Nexus // 2016 Rio Olympics

Chapter Seven

I ignored the voice, brushing it off though it sent a small shiver down my spine. I knew that deep down it was right, but I couldn't focus on that now. Eleanor must have notice my slight discomfort, and placed her other hand on my arm. I smiled down at her, reassuring any of her concerns that I was fine.

Feeling the warm night air hit my face, I stuck up on hand to wave down a cab, one of the many quickly pulling over. Politely, I opened the door for El, climbing in after her and giving the driver the location to drive to. The ride would be short, so I only had a limited amount of time to ask for her number. Though my brain was telling me not to, I knew it was worth a shot.

Eleanor's P.O.V.

Tonight had been something I would never forgot, at least not in the (long) near future. From the small chatter to the dancing and now the ride back. Michael had beaten me in asking to exchange numbers, but it didn't much matter as I gladly switched phones with him, typing in my contact information. I waited patiently for him to finish adding his contact info before switching out phones back to each other.

I was about to continue our small talk, but the cab soon slowed to a stop as we arrived back at our home away from home. As he had been a gentleman to do before, he opened the door, getting out first before turning his attention back to me, holding a hand out, which I graciously took, helping me out of the cab. Even though I had tried, Michael wouldn't allow me to pay the cab driver, though I was sneaky enough to leave him a tip without letting him see.

There was a moment of silence between us as we stood in front of the towering building in front of us. This time I was quick enough to speak up first. "Thanks for helping me out tonight. If you hadn't spoken to me I probably would have sat at the bar all night until Lauren stumbled over to me, telling me she wanted to go home." I knew what I just said sounded a bit dumb and cheesy, but that wasn't what my mind was now focused on. I still had to figure out where Lauren was at, and I really hoped she was already in our room, trying her best to get ready for bed after having one too many drinks.

I was almost too deep into thought to notice that Michael was talking to me, but quickly payed attention soon enough to catch what he was saying. "Yeah, it was nothing. Thanks for dancing with me, by the way." He said, rubbing his neck a little awkwardly which I thought was cute. Somehow we had managed to start walking inside while we were talking, which I didn't mind, but it only meant that we would have less time to talk. I just wanted to chat and get to know him better, but this wasn't really the place to do so. We were both here to compete, not to fall in love.

"It's not a problem, I really enjoyed it." It was truthful, and that song that played I couldn't get out of my head. The voice and lyrics just spoke to me. Like Michael had done before, he got ahead of me and opened to door politely. I smiled in response, continuing to walk with him to the elevator.

No matter what you thought, once we entered that elevator there was no making out taking place, no matter how much I wanted it to. Maybe in another universe it would have happened, but we both seemed to hold back against our temptations, sticking to small talk. As the elevator stopped on my floor, I turned back to him to say my goodbyes.

"I know I already said this, but I really did have fun tonight." I guess I had a tendency to repeat my previous statements and state the obvious, but that was just how I was when nervous. Michael seemed to be the same way, but at least he had a better way of conducting himself. I just felt like a fool.

Knowing I had I only had a small amount to get off of the elevator before the doors closed, I made a quick decision. Before Michael could respond I pulled him into a quick hug and gave him a small, quick peck on the cheek. Walking out and towards my room, I gave one final glance back to the elevator as the doors closed, seeing a blush Michael, his hand raised as he waved goodbye. I could help but give a giggle of excitement, a rush of confidences flowing through my body.

I still wasn't completely sure why I had kissed him on the cheek, but with the sudden hit of exhaustion I did have much time to think about it as all that was on my mind now was sleep. Fumbling for a few moments to get the key out of my pocket, I unlocked it and entered my room. Seeing two beds in the room got me thinking.

I had completely forgotten about Lauren! Groaning in realization, I covered my face with my hands, embarrassed, falling back onto my bed as I thought. Knowing her, she was probably crying right now trying to find me. Either that, or making out with someone in the corner of the club. Either way, I had to shoot her a text telling her where I was.

TO: Lauren

Hey, left party early with Michael. Don't worry, only got his digits. Get back before midnight; early practice tomorrow. Love you & BE SAFE! xx

After sending the message, I didn't bother to wait for a response. Before I forgot, I quickly set an early alarm for tomorrow morning, getting up an hour early to give both myself and Lauren time to get ready and get to the Equestrian Center. 

Sloppily, I removed the makeup that was on my face as well as brushing all of the hairspray out of my hair. Sluggishly, I changed into my sleep wear, which just consisted of a pair of soft flannel shorts and a tank top.

Making my way back over to my bed, I pulled back my covers, collapsing into my sheets. Pulling the covers over me, I immediately felt my muscles relax and I probably would have fallen asleep if I hadn't heard my phone vibrate next to me. Figuring it was Lauren's response, I squinted at my phone screen to look at the message, only to see that it was from someone else.

FROM: Michael

Goodnight. See you tomorrow. xx

I felt my heart flutter, and quickly I typed out a response.

TO: Michael

Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite. xx

Pressing send, I set down my phone and closed my eyes, quickly drifting off into a peaceful sleep, a bright smile still present on my face. I guess my first day in Rio was a success.

ALRIGHT. This chapter is long overdue, but here it is now. School has been such a hassle, applying for colleges and getting homework down. With first quarter finished, I think I am now finally settling into school, but over that time I have lost my motivation for this story. I may move onto something new to write about, but this will still always be something that I will need to finish. I'm not going to abandon forever, but maybe for a few months or so. I still feel so terrible about that, but that's just how my life is going right now. If this seems kind of weird, then here's your explanation, but I hope it holds you over for now.