Sonder

Nicolette

Nicolette hadn't always been reserved. Hell, to her friends she wasn't. The other students didn't know her; she was an enigma. In middle school she had a reputation, her breasts had become the topic of every boys' lips. Sean wasn't like that.

Sean was polite when he messaged her on Facebook. He didn't ask for her bra size, and he knew how to make Nicolette laugh. She didn't necessarily think of him as her type; she didn't know her type.

When Nicolette first agreed to go out with Sean, Diana felt betrayed. "How could you take my boyfriend, Nic?"

When Nicolette asked Sean if he was seeing Di, he didn't even know her. That was the beginning of Nicolette and Diana being friendly at best. She tolerated her only because Beau trusted her. She never understood it.

She and Sean had been together since the 6th grade, they had learned each other's spiritual leanings, favorite foods, worst school subjects, life goals, and bodies. They were practically married.

***

Nicolette sat in the back of Chemistry. She'd sneak an air-pod into her ear and halfway pay attention to the lesson.

The new girl crept inside, her messy brown hair hiding her slim face.

"You're late," Mrs. Hanover scolded.

Hope apologized, "I'm sorry, m'am. I got lost."

"Take a seat," the older woman demanded.

She sat next to Nicolette, quickly opening her notebook. "Ignore her, new girl, she's just pissed she has one more year until retirement," Nicolette said.

Even though Beau was a total bitch to her, Nicolette felt different. She thought she had potential, and maybe a decent replacement for Diana.

"Listen...about earlier..." Hope tried to reason the conflict with Beau.

Nicolette grinned, "Don't worry about it. Beau doesn't like new people. He's not bad once you get past his walls. I'm Nicolette Connell."

Hope stuck her hand out, "I'm Hope Lescher."

When the bell rang, Nicolette invited Hope to lunch. She felt like a den mother—or the cool aunt. Hope agreed sitting at the table set dead in the middle of the cafeteria.

The long caramel-haired boy returned, "Why is she here?"

"I invited her. She's new and wasn't trying to be nosy."

Beau scoffed, "Kay. That's lovely."

Diana and Layla approached the table, "Um, where are we going to sit?" Diana stammered.

"Just pull up a seat, do you need directions for everything, Di?" Beau asked.

Nicolette noticed Sean at his locker and volunteered her spot: "Congrats, Di. A spot just opened."

Nicolette began to walk toward her boyfriend before Beau interrupted, "What about the new girl?"

Nicolette ignored. She and Sean had been in a weird place over the summer. Where she once loved the way his hands translated her body's every desire, the feeling had feigned—for both of them.

Sean glanced up at Nicolette, "Hey, babe."

"You didn't text me much last weekend," she responded. "You're not upset about Thursday, right?"

Last Thursday was awful for both of them. Right in the middle of sex, Nicolette couldn't handle another half hour. She wasn't feeling it.

"Mad? I'm fine. You're the one who isn't attracted to me anymore." Nicolette frowned as Sean finished.

"That's not true," she pleaded. "I think we're in a rut. Maybe we could try toys? Or role-play?"

Sean shrugged, "Can we talk about this later? Maybe after practice? If you stay I can take you home." Nicolette nodded. She'd walk the sun for him.

***

Nicolette watched Sean run around the field with pure confidence. He was the best football player within three counties. She felt absolute pride at his ability to make any tough moment a spectacle. Sean had promise.

When practice finished, Sean hopped up the bleachers to his beloved. Nicolette laughed at the way he skipped every other step, picking her up and swinging her around like they were in a movie.

Sean held Nicolette's petite hand in his while his other hand caressed the wheel. Nicolette slowly placed his burly hand into her pants, navigating him around.

"Babe, stop. I'm driving," he mumbled.

Nicolette continued, "Isn't it kind of hot, though? Anyone driving by could see it."

"C'mon. The last thing I need is someone seeing and telling my parents. You know they'd flip."

"I don't get it. I'm trying to be spontaneous!"

Sean disagreed, "You're trying to catch a charge."

Sean pulled over, kissing Nicolette. "Why do I feel like we're pulling away?" Nicolette dreaded asking him.

He sighed, "Maybe we've been together so long
alone doesn't do it anymore."

"I think we need to take time and consider what isn't being fulfilled," Nicolette suggested.

***

Nicolette stayed up all night thinking. How could two people—obviously perfect for one another—feel bored? She knew she loved Sean; she wanted to marry him one day, but she considered what life would be like with only one partner—the same guy for the rest of her life.

Nicolette:
Are you up?
11:07 PM

Sean:
Yep.
11:09 PM

Nicolette:
Should we see other people?
11:11 PM

Sean:
Like a threesome?
11:13 PM

Nicolette:
Sort-of...look up polyamory.
11:13 PM
DELIVERED