Complications - Part 7

Chapter 5    Complications

Part 7

This perfect night was transformed into an evil stalker that harassed Nicki at every second. Throwing the front door open she chucked the big pink bear; ignoring it as it hit the floor. After aimlessly pacing around the house hissing a chain of choked off profanities, she ended up in the kitchen deciding that comfort food was what she needed. Poking around the fridge, she found nothing that could possibly change anything. The fact was she was alone, and he was alone far away; confined. The hope of SB walking through the door chasing away her sorrow was a sinful desire that refused to vacate her mind. This reality sent her emotions spinning into a tide. She dragged herself into the empty bed that lazed in the darkened bedroom; the significance was louder than ever. His side of the bed taunted, laughing at her feeble attempts to stay sane. She leaned against the headboard wrapping her arms around her sides, trying to hold herself together. In the silence of the room, the darkness of her dreams she could only think of him. Wondering if he was okay, and how bad did he miss her? But right now she was in her own world, not the joint world she’d become accustomed. While she slept this night no one would hear her cries. She hugged herself tighter desperate for release. When the blackberry on the nightstand vibrated she jumped; that evil hope returned. She snatched the phone waiting to hear SB’s voice on the other end; it was a hopeless yearn. It was Aubrey.

“Hello?” Silence. “Hello? Nic?” She let the phone sit at her ear, debating whether or not she wanted to talk. But he was the closest thing to company she had.

“What’s up?” She put in extra work to keep her voice from breaking, but it wasn’t good enough.

“What’s wrong?” Worry replaced his happy tone. All that was audible from her end was whispering sobs.

“Nic, do you want me to come over?” His sincere desperation to help radiated through the phone. Though he was not Safaree, she couldn’t stand being alone, and Drake’s offer seemed like a good way to go.

“I don’t know, maybe” Silence.

“Alright, I’ll be there soon. You want me to stay on the phone with you?” But she’d hung up after “I’ll be there soon”

Waiting for him was like waiting for rain in a drought; useless. Even with his company there would be no medicine, nothing to rid this painful rage. Why did he have to be so stupid? Mouthing off to a damn cop, instead of shutting his mouth. Ruining a night that was so needed. Now it felt as if there was never a fair, but the memories of just a few hours ago lingered. Time kept slipping by pulling her farther under her grasp of the present. Every moment she spent alone feeling lost in a reflective labyrinth that mirrored her every move, cry, and expression, with false lights and hope creating a fake reality that held her hostage. The boiling loneliness became unbearable, forcing her into the living room cradling the bear that meant more now than it had earlier. In the same moment hard knocks on the door brought her back into existence. After she unlocked it Drake opened it for himself. He looked over the distraught Barbie who seemed lost, her glazed over eyes gazing into the emptiness.

“What’s going on?” He asked after they settled on her bed. She lay on her side of the bed on top of the covers, only looking at Drake when spoken too.

“I miss him” She whispered, her voice broke uncontrollably every time she spoke.

“Who?” That was a stupid question. Once he took the time to pay attention, it was apparent that SB was nowhere in sight. “Where is he?”

“In…Jail” silent cries broke free. He grabbed her wrists pulling her to him, wrapping his arms tightly around her, as if to keep her from falling apart. The fact that he was there and she was crying over another man wasn’t appealing. But he loved her, and cherished anytime they were together; especially alone.

“It’s okay. I’ll be here as long as you need me” His voice was a caressing murmur that swept away a wisp of sadness from her aching heart. She hesitated but finally held onto him. He knew what he was doing. When a female is in a vulnerable state their easily controlled; scorned and will cling to anyone or anything that offers aid. Usually lot’s of regret follow situations such as these.

“How are you feeling?” He asked. Nic hadn’t moved or said a thing for over an hour. She sighed.

“Better I guess. Thank you for being here” She couldn’t admit that hadn’t made a groundbreaking difference to her mood, but could let him know that he was helping.

“Imma always be here for you. You know I love you right?” Again like every other time he put his heart on his sleeves. This may be the only chance he had to make his mark, if he fails to show her he would always be nothing more than a repeated rejection.

“Yes. I know.” She closed her eyes. Now or never; the words chanted in his head. He cautiously moved his arms from behind her back winding them around her waist. His breath caught, he’d never been so close to her. His blood boiled under his skin. He prayed he wouldn’t get pushed away. But honestly she was tired of pushing him away, she did genuinely love him. Though she was IN love with Safaree and the feelings for him no one would ever measure up to, but Drake did have his place in her heart. And in this moment he was her support, even as hard as it was for him to sit there while she craved another man. And for that she appreciated him a great deal.

“And you love me” He said it matter of factly. She was uncertain to answer.

“Yes” She breathed, eyes still shut. His answering smile was tender. Finally. This gave him an extreme dosage of hope. He glided the back of his hand over her drying cheek, leaning down brushing his lips over hers. Trying his luck first, scrutinizing her reaction. She flinched putting her tiny hand over his mouth; but didn’t break away from him. He was on a cloud, never has this happened or even almost happened. After a few minutes she slowly lowered her hand, putting it back around his back. He was unsure of what this meant. Did she want him to advance again? Maybe she was as confused as he was. Giving his love another shot; he lightly kissed her lips. The second they came in contact butterflies raged in his stomach. He waited; but she didn’t stop him this time. His skin tingled, body on vibrate. Cupping her face in both his strong hands he tilted his head for deeper contact. She pulled away and stilled, mind spinning in a tide, muscles locking in place. She pushed him away with force, unable to think strait. She wished she could just disappear until her “life” came home. Though he was disappointed at such a rejection –after thinking things were going good- Drake backed off; allowing her to rest and just being a friend like she too often told him he was. She didn’t like that kind of contact with him, it didn’t feel right. There was only one man for her and he was not Aubrey.

~TBC~