chapter 16

One week later

Nic's POV

I yawned loudly while walking across the hall with a big smile plastered on my face. It's 11am in the morning and the sun was shining bright in the sky. I was wearing just my shorts and a bra on since this is what I usually wear when I'm asleep.

I was walking towards the kitchen to eat some breakfast, whistling since I'm in a very good mood. I've been receiving e-mails from HR (human resources) for the job i applied to and the manager spoke to me every now and then. Yesterday, I received a call and They informed me that I'm hired for the job.

I was traumatized when I notice the familiar number on my cellphone. Usually, they don't call someone to say you're not hired for the job and we found someone else but I still got that tickling feeling in my stomach whenever I'm nervous. My left leg was shaking from how tense I was. When they spoke the words I was agitating for, I couldn't contain my excitement and told them to hold on a minute so I could go to the balcony and shout in happiness which I received curious gazes from the people below then I went back to my phone to continue our conversation.

I entered the kitchen and my mouth formed an 'o' shape after founding an unexpected guest, sitting on the counter; Ashley. Lauren's friend. I raised my eyebrows in curiosity and looked at Rita, who had her back turned to me. I knew they were getting close since they were texting and hanging out after the party that we went to, weeks back but I never expected Rita to invite someone this early in the morning.

Ashley saw me standing on the doorway and smiled at me. "Hey Nicole. How are you?" A frown appeared on my forehead but a smile started to grow on my face. From what Lauren had informed me, ashley is sweet and kind. Memories from before flashed in my head and I remember her as the girl who only laughed. She never swung with Danielle or brad, the ones who bullied me the most. She was their support, a puppet from them to laugh about their jokes, not much of a talker. But I don't care anymore, what happened before will stay in the back of my head and although, I can't forget but I can forgive.

I welcomed her back politely and noticed her looking at me up and down, eyeing my body with admiring eyes. That's when I remembered I wasn't wearing any pants or shirt. I felt embarrassed but I haven't made any attempt to cover myself.

I leaned against the counter beside her but made sure my back isn't visible in her sight. I was afraid she would see my flaws; the marks on my back. What awakens my nightmare in the middle of the night. I cleared my head from the horrific memories that haunts my mind. No matter what, they will always come back; the awful memories. I looked at Rita with her back turned towards us, making coffee since it's her favourite.

"Stop staring, it's rude." I whispered in ashley's right ear after noticing she hasn't stopped staring, causing a blush to form on her cheeks. She smiled at me and whispered a small 'sorry' and I smiled back in response.

"So, why were you screaming on the balcony yesterday?" Rita said, turning around and handing a cup of coffee to Ashley. Ashley smiled in delight, thanking her with kiss on her cheek. I raised my eyebrows when I didn't see the reaction I was expecting from Rita; the 'don't kiss my cheeks with your white ass lips' reaction. She actually blushed and turned to me, still waiting for an answer.

I cleared my throat and stood straight, still not able to comprehend about what just happened. "Well, I got the job." I smiled, just remembering the news I received last night. I can't wait to tell Lauren and my mom about this.

"Congratulations!! I knew you could do it." Rita smiled and Ashley fist bumped me. They looked genuinely happy for me. "Now, get the fuck out of my house." Rita said with same smile on her face. I frowned at her and Ashley started laughing that she almost spilled her coffee on me but i stepped away before it landed on me and burned my skin.

"Oh, fuck off." I flipped Rita off but all she did was point at the door and say "My house. My rules, bitch." She laughed with an evil smirk on her face.

Ashley frowned at Rita, slapping her arm and scolding her. "That's just plain rude." I saw Rita, glaring at Ashley but that glare slowly turned to a sad frown. Oh my god, she's whipped but what's going on with these two? Why are they acting so weird? Specially Rita. I've never seen her like this.

"But you know she's right, you need to leave the house. Lauren wants to talk to you." Ashley turned to me and wiggled her eyebrows. I rolled my eyes and walked away, not saying a word. I heard footsteps behind me and I felt a hand grabbing on to my arm. I turned around, anxious it's going to be Ashley and that she saw my back but it turns out, it's Rita.

She had a guilty smile on her face, a smile that kids usually make whenever they want to confess something they did wrong or when they want to apologize. "I'm sorry. I know my jokes can be a bit over the top and I feel like I crossed my line back there. You're my best friend and you will always be. You can stay as long as you want..........well, as long as you can pay some bills." I laughed at the last part but my heart smiled at her words. This is why I love her; she knows when she did something wrong and she's never afraid to admit it. I know her sense of humor is rough and dark but I still love her with all of her flaws like she loves me and all of my flaws.

"It's okay. You're my best friend and I know you never meant it. That's how dark your sense of humor is." She took a step forward, wrapping her arms around my waist and I hugged her back. We stayed like this for a while until I pushed her back and said "Eww, feelings." I shivered, acting as if I was disgusted. "Eww, white chick." We laughed at ourselves and Rita patted my back before turning round, walking back to the kitchen.

I walked back to my room, ready to start my day and check up on Lauren to see what she wanted to talk about.

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"Hey, is Lauren here?" I asked Danielle as she stood on the doorway, with a smirk on her face. I felt uncomfortable under her gaze as she looked through my skin. It felt like she was reading my soul.

"Yeah, come in. She's in her room." She stepped away, giving me space to walk through the door. I got inside and felt her eyes on my back as I walked upstairs. "She's pretty emotional today. She's stressed out and maybe you can help me calm her down." She gained my attention and I became worried and curious about Lauren. I nodded at Danielle and continued walking, knowing where Lauren's room is since I came here a couple times before.

"Just so you know, I requested you to come over, not Lauren." I stopped on my tracks and looked over at Danielle. I waited for her to continue since I figured she had more to tell. "I told Ashley to say that Lauren is asking for you but the truth is she doesn't know you're here. I think you can help."

"Why do you think I can help her?" I asked Danielle, confused. I don't think I could do much but I'm glad they told me to come over because I need to know about Lauren; if she's okay or not. She's special to me and I do worry about her.

"I don't know but I have a feeling you can help. You mean something to her. You mean a lot to her. I don't know about your relationship but I know she's crazy over you." I smiled at her, appreciating her honesty. It made me happy to know that about Lauren since I do care and like her a lot.

I knocked on the door and heard a small 'come in'. I opened the door carefully and stick my head inside. I looked over and saw her sitting on her chair in front of her disk. I smiled at her but it faded when I noticed the tears stained on her cheeks.

She saw me and shock was written on her face. She immediately wiped her cheeks and then smiled at me as if she's not harmed. As if she's not hurt. I entered the room and noticed Danielle walking back downstairs. I guess she's giving us some privacy.

She stood up and a fake smile appeared on her face. She was about to say something to hide her emotions but I immediately pulled her into my arms to shut her up. I'm not going to hear her bullshit. I spoke in to her ears "Don't hide your feelings from me. I want to be there for you so let me." I hugged her tighter, showing how truthful I'm being. She hugged me and I felt her shake in my arms. I heard a sob escaping her lips and I felt my heart clenching from that sound. I felt her tears on my shirt as she cried and I didn't understand but I have to wait so I can.

A few minutes had passed and she was silent. Her tears have stopped and she hasn't said a word yet. We kept our arms around each other, not daring to pull away. She needs this comfort and I'm no planning to push her away. I felt her lightly kiss my collarbone a few times before hiding her face in my neck. I rubbed her back and she sniffed my neck and reluctantly pulled away.

She smiled a sad smile and sat on the bed. Her eyes drifted to the floor and I got on my knees so I could catch her eyes. I waited for her to explain, I didn't want to pressure her. She smiled at me gratefully and opened her mouth to speak. "I don't know what to do." She started and I knew she was in a situation that she didn't have an answer for.

"I'm broke. I can't continue college anymore. I'm gonna have to drop out and not finish it. I didn't want to tell Ashley or Danielle because I didn't want to burden them but I can't pay the bills. I can't ask for my parents help, that would be unfair because they are lacking of money as well. I had troubles in keeping up with my job and being in college at the same time but I failed and I was fired a month ago. All this time the girls thought I went to work, I was actually looking for a job or studying in school campus. I'm hopeless." Tears threatened her eyes as she ranted about her situation. I got up and sat beside her, pulling her in my arms.

I kissed her forehead and without a second thought, I said. "I'll help." She shook her head, expecting I would say that but I am a stubborn white bitch. "No, I want to help. You helped me reunite with my family. Now, I want to help you get back on your feet. You can pay me back afterwards. Please, take my offer. You're my girlfr-" I cut myself off before it slipped but Lauren caught on and looked at me with a shocked yet questioning gaze. In sure my cheeks are as red as a redhead but I tried to act normal.

"Did you just say I'm your girlfriend?" She asked and I could see the corner of her lips twitching upwards. I looked everywhere but at her, ignoring the looks she's giving me. I'm so stupid, I said I will make it official but not like this. What if she doesn't want me? Oh my god, I'm such a fool.

"I would love to be your girlfriend." My eyes snapped upwards and caught that wide smile on her face. Hearing those words, those blessing words, I never felt more alive. She wants to be my girlfriend. I couldn't help but to release a heavy sigh. I looked into her eyes and I felt under her gaze. She looks so beautiful with her adorable brown eyes, shinning like chocolate milk. They're was something about her eyes that made me want to stare at them all day long. They were captivating.

"Arent you gonna say anything?" She said with a smirk on her face, knowing that she had me gauging at her.

I smiled at her and caressed her left cheek with my hand, being as gentle as possible. She turned her head slightly and kissed the palm of my hand. I smiled at her gesture and leaned forwards capturing her lips with my own. I felt her smile and I couldn't help but smile too. Our kiss was soft and gentle. There was no rush or eagerness. I felt so relaxed just kissing her sweet lips. We pulled away and I kissed her cheeks, causing her to giggle and hide her face in her hands. I laughed and I heard her whisper, still covering her face. "God, I'm acting like I just got my first kiss."

I took her hands away from her face and smiled at her. "Now, would you let me help you?" I asked, hoping she would agree. She nodded her head with that same smile that never left her lips.

I heard someone clearing their throat and I looked over to find Danielle, leaning against the door. "Come on lovebirds, we're having breakfast. Want to stay and eat breakfast with us, Nic?" Danielle asked and I looked over at Lauren, having an idea in the back of my head.

"No, you guys have your breakfast but thanks for the offer and I need to ask Lauren something." I told Danielle who nodded her head and turned around, walking back downstairs. I saw Lauren's curious eyes, burning deep into my soul.

"What is it?" She asked.

"Do you know where my dad lives?"

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For the second time today, I was waiting for someone to open the door for me but this time, I wasn't anticipated for it. I knew that after a minute or so, I would be meeting the man who changed my life. The man who I looked up to when I was a kid but became my enemy after one tragic night.

I heard footsteps getting closer and closer until it stops. That's when the door opened and a tall figure stood behind the door. They caught my eyes and I saw confusion at first but recognition a second later. My dad stared at me, amazed and I gave him a blank expression. I'm not gonna show love to a man who doesn't deserve it. I needed his trust and love at that time but all I received was a broken heart. He didn't believe me, he didn't think about my side of the story.

"Cole..." he spoke my name as if he's confirming my existence, me standing on his front door.

"Dad." I retorted and he frowned at me. He looked at me, up and down then took a step back, gesturing me to come in. I stood still, not moving an inch. He sighed and said. "Will you come in?" I hesitated and stared at him for a minute longer before walking inside. I don't know if I'm doing the right decision but I really hope I don't regret this.

I looked around and noticed the paper works all over the place. He sure kept himself busy. I followed him to the living room and saw him sitting on the couch. I followed suite and sat on the opposite couch. I stared at him and I could see he's quite nervous but he managed to hide it. He had wrinkles on his face and a few strands of white hair. He looks thinner as well, not something to worry about. "So, Matthew told me about you coming back. I never expected you would come here."

"Yeah well, you did kick me out." I retorted back, cutting him off. I heard him sigh before he looked up at me catching me with his bright eyes. There was sorrow and sadness in his eyes but no guilt. He didn't feel guilty about what he did.

"You needed disciplines and I know I went over board with what I did but I'm glad you're here; to apologize for wha-" he said but I didn't want to hear his nonsense.

"Apologize? Discipline? Are you out of your mind? I was bullied, dad!! I was harmed. I was a victim!! All the bruises who've seen, I never asked for them!! They saw me as a toy, as someone easy to mess with. I never fought back and that made me an easy target. Brad, Danielle, Victor, Sam, Carmen, Justin, rachelle, Zach, Jonathan for God sake my own brother, they all bullied me!! I can name a list for you if you want. I can still remember their names, I can still see their faces because they did it for 4 years, dad. You never knew because you choose to ignore my existence. Mom noticed. She asked me a few times and I denied each." I ranted in rage, even stood up and I felt tears threatening to fall. I sat back down and I saw the confusion in my dad's eyes. I knew I made him speechless.

"But that's not what I came here to talk about. I don't want to talk about me. I want to talk about mom. Why did you get a divorce?" I asked him after, calming down and my heart is beating back to normal again.

His face expression fell into pained one. I could feel his heart breaking from thinking about my mom. He loved my mom so much. He still does. "She doesn't want to be with me anymore. I ruined it and that was her words. After you left everything fell apart. Don't blame yourself because she was right. The fault is in my hands. I'm sorry." He looked into my eyes, showing his regret that I suddenly discovered. "I didn't listen to you. I didn't realize what's happening in your life. I know that you won't forgive me. I can see that you still have that anger inside of you. That anger you have for me." He continued and I felt sorry for him. I'm still not ready to forgive him and I don't think he deserves it.

"I still love your mother. She means the world to me." He stuttered, holding in a sob. A lone tear fell from his right eye and he wiped it as quickly as it fell.

"She loves you too." I told my dad and he shook his head. I got up and sat next to him but didn't dare to touch him. His head is tilted downwards and I stared at him, sympathy in my eyes. "I may not have a good relationship with you but you mean so much to my mom. You've been married for almost twenty years and in all these years I've seen the love you two have, I wanted that type of love. So you better man the fuck up and fix what you had. If my mom did mean the world to you, then get off this filthy couch and do something." Those were the last words, I spoke before walking out of the house.