Finding Him

Chapter Fifteen

She slams the gas and we lurch forward, hurtling down the slick road. Allison liked to drive it like she stole it.

"Slow down freak-a-zoid we're going to crash!" I squeal nervously whilst struggling with my seat-belt.

Allison goes faster, a smile on her face. "Yeah, I'm the freak-a-zoid! Nikki, no offen- well if it offends you, I'm sorry, but you can't just hop between guys until you decide who you like better!" She says, leaning back in her chair and flicking on the windshield wipers.

"I know that Allison! I just, I don't no what to do!" I say, resting my head on my fingertips.

She sighs and says, "Just sit down and go through everything. Figure everything out, take some time to cool down, and then move forward, sound good?" I nod, what are my other options?

"I love you, Al. You're way too nice to me. You always know what to do." I breathe, somewhat relieved. I follow orders better than I make them.

She smiles and turns towards me. "Love you, too. That's what best friends are for!"

We spend the rest of the car ride singing and laughing. With all the boyfriend drama I kind of forgot what it was like just to have fun and act like I was a teenager. Sometimes I forget how young I am because of how independent I am; no thanks to my mother.

Allison pulls the car into my driveway and I am pleased to find mom isn't home. She's either working, or drinking. Honestly, I didn't care which one was the correct one.

"Wanna sleepover, Al?! It is my last weekend before I have to school again! Plus, it's Friday!" I exclaim, bouncing in my seat with excitement.

Allison laughs, "Yeah, sure! Oh, Nikki, I almost forgot! Nix is doing well! She's so cute! You'll have to come over and see her, she misses you. Bubba, Lulu, and Kip like her though!''

Nix. I missed my two-hour puppy! "Yeah, we should do that soon." I say, getting out of the car.

I run to the front door and lift up the edge of the 'Welcome' mat to expose a golden key. A snort escapes my throat, "Oh, yeah, welcome to the land of dysfunctional relationships."

 Grabbing the key, I wedge it in the lock and struggle to turn it with my wet hands. Just as Allison joins me on the porch; I open the door with a creak.

"Holy crap! I'm so cold!" I complain, running across the living room for my bedroom. In that lovely bedroom of mine awaits a pair of flannel pajamas.

"Got extra clothes for me, Nix? I'm freezing!" Allison asks, covering her arms with her hands.

"Yeah, come on! I got a sweatshirt!" I say motioning towards my door which I approach swiftly.

"Thanks," she says. I can here the click of her heels behind me.

"No problem. Oh, and Allison no boyfriend talk tonight! I just want to have fun! OK?" I say, reaching for my doorknob.

"Gotcha!" She calls, standing behind me, hopping from foot to foot.

I open the door and scream. On top of my bed is a guy. Is this a hallucination?!

My thought is disproved when Allison's scream echoes behind me. No, that's a guy!

He turns around and stares at us. Instantly, I sigh in relief. It's just Will; he has a key. I should probably take that back.

"Holy s-!" Allison begins before I cut her off.

"Will?! What are you doing here?" I demand.

He ducks his head and blows a mouthful of air out. I clear my throat and he looks again.

"Nikki, look your probably mad, but I came to say I'm sorry, okay?! I know your mom does stuff like that and I should've trusted you. I'm really really sorry! Please, can we just forget it?" He pleads, his big brown eyes staring into mine.

I look at Allison and she shakes her head.

"Please, Will get out," I say quietly, looking at my feet.

He gets up and walks towards me until I can feel his breath on mine. 

"Please, Nikki? I love you." His voice breaks towards the end.

I choke and sniff. The words clog in my throat and I can't bring myself to say them. Unfortunately, my phone decides to say them for me.

Will looks at my hand as my phone vibrates back and forth in my palm. Dex's name shines at the top of the screen.

"Oh," Will whispers. He looks up at my then. Sadness and anger swirl in his eyes.

"Will, wait," I say, trying to block his exit.

Allison bows her head and takes a few steps backward.

"Wait? Wait! Wait for what? You to cheat on me again?" He screams, and I step back.

"Wil-" I begin but he cuts me off.

"Shut-up, Nikki!" He spits, pushing past me.

I don't know what happens or how it happens. The next thing I know my hand his slamming against Will's bristly cheek. It makes a sickening smacking sound.

A bright red color blooms on his cheek, and I stare at my hand in shock.

"Oh my God," Allison gapes.

"Don't talk to me ever again," Will hisses. I watch him walk away and cringe at the loud slam of the door.

My phone rings one last time before going quiet. It's silent and I don't know how to move. My tears clog my throat but they don't escape my eyes.

I lift my phone and hit 'call back' and listen as it rings.

"Hey, Nikki." Dex voice sounds in my ear.

"Hi," I croak.

"Oh, God, Nikki I'm sorry!" He says. He sounds like Will. It's then that I begin to cry.