Chapter 14
I arrived at my getaway cabin in LA at 10 past 9. Once I got there the first thing I did was draw myself a warm bath. After all the stress I’ve been through, I welcomed the warm water on my skin. This was another favourite place of mine where my father and I would go and just hike around away from the city.
God, I miss him. He’d know what to tell me. He’d know what’s best for me. I hugged my knees tighter to me as I thought this. I couldn’t hold back the pain and the tears any longer. It felt like a dam broke within me and all in one the emotions poured out of me. I heard a shrill scream in my ears, only to find that the sound came from me.
Anger, betrayal, pain, loss, disappointment, stupidity; these were the things I felt and they all enveloped me at once. How could I have been so stupid? After years of telling myself not to trust anyone anymore, I let someone get close to me all because he lent me his shoulder?! I thought back to all the taunts that I received back when I was in high school, after the humiliating afternoon that Alex subjected me to.
“Hey Mika, why don’t I show you a good time? I bet Alex doesn’t know where to touch you right.”
“Suck any cocks lately, Mika?”
“Slut.”
“Stop being so desperate and leave Alex alone.”
Those were just a glimpse of the things I had to endure for two years in high school. My father was my only friend. Everyone who I thought were my friends all turned their back on me when my popularity went downhill.
Baby girl, take this as an opportunity that will make you stronger. You’ve made a mistake, don’t chastise yourself too much. In fact, I should even give you a hard time for doing...things with that boy.
But daddy, I love Alex. I thought he loved me. I bet you know what it’s like to be in love.
Not too long ago, baby girl. You know your mom warned me about this day. She told me she’d haunt me from her grave if I didn’t stand by you at times like these.
I wish I could’ve met mom.
I wish that too, baby. Don’t worry, she’s always been looking down on you since you were born.
I smiled reminiscing the “talk” me and my father shared. After my mother died from giving birth to me, my father poured all his love and devotion that he felt for my mom on me. He always praised her and never had a bad thing to say about her. He always believed she was his soul mate. To him, she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and I was the most beautiful daughter he could ever ask for.
I don’t know how long I stayed in my bath, but when I finally snapped out of my thoughts, my fingers and toes were more wrinkly than possible. I laughed at this thought and got up and changed. I checked the time and it was only 11am. I sighed and got ready to go hiking, I wanted to busy myself with nature instead of being cooped up and thinking about all the shit in my head.
I jogged up the trail that dad and I used to go when we’d spend our day here. It was still beautiful as I remembered it 3 years ago. Wild flowers trailing the path, the trees bending in different directions as if each depicting a battle of sorts. The higher the trail went, the louder the sound of the waterfall. I loved the smell of it, it smelled like rain. I smiled to myself.
This is the first time I’ve come here alone. Every time I came, I’d always have my dad with me to enjoy this view. My thoughts were cut short by my phone ringing on my arm strap.
“What do you want, Tay?” I asked, my eyebrows scrunching together. I hated being interrupted with my thoughts.
“A little snippy aren’t we? Just because my birthday ended yesterday doesn’t mean you have to snap at me already.” I could hear the amusement in his tone which made me roll my eyes.
“Yeah yeah. Why’d you call?”
“Where are you?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“Is that the falls I hear? Are you at the cabin?”
“No dumbass. If I was in the cabin, you wouldn’t be able to hear the falls.” I replied smugly.
“Whatever smartass. Who’re you with there?”
“No one. And no, you have no invitation to come here. So leave me alone and just send the files over.”
“Hmm.. If you insist.” He replied slyly. This boy is up to something, I can smell it. It smells like FISH.
“Whatever you’re planning, stop. I can practically smell the fish from here.”
“My dear Mikaela, what ever are you talking about?” he asked, in a fake british accent that caused us both to laugh.
“Hey Tay, I want to be at peace now okay? So just send those files asap. Have someone bring them here then I’ll give it back once they’re all ready.” I hung up before he could reply and laid on the big rock near the shore of the lake.
Cooking dinner while humming a tune, how Snow White of me but I have to admit, it is pretty darn fun. Being isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city makes me enjoy the company of myself. Talk about narcissistic huh? My Snow White aura was interrupted by a knock on the cabin door.
What the hell? Who on earth would be here at 6 in the evening. Realizing that it might be the messenger with my office files, I skipped to the door and opened it. There stood Nikolai in all his deceiving glory, with a big grin, a stack of thick files in his right hand and a bottle of Jack in his left hand.
“You have got to be kidding me!” I shrieked in exasperation. I am so going to kill Taylor. He planned this, I can smell the fish and its name is Nikolai.
“’Fraid not, my dear.” He mock bowed and strode inside without my permission.
“What in the world are you doing here, Nikolai?” I glared.
“Delivering important office papers, ma’am.” He winked and smirked at me. He looks so damn smug, well if he could hear my thoughts, he’d know I’m planning his death in many ways right at this moment.
“Thanks.” I said, smiling sarcastically then dropping the smile and pointing at the still open door. “Now leave.”
He sighed and placed the bottle and stacks of paper on the table. “Yeah I guess I’ll just wait in the car. I have to leave with the papers. I can’t go back and forth.” He shrugged and headed out the door looking defeated.
Now I know I should’ve felt victorious telling him to fuck off but why was I feeling bad? I pushed all these thoughts aside and sat down to start on the paper work. The faster I finished these, the faster I could get rid of Mr. Lies-a-lot. Seriously though, how can I not be frustrated? At first he has a girlfriend, then turns out he has a fiancée too? So what was he doing hitting on me? Did he actually think he could get away with all his shit? Damn, I can’t concentrate on this stack with me thinking of him all the time!
I looked out the window and saw Nikolai in his car with his arms crossed on the steering wheel with his head resting on it. He must’ve driven all the way here. Well, as much as I hate him, I’m not heartless. Looking at the stack, I knew this wouldn’t be finished in less than an hour.
Sighing and cursing myself for having too much heart I walked to his car and tapped on the window. He looked up at me, his eyes looked exhausted and I felt even more terrible. He lowered the window and looked at me expectantly.
“Get out.” I said, biting my lip.
“Mika, I told you I can’t leave without the—“ he said but I cut him off.
“I meant get out of the car and get in the cabin. It’ll take me longer than an hour to finish this and as much as I hate to admit, I don’t want you to rot in the car.” I said and turned on my heel not waiting for a reply.
We sat across each other and I tried my hardest to concentrate on the papers. As I skimmed through the pages, I felt Niko’s eyes on me. I looked up and caught him staring at me with an unreadable expression.
“Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to stare?” I said, glaring.
He just shrugged but kept staring at me. I rolled my eyes and went back to working. It was silent in the cabin, the only sound was the paper being flipped from time to time. As if it couldn’t have picked a better time, my stomach grumbled and I groaned internally. I heard Niko trying his best to hide his snickering with a cough.
“Shut up. If it wasn’t for you coming unannounced I would’ve finished preparing dinner for myself.” I continued glaring at him. He just stared at me innocently then got up. Where the hell was he going?
He made his way to the counter and continued making the pasta sauce that I started. I watched him put on my yellow apron and couldn’t help but smile at the sight. He really looked adorable with the apron on him and his brows wrinkled in concentration in chopping up the onions. As if sensing my staring, he looked up and had unshed tears in his eyes. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“There’s gum on the counter. My dad always said chewing gum helps with the teary eyes from the onion.” I smirked at him. He smiled back and I couldn’t help but blush at the gesture. Seriously Mika?! You’re blushing at the asshole? I looked back down and continued my work.
30 minutes later, he served the pasta on both plates and served one to me.
“Thanks.” I said, meekly. He just nodded and started eating. Odd, why was he giving me the silent treatment? I was the one pissed off at him. I took a forkful of the pasta and ate. I hate to admit it, but the boy can cook.
“This is good.” Once again, he just smiled at me and resumed eating. I ate while getting back to the paper work. To my surprise, when I was done he washed the plates and placed them in the dryer, then sat back down in front of me.
I was halfway through the work when I noticed it was already 10pm. No wonder my neck felt a little sore. I craned it, only to notice that Niko had fallen asleep with his head on his arms. I sighed and nudged him awake.
“Mmm?” He asked, not bothering to open his eyes.
“Go sleep on the couch, Niko. That’s not comfortable.”
He didn’t even argue with me and got up and sprawled himself on the couch. I smiled then went back to the half stack of paper works.
The time was now 1am, and finally I finished. I stretched my arms and back out and stood up. I squatted in front of the couch and just stared at Niko sleeping. He looked so tired but peaceful. Absentmindedly, I brushed the lock of hair that had fallen in front of his eyes away and continued stroking his hair. It was so soft and I noticed he didn’t use any hair products.
I got up and dug up an extra blanket to wrap on him. I squatted back in front of the couch and traced his nose then his cheek with my index finger. Why couldn’t you have been different? I thought to myself. If he wasn’t another player, I would have definitely given him my heart fully. He was so perfect, a true gentleman. Or so I thought. I rested my head on the couch, facing him. I was so close to his face that I could make out every line and light freckle on his face. He looked like an angel sleeping on my couch.
“How can you hurt me and make me happy at the same time, Nikolai Carver?” and with that thought I fell asleep.
I woke up to the smell of pancakes and the sound of sizzling bacon. I stretched in my bed and yawned. Wait, didn’t I fall asleep on the couch? How’d I get here? I strode to the kitchen and saw a topless Nikolai with only pants and an apron on. I was stunned with the scene playing in front of me. This beautiful guy, in my apron cooking breakfast in my kitchen, whistling a happy tune. Did I just die and gone to hottie heaven?
My thoughts were broken when Nikolai cleared his throat. He smirked at me, clearly seeing that I was checking him out. I felt my cheeks heat up and averted my gaze, walking to the kitchen counter.
“Did..Err..You move me last night?” I asked, unable to meet his eyes.
“Yes. I hope you don’t mind. I just thought you looked uncomfortable in that position.” He said, nonchalantly while placing a plate with pancakes and bacon on them in front of me. I just nodded and started eating the amazing breakfast.
“I noticed you finished with the paper work. What time did you finish?”
“Around 1am.”
“Well I guess now that you’re finished we can talk now.” He said, waiting for my reaction.
“Talk? Talk about what? I thought I’d finally get rid of you after finishing the papers.”
“You’re not getting rid of me that easily.” He smirked, cleaning up our finished plates.
“Well darn.” I replied sarcastically.
“No seriously, Mika. I need to explain about the other night.”
“What’s there to explain about?” I shrugged. He sighed and stared at me with a serious expression. I sauntered to the couch and hugged my knees to me. He sat beside me and ruffled his hair. I bit my lip down, fighting the smile from showing while he did this. I always found it cute when he did so.
“Mika, just tell me what’s bugging you and I’ll try to explain everything to you. I’m tired of keeping things from you.” He said, sincerely. He was facing me, his legs crossed under him. I turned to face him but still kept my distance, when all I really wanted to do was just cuddle in his arms.
“Niko, I’m really not in the mood right now. I wanted to come here to clear my head, and you’re not helping.” I said, rubbing my temples. I had a feeling that he wasn’t going to go any time soon.
“You’re not clearing your head, Mika. You’re running away from your problems. It’s not going to help with the pain you’ve felt. That’s why things between you and Alex haven’t finished yet, because instead of finishing it off with him, all you do is bury down the pain and when he comes back you’re still hopeful.” He said softly. I know he didn’t intend to hurt me but he was right and I didn’t want to admit it to him.
“What goes on between Alex and I is none of your business, Nikolai.” I replied. He stayed silent after this, brooding over something. He seemed unsure of what to say next.
“It does when I have feelings for you.” He said softly, his head bowed down. I was stunned. Did he just admit he had feelings for me?! You have got to be kidding me!
“You’re here confessing your feelings to me, lecturing me about not moving on from Alex and yet you have a fiancée and a girlfriend?! Unbelievable!” I threw my arms up and smacked it down on my knees.
“Mika, I don’t have a girlfriend. I just made it up. Jasmine, on the other hand, she used to be my fiancée.” He said, staring straight into my eyes.
What did he just say now?!
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Oh my! No girlfriend and Jasmine’s an EX fiancée?! :O
Oh Nikolai, you have a lot of explaining to do. J
Hope you enjoyed! Fan, vote, comment. Greatly appreciated. Love you all
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