Running with Scissors

Chapter 2

Nicky stood beside him at the door wishing that she didn’t feel so self conscious and wondering how stupid she would look if she made some excuse and walked away again.  Before she could do anything the door opened.

“Nicola!” Paul said with a grin.  “I was beginning to think I’d scared you off.”

“Oh, that’s right.  Just pretend I’m not here!”  The male pushed his way into the house.  Irritation flicked briefly in Paul’s eyes as he replied “Hi Scott.”  He smiled at Nicky and invited her in.

Nicky cradled the cup of coffee that Paul handed to her as she listened to the two men talking.  It was obvious that Scott was the joker of the pair and she soon found herself smiling as her own problems slipped from her mind.

“So, where did yah find her?”  Scott asked Paul with a grin.  Paul explained how he had asked Nicky to help him out.

“You let a girl near your car? Well, I never thought I’d see that happen.”  He winked at Nicky.  “You know the only reason he was doing the work himself is because he doesn’t trust a garage to touch it.  That and he don’t like to part with money.”

“Did you come round here for a reason or can I throw you out now?”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.  You know it’s all true,” Scott replied with a grin.  “I came round to find out what you’ve got planned for the weekend.”

Nicky listened as they discussed their plans.  She couldn’t help but notice the vast difference between her social life and theirs.  For example, she didn’t have a social life and they did! 

Her thoughts were interrupted as she felt her mobile phone vibrate in her pocket. Paul watched her as she pulled it out and read the message.  He saw the way it made the smile disappear from her face.

“Oh hell, I’ve got to go,” she said reaching for her jacket.  “I only meant to be here for half an hour, I’m sorry I stayed so long.”

“Don’t worry about it.  I told you before, come round whenever.”  Paul led her to the door.  “Listen, there’s a party on Saturday night, nothing big.  Why don’t you come along?”

Nicky glanced at the time, she really didn’t have enough of it to stand here and chat.  “I can’t.  I work weekends.”  She started down the path.  “Thanks anyway.  Sorry, I’ve really got to go.” 

Before he could say anything else she turned and ran down the path.

The argument had ensued as soon as Nicky walked in the front door and only stopped when it was time for her Dad and Jayne to go out.  As usual her Dad had kept his mouth shut and not said a word as Jayne verbally attacked her.  It would be really nice if just once he would stick up for her.

She made sure that she was in bed before they returned in an attempt to avoid any further confrontations but had failed to take into account Jayne’s ability to keep the hostility going.  She should have been able to predict that it would continue again first thing in the morning as she was getting ready to leave the house.