Goth Ghost

Chapter 9: During Heavy Tides

Nicki's POV:
Today was the day. Finally. I was finally going home again. My hand swept over the thin sheets of my hospital-bed as I stood next to it. The cast on my arm wasn't making it any easier, but I'll survive. It felt amazing to be able to leave. The clean, white walls were making me insane.

I felt a little dizzy, so I started walking to the door cautiously. As I reached the large doorframe, I saw Kian approaching me from the hallway.

He had a duffel bag in his hand and his car-keys in the other. "Hey, you. You ready to go?" he said with a smile. It felt good to see him like this. I knew he was just pretending to be all smiles when I was still a patient. I nodded quickly.

"I'm so fucking ready. Thanks for dropping me off at my house," I said as we started walking out of the depressing hospital.

Then, we were out. The hard gravel beneath my bare feet (I insisted on walking barefoot), the wind whipping at my messy hair and the bright L.A sun burning on my face. I missed it. I closed my eyes to marvel at the moment.

I opened them to see Kian staring at me. "Nicki, You are a very unique person, you know that?" he said as a side-smile formed on his lips. His blue eyes resembled the clear sky. He was almost happier that I was out than I was. "I know that because you're here to remind me," I replied, my voice a happy whisper. He shook his head slightly. He took my hand and started leading me to his car.

His rough hand holding mine made a shiver run down my spine. I bit my lip and felt a blush creeping up. Ugh, I'm an ass. Why is this affecting me? Damn, I've given him a hug before and it didn't affect me. Or, I guess it did...I'm just so self-conscious for some reason.

He opened the passenger-door for me. I looked at the seat. The last time I was in a car...

"Nicki? Are you okay?" I hear Kian's low voice next to me. His words came out in a gentle breeze against my ear. I swallowed. "Y-yeah, I'm good. Just gotta...take a few seconds." He looked at me with concern. Dammit, pity again. Before I could further argue with myself, I hastily climbed into the car. The car smelled so clean. I've never been in here before. The sun was beating down on us today, so the car was warm. It looked cool from outside, but on the inside it's just warm. Maybe Kian's personality matches his car?

Me and Kian silently drove all the way to my house. As I climbed out, I noticed Kian climbing out too. He took out two duffel bags out of the trunk. "Why do you have two?" I asked, curiosity filling me. Surely I couldn't have used that much clothing?

"One is all of your shit. The other is for all of mine," he said as he walked towards the door. He took out my pair of keys and opened the door. My mouth hung open. "How?" I asked, still stunned. He was acting as if this was HIS house.

"I took your keys from your bag while you were out cold."

"...So you stole it?"

"I thought you would appreciate the fact that I actually helped."

"I do appreciate it. I'm just surprised."

"Why?"

"You organised this so well. It means a lot."

Kian just shot me a smile and held the door for me. It felt strange to walk into my own house like I was a guest.

"I almost forgot what it looked like. Where's Quinn?" I asked, remembering I had a roommate. Kian bit his lip and he quickly glanced around the house. "I have no idea. But I'll be crashing here for a bit, so it might be good she's gone for now," he replied. My eyes widened. "You're staying here now? What about your house?" I asked in curiosity. He chuckled softly and set the bags down on the wooden floor.