Roofs, Rain, and Stolen Shirts

Chapter 4- Rooftops

Me and Nik drove in silence except for the occasional direction because I didn't exactly know where I was going.

When we finally got to the hotel, he almost jumped out of the car. I was still awed at how marvelous it looked. I guess Nik thought I took too long because he pulled me out of the car.

"Come on! I want to show you something." He continued to drag me up the stairs and I finally realized he had a hold of my wrist.

"You can let go of my wrist now." I said almost laughing.

"Sorry." He was so sweet and immediatly let go. I also finally realized he was taking me to the roof. That's an odd place to take someone.

We reached the door and as I stepped out into the sunlight I was dazzeled. The roof was marvelous.

It had a nice flat top that was concrete. I guess he came up here often because there was a pool and a couple of comfy chairs. "Its amazing Nik."

I suddenly felt his hand on my waist. "I thought you'd like it. Want to go for a swim?"

Ummmm, what? "I don't have a bathing suit and I am not swimming in my bra and underwear with a guy I hardly know."

"Okay, just thought I'd be calming." He was so nice. He wasn't even thinking of my body, just my feelings.

I walked over to the edge of the building and sat down on the edge. He sat right next to me. I suddenly realized how awful I must look so I hid my face in my knees.

I heard him adjust most likely so he could look at me. "Hey, why are you hiding your face?" He tried to move my face, but I was defiant.

"I probably look so awful, how you even stand me I don't know." I could feel my face burning and tears streaking my face. I started to completely turn in my seat.

"Stephanie, you are so beautiful. You always will be, no matter what." He finally succeeded in turning me around. I was facing him now and he put both my wrists in one hand and he used the other hand to hold my face in place.

"Listen to me, if anyone ever tries to hurt you in any way, I'll be there for you. Okay?"

"Okay." I really did believe him, no matter what.

We both heard footsteps and Nik quickly stood up and pulled me being him. I put my hands on his shoulders and tried to see over him, but he was too tall. I felt his shoulders relax immediately. "Oh, its just you."

"Yep, its me. Who you got there?" It was a guys voice, probably one of his friends.

"Oh! This is Stephanie." He pulled me  back out for his friend to see me. The guy before me looked older, messy black hair, and nice emerald green eyes. "Stephanie..." Nik nudged me with his elbow.

"Oh! Hi, I'm Stephanie Kapner, what's your name?" I extended my hand towards him and he took it with strong hands.

"Hey, my names Daryl, Daryl Caulder."

"Nice to meet you Daryl."

"Same here." He seemed pretty laid back, I guess that's good.

We talked for awhile. Since there were only two chairs, Nik sat on the arm of mine. He seemed like a great guy.

"Hey Daryl, you should meet my friend Beth. I think you'd like her."

"Okay, sure." I looked up at Nik and he smiled at me. I can't believe how close we had gotten and it was only... Half past five. Wait, what!?!?!?!

"Oh my god! Nik, its 5:30 already! How'd we not notice it getting dark."

He pulled out his phone with the calmest of faces. "Yeah, I guess it is."

"Are you serious, my mom will kill me!" I was rambling for like, ten minutes straight.

"Hey, its a good thing your mom gave me permission to take you to my house."

"No way my mom said that." He showed me his phone and there it was, right there.

I can't believe this day.

"Okay, can Daryl come too?" I really did like this guy and I wanted to know more about how he acted.

"Yeah I guess, Daryl?" At this he turned toward his friend.

"Uh, yeah. Could we play Left 4 Dead?" Then Nik turned back to me as if for approval. "I don't care what you guys do!"