Lost and Found

Chapter 3~ Taya

Although I act happy that Nico allowed us to come over I am actually quite nervous. No one knows that I am aware of why Nico doesn't go out on this day. Not even Nico himself knows. I was actually in Nico's class that year, not that he knows. I remember him coming back, eyes red and puffy from crying. The teacher asked him what had happened, he didn't look up from the floor or reply to the teacher, he just kept walking. Walking until he reached his desk. Although none of us knew what happened. I didn't at the time either, I had to get the answer from Nico's younger sister, my soulmate, Lyra. I'll have to see if she thinks it's a good idea for us to come over.

After the rush of excitement, we all went to do our own things. Mostly studying for up coming exams. I went with Nico to his house so I could see Lyra.
Once we were in the car, I said, "I know why you don't want to go out."
"You do?" Nico asked, eyes glued to the clenched fists on his lap.
"Ya, I do," I mumbled in response, "Lyra told me a few years back. Why haven't you told anyone else?"
Nico looked up at me. "I, I'm not sure. I guess I just don't want to bother you with my problems," he said, turning his attention back towards his hands that were now resting flat on his legs. He bit his lip to keep himself from crying. He didn't do it often, but I can tell when he is going to cry.
"Want me to drive?" I asked, feeling guilty for bringing up the subject of his dad.
He nodded slightly as he opened his car door. We both got out and switched sides.

The rest of the drive was pretty quiet, Nico stayed silent when I complained about traffic. When I asked a question, Nico would only respond with either a yes, no, or just some noise of confirmation or denial.
Halfway to Nico's house, it started raining. At first it was just a little dribble, but by the time we had to get out it was a full on downpour.
"Do you have an umbrella in here?" I asked looking towards the back of the car.
"I don't think I do. I can run inside and grab you one, if you don't want to get wet," he replied calmly as he unbuckled his seatbelt.
"You wish!" I said, a smile quickly growing on both of our faces. "As if I would ever let you act hero by saving a young, beautiful woman, such as myself, from a little bit of rain while at the same time sacrificing your own handsome look."
"So, we're going in together?"
"You bet, buster!" I unbuckled my seatbelt, "on the count of three. Ready? One, two, three, GO!"
We both jumped out of the car, laughing as we ran through the rain to the front door of Nico's house. We spammed the door behind us after entering, and collapsed on the floor in a heap of laughter.
"Having fun, are we?" A familiar voice called out to us.
We looked up and standing at the top of the stairs was Nico's little sister, and my absolutely gorgeous soulmate, Lyra. Lyra continued to make her way down the stairs as Nico and I untangled ourselves on the floor and stood up, giggling as we did so. When Lyra got to the bottom of the staircase Nico and I both went up and hugged her, me adding a little peck on the lips for my soulmate.
After our short, tender moment, we separated. Nico's smile faltered as he asked, "so, where's mom?"
Lyra turned her gaze towards the floor. "She was already gone by the time I got here."
I heard Nico mumble a small disappointed 'oh' under his breath.
"Hey, don't worry you guys," I exclaimed attempting to sound happy, "I'm sure she just went to go get something from the store!"
We all knew it was a lie; none of us wanted to admit it.
"The others won't be here for another hour or so," Nico noted, "anyone have any idea what to do in the meantime?"
"Well I mean, I know something we could do," I said gesturing towards my soulmate.
"Ya, but I'll be alone," Nico whined dramatically.
"You'll live," Lyra said sharply.
I laughed at her response.
Nico sighed dramatically, sending me a small glare of a warning. "My dear sister," he spoke with faux sadness, "you have saddened me. I must now go hide in my room while I wallow in sorrow, questioning the cause of your actions."
We all burst out laughing at Nico's dramatic monologue. We all knew Nico could be a bit of a drama nerd, and we all loved that part of him. To be fair, he was quite good at drama, and has participated in many theatre shows at both his high school and a community theatre group.
Continuing with the charade, Nico announced, "and where is thine brother, Frey? For I have yet to see him this afternoon."
Joining in, Lyra replied, "I believe lord Frey has jousting lessons until this eve."
I giggled, enjoying the change of topic.
"Jousting?" I questioned, "I believe the young lord had music lessons this afternoon."
Frey was the most musically ingenious people I knew. You have an instrument, he can play it.
"Are you sure, squire? I'm almost one hundred percent sure that the young lord had music lessons on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays? Tonight is most definitely his jousting night," Lyra said as she casually leaned on me.
"I don't know," I laughed, dropping the charade, "you're his sister. You'd know better than me."
We all laughed. These were my favourite times. Where we all laughed, not a care in the world. That all came crashing down on us when we heard the door slam.