Rhenna

Twenty-Nine

       I was a little confused when Nick pulled into the driveway of a one story blue house. It was tiny. It made Daniela's house look good. Which was almost impossible.

"Where are we?" I asked.

"My place". Nick answered.

Everyone got out. I followed them into the house.

The smell of cookies and fruity perfume assaulted my senses the moment I stepped inside.

I stopped in the doorway and looked around.

The houses interior wasn't in bad shape, but it was making me somewhat claustrophobic. The living room was almost half the size of Conn's office. And the kitchen looked like it had been ransacked.

The sink was piled with old dishes.

Defiantly not sanitary.

The lighting was dim, and the windows were blocked out with dark sheets.

It reminded me of mum's house.

"You gonna stand there all night?" Blondie asked from in the living room.

I stepped out of my shoes and joined the group in the living room. I took a seat next to Daneila; who seemed overjoyed by the notion.

"We got a good haul tonight guys". Nick said. I felt like I was taking part in a mini board meeting. "I think the sell should round up to about 20 grand".

"What sell?" I asked.

"We know a guy who pawns this stuff". Racheal explained. "He buys from us then resells".

"Dude!" Blondie hissed, "Stop telling him shit".

"Why?" She shot back, "He's involved now. He got us this steal".

"She's right". Nick cut in. "Dont dis the hand that feeds".

"So what's the cut?" I asked.

Nick counted off his fingers before answering. "4 grand each".

Sweet!

"Looks like Christmas came early this year". Racheal said with a grin.

That's probably the cheesiest line I have ever heard.

"Where's all the stuff you took anyways?" I asked.

Daniela motioned towards the door. "In the trunk".

Nick suddenly stood up. "Its getting late guys. Johny and I have to take off for the shop".

"Why do I have to go?" Blondie questioned, obviously annoyed.

Nick ignored him. "You girls can crash in here if you want".

Racheal was already lying back on her couch. "Your too kind Nick". She mused.

"And Elin...."He pointed at me. "You can sleep in my room".

Sleep. Here?

"You want me to stay?" I was a bit skeptical of the idea.

"You dont have to."

"We should have the money by the morning". Blondie stated. "If you stay over you'll be cashed out early".

Normally I wouldnt except an offer like this, but getting that 4 grand was top priority.

I nodded.

"Come on. I'll show you around".

I couldn't imagine there was much to be shown.

Nick's house seemed impossibly easy.

He basically pointed out the bathroom, then he took me to his room; which was insanely cramped.

There were shelves aligning the two entrance walls. A desk scattered with junk sat in the corner across from his bed. The floor had only a sliver of room to walk across.

"Sorry about the mess". Nick spoke up when he noticed me staring. "My mum, and I dont have much time for cleaning."

I slowly made my way over to the bed and sat down.

"Johny and I should be back in an hour or two so the room is all yours til then".

I watched in silence as Nick laid out a sleeping bag on the floor. "If you want a snack or anything feel free to raide the fridge".

"Okey. Thanks".

Nick got up off the floor then backed up towards the door. "Night Elin".

"Night".

I was in a claustrophobic house with people I barely knew so it took me forever to actually fall asleep; after Nick left.

---------------------------

It felt as if I had just closed my eyes when something woke me.

I wasn't sure what; until the bed moved again.

I held my breath while I cautiously moved my foot around. To my dismay the back of my heel actually connected with someone's leg.

There was someone in the bed!

I blinked against the darkness then slowly rose up on my elbows. I turned my head so that I could see who was lying next to me.

After a moment of looking I realized that it was Blondie.

He was lying on his side. One arm was slung over the pillow, and the other was tucked to his chest.

To my surprise Blondie looked uncomposed in his sleep.

His hair was falling in a crazy mess across his face. Some strands were falling into his mouth.

He looked peaceful though. Not arrogant. Not annoying. Just peaceful. It was a nice look for him I had to admit.

I looked away from him so that I could glance over the room.

A soft light was filtering in through the hallway.

I could just make out the shape of Nick lying in the sleeping bag. He had his back to me so I couldn't see his face.

Why did I get stuck with Blondie?

I eased myself back down onto the mattress.

No matter how hard I tried, after that, I couldnt get myself to sleep.

I didnt like this.

Bieng in a room with two guys. Especially when one was six inches away. It was too close!

Blondie grunted then rearranged himself. His arm slid against my own and I shivered.

I couldnt do it.

I panicked.

I discarded my blanket and sat up. I shimmied on my shoes and got my crutches ready.

Moving as quetly as possible I slipped out of the room and went down the hall. I left the house and walked without a destination in mind.

Happy new years eve y'all