When He Loved Me

Ch.5 Broken Silence

"I...uhhh...thank you for walking me home."

"It's nothing."

Silence.

"I'll go inside, I have to pack my bags," I said.

"Yes. Yes, you should." Nico replied. "Here you go," he said, handing me the bag of food that his father packed for me.

"Oh, yes. Totally forgot about that. Thank you."

I reached for the bag and our hands briefly touched, sending an electric shock throughout my body.

"Grab the bottom," he said. "It's pretty heavy."

"Oh my God, this is too much!" I exclaimed. "I couldn't possibly eat all these. In fact I don't think I can touch it at all considering I'm still pretty full."

"You can just give it to your Tita Lyn, if you want," he suggested.

"Yeah, you're probably right. I'll drop this when I tell her I'll have to leave tonight."

"Yeah, about that. I'll just have to ask Rene Boy if he's available," Nico said.

"Yeah, right," I said. "Will you go to his house or will you just text him?"

"I'll call him, best to know as soon as possible if he's available."

"Yes, of course." I said, waiting gingerly for his response.

He raised an eyebrow quizzically. "Is there a problem?"

"Yeah...a bit...uhmm...how are you gonna inform me if it's a go? Will you call me too?" I suggested, then quickly added "I can give you my number, if you want?"

"Yeah, yeah, you're right." He said, touching the back of his head.

"Or you can come in, make the call from there? That way I'll also know instantly." I said, shrugging.

"Yes, yes. I can do that," he said.

"OK, let's go in," I said, leading the way to my house.

Nico and I crossed the street to get to the other side. Upon reaching our gate, Nico asked if I need help with the food pack.

"No, I'm alright. I just have to reach over to open the gate," I said as I struggled with my small sling bag which has fallen off my shoulders.

I cannot use either of my hands, both of which were needed to carry the very heavy food pack, so I tried shrugging it back up, but to no avail.

"Here, let me," Nico said, gently picking up the strap from my arm and sliding it back up to my shoulder.

The tip of his fingers made contact to my skin gently and it took all my will not to close my eyes and savor the moment.

"Thanks."

"I'll get the gate," he said, reaching over effortlessly.

"You have to twist the tiny knob in the..." I began explaining.

"Yep, I still remember that." He said as I hear the familiar click of the lock.