the young man's living room. Two huge windows with a breathtaken view to New York City. Down of the windows a huge table too with framed pictures of his family and the band. Timothy was looking at them from the couch when Richie returned with his water. After gaving him the glass Richie sut on the oppisite couch.

"Look Mr Sambora." Timothy started. "You can call me Richie." he interupted him. Timothy looked back at him with his stink eye, he hated when he was interupted. "Mr Sambora is better." "As you wish." "As i was saying i know you are dating my only daughter. She was hurted in the past i don't want to see her hurt." Timothy looked at Richie. "I know what are you thinking. Because my daughter didn't want me in her life doesn't mean i don't want her either. I know what she did all those years." he paused.

"As well as you." Richie's eyes opened wide. "What do you mean? You have people watching me?" he asked. "You see, you're a smart man." "With all the respect you have no right to do such a thing." Richie repplied angrily. "What did you say?" Timothy asked back with the very same sound in his voice. "I said that you have no right to put people watching me!" Richie was pissed. He understands that he wants to protect his daughter, but this was unexeptable.

Timothy was pissed too. This has nothing to do with what he was expecting to meet. "Do you know who i am, boy?" Timothy asked with his indext finger raised. "I know, very well. You are trying to piss me off. But i know the game you're playing. I like your daughter and that's why i am dating her. There is a connection between Kate and myself. From my part i will do whatever i can to make her happy as long as we are together. So, you and your detectives can do and know whatever they want. I have nothing to hide either to you either to Kate. I am clean Mr Jones and i have nothing to fear." Richie stop to find his breath.

He wasn't even thinking these words. He just felt them. These words were like a tsunami and he named them not fearing the conciquences in the beach. He was waiting now Kate's father to expload. Timothy taking a deep breath he stood up and held his hand out. "Congratulations Richie!"

Richie was keep looking at him like a lost puppy. "You passed the test. I am so glad you said what you believe. That's why i am a big fan of yours. Good job, Richie." "I don't get it. You planned all this? And how do you know how i was going to react?" Richie asked. "I placed my bets, Richie. But the point is you a man who i admire and this is what i want for my little girl. She's been through a lot since she was a kid. I hope you don't give her a hard time too." "No, no. I just want to start a family now. I'm grown up." Richie answered.

"That's what i wanted to hear. Let me ask you something. This Friday night are you free?" "Yes." "Great. I will wait Kate and you for dinner in my house. It's time for Jackson to apologise to you. i am sorry about these." Timothy said. "It's fine now." "So, see you on Friday, Richie." Timothy made his way to the door and Richie followed him till there.

"And one more thing." he stopped and looked at him. "If you ever hurt Kate i woun't be so nice. Did i make myself clear?" Timothy asked. "Absolutly, sir." Richie answered with confidence. He was sure, he will never hurt Kate. Richie nodded yes. Timothy answered with a smile and walked away as Richie closed the door.

Chapter 11

Richie was sitting on the kitchen while Kate was taking some ice cubes from the frost. After taking a small towel too she placed it gently in Richie's showllen eye. She sut next to him and she couldn't help herself of crying. Richie saw her with his better eye and said. "Hey, Kate don't cry darlin'." "And what i'm supposed to do? Sit here and pretend that nothing happend?" she asked him back.

"Just don't pay so much attetion." Richie replied as he let a small voice of pain when he changed the place on his eye. "Richie are you listening to yourself?" she asked him. "You're like you just came here from a gang war." "If i was in a gang war i will be dead by now." he tried to smile but the pain on his stomack and lip were too much to take. 

Kate will see that he was suffering and it was all her fault. She sighed. Richie saw how broken she was. He let the towel with the ice cubes on the table and said. "Kate don't worry about me. I'll be fine." he lifted her head with his thumb and saw her crying. Her eyes were red and hot tears were running to her cheek. "Kate listen to me." he paused while she looked at him. "You can't blame yourself about this. I was looking for truble on the first place. I could stay in the house and nothing could ever happen. So, you are not the one to blame okay?" she nodded. 

"Great. I should get going." he got up. "Thank you for taking care of me." he said and hugged her close. "You can manage to get home safe?" Kate asked him when the broke the hug. "Yes. I'll pass to see David the afternoon. You will be there?" "Yes, i will be there." Kate answered. Richie smiled and left her house.

Kate watched him walking away and she was falling in love with him even more now. While she was hating her brother second after second. She wanted him and her father to stay out of her personall life but the obsesion to protect her of something she wanted to lost herslef in didn't count. they had the final word to everything she did. But not anymore. 

Full of michief she took the car keys and slapped the door on her way out. Minutes later she was standing there where she promised she will never come back, her house in New York. When she gratuated from High School she didn't tell anyone where she was going. She finished Medical School in Los Angeles. Then an apotrunity in a hospital in New Jersey appeared and she took it.

Kate was standing on the doorstep. Her hands was shaking but she found the strength to ring the bell. A man dressed in a suit opened the door. "Hello. What can i do for you?" "I want to see my family. Are my father and brother home?" Kate said looking at him. The man rolled his eyes. Nobody have ever seen her since 1982 when she gratuated. It's been 10 years now.

"Yes, miss Cathrine. Please come in." "Thank you." Kate answered and walked her house. As the door closed behind her she felt that warmth. It was almost snowing outside. "Do you want me to inform them?" the batler asked. "No, just tell me where they are." "In the great living room." he answered and saw Kate almost running to it.

The house was huge. It was like a palace. Afterall her family was always one of the welthiest of the state since the begging. Money and glory were always something that Kate grow up with. Famous guests, expensive trips, jowelry and cars was the everyday routine for her and her family.

Kate walked furious on the great living room where she found her brother and father talking in front of the fireplace. "How could you Jackson?" she screamed and stopped in front of him. Her brother left the glass of whiskey on the table and answered. "Oh come on Cathrine! You're still pissed about that?" "Of course and i am! You kicked his butt if you remember." "I wanted to protect you!" he slapped back at her.

"Who said i need your protection, Jackson?" she yelled again. Jackson came closer to her. "I am your brother and i always protect you. This is what i swear to our mother and that is what i'm going to do." he answered with raised his voice.

"Both of you stopped it!" their father jumped in. Timothy walked closer to hug his only daughter and she pulled away. "Hello father." she said with no emotions. "Cathrine, my daughter!" he said. "You have no idea how much i have missed you." "You pushed me away father, with your actions." Kate turned to him.

"I know. I know. Do i deserve a second chance?" Timothy asked looking in daughter in her eyes. Kate laughed. "Are you kidding me both?" she asked. "Both of you. I left this house father because i couldn't take sumch any more of you." she looked at him. "And i don't regret it."

She walked to where her brother was standing. "As far for you Jackson you don't deserve me looking at you." she said with all of hate a woman like her could have. "This is the first and the last time i come to this house." she turned and looked at them both. "Oh and one last thing..." she turned to her brother. "How did you find me?"

"Do you really think that all those years we didn't know where you were?" Jackson asked. Black, big shadows filled Kate's eyes. All those years she thought that she was alone. "We know everything and about everyone. And about that little rockstar you care so much about i know everything about him too." Jackson answered.

Kate walked in front of her little brother with her finger on his chest she said. "You Jackson Nathan Jones you have no right to talk to him like that, did i make myself clear?" she was looking him in his blue eyes with all the hate she had for all those years. Jackson laughed. Then Kate pussed his finger on his chest a little more. "Did i make myself clear, you bastard?"

"Oh easy Kate! I didn't kill him... i just hope he learnt his lesson." Jackson answered and foxed his tie. "Oh yes he did and i did." those were the last words she told them. As she was walking away she heard her brother saying "I have warned you Cathrine..." he paused and she stopped. "That man is not for you." Jackson finished as Kate closed the door of the great living room.

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Richie arrived at his parents house but thankfully they were there. He didn't want to see him like this and of course he wasn't in the mood of answering their questions. After collecting all the staff he has on his bedroom he walked down the stairs. he was about to leave when he heard his mother. "Oh Richard there you are. Where have you been? I was worried about you." 

he didn't turn. "I'm sorry mum. I was with David on the hospital." he answered. His mother was waiting him to turn back but he didn't. "Richie turn around." she told him. "I should get going." Richie walked a few steps. "Richard Stephen Sambora." came from behind. Adam told his son. "You heard your mother."

Richie sighed. He knew he couldn't escape from them. Slowly he turned to see her mother's eyes to poen wide. "Oh my God! How did this to you? Are you alright? Do you want to go to the hospital?" Joan said as she walked closer to her son. "Mum i'm fine. Is really nothing to worry about." Richie answered looking to his mother. "Who did this to you." Joan asked again. "I have told you many times to stay away from trouble and in some way you always find some." his mother added.

"Look, i don't want to talk about it. I'll go home and then to see David in the hospital." Richie said. "Your mother asked you something Richard. You should answer." Adam said as he walked next to his wife. "I told you i don't want to talk about it, okay?" Richie answered yelling. "Watch the tone of your voice boy! We are your parents not some street junk. Show some respect!" Adam took a step forward and looked his son as he said those words.

"I do respect you!" Richie answered. "Then show it! We didn't raised you like this. I guess money, fame and glory changed you, my son." his father said disappointed. Richie looked at him. That was the last thing he wanted to do, disappoint his parents. "Dad, i'm  not changed, i'm still the same and because of that i have these." Richie answered and showed his face with his finger.

"You know vilonce doesn't solve our problems, Richie." his mother told him. "I know." he turned to his mother. "But he couldn't listen and i have to make him leave." "And you did make him leave?" his father asked him. "Yes, i did." "Okay, just be carefull out there Richie." came the advise from his father. "I will Dad." Richie answered and left the house.

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Richie knocked David's door at the hospital. "Enter." David answered a second later. Richie opened the door and saw David sitting on a chair. "Hey, Lemma how are you doing?" he asked and closed the door behind him. David looked at him. "Why are you wearing sunglasses?" David asked. "Because fo this." Richie said and took off his sunglasses. "What the hell happend to you?" "It's a very long story." Richie answered.

"I'm here..." "I'm here to see how you are doing, remember?" Richie said. "Richie i'm fine. I'm leaving in Friday." David said and Richie sut next to him. "How are things with Kate?" he asked. "Awesome until this morning." "Did she kick your ass?" David asked trying not to laugh. "No, of course not." Richie paused. "Her brother did."

"Her brother why?" "Beacuse according to him i am not suitable for Kate." he answered with raised voice. "He was so arrogant wearing his suit pretented a noble man, bullshit!" Richie continued. "Richie calm down. He just wanted to protect his sister. You will have done the same thing." "I will never have done the same thing. I will never had kicked my sister's boyfriend, if i have one." he paused.

"Look at this, Dave! How i'm supposed to go out like that? My mother almost had a heart attack when she saw me. My father thinks i'm not grown up and on the top i have these in my face!!" Richie said again with raised voice. "Richie i know you're upset. You have every right but please remember you are in a hospital. In any time Kate can walk throught that door." David answered and saw Richie standing up.

"I know. I know." he said calmy. "I'm sorry you have to listen my fucked up life again." "If you say that again i'll cut your fingers one by one." David answered. "Thanks Dave." Richie said and smiled. "Have you seen the rest of the guys?" Richie asked seconds later. "Yes, Alec came yesterday with Jon." "Oh cool. How are you feeling?" "Awesome. I can't wait to go back home. I've miss April so much." David said sad and looked down for a second.

"Anyway, just two more days in hell and i'm be back in paradise." he said and both men laughed. "So, you still stay in your parents house?" David asked him. "No, i just got back in my place. I need to be alone. You know with all of these going on, is better in New York." Richie answered. "Yeah, sure it is."

"Jon said in afew weeks we have a meeting for the new album. He said he has some ideas for a some new songs." David added seconds later and got. "I wrote some staff too." he said and passed Richie a notebook. Richie took a fast look in all of the written pages. He read the first page.

Come on, come on, come on
Give me something for the pain
Give me something for the blues
Give me something for the pain
When i feel i've been danglin' from a hang-man's noose
Give me something i can use
To get me throught the night
Make me feel all right, 
Something like you

"That's cool." Richie said and looked at David. "It was the first night..." David answered. Richie gave him back the notebook. "I should get going. I'll be back tommorow." he said. "Okay, man. I'm glad you stopped by." David said and smiled. Richie smiled back and left.

Richie closed the door behind him and put on his sunglasses. He walked a few steps and stopped when he heard his name been called. "Richie!" he turned around and saw Kate almost running towards him. When she stopped in front of him she asked. "Hey, how are you doing?" "I've been better." Richie answered. Kate notised something different about him. "Are you okay? Something wrong?" she asked.

"Are you asking me what is wrong? You know what is wrong!" he answered angrily. "Richie please! You're in a hospital." she tried to calm him. "Please, follow me in my office." Kate added and start walking to her office followed by Richie.

Kate opened the door and closed it whan Richie walked in too. He put away his sunglasses as he said  "Bringing me here doesn't change anything, Kate." "I know it doesn't. I just wanted to have some privasy." she paused. "I went in my house in New York when you left." Kate said and looked at him. "And?" "And i talked to my brother." "And?" Richie asked again with the same look on his face. "And he doesn't change his mind. He said he did this to protect me." she said. "As i thought he would." Richie  said and shaked his head.

"Look Kate i want to be honest with you." he walked closer to her. "If we're going to be together you need to stay away from your brother." he told her. "Stay away from my brother? Why?" "because he kicked my fucking ass!" Richie said with anger in his voice. "If every time we fight i end up like this, is not i want." "How can you ask me such a thing?" "Think about it Kate." he paused for a second. "You were the one who said stop controling your life. And if he can't see you he can't do that." Richie answered a little calmer this time.

"Jackson is my brother i can not do that!" "Yes, you can! You can stay with me in my place. We can go together on the tours. You will love it!" he said. Kate was thinking for more than ten seconds. She raised her head and asked him. "Are you asking me to choose you or my brother?" she looked at him. "I give you the matches. Is your choice if you light them up." Richie said and walked away.

"I've never thought you'll be so shelfish and so coward, Richie Sambora!" the strong voice Kate made him stop. "I have no idea what came to me and let you in. I thought you were different. I should have not listen to Helen." she paused. "Get out of my office. You make me sick." those words hurt but he was no right to make her choose between them.

Richie turned back to her and grabbed her arm. "Well i thought the same about you. I thought that i will forget anything else and get lost in you. You should haven't stopped that night on the highway." he told her looking in her eyes. "Let go of my arm! You are hurting me!" she almost yell. Richie let her go.

Kate saw him walking away. "Where are you going?" she asked him. "I need a cigarette!" Richie answered and slapped the door on his way out.