Chim - Your Sound

Chapter 38

Chapter 38

Kimberley’s POV

Sighing contently I walk down the street. It sure is beautiful here in L.A. I could definitely see myself living here. Come to think of it, it’s strange that I’m about to. I mean Cheryl signed a really good contract, the record company will find us a place to live and soon I’ll spend all of my time here. Well, unless we have a gig to go to of course. We have a few already planned until the summer. And when the party season kicks in Cheryl and I will hop on a plane and spend those weeks in Europe again. Attending the best parties there are. I don’t think anyone could plan such a life. I think it’s about a year ago I finally decided to quite business school and sign up for an audition to proceed an education in music. Oh how happy I felt when I got accepted, a dream finally come true. And now I’m on a different continent with the woman I love, supporting her and making music together. It’s unexpected yes, but I somehow think this will make me happy too. Simply because I feel free, strong, like I could conquer the world.
‘Oh Kimba look.’ Letting go of my hand Cheryl takes a turn. ‘Look at the little one!’
Laughing I stand next to her, watching the dogs behind the window twirl around excitedly.
‘Are you sure they’re dogs?’
Cheryl reacts quite serious to my joke, almost offended like. ‘Yes, they’re Chihuahua’s. They’re tiny but have big personalities….I’ve always wanted one.’
Deciding to keep my mouth shut we stand there for a little while until even Cheryl gets bored eventually, sighing as she waves them goodbye.
‘It’s sad though isn’t it? Those poor doggies locked up there for the night in that stupid pet shop. I wish I could free them all, take them home and have a cuddle party.’
Unfamiliar with the phrase cuddle party I imagine how Cheryl would actually pull it off. Sneak out our hotel room tonight all dressed in black with a big crowbar. Break into the store, alarms ringing as she pulls them out one by one. They’re only small so just a big bag would do. Then she’d run of, crashing into our room out of breath from running so fast. One by one she’d take the dogs out until they’re all on the floor. She’d name them, silly names and then they’d jump on her, making her giggle as they cuddle. There’s no way I’d be able to say no to them from that moment, and we’ll be stuck with ten miniature dogs forever. We’ll have to raise our kids in the middle of twenty dogs by then, thirty when we’re old and grey. Surrounded by dogs forever…
‘What happens with them if we die?’
All caught up in my thoughts I just blurt it out, the moment I hear it myself realising how very weird it sounds. So it’s no wonder Cheryl abruptly stops walking, looking at me confused. ‘To who?’
A bit embarrassed I urge her move on. ‘Oh nothing…I was just thinking about the dogs is all.’
As we walk on Cheryl mumbles something, the thought of thousands of Chihuahua’s coming at me making me shiver. I have a feeling this won’t be over yet.

Twenty minutes later we arrive at the restaurant where we agreed to meet. Cheryl and I thought I’d be nice to walk here, do a little exploring while at it. Well, I enjoyed our little stroll but my feet are disagreeing. Next time better not wear these shoes again.
Since Nadine and Sarah aren’t here yet we decide to sit at the bar for a while, toasting to what we hope will be a lovely evening. After all, it has been ages since I last saw Nadine. Cheryl told me about how they met again when she was here the last time, and it seemed she’s pretty much same old Nads. I look forward to seeing here again. 
‘Sarah better not be drunk already…’
Unsure why Cheryl says that I feel like I should defend our blond friend. ‘Cheryl, why would you say that? I’m sure she’s not.’
She shrugs. ‘We’ll see…’
Annoyed I return to my drink, sometimes I don’t get what goes on in that head of hers. Everything is fine one minute and the next there’s suddenly a reason for her to act like a child. Why would Sarah be drunk for god’s sake, tonight is a special night. Besides it’s only 7, I’m sure…
‘Don’t you hate it when you keep running into people from the plane?’
Laughing loudly at  her own joke the Harding makes an appearance, holding onto her Irish friend who squeals at the sight of me.
‘Oh my god Kimberley!’ We hug tightly, both not wanted to let go. ‘How are you babe, it’s been so long!!’
Laughing I pull back, checking her wonderful outfit. ‘I’m great. Just great. And you? Oh you look amazing Nads!’
She waves my compliment away, still obviously flattered by it. ‘Oh please, if anyone looks great it’s you. Love the dress, love the hair, loves the shoes…Who am I even kidding. I love everything about you! I’ve missed you so much!’
Still excited she gives me another quick hug, before turning to Cheryl who’s just giving Sarah a vile look.
‘And Chezza…Come here cranky.’ Laughing Nadine holds her tight, leaving a big kiss on her cheek. ‘Have you missed me?’
I can tell Cheryl’s still a bit angry but Nadine manages to get her smiling. ‘Yeah, I missed you loads.’

All settled in our booth I give Nadine’s hand a squeeze, Cheryl and Sarah both busy with their menu’s. Probably looking at different sections.
‘So, how’s Nicola? It’s such a shame she couldn’t come.’
I nod. Nicola wanted to join us desperately but was occupied with school. She’s still to hear of the big news. Actually everyone is.
‘She’s fine really, currently all loved up. A nice young man, you’ll meet him when she comes over. That is if they’re still together by then of course.’
Nadine quickly puts her glass of wine down. ‘Is Nicola coming over? When?’
Glancing over at Cheryl I try to think if this is the right moment to tell them. But madam is currently pointing out something at Sarah on her phone, her earlier mood long forgotten.
This isn’t helping much.
‘Autch! Motherf*cker, what the hell was that?!’ Screaming out Sarah reaches underneath the table. I guess I kicked a bit too hard. Oh, and against the wrong pair of legs.
‘Sorry…’
Her face turns red, probably from the pain. ‘F*cking hell Kimbo, if that’s your way of seducing me you better order a few bottles. Something strong.’
‘I’m really sorry. It was meant for Cheryl.’
When Cheryl then quickly pulls her legs up I can’t control my laughter anymore. Nadine joining too. ‘Oooh, I missed you guys.’
Still giggling a bit I then decide I better just do it before our food gets here. Tapping my glass to get everyone’s attention, or actually to get Sarah quiet who’s still mumbling curse words I stand up. 
‘Girls, we have an announcement to make. Cheryl and I had a meeting with the record company this afternoon and it’s safe to say that we landed an amazing deal. Both Cheryl and I will be moving here until at least the summer. So yeah…I guess we’ll have plenty of time to catch up Nads!’
Sarah immediately screams loudly, throwing one arm around Cheryl and pulling me in with the other, the joy written all over her face. ‘Oh my god I’m so happy for you guys. Well done Chezza, well done!’
Cheryl starts to laugh when Sarah plants a few big kisses on her cheek. You can say a lot about the wild blond but she really loves her friends. The thought that she’ll be missing us for a while doesn’t seem to bother her at all. Instead she just celebrates, already waving at the waiter to get some drinks at our table.
‘Nads?’
Sarah’s cheerful sounds fall silent when Cheryl addresses the Irish girl, who's holding onto her glass, a bothered look on her face. This isn’t how I expected her to react, she of all should be happy. We’ll be living in the same city, we’ll be proper friends again with lunch breaks, gossiping whilst drinking tea in our kitchen and movie night in our pyjama’s. Yet she seems shocked, and not that happy at all.
But she wouldn’t be Nadine is she didn’t compose herself within an instant, a radiant smile plastered on her face as she gets up to hug Cheryl. Mumbling congratulations into her ear, her eyes falling on me briefly. She knows I didn’t fall for her play, but I hug her anyway, I even smile when she tells me how happy she is.

Many drinks later I turn over in my bed. The big windows in our hotel room are wide open, allowing a soft breeze to come in. I listen to the trees, how they dance with the wind, the sounds of cars and people in the distance. Cheryl is lying right next to me, I stare at her figure for a while. How her chest drops whenever she breaths out softly. I love how she looks whilst asleep, so gentle and carefree. Actually I wish I’d be in that same state right now, but I’ve been unable to catch some sleep ever since we got back. The image of Nadine haunting my mind.
For the entire evening she managed to ignore my stares, this is definitely not how I pictured it. What could possibly be the reason why she wasn’t happy for us? Is it because she doesn’t want us here, afraid that we’ll find out what she’s been up to? 
Nadine has always been a proper lady in my eyes but who knows, Cheryl told me she was having a rough time. Wouldn’t be surprised if Will had anything to do with that. Maybe he’s back on drugs, maybe Nadine is too now. Who knows what has happened in our absence…
‘Kimba…Is everything ok?’
I’m startled by Cheryl’s hand caressing my cheek, a worried but mostly sleepy expression on her face. ‘Can’t sleep?’
I nod, moving so that I can cuddle into her. She yawns as she wraps her arms around me, ready to drift off again. 
For a moment I ponder if I should tell her. I don’t want to create any issues right now, not whilst she’s so happy. She deserves to be without worry for a while.
So I lay awake for a bit longer, alone with my thoughts again about pretty much everything. I guess it’s time to leave things behind, we’re really starting a new life now.

‘Morning babe!’
Cheryl enters the room, brushing her hair as she watches me moving around. It’s still early but I’ve decided to visit Nadine. Best find out what’s wrong now, I can’t afford any more sleepless nights.
‘Where are you going?’
‘Out for a while…I’ll be back soon.’
‘Oh, I’ll be done in a few minutes. Just need to put some cloths on and I’m ready to go.’
I know it’s not nice, harsh even but I can’t have Cheryl with me right now. So I mumble something, telling her that there’s no need when I’m already through the door. I can just see her disappointed face before I close it. Yes I feel guilty but I push it away when I set foot on the streets, putting on my big sunglasses as I head into the direction of her house. I got out of bed extra early to make sure I know exactly where it is, her address written down on a piece of paper just to be sure. I wonder what her house looks like, if she’s living there with Will and if he’ll be there. I know it’s a gamble, but I need to know.
Halfway up her street my phone starts to ring again, probably Cheryl who seems to be quite bothered with me leaving just like that. I’ll explain later.

Here it is. With the gate unlocked I decide to let myself in. My eyes scanning the apartment block where Nadine lives. It’s nice with a well-kept garden in front with a few palm trees and what appears to be a swimming pool around the corner. Apartment 6B it is, on the first floor.
Climbing the stairs I pass the first few doors, greeting a young mother who passes me with her two children. 
6A. 6B, it’s the very last door, painted in a nice blue colour and flowers in front of her window. It seems cosy, definitely with Nadine’s touch.
Breathing out I knock on the door, loud so that I’m sure she’ll hear before I take a step back.
It’s not long before I can hear footsteps coming closer, and as the door opens my eyes fall on a man who I’ve never seen before. 
‘Yes?’
My mouth shuts again when I notice he has an English tongue, the opportunity to speak up taken from me when suddenly Nadine appears from behind him. Wrapped up in a flowery dress her eyes grow wide at the sight of me. ‘K-Kimberley…what are you doing here?’

Impatiently I look around the unfamiliar living room. It’s nicely decorated, made into a home with little bits and pieces. The pictures of her family placed everywhere. My eyes fall on the one on a small table next to the sofa. It’s an old picture of Nadine, Cheryl and Sarah, the three of them smiling broadly as they sit on the side of the road. It’s probably from when they were traveling through the country, when Nadine was still with Will. God knows whatever happened to him because it’s pretty obvious he’s no longer living here.
‘So…’ Nadine coughs when she enters with two cups of tea, the man probably left whilst he had the chance. ‘That was a bit unexpected.’
She giggles nervously, the tea cup shaking a bit when she puts it down, quickly turning around to sit opposite from me.
‘What brings you here?’
‘Can’t a friend visit a friend for morning tea?’
She nods, a weak smile on her face that disappears when I sit up, she knows what’s coming. She’s know why I’m here.
‘So, got a new boyfriend?’
The Irish girl holds her tongue, instead staring at her hands.
‘No?’
She shrugs, looking at me briefly when she speaks. ‘We have a lot of catching up to do don’t we?’
‘We do yeah. You can start by telling me why you’re not too happy about Cheryl and I moving here. I thought you’d be all over the place. It’s been so long…’
Nadine quickly jumps in, the desperation obvious when she gets up to sit next to me. ‘Oh I’m so happy to see you again. I’ve missed you so much. The both of you, honestly. But…’
She takes my hand, squeezing it to strengthen her words. ‘I haven’t had to chance to explain a few things. Important things. That’s why I acted weird. It’s not because I don’t want you here It’s because I’m scared of what will happen when…’
Nadine sighs loudly, but I encourage her to go on. ‘When what? You know you can tell me anything Nads. It won’t change the way I feel about you, about our friendship I promise.’
‘It will… wait here.’

Minutes later she emerges from the kitchen, followed by the young man who clearly didn’t leave after all. I can tell they’re both very uncomfortable, even when he smiles at me.
Confused I smile back, noticing how Nadine takes a hold of his hand before scraping her throat. ‘Kimberley, I’d like you to meet Gary.’
My mouth hits the floor, forgetting to breath for a moment as I stare into his brown eyes. His hand extended. ‘Gary…Gary as in?’
He gives my hand a firm shake, still smiling uncomfortable. ‘Gary. As in Cheryl’s brother yeah.’