chapter 18

Nic's POV

I hung up, feeling frustrated and slumped down on the couch. I closed my eyes, feeling way too drained of energy. I rubbed my eyes with both of my hands. I haven't been able to sleep and the nightmares doesn't help at all. Memories of Ryan keeps swarming in my head and the sight of his death haunts my dreams.

I released a heavy sigh and opened my eyes, looking over at Rita who sat next to me with sympathetic eyes. I turned my gaze away, not wanting her sympathy and looked at the t.v. with a blank expression. "The box and everything that's in it wasn't enough evidence for them to know who did this. Even when I told them who they are and why they're after me; there's fucking nothing they could do since they didn't do anything yet and they don't know where they are." I elaborated everything the cops had told me just now on the phone, whom I hung up on.

It's been two days since that night and the first thing I did when I stepped foot in the apartment is to tell Rita everything. From meeting Ryan, to his death, to the black box. To say she was shocked was an understatement. The first thing she said was 'I have a revolver in my bedside table with a stash of ammo as well. You can use it'

I was surprised she wasn't upset or mad. She wanted to help me out which I felt really grateful for. When I asked her why does she have a gun, she simply said her grandpa gave it to her. He used to be a commander in the navy and he handed her his favourite weapon so she could protect her home.

After I finished telling my story to Rita, we went to the police station with the black box. I told them everything as well and they took the box as an evidence. Now, they informed us that they don't have any track about those men and their whereabouts. Although, they told me that the one who killed Ryan did escape from prison which I concluded when I saw him in the elevator.

When I went to work that next day, I couldn't stop thinking about the message. You will get what you deserve. You crossed the line and it's time to learn your lesson. I was scared with no doubt but I was pissed. They killed my best friend. The one who held me together for the past six years. I couldn't focus on my job properly and I almost messed up a few times but I kept it together. Thank God, my boss didn't notice.

I heard my phone ringing and I sighed, reaching out for my phone on the table of the living room. I looked at the ID caller and the sad expression was gone and replaced by an instant smile. I answered, hearing her soft and sweet voice. She can change my mood so quick and all my negative feelings were gone.

"Hey, it's Lauren here." She greeted and I could feel her smile through the phone.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, acting casual and hiding the tingling feeling in my stomach. Is it weird to feel like that? I've never felt like this before, not until I met Lauren years ago.

"Nothing much, it's just your mother said she tried calling you but you were busy with another call. So, she called me and told me that they'll be having a dinner at their home. They want us to be there." She elaborated and I nodded but then I remembered I was on the phone and said. "Yeah, sure. Unless you're busy with something?" I asked Lauren, making sure she's not bothered with my mom wanting us both there. Even though I was hoping that she wouldn't be bothered and would love to come.

"I always have dinner with your family when you weren't here and I have nothing else to do since............." I heard her hesitation and I felt worry creeping through my heart.

"I dropped out of college. I couldn't afford it anymore. Not to mention the stress is overwhelming, I couldn't contain it." I heard her sadness and I felt my heart clench with hers.

"You know I'm always here to help." I said, remembering the day where I blurted out saying she's my girlfriend and that's why I should help when I didn't even ask her to be my girlfriend. I thought I screwed things up because it's only been a few weeks since we meet but she looked so happy when I said that. I can never forget her reaction. First, she was shocked and the jaw drop said it all, then the excitement written clearly in her eyes, and then the beautiful plastered widely smile. When she agreed to be mine, I was on top of the moon. I smiled at the memory.

"No, I can't accept your help." Lauren said cutting me off from my thoughts. I frowned and could hear her misery in her voice.

"You already did." I recalled her agreeing for my help and a slow smirk appeared on my face.

"The only reason I agreed was because I was distracted with you calling me your girlfriend. When you didn't even ask me to be yours. Not to mention, you didn't take me on a date for that." She stated, acting serious but I could hear her playful tone through the phone. She's basically suggesting another date. I chucked.

"Fine. I'll take you to one." I told her and she shouted a loud 'yes' before she muttered a quiet sorry. I shook my head at her silly act before catching up with her for about 15 minutes than hung up.

Rita stood up from the couch and turned to me, saying "I'm gonna head out." She started walking away but I stopped her.

"Okay, where are you going?" I asked, curious since she had a serious look on her face and that rarely happens. actually, it never happens even in the most serious situations.

"Doing some business." She simply said without glancing my way and I raised my eyebrows suspiciously.

"What business?"

"It's none of your business." She answered while chuckling and I flipped her off. She walked away down the hall, to what I assume is her bedroom to change and head out. I closed my eyes, deciding to take a small nap before heading to my mom's house. It wouldn't hurt to rest my eyes for a little while.

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Rita's POV

I furiously banged on the door. My hand hurts from how hard I was knocking. This piece of shit better answer the door right now before I break in. I'm not going to let her hide from me with that stupid man child. I know what happened was out of hand but she can not choose sides. "Open the goddamn door! You fucktard." I yelled, waiting for someone to open the door.

The door swung open and the man behind the door stared at me, surprised and extremely confused. "Rita?" He questioned with squeaky voice and the confuse expression turned into hatred when the realization hit him that it was me. He swung the door to close it on me but i put both of my hands and my right foot on the door before he closed it completely. "Uh uh bastard." I said and pushed the door forward till it was fully open and the idiot was stuck between the door and the wall. He shouted and tried to break free but Me being me pushed a little harder so he couldn't escape. An evil smile spread on my face as I saw him suffer and suffocate in my hands.

"I can't breath, Rita." I heard him choke and I let go of the door and saw him drop down the floor, breathing heavily. He was holding his chest, taking deep breaths. I rolled my eyes at how sensitive and dramatic he's being. It took him a minute to regain his breath and when he did, he glared at me so hard I thought his eyes will fall off. He stood up, trying to act tough like I didn't just watch him on his knees, looking weak as fuck. Pathetic.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" He asked, more like growled like the animal he is. Fucking motherfucker acting like a goddamn dick. Weak and sensitive.

"Where is she?" I responded with a question and he pointed outside since the door is still open. "Get out of my house, Bitch." He warned but I laughed in response.

"Is that how you treat your guests Lucas?" I asked and walked around his apartment. I looked around the living room, looking for the beautiful redhead. It's the only reason I'm here. It's not like I came her for him.

I felt him grabbing my arm and pulling me towards him. His grip tightened on my arm and I felt slightly pained. "It's none of your business. She's my girlfriend and I'm not going to let you get near her." He threatened me with his ugly face way to close to mine. Not to mention, his breath stinks.

I pushed his face away, harshly and kicked his knees which he fell to the floor, groaning in pain. "Don't touch me with your filthy hands, little fuck. And use some mouthwash." I said and heard a door click open. I looked up and found a wet Ashley in a white towel. She just got of the shower and Damnnnn, She is glowing. She looked at me surprised with her green eyes wide open and I felt like kissing the floor she walks on. How can someone be this beautiful? I'm in no shame of admitting I fell for this girl. Hard.

"Rita? What are you doing here?" She asked clearly shocked and her cheeks were tinted red expressing how quite embarrassed she is since she is naked behind this towel.

"Why are you ignoring me?" I decided to ignore her question and ask her with my own. I've been trying to call her for two days and she hasn't been answering my calls at all. Whenever I text her, she would read and then ignore me without responding back. Do you know how much that hurts? The girl I'm clearly falling for is ignoring me?

"I......" She gulped and grew quiet not knowing what to say. She trailed her eyes to Lucas and they snapped open. She rushed to help him. I felt a string in my heart but chose to ignore it. She helped him up as he was holding his knee, acting like he was butthurt. Such a crybaby. I glared at his facade and the way ashley's arms are around him. He sat on the couch and she sat next to him, comforting him.

"Answer me, ash." I pleaded with her because if she ignored me, I would never forgive myself. I would apologize to that piece of shit, just so she stop would ignoring me.

"Get out of my house r-" Lucas spoke while standing up but I slapped his forehead and he fell back on the couch, holding his head. He yelped and Ashley was looking into my eyes, ignoring him as I didn't even blink, waiting for her to say something. We never broke contact and I pleaded with my eyes for her to give me an explanation. It's seems like we were in our on world. As if we were connecting with our eyes and our eyes only.

She stood up and without hesitations, pulled me in a hug. Immediately, I responded to her touch. Her arms were tightly around my neck and mine around her waist. Her lips were touching my ear and her hot breath was tingling my skin. I heard her whisper. "I'm sorry, Rita. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to." Her voice was shaky and I know she would start crying so I shushed her and kissed the side of her head.

I felt her being pulled away from me in a harshly way. She yelped and I noticed Lucas was holding her arm just like he was holding mine. I felt anger rise within me as I saw fear written on ashley's face. My fist clenched as I processed the scene in front of me. How dare he touch her like that? "I told you not to talk to her and now you're hugging her?!" He shouted at her face as she tried to pull her arm away, struggling and tears falling rapidly on her angelic face.

Without hesitation, I slammed my knuckle right on his tightened jaw. He fell to the floor and I extended my arm for Ashley to grab my hand. She looked at it for a second then looked at Lucas then my hand like she was battling herself but finally, she chose to grab my hand. I smiled and said. "Get your things, we're leaving." She nodded and ran to what I assume is the bedroom.

I heard Lucas, groaning before he stood up, stumbling to stand straight. When he gained his balance, he gave me a hard look. Like expected, he swung his arm at me and I leaned back before it reached my face. I took steps back. "Really? You were hurting Ashley and I stopped you. Now, you wanna hurt me?" I dodged him away as he attacked but failed since he was slow and I was quick.

"It's all your fault. If you didn't show up, none of this would've happened." He tried to blame it on me but uh uh, I ain't buying it.

"Don't put your actions on me. Why did you tell her to stay away from me? was I competition?" I laughed at him and I could fell his rage rising. A bad move. He threw himself at me and we both fell on the floor. My back hit the ground and he straddled me and I felt weight on my stomach and arms; I couldn't move then he started punching. I tried to block his attack but I wasn't able to. I heard Ashley shouts and pleads for him to stop but he wouldn't listen. I closed my eyes, feeling dizzy and pain all over the side of my face.

I heard a loud bang and a body fell on top of me. Seconds later, the weight is off of me and when I opened my eyes, I saw ashley with a pan in her hand. She scanned my face. "Oh my god, Rita......" She helped me stand up and put my arm on top of her shoulder. I walked beside her slowly since my head hurts and I looked over to see Lucas passed out. I smiled and Ashley shook her head when she saw my face.

It took us awhile to reach the car and every person we crossed gave us a look but I choose to flip them off. We got in and Ashley took the driver's seat. "I'll drive." I told her.

"Shut up." She started the car and drove off. I sighed and let her drive.

"Why do you hate each other? Why are you both so hostile?" I heard her ask. I looked over to see a frown on her face and her hands were holding the steering wheel so tight.

"Because he's not good for you. He's weak, stupid, asshole with a little shit sticking out of his buttcrack." I told her and she shook her head.

"No, I'm serious. What made you hate him so much?" She pulled over and stared at me, waiting for an answer.

"Because he clearly doesn't love you as much as you do. He doesn't deserve you but you're too blind to see it. You're amazing, beautiful and sweet. You got the biggest heart and the biggest ass like a beautiful black woman." I joked and she laughed, tears clearly in her eyes.

"He's one lucky son of a Bitch that can't see what he has. I know I would be lucky if I had you." I told her the truth and how I felt. She had tears in her eyes so all I know she was getting emotional. Never expected myself to be the romantic one. I chuckled internally. I reached out and wiped her tears but didn't pull my hand away.

"I never expected you to be the romantic type." She said and leaned her face but I pushed her away.

"As much as I would love to kiss you but my face is bloody and bruised." I told her and she laughed before driving the car back on the road. "You owe me." i heard her say and a smirk appeared on my face.

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Nic's POV

I drove my car in complete silence which I newly bought a few days ago. The leather still smelled new and I could never get over it. My thoughts kept going back to Ryan and the whole situation. I was worried and scared because I didn't know what are they going to do next but I do know one thing in mind; I need to find an apartment fast. Even though Rita didn't say anything about it, I didn't want her to get hurt. She's my best friend and I can't handle losing another one. Not after Ryan.

I shook my head. I should stop thinking about this. You know what, tonight I'm not going to be thinking about them and I'll focus on my family and Lauren. I'm sure they'll be a good distraction. I looked over at Lauren and I know she's thinking about her financial issue. I hate seeing her like this but like I said; ill help her through it all.

I parked my car behind my mom's car and cut off the engine. "We're here." I called over at Lauren and she looked back surprised. She smiled at me when I gave her a worried look and assured me she would be fine. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

"You know I'll always be worried." I told her and she smiled, giving me a peck on the lips before getting out. I did the same and walked beside her. She intertwined our hands and i felt weird. A good kind of weird. This girl is doing things to me and I'm gladly letting her.

I knocked on the door and it immediately flew open. For a second, I thought it was Matthew, being the energetic and impatient kid but when I looked up, I found a person that I wished I hadn't seen his face ever again. Well, at least not yet. "Hey Lauren." he said smiling so bright at her and she was extremely surprised, she even took a step back. He turned to me, confusion was written on his face before his eyes grew wide and i felt like running away.

"Cole....." his voice was barely above a whisper and he immediately jumped on me, crushing me in his arms. I didn't dare to put my arms around him. Not after everything I've been through because of him. He let go, smiling and then he looked down at Lauren and mine's hands. Wrinkles formed in his forehead before his jaw clenched and i saw anger in his eyes.

Jonathan looked at Lauren, betrayed and I saw her fidgeting on her feet. "What is going on between you two?" He asked and I know his trying to hold himself from shouting. Is he jealous?

"Umm......" Lauren gulped and turned her eyes away from Jonathan's to mine, pleading for help. I am confused, didn't they break up years ago?...so then why is he acting like a jealous boyfriend?.....oh shit. He still have feelings for her. I sighed internally.

Lauren was growing uncomfortable under Jonathan's glare so i spoke up."Can we get inside Jonathan?" Jonathan's eyes turned to me and his expression changed as he looked down to the floor. He stepped back and let us in.

Mom appeared in the hall and she smiled hugging me and i took the chance to whisper in her ear. "Why is he here?"

"He's your brother." She scolded me and I rolled my eyes. "I didn't know he was coming, he surprised me." She pulled away and went to hug Lauren.

I heard Matthew's voice in the living room and I walked, smiling at the thought of him. But then I heard another voice, an older deep voice and at that moment I hoped I was wrong. I hoped it was someone else. I hoped that my mind is playing tricks with me but no, I found my dad sitting on the couch with Matthew in his lap. My jaw clenched and I looked back at mom, who had an innocent smile on her face.

"Cole!!" I felt someone hugging my waist and I looked down to see Matthew's smile. I smiled back, picking him off the ground and hugging him as well. He smelled like vanilla for some reason. I put him down and he rushed to hug Lauren. He seemed to be in a huge bless with that weird smile on his face and his eyes are shinning in a weird way. I chuckled when I realized that's the face of someone hugging their crush or receiving a kiss from them.

"Okay everyone, It's dinner time." My mom called out from the dinning room and I put my hands under Matthew's armpits, lifting him off the ground while heading to the dinning room. He giggled from the sudden action and extended his arms open on his sides like they're wings. I heard Lauren laughing beside me and I smiled at how sweet it sounds.

I put him down and he rushed to take a seat close to Lauren's. Lauren sat on one of the chairs, Matthew on her left side and I was about to seat on the other side, when I felt someone pushing me and take the seat. I knew immediately it was Jonathan and I glared at the back of his head as he sat. Lauren looked surprised at Jonathan before looking back at me and nodding her head as a sign of 'I'll be fine.'

I sat across from them between mom and dad, not removing my eyes from Jonathan who acted like I wasn't glaring at him and was staring at Lauren. Lauren winked at me and I smirked but on the inside, I'm feeling hot. She's just that sexy.

We all dug in and I heard my mom asking Jonathan about how college was and even scolded him for not telling her about his graduation. That made her 'extremely upset' as she puts it. As their conversation goes on, I learned that dad brought Jonathan from the airport and that's why he is here; My mom let him stay.

"So," Jonathan turned to me and took glances at Lauren. "Are you guys together now? Dating?" He asked with a fake smile and I glared at him. Lauren saw the flame in our eyes and spoke up. "Yes, we are." Lauren said, smiling at me and I smiled back.

"Oh really? I never expected that since Lauren did bully you when we were in high school." He told me and I heard both of my parents yell at him.

"Jonathan!!"

"Don't even start, young man."

"Oh come on, we're not a happy family. We can never be." He told my mom and I stood up from my seat, shooting daggers at his brainless skull.

"Fuck you, Jonathan." I interrupted him, knowing full well he'll start ranting about us being a shitty family and then say it's my fault. It's completely expected from him.

"Language!!"

"Language!!!"

My parents yelled at me and Jonathan stood up as well, fire in his eyes. We stared down at each other, clearly at any moment a battle is going to start between us. "You stole my girlfriend!!" He pointed at me and I laughed at how ridiculous he sounds.

Lauren stood up, both of her arms raised and her eyebrows lifted at Jonathan's stupid statement. "I am not your girlfriend." She told him but he didn't even acknowledge her. He just glared at me and I shook my head at him. How gentleman of him.

"I'm gonna go play on my Xbox." I heard Matthew say as he walked away from the mess that's about to happen.

"As I recall, you guys broke up years ago and as I was told; it was your fault." I crossed my arms and a smirk appeared on my face. He grabbed me by my shirt and pulled me forward, harshly causing me to slam my hips on the table and both of my parents to stand up.

"Come on. Hit me like you let everyone else in high school did." I taunted him and he loosen his grip before pushing me away as everyone told him to let me go.

Jonathan stared at me hard and then spoke. "How dare you come back after walking away from your family? You were gone for whole six years and now you show up? To just take my girl and gain all the attention, right? Cause all this drama and the fuzz, over not getting that attention you wanted back then? Well guess what, daddy won't love you as much he did when you were a kid. Mom won't be on your side because she loves daddy so much, she'll take his side. Lauren needs a real man, not some-"

"SHUT UP." Mom yelled at Jonathan, cutting him off and all our attention turned to her. She shook her head at both of us then excused herself and went upstairs. "Look at what you did?" My dad said because he knew my mom all too well and we all knew she's going to cry upstairs. She's an emotional woman and seeing both of her older kids fighting makes her upset. My dad went upstairs and I left the dinning room, heading towards the door.

I opened the front door without looking back and slammed it close before going to my car and opening the car door. I sat inside and stared at the steering wheel. Jonathan's words circled in my head and I slammed my fist on the wheel, screaming all my frustrations, devastation and all my pain out of my heart.

I don't know how much time has passed since I was staring at nothingness but I felt arms wrapped around me and from her scent, I knew it was Lauren. I felt her hands on both of the sides of my face and she made me look into her eyes. I saw kindness, acceptance and love? In her eyes. I felt slightly better, just staring at her eyes as they spoke the words her mouth couldn't preach.

"Let's go home." She finally said and I nodded my head, still awestruck by her eyes. She got off of my lap and went to the other side of the car. She sat on the passenger's seat and buckled up. She smiled at me and I can't help but feel my heart skip a beat. I started the engine then took off.

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A/N

First, I'm deeply sorry for the long wait. It's been a rough two weeks and I was going through some personal issues which are cleared out at the moment. Not to mention hearing the death of my favourite vocalist about a week ago who I have been listening to his band's music since I was kid, has definitely taken a tool on me and made me devastated.

Now, I feel slightly better and I don't want to seem like someone who complains a lot so, I'm gonna try to get back on track and I'm starting a new story soon. You guys, if you want, can check it out when I finally post it. It's gonna be amazing.

Love you all and thanks for waiting so long. Byeee.