Winter Wayhaught

Chapter 11

Nicole no longer knew which way the world revolved. From the L word in a text message, to a train ride to London, to making love with her beautiful girlfriend for the first time in a posh hotel, she now was in the presence of one of her literary idols, who happened to be naked in her bed.

Too much to process.

"Please come back to bed," Waverly begged. "I'm still the same person."

Nicole edged towards her side, iPad in hand, eyes fixed on Waverly. The rollercoaster ride out of control, careering along tracks, liable to crash any moment. She sat on the bed, unable to find the words to communicate with new Waverly.

"Are you OK?" Waverly asked.

Nicole nodded, wanting to shake her head, failing in the attempt. The ringing in her ears deafening. The room moving of its own accord.

"Seriously, are you OK? You've gone very pale."

Nicole found the pillow with her head, attempting to stop the room spinning. She had never been good with shocks.

"Can I get you water? Nicole, please you're scaring me."

Nicole lifted her hand, attempting to say something, no longer able to co-ordinate arms, legs, or lips. The room went black. Someone shaking her, calling her name. Muffled sounds. Her name again.

"Nicole. Nicole. Shall I call an ambulance?"

"Alice, is that you?"

"Nicole, can you hear me? Can you sit up?"

Nicole attempted to sit up, still feeling dizzy. Her eyes fixed on Waverly. "I feel sick. I think I'm going to puke."

Waverly jumped out of bed, rushing to help Nicole stand, moving her to towards the bathroom, standing outside. She could hear a tap running, the sound of Nicole being sick. She felt dreadful. She knew Nicole had anxiety issues. Never for a moment had she considered Nicole would have this kind of reaction to the revelation of her identity.

Nicole emerged from the bathroom, still pale, eyes fixed on Waverly. "I'm sorry. I'm alright. Give me a moment."

Waverly led her back to the bedroom, letting her lie down, returning to the bathroom to get a towel. "I'm so, so sorry. Do you want me to leave?"

"I'm alright. Honestly. I just need the world to stop moving so fast."

"My darling. I wish I wasn't who I am. I couldn't carry on without you knowing. I'll understand if this is too much for you. I do love you. I really do love you, but if this isn't what you want, I'll go."

Nicole sat up slowly. "No. I want this. I want you. I want Alice Makepeace. No, that's wrong. I want Waverly Earp. I can't think. Is it getting dark in here?"

"Lay down again."

Nicole lay down, Waverly stroking her hair. "Close your eyes, don't think."

Nicole did as instructed, feeling Waverly's gentle touch, a hand brushing against her face. She felt Waverly's lips touch her cheek. The same touch she had felt many times before, the same softness.

Nothing had changed.

She felt Waverly's hand on top of her t-shirt, slowly moving down her body, pausing, her hand finding entry, resting on her stomach. Reassuring. Comforting. Gentle rubbing, as a mother would attending to a child. Homely. Safe. Waverly's lips meeting hers, the lightest of touches. Inviting. Sensuous. A connection beyond identity, beyond names.

Nicole opened her eyes, gazing into beautiful green pools before her. "Hello you."

Waverly smiled. "Hello you."