Across the Pond

Chapter 48

Nico and I are sitting on the edge of his bed; our knees facing each other. I'm trying to keep cool for Nico's sake, but seeing him go through a hard time hurts me.

He needs me, though.

That's why I listen. I listen when he tells me how hard it's been lately living under the same roof as his parents. I listen when he tells me how his dad is barely present. I listen when he tells me how, when his dad is present, the bickering between his parents is unbearable to listen to.

That's why I hug him. I hug him when his tone starts to break. I hug him when he tells me that watching his mom mask her misery is harder than anything else he's ever had to witness. I hug him when I realize that, despite the fact that Gillian's been a shitty mother, he still loves her and cares about her unconditionally.

I lean my head on Nico's shoulder, not thinking twice about the gesture. And when he gently places his head over mine, I know that comforting him in this moment is exactly what he needs. Just like Nico can read my every thought, I can read his. I know when he's hurting. And I know when he needs someone, even when he thinks he doesn't.

"Thanks for being there for me," he whispers.

"Always," I whisper back.

Nico and I spend a few more minutes where we are. Just sitting. Not talking. And it's perfect. Then, he asks me if I'm staying for dinner. When I tell him that I should probably head home, he changes his question to a plea, and I know that I can't say no. I don't want to say no.

We head downstairs and Nico apologies to Hayley for being cold before. Another thing about Nico - when he's wrong, he knows it, and he makes up for it. This is nothing that Hayley isn't used to, so she brushes it off. Plus, I don't think that she blames Nico. In fact, I think she sympathizes with him. She knows what goes on in this house better than anyone else does.

We're about to sit at the table when Hayley informs Nico that his mom is on the landline for him.

"She said that she tried calling your cell a few times, but you didn't pick up," Hayley tells him.

Nico searches his pockets. "I must've left it in my room."

"Take the call," I tell him. "I'll grab your phone from upstairs."

"Thanks, BC," he smiles at me and says.

I make my way back to Nico's room and turn the lights on. I don't see the phone on his bed, so I check his closet.

Not there either.

I walk over to his nightstand and open the drawer. There it is. It's sitting on top of a piece of paper. But not just any piece of paper.

No way. It can't be.

I gave him that piece of paper.

It's still in perfect condition.

Nico had gone away to sleep-away camp for the first time when he was 12 and asked me to write to him when he was there. So I did. I wrote my very first letter.

Bella, Age 10 / Nico, Age 11

Dear Nico,

You asked me to write to you. So here it is - my very first letter to anyone. Obviously my first of something involves you.

I went to town with Grandma Ruby and mom today. We ate at this pizza place and then went shopping. Grandma Ruby tried buying mom a pair of shoes, but mom wouldn't let her. The shoes were really pretty. They were suede and had a bow at the tips. Why doesn't mom ever let Grandma Ruby buy her anything? Is it because we're poor and she doesn't want Grandma Ruby feeling bad for us?