Darkness's Flower: Pulling It Together

Chapter 38: Really, Gabs? That's What We're Talking About?

~Nico~

Lilly sighed and plopped down on her bed. "Gods, I hate this. I'm really sorry, guys. Just hang out in here for a moment and I'll be right back."

She stood up and walked out of her room, shutting the door behind her. I looked over at Gabby who was wandering around Lilly's room, looking at random things.

"So..." I said.

She looked at me and smirked. "When are you gonna ask her?"

I scowled. "Ask her what? Gabs, what are you talking about?"

She rolled her eyes. "You know exactly what I mean!"

"Shh! Do you want her to hear you?"

"No! Now, you know what I'm talking about and I expect an answer!"

I sighed. "I honestly don't know what you're talking about!"

"Marriage, Nico! When are you gonna ask her?"

Shock went rushing through my body. "Not now! Yeah, I want to, I have to, but she's only eighteen and I'm nineteen. I can't yet. Neither of us are completely ready. And, yes, I picked up on her hint while we were eating. I just can't-"

I stopped when I heard footsteps running up the stairs. The door opened and Lilly walked in.

"What're you guys talking about?" she asked.

"Uh....um-" I managed.

Gabby cut me off. "Your house. He was telling me where everything was."

She walked over towards me slowly. "Alright. Well, my mom just threw up. My dad was in the bathroom when you guys came in and he just left to go back to work. I have to help clean up my mom. So continue your little conversation about my house."

She walked out, closing the door behind her. I heard her running down the steps, then that was it.

"Continue," Gabby said.

I sighed, sitting down on Lilly's bed. "It's just that I can't ask her yet. Maybe in another year or so. I really do want to, don't get me wrong. I know she wants me to, but I don't think either of us would be able to handle that at this age. But don't worry, I will. I just want more time with her as my girlfriend. I don't think I'm completely ready to call her my wife."

She smiled. "I understand. But you have to tell me when you do."

"Trust me, I think she'll tell you before I do. But you'll find out one way or another. I'm actually gonna go. I just want to walk around in the shadows for a while to think some things through. Tell Lilly so she doesn't freak out on me when I get back. But I can't really shadow-travel, so can you use the whole snow thing to get me out?"

She nodded and transported me out of Lilly's room. I landed in the darker parts of the woods near her house. I started roaming around, looking at the twigs on the ground.

Crack.

I turn. There stands Nick.

Oh, great! Just what I want. The dude that's obsessed with my girlfriend. Yippee!

He walked over towards me. "Well, hello, Nico! I thought I'd never get to be with you alone."

I rolled my eyes. "And what do you want?"

"Just to chat."

"About what?"

"I don't know, Lilly?"

I grit my teeth. "What about her?"

He smiled. "Oh, about how beautiful she is and how much she wants to be with me and not you. I know you're a nice guy, but I seriously don't understand why she's held on to you for so long! She obviously likes me. Just accept it, Nico!"