Rhenna

Thirty-Five

                    It was my third night at Nick's. Instead of heading right for bed we actually joined Yara in the living room.
She was watching some old tv show about a cowboy, and a pretty love interest.

The picture quality was all whack, and the voices were choppy, but the movie actually kept my interest.

Although I didn't quite understand the ending.

When Yara asked me for TV references Nick had quickly told her that I liked cartoons.

Of course she immediately put some on.

I wasnt sure why, but as I sat in that living room a sense of content calm washed over me.

Sure the house was small and cramped. And it smelled kinda of funny. But it was peaceful and cozy too.

Halfway through the second episode of american dad I dozed off.

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

When I woke it was dark outside, and the TV was still playing quetly.

I was lying on my side. My head was resting on something warm and soft.
Someone was gently running their fingers through my hair.

I turned my head just enough so that I could see who it was.

My heart did a weird jumpy thing when I realized that it was Yara.

I also came to a conclusion that the warm and soft thing under my head was her lap.

Her focus was on the tv, but when I moved she looked down at me.

"Goodmorning sleepy head". She whispered.

I blinked a few times to get the weariness out of my eyes, but all that did was make it even worse.

I'm not a fan of touch, but the way she was gently coaxing her fingers through my hair was relaxing.

"What time is it?" I asked. My voice was hoarse and groggy. Not as deep as Nick's, but still deeper then normal.

"Close to three".

I yawned and rubbed at my eyelids. "Why are you still up?"

"I got too fascinated with the show". Her eyes crinkled as she laughed.

"What happened to Nick?"

She pointed to the recliner. Nick was slumped over with his head resting on his shoulder. Soft snores could be heard every few seconds.

The sight of him made me chuckle a little.

"Cute isnt he?" Yara hummed, "19 but he's still my baby boy".

I definitely had to agree with her. He was cute.

I turned my head back towards the tv screen.

I tried staying awake a bit longer but the feel of Yara's fingers in my hair, and the incredible warmth in my chest lulled me back to sleep.

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

It was morning when I finally opened my eyes again.

Yara was gone.

And I was covered in a thick knitted blanket.

My eyes flickered over to where Nick was still fast asleep. I almost smiled at the sight of the drool coming out of his mouth. Do doubt his shirt was probably soaked.

I flipped onto my back and stretched my arms above my head.

Last night, no doubt, was probably the best sleep I've had in days.

I actually felt pretty good about today.

I was a bit excited to see what the group would have planned. Maybe it would actually be something I could take part in.

Hitting up an arcade sounded kind of fun.

I had only ever been to one once. I think when I was about 8. One of mum's drug buddies took me for my birthday. I had managed to win a stuffed panda. Combo was what I named him.

That was one out a few good memories I actually had while still living with mum.

Although I never saw the guy, who took me, ever again after that.

I dont really remember, but I think mum kicked him out. She also tore apart the Combo bear. I cried for hours.

I shook away the memory and grabbed my phone. I was about to text Daniela about the Arcade idea, but then a message from Jae popped up. My thumb clicked on the notification before my mind could even process what I was doing.

I read the message ,and was about to click off his name when another one popped up.

We need to talk.

I mentally groaned. Why wont he just leave me alone?!

I was getting ready to send him a 'fuck off' but another message came up along with an attachment picture.

I read the text while the photo loaded.

Do you know these guys?

A lump formed in the back of my throat when the picture finally came through.

The actual camera quality was shit and it was dark out, but the faces in the picture were crystal clear.

It was Blondie and Nick.

How the hell did he get a picture of those two?

Better yet, why?

With shaky fingers I texted him back.

Why would i?

Did he know about the heist?

It took Jae a minute to answer back.

Are you sure?

Another picture popped up. This one had Nick, Blondie, and myself in it.

Fuck, fuck, fuck!

It was obvious he knew about the robbery. But how?
Nick told me that they'd been careful. That they didn't go anywhere near the video camera.

Maybe he had updated his security. Or put an alarm on the window.

I dropped my phone into my lap and ran both my hands through my hair.

This was not good.

After a few minutes I turned my phone back over,and checked the newest text from Jae.

Come over and we can straighten this all out.

I gritted my teeth.

I had no reason to straighten anything out. Jae had no proof.

Yet...I had a gnawing feeling that he did.

When?

I could already picture that smug victorious smile on his face. It made me want to rip my hair out.

Right now.

I shoved my phone into my pocket then glanced over at Nick. Even after all this time he was still in the same position.

"Fuck". I breathed.

I did not want to do this.

I shoved away my blanket and grabbed my crutches. I moved into the kitchen as quietly as possible.

After a moment of searching I found a pad and some pens.

I scribbled down a quick note.

Just a simple 'gotta deal with something'.
I left it on the arm of Nick's chair then I walked out.