Future Rewritten

Practice #2

Later that day, the two of them silently drove to the practice field. Nicole had packed everything in the trunk, but knew better than to talk or ask for help. Not that she'd ask for help from him anyways. Trying to prove she's capable of doing things on her own is one of the things she wants.

Once Ronin parks, he jumps out, grabs his bag and heads for the field. Not waiting around for Nicole to follow or even catch up. Nicole watched him for a moment before grabbing her stuff. Which wasn't much. 

He was fuming and it was all her fault. Yet, she wouldn't take it back. They might have been together a little over a week now, but it was better to admit her lie now than to wait until real feelings were involved.

Coming around the corner of the bleachers, Nicole saw all the women and smiled. "I know that last practice was stressful and cold. So, I brought baked goods and hot chocolate."

Charlotte was the first one to speak. "Why would you think that we'd eat what you made?"

"I don't." Nicole put down all her goodies. "I love to bake, and I figured that if anyone here wanted something to munch on while we watch good looking men tackle each other, then I can make that happen. I won't be upset or insulted if you decide not to have any. I just want you all to know it's available for you. If you want."

Nicole began to set up everything she brought, but Charlotte made her way down to see. "So, then what did you bring?"

Nicole looked up and smiled. "I have chocolate chip cookies, strawberry macaroons, and snickerdoodles. All freshly bakes this morning. I also have home brewed hot chocolate. If you'd like to try, then go ahead."

Charlotte glared but gave in and grabbed a macaroon. She hesitantly took a bite, but immediately plopped the rest in her mouth. She tried the snickerdoodle and was just as happy with how it tasted. Moving to the final cookie, she took a huge bite and moaned.

"I wanted to hate them, but their sooooooo good!" Charlotte grabbed a couple more treats.

"Here..." Nicole grabbed a disposable cup and poured some hot chocolate. "Try some of my hot chocolate. I make it from scratch in a pot."

Charlotte takes a sip and moans again. "This is delicious!! This makes it hard to hate you."

"I'll take that." Nicole smiles. "If anyone else would like some. I have plenty."

The group of women moved to grab some. All praising Nicole of how excellent her cooking is. They chatted about nonsense for a while before one of the other women asked Nicole some questions.

"Why did you go through all this effort?" A woman with short brown hair, asked.

"Well..." Nicole hesitated but figured it's best to be honest. "I'm hoping to make this place my home."

"Your home? Don't you have some place outside our wall?" Charlotte wondered.

"No... I have no family, no loved ones, and no place to call home. I ended up here because I was running away from a dangerous situation..." Nicole looked down and frowned.

"Oh my god... that's horrible." The woman with brown hair gasped.

"Yeah..." Nicole shook her head before regaining her smile. "But now, I found this place and it's wonderful. I'm hoping to finally have a home to call my own."

"Why here?" Charlotte glared.

"It's the area that popped out of nowhere when I needed a safe place to recoup and recover. I'm treated better than I ever have been, and I don't even belong. I would like to, though. That's why I made my goodies for you guys. I wanted to get to know all of you as well as see if it's a good idea to open a bakery on Main Street." Nicole poured another cup of hot chocolate.

"Well, I think it's a great idea!" The brunette exclaimed.

"Ashley!" Another woman hits her on the arm.

"What Sarah? I think it would be wonderful for her to open a bakery. Plus, I don't have problem with her." Ashley brushed off her friend's concerns.

"It's okay. I still have a while before I'm out from under guard. Maybe by that time you all will have gotten to know me and come to trust that I mean no harm. Just trying to find a place to call home." Nicole smiled.

The women continued to talk about different things. Nicole didn't contribute much. Since she didn't have happy or fun memories from her past, but that didn't stop her from laughing or enjoying herself. After a while, the men were done and making their way back over to the bleachers.

"What are all of you laughing at?" Conner approached the group of girls as they laughed.

"Just telling Nicole about some of our crazier stories as kids." Sarah smiled.

"I hope nothing that embarrasses me." Conner smiled down to Nicole.

Nicole smiled up at him but didn't feel comfortable. "All of them are so cute and fun. Makes me wish I always lived here. It would have been amazing!"

"Maybe you could stay? Then you can have your own cute and fun stories." Conner leaned down and got closer to Nicole.

"She hopes too!" Ashley bounced. "She wants to open a bakery and her treats are delicious!"

Conner picked up one of the cookies and ate it. "WOW! This is great. I think a bakery by you would make this little town, so much better."

Conner got closer and Nicole tried to lean away. It made her completely uncomfortable the way he looked at her. It kind of reminded her of the men that she was passed to with her uncle and... him. Nicole wanted out of the situation but didn't know of a way that was respectful enough. Luckily, she didn't need to come up with one as Ronin showed up at that moment, growling.

"What are you doing, Conner?" Ronin crossed his arms over his wide chest.

"Just trying to get to know the woman in your care." Conner backed away to stare at Ronin. "Why? You already claimed there is nothing between the two of you."

"There isn't." Ronin glared.

"Then there shouldn't be any issue with me getting friendly with Nicole." Conner turn back to try and woo Nicole but found she had left.

"Good day ladies. I'll bring more goodies next practice." Nicole had already packed up and was heading towards the car.

The women waved good-bye as Nicole tried to put as much distance between her and the overzealous Conner. Now all she had to do was wait by the car for Ronin to show up. Luckily, he was right behind her.

When he got in the car, Nicole turned to him. "Thank you for distracting him. I didn't feel comfortable about how aggressive he was."

Ronin grunted but didn't say anything else. He was still processing what Nicole had confessed to earlier. So many emotions were swimming around in his head that it was best not to talk to her until he figured out what he really felt. Right now, he was glad she understood and remained quiet.