chapter 20

1 year later

Nic's POV

"And...we're done." Lauren said as I slumped down on the sofa, exhausted and pained. My lower back and shoulders are killing me from carrying all these heavy furniture, bags and moving things around.

Lauren sat down next to me and rested her head on my shoulder. "You can't be serious?" She asked as she looked up at me with her beautiful brown eyes.

I raised my eyebrows at her as she shook her head at me, disappointed from my lack of energy. "What? I did all the work while you've been bossing around." I answered while rolling my eyes.

"I moved the table." She pointed at the coffee table that lie in front of us. She gave me the duh look as I wanted to slap that precious face of hers. Didn't she see the work that I've done?

"Really? Who brought the bags inside? Who placed that t.v. that you're seeing in front of you? Who placed all the furniture in this room? The kitchen equipment? This sofa you're sitting on? Our bed?" I asked sarcastically.

She placed her hand on her chest and acted hurt. "Don't start with me. The kitchen equipment you're talking about, are in their boxes!! You're waiting for me to unpack them. I placed all the food inside the fridge so you could eat it all!! The pictures on the wall, I placed them. Our clothes in the closet, I put them in there!!" She fired, eyebrows connected from frustration. Oh shit, she's mad for real.

"Are you on your period?" I asked, petrified.

"Yes and it hurts." She cuddled into me and I hugged her, shushing her from tearing up. I told her to lay down as she was hesitating to let go but she slowly did and held her lower abdomen in pain. I went to grab some painkillers with water so she could swallow them. I brought the usual heating pad and filled it with hot water. I wrapped a towel around it so it doesn't feel to hot. This became normal for me to do so since her period is always a bitch for some reason. I'm lucky enough to not feel the pain.

I went back to her to see her face scrunched up from agony and I felt sympathy towards her, but I didn't show her; no one likes to be stared at sympathetically. I gave her the cup of water and the painkillers so she would swallow them. I sat beside her on the couch. "Wait, have you eat? You have to eat first so the painkillers would work."

"Yes I did." She said and swallowed it. She laid down on the couch and I removed her hand that she placed from her stomach. I lifted her shirt off a little bit and placed the heating pad on her lower abdomen.

She sighed and tried to relax although the pain is still visible in her eyes. "We'll wait and if it didn't work, I'll bring some oil or cream so it would easy the cramps." She nodded and I shook my head at her. Why didn't she tell me she had her period? I wouldn't have let her off the bed and do anything for that matter. And why did I forget it's her time of the month? I feel stupid.

I heard my phone ringing and I hastily took it out of pocket to see my dad calling. I stood up and walked away from Lauren to not disturb her and answered the phone. "Hey dad."

"Hey Cole, how's the apartment?"

"Good. We finished unpacking most of our things. Actually, I think we unpacked everything except the kitchen equipment." I answered, looking around mine and Lauren's new apartment. I felt pretty proud of myself from what we accomplished.

"That's good. I know you're exhausted from moving in to a new home but I was wondering if we could go fetch our suits together." He suggested and I could feel hope as he spoke those words but I knew I was about to tear that down.

"Is Jonathan going to be there?" I asked, knowingly how both of our parents are trying to fix our broken relationship.

He paused which gave me just the answer I needed. "Dad, I can't." I said like always whenever Jonathan is mentioned in our plans and I heard him sighed sadly.

"You guys are brother and sister. Twins to be exact. Why don't you fix your differences and settle this down?" he asked, frustratingly. I knew he was sick of what's going on between us but he's talking to the wrong Erickson.

"Dad I'm not the one who you should be having this conversation with. Jonathan never apologized to me for what he said. You apologized and did everything you can to earn my forgiveness and I gave it to you for that. All that he did was act like a jealous ex-boyfriend whenever he sees me and Lauren together." I told dad and he stayed quiet. He knew I was right but doesn't want to say it because he doesn't want to take sides between his kids.

"And besides." I continued. "I have to go pick up Lauren's dress." I looked back at Lauren to see her eyes are closed and her mouth is slightly gaped. I smiled at her sleeping adorable face. "She's tired so I have to pick it up for her instead." I elaborated.

"Shouldn't she check it if it fits her first?" he referred to the bridesmaid's dress and I smiled as I imagined his worried face. You would think my mom is worried about the wedding to be perfect but no, it's none other than my dad who's paranoid.

"If it didn't fit, we will bring it back and fit it for her. Relax dad, the wedding would be perfect." I assured him and he sighed, relieved.

"You know I want the wedding to be perfect for your mom." He said and I smiled. After few months of my dad being for my mom's forgiveness and spoiling her with flowers and jewellers, they finally got back together. And just less than two months ago, my dad proposed to my mom on the exact same place he proposed over two decades ago; in my grandparents garden.

You see, I'm not talking about a small garden. I'm talking about a huge backyard that's filled with flowers, roses and trees. They cover most of the green grass while a walkway circled between them. There was a huge tree in the middle and It had lights installed on it's leaves. My dad proposed during the night so the lights were on, creating a beautiful sight. Now twenty years ago, this garden wasn't as beautiful as it was today; my grandparents only had that huge tree in the middle. Then my grandma wanted to change her backyard and because of all the free time she had, she spent most of the day planting roses and flowers. Now here it is, one of the beautiful things I've ever seen. It took a lot of effort as my grandma says it but it was worth it.

My dad called me the day he proposed and told me to show up at my grandparents house. When I was there my grandparents took me to the backyard were Jonathan, Matthew and my parents were just enjoying the night. I thought it was just a family day were we would just talk and make pizza, probably. We never knew what my dad was planning that night until he took my mom to front of that tree and kneeled in front of her.

To say, we were happy was an understatement. Especially Matthew; he ran to my mom and hugged her before she could even say yes. He said. "You're getting married." I couldn't stop laughing at how eager he was. But all my mom did was hug Matthew back just as tightly and whispering to my dad, yes.

"I know, dad. Oh and I'll stop by later on to see mom." I told him and went to our bedroom, taking my jeans out of the closet.

"Okay, I'll talk to you later." He ended the call and I started changing. While changing, I thought of my parents wedding which will happen in matter of one week and the thought of marrying Lauren came into my head. Is it early? Yes it's been a year, a great amazing year and we just moved in together but I can't think of anyone else I would rather marry. When I think about marriage, my thought will go back to her and I would imagine her in a white dress or even suit whatever she prefers and I would immediately smile. Maybe after we settle in, I'll do it.

I heard the door bell ringing and I sighed. If it's Rita, I'll kill her. I walked towards the front door as the person behind the door kept ringing the door bell repeatedly. I hurriedly opened the door and like expected Rita and Ashley were behind the door. "Hey!!!" Ashley yelled and I put my index finger on my lips, warning her to shush. She muttered a sorry and walked in.

"Don't shush my girl." Rita said and slammed her shoulder on mine while walking inside. I rolled my eyes at her childish behavior and if you're asking, yes they're together now. Rita told me about what happened in Lucas house. I was pissed when she told me they had a fist fight but she told me it's fine, cause Ashley slammed a pan on his head. After that I don't know what happened to Lucas. He just texted Ashley and told her they were done.

"Where were you both? I called you four hours ago to show up and help unpacking but noooooo, You're four hours late and we got most of the things unpacked." I asked as Rita smirked at me while Ashley was blushing.

"Well, if you insist of knowing why we-" Rita started but I cut her off.

"I don't want to hear it because I'm sure if it's related to you, it's something nasty." Ashley laughed and nodded her head, agreeing with me. Rita scoffed and looked at Ashley pouting. That fake Bitch. Ashley felt bad and kissed Rita on the lips, causing her to smile and grin. I pretended to vomit and Rita flipped me off.

"Oh, lauren is asleep?" Ashley walked up to Lauren who was snoring softly in her sleep. Ashley kissed her on the forehead and went to the kitchen.

"So, how does it feel to have finally left Rita's empire?" Rita asked and smirked as she thought of her apartment. She just loves it way too much.

"Empire? You mean that dirty apartment?" I asked jokingly.

"Hey!!!!"

"You know it's true. You and ashley been having sex everywhere in the apartment." I said frowning at the thought while Rita chuckled.

"It's called love making. Know the difference." Rita tapped me on the shoulder before slapping me across the face.

"You'll never stop slapping me across the face, would you?" I asked as I rubbed my left cheek which I'm sure turned red because of her.

"Well, I consider it practice for spanking Ashley in bed." She smirked while I stared at her in horror.

"Honey, are you telling Nic about our sex life?" Ashley called from the kitchen and Rita gulped when when she heard the slightly angered tone in her voice. I chuckled when I knew Rita was hooked. Rita frowned at me and spoke words I knew she was going to regret.

"Well, she's a student and a student need to learn from their master about what it's like to be with a woman in bed." I pushed her by the shoulder and she laughed at her own joke.

"Yeah well, you ain't getting anything for two weeks." I heard Ashley's voice from the kitchen, filled with anger. In that moment, that smile on Rita's face fell so instantly I thought she would lose her lips. I laughed when Rita rushed to the kitchen and I heard her say "What nonsense are you speaking of, my love?" I laughed even more as I walked to finish changing my clothes.

I got out of the bedroom when I was dressed properly and went to kitchen to find them unpacking the last box in the counter. Wow, did I spent a long time dressing? I looked at my watch and indeed I wasted twenty minutes getting ready.

"Why are you dressed up? Going somewhere?" Asked Rita as she sat on the counter with Ashley sitting beside her.

I fixed my shirt and said. "Yes, I'm gonna bring Lauren's dress and I'll stop by in my parents house." I paused and looked up to see Ashley hitting Rita's hand which was on her thigh. "And you guys aren't staying here?"

"And why not?" Asked Rita with her arms crossed over her chest. Her glare was burning on me and I felt intimidated by I knew I had to say what I need to say.

"Because you'll have sex!!" I said and Rita gasped as she's offended. Ashley blushed looked down to her lap.

"Now let's go. I'll grab a blanket for Lauren and you both go downstairs. I'll met you there." I said and went to get a blanket from our bedroom. I looked through the closet and found the one that Lauren loves so much; the purple fluffy one. I shook my head when I remembered being thrown out of Lauren's old apartment just because I snuggled with it. It took me twenty minutes of begging before she let me in. I walked back to the living room to find Lauren still sleeping soundly. I covered her with the blanket I had and kissed her forehead. I smiled when she turned her head away from me.

"I love you." I whispered then left the apartment with the keys in my hand. I locked the front door and felt a weird vibe. Like there are eyes on me. I looked to my right to find a man walking away. I frowned and had a weird disturbing feeling inside of me. Like something bad is going to happen.

"What took you so long?" Rita complained as I reached their car. I shook my head at her and opened her backseat door.

"Come on, we got things to do." I closed the door and they got in the frontseats.

"When did I say I'll drive you?" Rita asked and started the engine. I smiled when I see her taking off not waiting for my respond. I sighed after a couple minutes and laid my head on the window with the weird feeling in my stomach.

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I laid down on my parents chouch watching t.v. while Matthew was doing his homework in front of me. We went to grab Lauren's dress and came her to spend time with my mom. My mom was in the kitchen preparing pancakes because why not. I was daydreaming on the couch, more like recalling a memory from two weeks ago.

"Where are we going?" Asked Lauren as I blindfolded her. She looked uncomfortable but I knew she was going to love it eventually.

"It's a secret. That's why I have this blindfold." I told her and she sighed, relaxing in the car seat. I laughed as I saw her pouted lips. I kissed her cheek to bring the smile back on her face. "Don't worry, you'll love it." I pressed on the gas, entering the road.

I was nervous. What if she didn't love it? What if she think this is too much? We are moving to a new apartment soon. What if she'll be mad at me for wasting so much money? She doesn't know I'm investing with grandma's inheritance. I know a trusted friend who is helping me with the entire progress and I've gained a lot from it. So, you can say that my pocket is full. Well, almost. I do know how to take care of my money and when to spend it, I'm not an idiot. Or reckless.

Without realizing it, we reached our destination. "We're here." I told her parking the car on the side. I looked over at the building and smiled.

"That was fast." She said as I stepped out of the car, going to her side. I opened the door for her and reached for her hand. I helped her out of the car since she is still blindfolded and locked my car. I lead her inside the building as she pondered me with questions.

I stopped and took her blindfold off. She blinked a few times then looked around. She turned around and I smiled at how confused she is. "Why are we in an abandoned building?" She asked while staring at me with a 'what the fuck are you planning?' Look.

"This." I pointed around the building. "Is all yours." I told her and she was shocked but still confused.

"First, are you out of your mind? You know, I don't like it when you spend money on me. Second, Why did you buy me an abandoned building?" She asked, confused and pissed.

"First, you do the same. You know, I hate it when you spend money on me." I paused and she rolled her eyes. "Second, you remember when you got mad that I haven't bought you anything on your 24th birthday?. Well, this is your gift. This can be your own psychology business." I explained and her eyes almost plugged out of her face.

"Are you serious? That's impossible to do. I'm not capable at managing this." She said and walked away to the exit. Oh shit. I followed her and started speaking hastily and panicked.

"Yes, it's possible. All you need to do is complete an internship and have a couple of years of work experience. You've been doing that the entire year, You have one year left. I know people who can help you as well. A mentor who specialize in this. Staff. A partner. Damn it, listen to me." I stopped her from walking out by grabbing her arm. I faced her and grabbed her shoulders. "I don't about the details but I know you do. You'll learn. You'll have people by your side helping and supporting you including me. This is your dream, you wanted this for a long time. Let me help you." I pleaded her with my eyes but she shook her head.

"You've done so much for me and I can't thank you enough but I don't want you to waste your time on me." She looked down and I went down on my knee so she would catch my eyes.

"I'm not wasting my time on you. I love you and that's why I'm doing this. You've helped me so much,  you made me repair my relationship with family, Helped me realize that my dad has changed and deserve my forgiveness, you listened when I told you about my scars but most importantly you made me happy. Now look at me, being all romantic because of you and you know can't speak romantic. Now will you please pleaseeee take this place?" She laughed slightly and nodded smiling.

"But this will be the last time you'll do anything for me." She warned and pulled me up for a kiss. She pulled away and I smiled, nodding my head but crossing my fingers behind my back.

I closed my eyes, smiling at the thought of her. "Mom, Nic's gone crazy." I opened my eyes when Matthew yelled for mom. The fuck is he saying? I raised my eyebrow at him and when he caught my eyes, he ran while screaming. Rita chuckled at him while Ashley was asleep in her lap.

I heard the front door opening and my brother's voice beamed through the house. He came in the living room and caught my eyes. He turned around and left. "Butt hurt much." Rita whispered and I chuckled. I'm sure he came to leave with dad to buy their suits. That reminds me, I should do that tomorrow.

My brother came back to the living room and I knew in three seconds he's gonna open that mouth of his to annoy the crap out of me. 3,2,1-"What are you doing here?" I heard my brother say and I chuckled. Here we go again.

"It's my parent's house. I can come here and leave whenever I want." I pointed out the obvious and he shook his head with the look of disgust in his eyes.

"You left them for years. How can you consider them as your parents after all this time that passed were you didn't spoke a word to them?" He asked with his eyebrows connected, frowning.

"Damn boy, it's been a year. Chill." Rita said as she kissed ashley's forehead. Ashley snuggled closer to her and Rita grinned happily.

"Don't start. You always want to fight but this time I'm too tired for your bullshit." I said and waved him off while looking back at the t.v. He sat on the armchair and stared at me. More like glared. Where's mom and dad? so they can take him away from me.

"You're still with Lauren?" He asked, preying on my relationship like always. I saw no harm in answering him so I nodded. He kept his eyes on me and I felt extremely uncomfortable. "You know, there are things you don't know about her. She's not being completely honest with you." He said and this gained my attention. Not because I was interested, it's because he always bring Lauren up. That pisses me off.

"Don't bring her up." I warned him but he didn't listen, he never listen. He continued "She's hiding something from you-"

"You tell me this every time we meet. And every time we meet, I never believe you. Why? Because I trust my girlfriend and I don't trust you." I stood up and went to upstairs, to my parent's bedroom. I opened the door to see my dad getting ready to leave. "Hey dad. I'm going home." He nodded and I closed the door.

I rushed downstairs to the kitchen to find Matthew helping my mom with the pancakes. "Hey mom, I'm going home." She looked up and smiled sadly but nodded. "Bye matthew."

"Bye weirdo." He said as he ate some of my mom's pancakes while she wasn't watching. I chuckled and said. "Mom, Matthew is eating your pancakes." Mom looked down and scolded him.

"But I didn't do anything." He complained.

I left the house to find Rita in her car with Ashley in the backseat, sleeping. "Let's go." I said as I sat on the passenger's seat, buckling up.

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"Honey, I'm home." I shouted from the front door with her dress in my hands. I smiled as I imagined her in this beautiful blue dress. I placed the keys in the counter and heard the t.v. was on in the living room so I knew she was watching t.v. I went to the bedroom and placed her dress carefully on the bed. If anything happened to the dress, lauren and dad will kill me.

I went back to the living room and sat on the couch were Lauren was eating popcorn. She was soo engrossed in the movie that she didn't even notice I'm beside her and she was awfully quite. That's weird and it worried me. "Hey, You okay?" I asked her and she turned her head so fast that I thought she would've snapped her neck.

"You're here?" She asked and I frowned. Wow, I announced my presence in the front door and she didn't even hear me. Now, I'm beside her on the couch and she haven't seen me.

"Yeah, I just came. I brought your dress and It's in the bedroom." I said and she smiled but it didn't reach her eyes. She kissed my cheeks before getting off the couch and rushing to the bedroom.

Something is wrong, I could feel it. I needed to know why.