I Knew Her As August

twelve: new message

Nicki couldn't exactly have Wyatt drop her off at Rosewood Castle, so she told him to take her to the first place she could think of — Conrad's house.

The rain was still falling heavily. Nicki wasn't looking forward to leaving Wyatt's comforting car and stepping into the cold as they sat in front of the house. Wyatt looked at it with pity, eyeing the gutters that needed repair.

"This is where you live?" he asked, trying not to be too harsh.

"Yeah, it's bigger on the inside than it looks from the, um, outside." Nicki stumbled, trying to sound at least a little reassuring. Wyatt reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He fished out a handful of green bills and handed it directly to Nicki.

"A girl as gorgeous as you should be living in silk and satin. Please, take this. That should take care of things until the next time I see you," he grumbled, signaling that he wasn't asking.

"Oh, uh, thanks." Nicki accepted it awkwardly, tucking it into her waistband. She put her hand on the door handle to leave, but Wyatt grabbed her thigh gently to stop her.

"I will see you again, won't I?" he asked, his eyes dark like the grey and stormy world around them. There was a hint of worry in his voice, his desperation finally showing.

"Of course, we can see each other soon," Nicki said. She really did want to see him again but wasn't sure if she'd be able to sneak out again quite so easily. Wyatt smiled down at her, a spark in his eye. He leaned in and kissed her lips softly, holding her face tenderly. He released her too easily but held her jaw with his large hand, as if warning to crush Nicki's skull if she dared step out of the car.

"Be careful out there, my angel." He spoke quietly, dominance and fear in his voice.

Nicki's stomach ached and she forced herself out of the car before she could no longer control herself around him. She waved at him as he sped off, disappearing into the rain.

Already soaking wet, Nicki jogged to the front door and tapped on it urgently. There was no answer, and she began to worry that no one was home, but then she heard the locks clicking and the door opened slowly.

Gus stood in the doorway, his white hair sticking out in every direction. He was wearing black jeans and a long sleeve white shirt, it looked like he had worn them since yesterday from the droplets of red on his collar.

"Hey, Gus. Is Conrad here?" Nicki asked with pep. Gus yawned and looked her up and down, eyeing her wet hair and puffed lips.

"Nah, she's...somewhere," he murmured, scratching his head. The rain pattered down around them loudly.

"Can I come in?" Nicki urged. Gus stood aside and let her in, already seeming uninterested. Nicki hurried inside, happy to get out of the rain. Camel padded over to greet her, stretching out her thin legs with her butt in the air. Nicki scratched at her sleek fur.

Gus stepped around them and walked to the bathroom, bringing back a blue towel. He handed it to Nicki, she thanked him briefly and began drying her dripping hair.

"Not to be a dick, but what are you doing here?" Gus blurted out.

"I thought Conrad would be here." Nicki was not about to tell Gus where she had been all morning, but she was dying to tell Conrad every juicy detail.

"We went out last night and I guess she went home with someone. It's anyone's guess when she'll be back," Gus shrugged, like this thing happened often.

"Oh." Nicki tried to pet Camel again but the cat had lost interest in her, hopping away to go play with a loose dust bunny. Nicki felt foolish for thinking she could just show up and expect everyone to be waiting on her.