Unknown Desire

Nikki

She stands there staring at me.
Are you OK I ask. She says nothing just stares. I get a unsettled vibe from her. So I just close the drawer and walk towards the door.
As I approach she says he will use you too.
Sorry what I say.
Don't think your special he will use you too.
Who will use me.
Tom that's what he does uses you then throws you away like your worthless.
I stop and look at her is that what happened with you.
I was his only one until you showed up here two weeks ago.
I'm sorry but that has nothing to do with me.
She raises her voice and says it has everything to do with you.
Sorry what's your name I say
Nikki she replies
Nikki I'm sorry but you need to talk to Tom.
He won't talk to me he just cut me out like I was nothing. Well why don't I go get him for you and we can sort this all out i say softly.
No he will only make me leave. Ok why are you here then. To warn you. He is a bad guy, he makes you believe things,feel things,he gets in your head then just drops you.
OK Nikki thanks for the warning I will make sure to not let him do that to me. I go to walk out when she grabs my arm. I freeze.
Nikki let go of my arm,no your not listening to me.
I am but you need to let go of my arm.
I dont understand why he likes you she spits.
OK Nikki I think you have this all wrong.
I don't like Tom like that. If anything I'm using him.
Yeah right I see how you look at him.
Nikki I was married two years ago my husband was killed by a drunk driver. I could never love anyone again.
She looks at me why choose Tom, he was mine and you took him. I'm sorry Nikki but I didn't know he was taken. But I will gladly step aside if that's what Tom wants.
He will choose you he already has.
Well why don't we go see him and we can sort this all out. Nikki stops to think about this. No he won't be happy he told me not to come back.
My heart breaks for her but I'm a little bit frightened by what she might do.
OK how about this then why don't we have a drink me and you in the bar.
Tom is busy with a meeting he won't know your here.
OK she agrees.
I open the door and look out I see Tom he knows she is hear and has been listening to us. OK I say the coast is clear Tom steps back out of sight and we walk to the bar. I sit her down and order her a glass of water. Joe is close by watching and waiting. I can see Tom pacing in the hall. I look at him and tell him I'm ok.
I know he is furious with Nikki , but she clearly isn't well.
I head back to the table and give her the water. Nikki I think you need to forget about Tom. He is no good for you. Your just saying that so you can have him.
But if he doesn't love you why would you want to be with him. Because I need him.
Why though, you clearly don't love him if you only need him. Maybe there is someone better out there for you. Who will love you for you.
Nikki men aren't worth chasing, they should do the the chasing. If there willing to chase you then there worthy of your time.
You shouldn't chase any man, because it's you who gets hurt. I like getting hurt the pain is so good.
OK Nikki I think you should go home and maybe speak to a doctor about how your feeling. She laughs you think I'm a nut job.
I dont but I think you aren't coping at the minute and that's it's ok to ask for help. Her eyes fill with tears. Why are you being kind to me.
Because I was were you are two years ago Nikki. I wanted my world to end when my husband died. But my friends didn't give up on me and I got the help I needed to deal with the loss of my husband.
I dont have many friends. Well I'll be your friend if you want. Her eyes look at me. Why would you want to be my friend because we all need friends Nikki. And if you want I'll be your friend. She smiles at me. That would be nice. OK give me your phone and I'll give you my number and you can call me during the week for a chat. OK she hands me her phone I check her phone for an emergency contact. I see a number that is marked mum. So I quickly text the number to say I'm concerned for nikki's mental state and give my number and ask them to call me in the morning. I quickly add my number and save it to her phone.
I show her my number saved. I say to her how about we get you home. You look tired.
I am tired ok wait here I'll go get my bag and bring you home.
I head to the door ask Joe to watch her.
Tom grabs me are you OK has she hurt you.
Tom i'm fine, she isn't a well girl. You cutting her off has sent her over the edge I say. He looks at me, I can see the hurt in his face at My words. But it is true. I'm going to take her home, I have messaged a family member to contact me in the morning to try get her help. I'll drive you. No Tom it will only set her off. I'll get a cab and come straight back. No you won't Joe will drive you. She could attack you when your there. Tom she is a lost little girl who needs help not threats again I see the pain my words cause him. Leah when you get back we need to talk. OK we will just let me sort this.
I grab my coat and bag and meet Joe at the door Tom has passed on his orders to Joe.
I guide Nikki out the door . The poor girl I feel so sorry for her.
When we get to her apartment and she let's us in I bring her to bed and tuck her in. Joe I don't know if we should leave her. With that my phone rings. I answer and its Nikki's mother. I explain the situation leaving out certain details. Her mother is shocked she tells me her brother lives near by and is on his way over.I agree to stay with her until then. Joe rings Tom who is up the walls. But i don't care. This is our fault. So he can jump up and down all he wants.
Her brother arrives 30mins later. I fill him in. And he tells me she must be off her medication. That she has mental health issues and if she doesn't take her meds she spirals out of control. I give him my number and ask him to call me Tomorrow after her doctors visit. He agrees to call before I go I leave Nikki a message to take care of herself and we will talk soon.
We leave and head back to the club its after 2am things should be finishing up Joe says.
I'm exhausted I say.
You did good tonight, how you handled that situation Leah.
Well she clearly isn't well Joe. I'm surprised at Tom. Joe looks me directly In the eye.
Don't blame Tom. He will beat himself up about this for along time.
Nikki persued Tom for a long time. Tom didn't go there with her straight away. She isn't really his type. But Nikki wouldn't leave him alone so he gave In to be her Dom for a while she knew the contract. Tom made her read the terms of it out loud.
But how he handled her in the last two weeks hasn't been great Joe.
Listen Leah, Tom isn't like most men.
He doesn't do relationships, they terrify him. His parents were awful to each other. He grew up feeling  like a pon in their game. Neither of them actually showing him what love really is.
Sounds like Tom needs to go to therapy I say. Joe looks at me he does go Leah.
Leah I've never seen Tom act the way he does with you. No one in our 20 years of friendship.
Give him a chance to explain himself before you run away.
I look at Joe who said I'm running away.
Well I hope you don't leah, you are so good for him.
It's early days Joe we will see how it goes.
But I néed Tom to be honest with me , I'm not into all these mind games and secrets.
Secrets only lead to pain Joe.
I know Leah and I agree with you. Give Tom a chance he will talk to you in his own time.
I just nod and say your a good friend Joe.
Too good if you ask me.