Sirens ~Nika Mühl

Chapter 8

Nika knocked on Cue's door softly. She had just gotten out of practice when Cue texted her asking her to come over. Nika agreed and within 30 minutes she was at Cue's doorstep.

Cue opened the door, eyes red and puffy, it was obvious that she had been crying. She was dressed warmly in baggy black jeans, a long sleeve shirt with a big puffer jacket over it. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail with a simple black beanie on top of her head. She had the most beautiful bouquet of pink flowers Nika had ever seen in her right hand.

"Hi," Nika said softly, taking in the other girl's state.

"Hi," Cue's voice was strained, it sounded like a whisper.

"Are you okay?"

Cue shook her head no as tears fell down her face, it was unusual to Nika, seeing Cue be this vulnerable. Cue was always so stoic and strong, there was rarely ever a crack in her facade. But now as she stood in front of Nika, eyes shining with unshed tears and her nose slightly red, she looked so small.

Nika didn't hesitate as she pulled her into a hug, her arms going around her neck, while Cue's snaked around her waist, holding her in place. Nika rubbed her back comfortingly. She felt Cue's heart beat firmly against hers.

When they pulled away Nika asked, "Cue what's going on?"

Cue regained her composure, wiping the tears away from her eyes, "My mom passed away six years ago today. I was going to go to Harlem to visit her grave. I normally go with Zeke, but I...I want it to be you this time. You can say no of course, I'm not trying to trauma dump on you-"

Nika cut her off, "Cue. Of course I'll go with you. I want to go with you. I'm glad you chose me for this."

Cue simply nodded, "Okay, we can go right now I just have to grab my keys."

The two of them walked out to the parking lot in front of Cue's apartment building. Nika walked towards the familiar police cruiser but stopped when saw Cue walking towards a smaller, sportier car.

"We aren't taking your cruiser?" Nika questioned while changing directions to walk towards Cue and her car.

"Nah we're taking my personal car."

Cue's personal car turned out to be a grey Infinity Q60 with dark tints around all the windows. Nika whistled lowly at the sight of it. She didn't really have an interest in cars besides the Fast & Furious movies, but she couldn't deny that Cue's car was very nice to look at, just like Cue herself.

The first few minutes of the ride were silent as Cue easily navigated her way to the freeway, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the wheel, she was way too tense.

Nika put her feet on the dashboard, half expecting Cue to scold her, but she didn't. Either she didn't care or she was too wrapped up in her emotions.

Nika looked over at Cue a singular tear falling from her eye, Nika reached over the center console to wipe it off with her thumb. "Tell me about your mom," she requested over the hum of the engine.

Cue took a deep breath and exhaled, "Everyone loved my mom." A small smile slowly crossed her face. "She just had this aura about her, she knew how to draw people in. She was so kind to everyone she ever came across, even if they weren't kind to her you know?"

Cue was tearing up again and Nika grabbed her hand, missing the way Cue faltered at the action. She looked over at Nika, as if she had forgotten she was driving.

It was too intimate for people who claimed to be just friends.

A car honked at Cue and their moment was broken as both of them stared straight ahead. Cue cleared her throat, voice still hoarse, "Do you want to play some music."