Goth Ghost

Chapter 3: By Her Helplessness

Nicki's POV:

My eyes groggily went open. I was in my bed, the covers pulled over me neatly. "Quinn?!" I yelled to the house, hoping she'd still be here. "Quinn?! Are you here!?" I waited. Nope. The house was silent, my voice a haunting echo. I instinctively looked at my phone to check the time.

"Shitballs."

I was late.

I jumped up from under the covers. My mind swam over and over again. I grabbed a pair of ripped jeans, a crop top and pulled on my combat boots. I ran to the kitchen, where I knew my car-keys always rested next to the fruit basket. I grabbed the Mini Cooper's keys and dashed for the door. Luckily Quinn left it open for me. I jumped into my car and drove towards the pet shop. A few minutes later, I arrived. I ran into the shop-entrance, already sensing shit. Nico stood in the back of the store, putting away hamster-food.

"Nice of you to show up."

"Sorry."

Nico walked towards me. He stared at me. No, stare wasn't the word. He MARVELLED at me. "What is it?" I asked. Nico's arms folded across his chest. "Since when are you ever sorry for anything you do?" I shrugged and moved to the unpacked boxes. I groaned. "Do I really have to do this?" I asked, already pulling my tangled hair into a ponytail. "If you want payment," Nico replied bluntly. I sighed. I started opening the first box. At least fifty boxes of kitty-litter stared at me, waiting to be unpacked. I reluctantly took out the first few and put them away. It went on like this for forever. I was still packing away dog-collars when I heard the door open. I didn't bother turning around, knowing Nico would handle it, like always. "Hi there. Are you looking for something specific?" Nico asked. Hmm...the pretentious happy-voice. "Actually, I'm looking for a purple-haired girl who probably missed me while I was gone." I spun around instantly. Kian stood with his back against the counter. His hair was messy and his shirt looked tattered. But a new tattered. Pre-ripped most likely. I walked towards him, slowly. "How would you know whether I missed you?"

"I just knew you would. Who else was gonna pay for your coffee?" I laughed and then stole a quick glance towards Nico. His expression was surprising. He looked livid. "Good point. So, what are you doing here? Are you here just to brag about the fact that you pay for my addiction?" He then pulled a taunting look on his face and then walked towards me. He stood so close to me, I could feel his warm breath on my face. He then brought a hand closer to my face. I blinked and saw there was a paper in his hand. I noticed what was on it and a light of hope appeared inside of me. Marcus's investigation-files. "Holy shit! You actually got it!" I smiled and put my hand over my mouth. I was so happy, I couldn't help doing what I did next. I threw my arms around Kian's neck and enclosed him into a hug.

Kian's POV:

I let out a slight gasp as she hugged me. My hands were first frozen, but I slowly rested them on her lower back. She let go after five minutes or so. "This is fantastic! We have to get started, right now!" she exclaimed, pulling her hair loose from the messy ponytail. She turned to the guy at the counter. "Nico, I gotta go," she said before grabbing her bag and keys. Nico glared at me, like it was MY fault.

Oh wait, it kinda is.

"Nicki, you can't keep expecting me to fucking cover for you! I've had enough. This is ridiculous!" he shouted at her. I nervously put my hands in my jean-pocket and sighed loudly. Nico glanced at me. Shit...my sigh was way audible. "Nico, c'mon! I promise I'll work Saturday and Sunday this week if you would just let me go this time," Nicki pleaded. Nico crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked stone-faced.

Fucking hell.

I might be a bit more of a pussy I guess, but if Nicki ever asked me like THAT, I'd probably die and just say yes. But Nico looks like he's dealt with her long enough to not be captivated by her helplessness.