chapter 11

Nic's POV

"How can they do that to you? How can she do that to you? You don't deserve what happened to you in the past. You don't deserve any of it. No one does." She said, irritated. I could her the frustration in her voice as we walked down the sidewalk.

We just finished with our ice cream and now, we don't know where we're heading. We just kept walking, side by side, not knowing where to go. I told her about what happened at the party and now she can't stop talking about it. From the frown upon her face and the way she cursed and kicked the rocks on our way; she's extremely upset.

"Hey, It's okay. It's in the past now." I tried to assure her things are fine now. Even though I still think about it every now and then.

"Yeah but it affected your life. Pretty bad." She added while raising her eyebrows to make her point clear. I shook my head. She got it all wrong.

"No it didn't. I'm stronger now. If anyone tried to bully me; I would've punched them right in the face." I told her and she raised her eyebrows as if questioning me. "Or maybe, not be so violent and just fight talk with them." I explained and smiled a little. I felt her smiling as well.

I know that I'm stronger now. If I didn't run away, I wouldn't be who I am today. It felt good to be able to stand up for myself. I wouldn't have been like this if it wasn't for Ryan's help though. God, I missed that dude. I shook my head to get my mind of that topic. I can't be thinking about him right now. He's gone.

"What about your family?....." I heard Lauren sigh. I looked her way and shook my head. "Let's not get into that." I told her and silence fell upon us.

After a few minutes, which felt like hours, of walking and just glancing at each other, Lauren broke the silence. "Let's do something exciting." She exclaimed, stopping and turning my way. The glimmer that's shinning in her eyes is so bright as she is waiting for me to say yes which I'm not very sure of.

I raised my eyebrows and scratched my neck. "What do you have in mind?" I asked, stopping and turning her way as well. Maybe if she explained then I can give her my decision.

"It's a surprise." She said and smiled cheekily. I rolled my eyes, she can't be serious. "If it's something reckless, I won't do it." I said and crossed my arms determinedly.

"It's not." She said and started walking again. "You promise?" I said, standing still. She turned her head, still walking and smirked devilishly at me. What in the world is she thinking about? and she didn't give me a promise.

"Lauren!!" I called after her and started walking again. Please god, don't make me regret this.

-------------------------------------------------------

"Are you crazy Lauren?! Aren't you an adult now?" I said as she climbed the fence. I already regret this and we didn't even break in yet. I looked around, looking out for a security guard or anyone for this matter. If we get caught I'm blaming her for kidnapping and forcing me to do this.

"Don't be a wimp, Cole." She said and I immediately cut her off. "It's Nic." I told her as she was on the other side of the fence.

She sighed in exasperation and whined a little. "Okay, Nic. Now please, show me how impulsive you can be." She placed her palm gently on the fence being dramatic as if I would place my hand as well so our hands would connect. I stepped to the side and climbed the fence, ignoring her giggles as I reached the top. "If we get caught, I'm blaming you for this." I told and jumped down next to her.

She grabbed my hand and ran towards the back. We turned to the right and found the back door. Lauren slowed down and used her weight to push the door open. Coincidentally It opened. "Wait!!, why is the door unlocked?" I stopped her from going inside. She shushed me and pulled me inside with her.

We were in deep silence, walking around the place. It's so dark, I can barely see shit. I was about to pull my phone out when Lauren hastily beat me to it. She opened her phone and used the flashlight. She flashed it on my face causing me to hiss and close my eyes. You got to be kidding me!!. Lauren laughed and I heard her footsteps, drifting away from me. I blinked a few times so my eyesight could numb the sudden pain from the flashlight and could adjust to the darkness. I heard her mutter a sorry and I ignored her, following her steps.

After awhile, Lauren found a double door and twisted the handles open, getting inside. I followed closely as I saw her shut her phone off and turn the lights of this place on.

"I can't believe you brought me to my nightmare." I said, looking around at the gym in our old school. It's been a long time and surprisingly, nothing has changed. Like at all. For example, I found Rita's signature on the wall from senior year, the day we graduated. She wanted to imprint a part of her in this school so she wrote her signature on the wall. Not only was it big and visible so everyone can see but also you can't remove it unless you paint the wall again. I shook my head. That crazy woman.

"Yeah well, you rarely had a good time in high school. How about I change that a little bit?" I heard her say and felt a ball hitting me on my back. I turned around and found a basketball in her hands. She smirked and throw the ball in the air. I caught it and smiled.

I stood in closer to the basket and aimed the ball at it. I held the ball awkwardly with both of my hands and prepared myself to throw the ball as hard as I can. "Wait wait wait!!, what are you doing?!" Lauren stopped me quickly before the ball slipped from my grip.

"Lauren, I got this. Okay?" I assured her, with a new sense of confidence. She thinks I can't do it. Pffff. It's basketball. She chuckled and smiled mockingly. "Okay." She extended the 'Y' and stood beside me. I gave her a look saying 'back off or I won't do it right'. She meet my eyes and took three steps back. I bowed my head as a thank you.

I shook my head and went back to my posture. I used all my strength and threw the ball hard towards the basket, but of course, with my luck and disability to play basketball, the ball went over the backboard and went through the air conditioner, going deep in the wall.

I turned my head to the right and observed my hand work while Lauren laughed her heart out. I took a glance at her and saw the tears forming in her eyes. She was holding her stomach, still laughing very loudly and the tears finally slipped from her eyes. "I can't believe.....you-u..." She said, out of breath. "You....you.." She tried to speak but couldn't.

I crossed my arms, irritated, and waited for her to stop laughing and when she did, she brought herself another ball and said "Watch and learn." I rolled my eyes.

She started bouncing the ball, skillfully and I decided to check her out. Don't judge. Her tall lean tanned legs that can be seen since she's wearing shorts and her sexy hips that I just want to put my hands on. Lauren has definitely been working out. And that tight white shirt that hugs her breast perfectly and her golden blonde hair that's tied up in a ponytail. God forgive me, I'm starting to have some really dirty thoughts. Like really dirty thoughts.

I averted my eyes away from her but when I heard the swoosh sound, I looked up and saw the ball going down from inside the basket. I turned to Lauren and saw her smiling happily at me. I frowned my eyebrows and looked away.

"Who knew Nicole Erickson couldn't play basketball." She said it more like a statement than a question. I sighed inwardly and went to get the ball.

"Well for your information, I am good at playing basketball. Or was I guess. It's just, I haven't played for a long time and......" I hesitate but decided to go through with this. "I was in car accident three years ago. Broken my right arm pretty bad which torn some parts of the muscles attached to it and dislocated the other. Few bruises here and there and don't give me that look." I revealed and warned her as I saw her features changed into a more softer one.

"I'm not pitting you, if that's what you're hinting. I'm just wondering how much have you been through." She answered truthfully. You could clearly see she's being honest.

"Okay now, throw me that ball. We are gonna play a game." I passed her the ball and she starts explaining. "We're going to play against each other. Every time one of us scores, we get to ask one another, a question. It can be deep, boring, casual, weird, sexual question, whatever you like and you HAVE to answer truthfully. And since you told me about your accident, I'm going to go easy on you."

"And if I choose to lie?" I dared, raising my eyebrow, and a smirk growing on my face. "Then I'll know and you're gonna have to strip." She said, so bluntly and hastily. My eyes grew wide and she smiled cheekily. "I'm just kidding you, moron." She said and chuckled. I sighed in relief.

"But if you did lie...." She said catching my attention. "I can dare you to do anything I want and the same goes to me."

"How would I know you're not lying? I'm not a psychologist like you." I pointed out and she just gave me a look and said. "You'll figure it out. Besides, don't you trust me that I'm not going to lie to you?" She copied a kid's voice and slapped my cheek gently. I pushed her hand away and grimaced as if I'm disgusted which I'm not. "No I don't." I replied and walked backwards to the sideline seats.

I took my flannels off and was left with a plain black shirt, black jeans and white converse. Even though I know I'm going to fail horribly, I decided to play along. I stood in front of Lauren who had a smile on her face. Does this girl ever stop smiling? Either way I smiled back. Here goes nothing, I said inwardly.

She bounced the ball a couple times and I noticed her soft features are gone and replaced with a determinate look. She turned around so her back faces my front, still bouncing the ball. I tried reaching for the ball but every time I stretch my arm out, she passes the ball to her other hand. After a couple of seconds, She pushed herself backwards, crashing against my body and swiftly ran past me, scoring a two point.

"From where did you learn to play like that?" I asked as she went to grab the ball. She picked it up and removed some of her loosened hair to the back of her ear and smiled my way. "Jonathan." She simply said and I felt a strike on my chest but ignored the feeling.

"Now, where did you go?" She asked and I was confused. A wrinkle formed between my eyebrows. "What do you mean?" I asked my thoughts out. She throw the ball my way and I caught it with both hands. "Where were you for the past six years?" She asked in a different and understandable form.

I simply answered "Russia." and bounced the ball on the ground. "Why?" She asked for me to elaborate but I shrugged and said "One question for each score." I smiled her way and she smile back and shook her head. "Fine. Now, show us what you got." She clapped and positioned her arms up, beside her body in a defensive way and stood in front of me.

I studied her movements and found out her left side wasn't as strong as her right side because her left arm goes up and down each second, showing a sign of weakness. So, she's a righty. I pretended like I was going to the right but turned quickly to the left when she fell to the trap. I ran and threw the ball, aiming for the little square on the backboard but with my luck, it went under the net. It didn't even reach the board.

I sighed and went to grab the ball and pick it up. I heard Lauren say "That was close."

I shook my head in disappointment and she approached me, taking the ball from my hands. She saw the sad look on my face and leaned in, kissing my cheek. Her lips lingered for while before she pulled away. My mouth fell open as she turned and walked away from me. I closed my mouth and sprint walking behind her.

Lauren did the exact same strategy as before and I tried hard to get the ball from her but failed once again as she scored a two point. She smiled and thought for her next question. She raised her finger as if it clicked and her eyes light up. "Why were you in Russia?" She asked, curiosity in her voice.

"Uni. I went to a medical university, studied for six years, got my degree then came back here." I spared the details and Lauren gave me her puppy eyes. "And if you must know the details, I inherited my grandma's money and used most of it for uni. Remember Mrs koeman, our former biology teacher?" I paused and Lauren nodded in conformation. "She recommended that place for me." I finished and Lauren smiled in satisfaction.

Lauren threw the ball at me and now it's my turn. I decided to do it fast and startled Lauren from my speed, sprinting towards the goal. I ran and jumped high enough to push the ball inside the net, scoring. I winced a little when I felt a pressure on my muscles but disguised my pain.

I faced Lauren when I heard her say "Ask away." I smiled in victory and thought of my question. I wanted to ask her a million of questions but nothing caught my mind. I wanted to know how is she doing, where does she live, what is she going to do after college, is she single. Wait, that's it. "Are you dating anyone?" I asked, trying to sound less interested and not like an intruder, who wants to get their way into someone's life and dig for all the darkest secrets.

"No, I'm not." I heard her say and I tried my best to hide my smile. What am I doing? I handed the ball to Lauren and she started bouncing the ball and did the same strategy as before; giving her back to my front. I tried taking the ball away but just like before, I couldn't. After a few seconds, I got annoyed and wrapped my arms around her waist. I pulled her to my body and her back was pressed to my front. She started squirming, giggling in my grip. I tried to take the ball by removing one arm from around her waist and reaching out for it. She took this opportunity to throw the ball away and turning in my arms. She grabbed my face with both hands and slammed her lips on the corner of my lips.

I lost my grip in shock and she pulled away, sprinting to catch the ball. I was still standing, my arms hung in the air and I'm sure, I look red as hell. I heard the swoosh sound and that's when I broke from my trance. I turned and pointed my finger at her. "That's cheating." I accused her even though I know I cheated as well.

"You're no better." She said and laughed at my burning face. I could feel the heat rising on my ears. "Now, it's my turn. Do you have romantic feeling for someone?" She asked, so straight forward, like the question was on her mind for sometime.

I was about to say no when I stopped and thought about it. I'm starting to have these feelings for Lauren but I'm not so sure if I should say that. So, I settled with the latter. "I don't know. I think I do for someone but I'm not so sure and I'm not telling you who."

"Fine." Lauren said, throwing the ball at me and crossing her arms. I took this opportunity for payback and placed the basketball on the ground. I placed both of my hands on her cheeks and leaned downwards to kiss the corner of her lips. I could feel her eyelids are open and she was in trance, just like I was. I pulled away and took the ball from the ground, scoring.

I smirked when I saw her standing there, not moving. I could feel my heart beating fast on my chest. Thank God I wasn't standing close to Lauren or she would have heard my heart ramming on my ribcage. I wanted to feel her lips, like really feel her lips, not just the corner of lips.

We heard a noise and someone's voice from the hall. Lauren quickly turned around, her eyes wide and ran to grab my hand. We turned the lights out and ran to the back where a window was just a few feets above the ground. On our way, I kicked the basketball (which hurt by the way) and it flew in the air and went straight through the air conditioner, deep inside the wall. Just beside the last ball I threw in, creating two holes on the wall. Lauren laughed when she saw what I did and almost tripped but I put my arms around her and lifted her up and when we reached the window, she opened it and climbed out.

I jumped up and caught the edge. I lifted myself up and I could feel some pain on my right arm but ignored it. I climbed out and jumped. I hastily lifted Lauren up to shut the window and when she did I saw the light turn on inside the gym.

We ran and turned left and saw a door click open in front of us. Lauren grabbed my shoulders and pushed me on the Bush. She fell on top of me and hid her face in my neck. I wrapped my arms around her and saw someone's feet walking past us. I held her close, not wanting to let go. I don't why but there was something about her being in my arms. I loved it.

"Is he gone?" I heard her whisper in my neck. Her hot breath sending tickles down my spine. "Yes." I whispered back and she lifted her head up and her eyes catching my light orbs. She smiled and couldn't help but capture this moment in my heart. She leaned down and kissed my cheek. Her lips are the softest thing that has ever touched my skin. Her lips were like oxygen and I was the fuel, together there's heat and when there's heat, there's fire. That's how I felt like I'm on fire.

She got off and pulled me up. We ran away and laughed like kids. When we were far enough, Lauren turned, showing em her incredibly white teeth and said "Now, is your turn to ask." I turned to her and smiled, I know just the question.

"Will you go on a date with me?"