The Pirate & The Porcelain Doll (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 20

"I wonder sometimes what my life would have been like had I not met you," Waverly said, taking Nicole's hand.

"Less scary," Nicole replied. "Probably less life-threatening. I still have nightmares about the cave. That was so stupid of me, even by my standards of stupidity. I could have lost you."

"We kept each other alive. I remember you telling me a story to stop me being afraid. This may sound crazy, but I felt safe there, with you, knowing you would protect me."

"Definitely crazy. Help. I'm in love with a crazy person. Help, help, someone rescue me."

Waverly laughed. "There really is no one else like you. I'm not crazy."

"Come, beautiful crazy person," Nicole said, raising herself up, still holding onto Waverly. "I have something to show you."

They walked to the door, Nicole dropping Waverly's hand as soon as she opened it in case someone saw them together. She marched ahead, Waverly knowing where she was going, climbing the stairs behind her, the taste of Nicole still on her lips. As Nicole entered the nursery Waverly felt a shiver of excitement through her body. So many times they had been together in this room. So many times they had lain in the small bed, comforting each other. Now they were back, as lovers.

"I haven't shown anyone this before," Nicole said, going to a cupboard underneath one of the bookcases. "I keep everything here that's important. It's my secret treasure chest."

Waverly sat on the bed watching Nicole remove a wooden box filled with toys, placing it behind her. "A box of toys," Waverly said, wondering what Nicole was doing.

"No, that's not it. I found a loose floorboard. Everything's underneath."

She pulled out various items, laying them on the floor, wiping some that were now dusty, particles dancing in the air around her body. The telescope they used on holiday, a small birdsnest with the remains of a pale blue egg resting inside, one of Ellie's shoes and several books, Nicole studying the spines of each, selecting one, blowing more dust off its cover. "This is it. This is the book I was telling you about."

"Is that my dolly's shoe?" Waverly asked. "I wondered where that went."

"Yes. Err, sorry. I found it in the bed and well, I was going to give it back."

Waverly felt in her skirt pocket, pulling out the tin soldier she too had borrowed, conveniently forgetting to give it back. "It reminded me of you. I put it under my pillow at night. And, take it with me to class to make me feel fearless."

"That's...that's really cra...sweet. Really sweet. I had no idea."

"You were going to say crazy, weren't you," Waverly replied, bringing the tiny soldier up eye level, pretending to have a conversation with it. "She thinks we're crazy. But, we're not are we little one."

Nicole brought the book over, grinning. "Never tell anyone I have this. Father was furious when he found it was missing. Blamed one of my brothers. No one suspected me, given what's inside. Now, before I show you this, I need to make one thing clear it's...let's just say...it's..."

"Adult," Waverly interrupted. "The word you're struggling with is adult. I can see the title. Is there a reason why you're showing me this?"

Nicole thought. "No. Actually, there is absolutely no good reason for you to see this. Oh no, what was I even thinking? Perhaps, another time. I don't know why I thought this was a good idea. I'm so stupid."

Waverly could see Nicole's flushed cheeks, the first time she had ever seen her embarrassed. "It's perfectly fine you showing me. I won't be shocked. Really. To think you trust me enough to let me into this secret world of yours. And, I'm the only one you've shown."