Bubble Tea

Nicoli : His story

Song for the chapter: Better days by SuperM

Narrator's POV:

After the brutal confrontation with Andres, Nicoli retreated to his room, locking himself away in the darkness. The blinds were drawn tightly, blocking out any semblance of daylight. The mansion, vast and luxurious, felt like a prison. For two days straight, he didn't leave his room, barely moving from his bed, the cuts and bruises from the fight a painful reminder of how far he had fallen.

In the silence, Nicoli's mind was a storm of regrets and what-ifs. How did everything get so messed up? How did he become this person? Memories of his childhood flooded back-years of being ignored by his parents, who were more interested in their prestigious law firm than in their only son. They had never taken him on vacations or shown any real interest in his life. The death of his grandmother, the only person who had truly cared for him, had left a void that no one else seemed to notice.

The household staff, who had always been more attentive to Nicoli than his parents, grew increasingly worried. They knew about the fight with Andres and the state Nicoli was in. Finally, they decided to intervene, urging his mother to check on him.

Nicoli's mother, Laura, hesitated outside his door before knocking softly. She entered, her heart breaking at the sight of her son sitting in the dark, looking so lost and broken. "Nicoli, what's going on? Why are you hiding in your room like this?" she asked gently.

Nicoli's anger, which had been simmering beneath the surface, erupted. "Now you care? Where were you when I needed you? When was the last time you or Dad even talked to me?"

Laura was taken aback, but she listened as Nicoli poured out years of pent-up frustration and pain. "You both have always been too busy with your clients, your precious law firm. You never had time for me. Not even after Grandma died. I was just a kid, and you left me alone."

Tears streamed down Nicoli's face as he continued, his voice shaking. "I felt so alone, Mom. And then, when I tried to reach out, to get your attention, you ignored me. Andres was my best friend, but I pushed him away. I became a bully, and now, I've lost everyone."

Laura's eyes filled with tears as she listened, guilt gnawing at her. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Nicoli. "I'm so sorry, Nicoli. I didn't realize how much you were hurting. We should have been there for you."

She held him as he sobbed, her heart aching for the years they had lost. "We've failed you, Nicoli. But I promise, we'll make it right. Your father and I will talk. We'll fix this, I swear."

Once Nicoli had calmed down, Laura gently cleaned the cuts on his face, her touch tender and caring. She insisted on making him some food, not allowing him to retreat back into the darkness. As she cooked, she reflected on the years of neglect, realizing the deep impact it had on her son.

Later, Laura and Nicoli sat down with his father, Richard. Richard was shocked, guilt etched deeply into his features as he listened to his wife and son recount everything. "I had no idea, Nicoli. I'm so sorry. We should have been there for you," he said, his voice breaking.

"I've felt like a ghost in my own home," Nicoli confessed. "You guys are never here. It's like you don't even know me."

"We're going to change that," Laura said firmly. "From now on, you come first. We'll talk to Mr. Garcia about teaching you at home this semester, and we'll get you the help you need."

"We love you, Nicoli," Richard added. "More than anything. We're going to fix this."

In the days that followed, Laura and Richard made good on their promises. They spent more time with Nicoli, talking and listening to him. They arranged for Mr. Garcia to homeschool him, and they set up therapy sessions. The therapist confirmed that Nicoli needed help, and his parents supported him through the process.

For the first time in years, Nicoli felt like things were getting better. His parents suggested a family vacation, something they hadn't done in ages. They planned a trip to Spain, a lavish getaway on their private jet. It felt surreal, but Nicoli welcomed the chance to heal and reconnect.

During the vacation, they spent time together, exploring and talking. Nicoli felt lighter, happier. When they returned home, he continued therapy and joined a swimming club, finding solace in the water. His life slowly started to get back on track.

Nicoli wasn't ready to face his friends yet, but he focused on himself and his healing. His parents made sure to spend more time with him, and for the first time in a long time, he felt loved and valued.

Six months had passed since Nicoli's world had come crashing down. The once rebellious and troubled teenager had undergone a significant transformation. Therapy, family support, and a conscious effort to change had helped him begin the journey towards healing. His parents, now fully committed to being present in his life, had made good on their promise. They spent time with him, attended therapy sessions, and even indulged in hobbies and activities together.

Nicoli had completed the school term through homeschooling, with Mr. Garcia's guidance. He had managed to pass his exams, but the pain of missing his friends and the guilt over his past actions haunted him. He often thought about Andres, Jeremiah, Edwin, and Issa. The regret of how he had treated them weighed heavily on his heart.

He missed Andres, his former best friend. He missed their laughter, their shared secrets, and the bond they once had. He missed Jeremiah and Edwin too, the friends who had been like brothers to him. And Issa, the girl he had wronged the most, the one he had pushed away with his cruelty. The regret was overwhelming, but so was the fear of facing them. How could he possibly apologize for everything he had done?

One evening, his mother, Laura, entered his room with a determined look. "Nicoli, we need to talk."

Nicoli looked up from his desk, where he had been staring at old photos of him and his friends. "What is it, Mom?"

"Your father and I have been thinking. You've made so much progress, but we know this city holds a lot of painful memories for you. We want to give you a fresh start. How would you feel about studying in London?"

Nicoli's eyes widened in surprise. London? It felt like an escape, a chance to start over in a place where he wasn't haunted by his past. "Really? You'd let me go to London?"

Laura nodded, smiling softly. "Yes, we think it would be good for you. But we'll visit you every month to make sure you're doing well. You're our only child, Nicoli, and we love you. We want to make sure you're happy and healthy."

A sense of relief washed over Nicoli. "Thank you, Mom. I think it might be what I need."

The decision was made. Nicoli's parents arranged everything, from his enrollment in a prestigious school to their monthly visits. Nicoli's healing journey was far from over, but he was in a much better place than he had been six months ago. He felt healthier, both mentally and physically, and there was a newfound sense of hope in his heart.

As the departure date approached, Nicoli found himself watching his friends' Instagram stories and Snapchat updates. They seemed happy, moving on with their lives. He didn't expect them to forgive him or welcome him back, but he knew he needed to give them some closure.

One evening, as he packed for his new life in London, he decided to write letters to each of them: Andres, Jeremiah, Edvin, Audrey, and Issa. He poured his heart into those letters, apologizing for his actions, explaining his absence, and wishing them all the best. He knew that forgiveness might be too much to ask for, but he hoped they would understand his need to move forward.

Nicoli didn't write the letters immediately. He took his time, carefully choosing his words, expressing his remorse and regret. Each letter was a piece of his soul, an attempt to make amends in the only way he knew how.

On the day before his departure, he sealed the letters in envelopes, each addressed to his former friends. He didn't know if they would ever read them, but he felt a sense of peace knowing he had tried to reach out.

As he boarded the plane to London with his parents, Nicoli looked out the window at the city he was leaving behind. It was a place of pain and mistakes, but also a place where he had learned some of his most important lessons. He was ready for a new beginning, armed with the love and support of his parents and a determination to become a better person.

A/n: Picture credits to the rightful owner.