The Maison Series: Book 1

Chapter 2

Niko had expected to see Joey next to her with a big smile on his perfectly sculpted face, but had instead found Matt snoring.

"It was real." she said as she looked up at the ceiling. Niko sighed and shifted out of bed. She had found clean clothes and a towel for her shower.

"Showers seem pointless without him." she sighed heavily with loneliness. Just then she heard the door open and saw a man's outline. Niko poked her head out.

"Joey?" she was getting excited.

"Nope. Matt." his voice echoed. Niko's shoulders slumped and she closed the shower door again.

"How long are you gonna be mopey? Cheer up, sweetie, everything will be fine." Matt opened the shower door.

"Matt, you know I'm naked. So unless you're naked and ready for a shower, keep the door closed." she closed it and went back to shampooing her hair. Niko felt when the door opened.

"Matt! I told you-"

"Who said I was Matt?" Joey's voice filled her ears. Niko instantly hugged him.

"I missed you! Please don't leave me again. It'll kill me." she said quietly.

"Turn around, I'll get the shampoo out." he took the shower-head and rinsed out the strawberry scented soap. He conditioned her hair and rinsed that out too. He got out and handed her the towel. Niko tackle-hugged him the moment she could, drenching his already soaked clothes.

"Joey! My Joey." her embrace was tight around him.

"Niko, you're still naked." Joey laughed as she turned red in the face and put the towel on herself.

"Niko! What's with all the yelling?" Matt burst in the door.

"Joey said he can stay if you want him to stay. I need him to stay so I've said yes."

"Well..." Matt was hesitant because he wanted Niko for himself.

"Joey, it don't matter what he says, I made you, so you stay." she declared.

"I'm sorry, baby. But it doesn't work that way. I chose to let Matt also know I'm here, so in order for me to stay, I have to get both of your approvals." Joey's words were unheard as he turned to face the jealous Matt.

Matt had always wanted to be the only guy in Niko's life but she had made a friend and now was his chance to make sure no one could take her away. Matt's answer was going to be something he would regret for a long time.

"No." was the only word he said.

"Matt, you can't be serious!" Niko's eyes were getting watery.

"I am." he said.

"I understand then." Joey turned to leave.

"Don't do this, Matt! Please let him stay!" Niko was crying.

"Joey isn't allowed to stay. That's my final answer." Matt said with cold harshness.

"No! I won't let you go, Joey!" Niko held on to him as tight as she could.

"Niko, I'll be back as a real person just for you. I promise. I love you, girl." he whispered as he faded from her arms. Niko's sobs were all that filled the empty room except for Matt's presence.

"Why?! All he wanted was to stay! And he could have! Why?!" she yelled at him.

"Because I love you too much to let someone get closer to you than I am!" his anger began its own flare. Niko stepped back as if he had slapped her. She tossed on her clothes and kicked his shin.