Code Red (WAYHAUGHT)

Chapter 8

Waverly was quiet for most of the car journey home. She saw Nikki kiss Alan on the cheek. She saw Alan squeeze her hand before she exited the car. They were engaged.

The house was quiet Sunday morning. Everyone sleeping in after their big night out. Waverly made her way to the dining room, where Mavis had laid out breakfast. The tea was still reasonably warm as she sat alone, ruminating on what Gordon had told her. She moved to the lounge, picking up a magazine, flicking through the pages, unable to concentrate on anything. The door opened. Nicole entered, surprised at first to see Waverly sitting in the armchair. "How did you enjoy your first dance?" she asked, trying to sound uninterested, failing in the attempt.

"Informative."

"Interesting choice of word," Nicole remarked, picking up a pile of unopened letters.

"Gordon mentioned you're engaged."

Nicole stood motionless, her back to Waverly, pretending to sift through the letters she had in her hand. She held this position for several moments, considering whether to explain her situation to Waverly. Could she trust her? Her heart made the decision for her. Turning to Waverly, she moved towards the sofa, sitting opposite, placing the letters beside her. There was silence, her eyes lowered as if in deep contemplation. Eventually she raised them to look at Waverly. "I need to explain something to you," she began, a serious expression on her face. "But, before I tell you, I have to ask you something."

Waverly sat in silence, not knowing what was about to come.

"I need to know I can trust you. What I am about to say is extremely delicate. If it got out, it would ruin a lot of people's lives. I need to know you can keep a secret. You must tell no one. Not even Chrissy."

"Yes. You can trust me."

Nicole sat in silence, gathering herself for what she was about to tell Waverly. "Gordon was correct. Alan and I are engaged, but it is not as it appears." She paused, allowing Waverly time to process what she had said. "It is for appearances, do you understand?"

"I think so," Waverly offered, knowing that she really didn't.

"Alan and I are very close. But..." Nicole paused, knowing what she was about to say would change the way Waverly would see Alan and her. "But, Alan is not attracted to me. Do you understand?"

"I think so."

Nicole paused again, wondering whether she should tell Waverly the next part of the equation. Her heart made the decision. "And, I'm not attracted to Alan. Do you understand?"

Waverly sat considering what Nicole was telling her. "Sorry, no I'm not sure I do."

Nicole moved off the sofa kneeling down, taking her hands. "Waverly, Alan prefers men and I..." Nicole saw Waverly's expression change as she finally understood what she was being told. "I need to make arrangements for you to move to another house."

"Wait, what? No. Why? I like it here. I like being with Chrissy. I like being with you."

"Waves, I know. But, I am beginning to have feelings for you and I sense something from you. I know if you stayed, I could not trust myself. I don't want to put you in a position where you might feel uncomfortable around me."

"But, I don't feel uncomfortable around you. I feel wonderful." Tears began to trickle down Waverly's face. "I've never felt this way about anyone. Not even James."

Nicole, realising how upset she was making Waverly, brushed a tear from her cheek. "I want us to be friends. To be able to work together."

There was so much for Waverly to process. The thought of this going no further. The thought of her being away from this household. "I understand...But, I want more."

Waverly felt the jolt in Nicole's hands at what she had just admitted. Looking into her eyes, she could see Nicole desperately trying to hold back her emotions, knowing she too wanted more. Someone had to make the first move. It was Waverly. Leaning forward, she pressed her lips against Nicole's, feeling their smoothness, their silkiness. At first, Nicole didn't respond, allowing Waverly to experience her for the first time. Her heart took over. Moving into the kiss, she revealed her passion for the woman in front of her.

It was delicate. It was delicious. It was right.