Old New Friends || Hayes Grier

Chapter 16

Okay. So, I've got the possible person to be Ariana's cousin; Nick Jaroldson?? That possibly might be his name for the story?? Anyways, the guy is Spanish?? His name is Manu Rios? I think. Correct me if I'm wrong because I haven't updated here in like months. As always; Enjoy!

Ariana's POV

Aunt Jessie opened the door to their home, which, by far, is one of the nicest places I've been to in Atlanta. Usually when I come here, I'm always scared or intimidated to go into a house. Maybe it's just that, I know it's someone from my family's home. I feel like an idiot, I don't know.

"Uhm, Aunt Jess?"

"Yeah Jade?" She called back

"Where's uncle Will?" I asked curiously as the house seemed too quiet.

When me and Nick were younger, Uncle Will use to be the 'obnoxious' one in the family; meaning he is the one who makes the first impression when someone comes through the door.

"Oh. He's um, not home for awhile" she answered uneasily

Someone poked me from behind, it was Nick. I gave him an unpleased look and he mouthed the words "he left". Shocked by the words, I didn't want to know anymore details until later. I just nodded and gave a smile back to Nick as he answered my curiosity.

"Nick, dear? Do you mind showing Jade her room? I uhm, need some air. I'll be at the grocery store. Just call if you need anything okay guys?"

She left the small yet spacious looking apartment without another word. Nick picked up my suitcase and started walking down the hall towards his right. I followed closely behind as he opened a door to a very empty room. It was a decent place to sleep and stay for the time I'm staying. Better than nothing.

He placed the suitcase next to the bed. "I'm going to go out soon. I don't know if you want to come, or if you want a tour?"

I'd rather much stay here, "Okay, uhm, sure, why not".

I grabbed my jean jacket just in case we stay out a little longer than what I intend. He grabs a pair of keys; which I'm guessing belongs to his car or something.

"Where are we going?" I finally ask

"Out."

Wow. What a great place, I wish I knew about it so I can go to it the next time I come here again. Surprisingly, he had a decent looking car. 2011 Toyota white suv, nice. We both climbed into the car, Nick starting it without a word, as always.

I know we've distanced ourselves ever since I moved and that we've never spoken since. I kind of feel a tad awkward and shy around him now, even though we've known each other since birth. But I at least have to try..

"So, how are things?" I asked

Nothing. Complete silence.

"What do you mean?" He finally answered.

I was specifically looking for a kind of answer, just wondering how he was doing.

"Anyway you want it"

He was really quiet for awhile. Probably thinking what to say to someone he hasn't seen in years.

"I've been better. Lots of things happened this past month, but I'm alright" he shrugged.

I nodded, "Do you remember when we were little, when we lived like across from each other and went to Dairy Queen at night on our skateboards?", Trying to keep conversations are hard, ugh.

He laughed a little, "And when you fell on top of your cone when we rounded a corner"

Fuck, I remember that night like looking at a photograph. It was one of the most embarrassing nights of my life, but I was relieved that it was just Nick who was with me. Or I would probably die of embarrassment on that pavement ground with ice cream smothered on the side of my face.