Take A Chance On Me

Chapter 16

Nancy awoke from her slumber; drool and tears had dried on her face. Her hair was everywhere and she didn't care. It was the first time she'd let it go since this fiasco had started. Looking around, all Nancy saw was emptiness. She was so used to the business from the past week, that she hadn't noticed how lonely and empty her house was without Ned's things everywhere. She had her little trinkets everywhere from when she travelled and photos of herself, George, Bess, Frank and Joe, her father and of course Hannah. Photos of birthdays, Christmas', holidays, cases, weddings and surprise visits from the good, the bad and the ugly times. That was the one thing Nancy loved about her life was that, no matter what, she always had her friends and family. She had even had a photo developed a couple of days ago of the case in Egypt with the ring cascading off the photo frame. 

'I guess that means it's time to redecorate to keep my head off of everything, visit Frank before I do anything and probably buy a couple of pieces of new furniture. Been meaning to throw some of these things out'. Nancy couldn't help but get excited. A whole day to herself? She hadn't had one in years.

'Knock, knock,' Nancy opens the door slightly to see Frank's face over a book, slowly showing the present she'd brought him. As soon as he saw who it was, his face started beaming with happiness. 

'Nancy! Come over here Gorgeous!' He murmured and shuffled over and patted the now empty space on the bed. Nancy jumped up on the bed and proudly held his present proudly in her lap expectedly waiting for him to open it. 'You didn't have to,' Frank gently lifts his hand to Nancy's face and brings her closer and gently kisses her.

'I mean, I know but I just hope you share them with me,' they both chuckle and Frank opens up the wrapped up gift. Unravelled was a giant box of chocolates and a knitted jumper with Nancy written over it. 'I know it gets cold up where you are so I thought I'd bring you something to remember me by when you go back.' She leans her head against his shoulder and he kisses it as they both chuckle. 

'I have a feeling I'll be staying a little bit longer. What brings you to this part of town anyway?'

'I don't know, I heard this boy I had a thing for was around this way so was going to visit him. Maybe you've seen him, he goes by the name Joe Hardy?' Frank scoffs and fiends hurt.

'Ahh nuts, you've just missed. He just left,' she laughs and lightly punches his arm.

'I have to get some new furniture and a few new things around the house, maybe grab some lunch with Bess and George. It's been a while since we've seen each other. I'll swing by before visitor's time is over tonight.' She leans in and kisses lips tenderly. He wound his hands in her hair slowly. 

'Make sure you do come back tonight, I'll be waiting.'

Hours passed, a new coffee table, couch and desk bought, lunch eaten and gossip had been caught up with the 3 friends. The cousins had bought Frank, Fenton and Joe different presents; Frank a couple of short books to read in the hospital, Fenton and Laura some flowers and they got Joe his favourite snacks. Bess, George and Nancy all took the furniture to her house and decided to assemble it once back from dropping off everyone's presents. 

First stopping off at the hotel that Laura and Joe were staying at, giant hugs were exchanged and apologies were given out by Bess and George. George gave the bouquet of flowers to Laura and she immediately put them in water. Her cousin unveiled a bag full of snacks to her high school crush and he immediately covered the table with them to devour. A muffled 'thank you' was heard through Joe's mouthful of food.

'It was great seeing all of you, truely. Hopefully we'll be seeing you at dinner on Friday that Hannah has generously invited all of us too including your partners and children you surely have to introduce me to!' Laura nudges Joe in his ribs.