Take Me Home {Completed}

Chapter Thirty-Seven (Part 2)

UNEDITED

***

"That's ... stupid."

"Yet to be fully proven," Parker joked knowing though that it was not stupid. Nola was a staple in his life and he knew his love for her was real and wouldn't dwindle with time. So, he would wait because the only thing that would be stupid is if he didn't.

Nola didn't find any humor in what he said. In fact, she thought he was being ridiculous. No one in their right mind would wait, for her of all people.

Nola released a sudden yawn and felt herself start to get sleepy again.

"Was that a yawn?" Parker inquired, knowing that she must be getting tired.

But, Nola wasn't ready to turn in just yet. She wanted to keep the conversation going, even if it was just for a little bit longer. "When did we leave Claudine?" Asked Nola, ignoring what Parker had said.

Parker took his cell phone away from his ear and saw the time. Placing his phone back to his ear, he informed Nola, "Umm about three hours ago."

"... Thank you for making sure I got home, safely."

"You're welcome," Parker exclaimed thinking that she really didn't have to apologize. He would, of course, make sure she (or anyone) got home safely if they were as drunk as she had been.

Upon the memory of her being drunk, a question popped into his mind. "Can I ask you something, personal, Nola?"

"Sure."

"If given the opportunity," Parker paused, wondering if he had grounds to ask her this. Yet, he knew that it had to be asked because if he didn't he would worry. "Would you drink alcohol, again?"

Nola was confused as to why he was asking her this. "I don't understand what you getting at."

"... Well to be open and honest, you tried committing suicide a couple days ago, when you took the pills. I understand that you stopped yourself and threw the pills up, but you tried nonetheless. I know you saw it as an escape - a way out of the shit you're going through.

"Some people," Parker continued, "can turn to alcohol after abuse and use it as a form of escaping. I wanted to know if alcohol appealed to you in that sense."

"No. It doesn't appeal to me like that. I mean, I do feel free of anxiety, like my words and actions will not have any repercussions. But, I still remember all that I've been through. Alcohol doesn't make my problems go away, it just distracts me from them ... but they were still there."

"I'm glad you don't see alcohol as an escape outlet. It can be a dangerous thing if you ever do. My dad tells me stories about his father, who use to drink a lot, and it can ruin your life if you overindulge in it consistently."

"Parker, please, stop worrying about me," pleaded Nola.

"I can't," Parker said in a low sounding voice.

After Nola found out that Parker had put his finger down for being in love with her, in the Ring of Fire game, she realized just how much he cared for her. At first, she was flattered and awestruck that he had feelings for her - the only guy that she could see herself being with in the future when she's better. However, when Parker told her that he couldn't stop worrying about her, Nola no longer found it flattering that he liked her. Instead, she felt a mixture of anger and frustration. "You don't know me." She spit out without thinking.

"What?"

Nola closed her eyes and wondered what she would say next. She wanted to make sure that she didn't say something that would upset Parker - not because she thought he would hurt her if she did, but she genuine sought to never anger Parker because she cared about him. "You have done a lot for me and you worry about me. But, you don't know me, Parker. You can't say you do from just being in school with me through the years and kidnapping me.

"And," Nola remarked, "for the life of me, I don't understand how you can be so foolish to be in love with me - a person you know very little - to nothing - about."

"Same could be said to you."

"I'm not the one proclaiming their love for the other."

Parker chuckled, "You're mad."

"I'm not."

Not believing her, Parker smiled, "I'm really good at reading into things. And, I hear you. So, tomorrow we will go on a date. What time should I pick you up?"

It took Nola a second to comprehend what he had said. "Uhh, Parker. I-I can't be in a relationship again."

"I never said anything about us being in a relationship. Just a date, as friends."

"Friends don't date."

"Nola, I know you aren't ready for a relationship. I dare not even thinking about putting that on you right now. I just want to take you out tomorrow because you just ranted about me not knowing you. The only way to fix that is by giving me a chance to get to know you."

"Plus," Parker added, "It will give you an opportunity to get to know me."

There was a heavy appeal to what he said. "Okay."

"Okay?!" Parker sat up straight, not believing his ears. He half expected her to turn him down.

"Yes, but we are going as friends."

"Of course."

"So ... where are we going?"