A Night Without Gatsby

Chapter 10- Expect the Unexpected

I watched as Bradley ran outside into the warm sand and I smiled softly.

It was a clear day out, not a cloud hinted in the cerulean blue sky. The waves rolled calmly onto the shore, the calls of a far away seagull also chiming in here and there. The smell of the sea hit my nostrils, and I took a deep breath of that sensational smell in. The wind whiplashed, sending my hair everywhere and filling my senses to the brim with a calm atmosphere.

Unable to help myself, I took off my shoes and socks, rolling up my pant legs and walked through the sand as Bradley ran off to get a stick. If paradise was real, this would be it. Sure, it wasn't anything compared to the exotic islands, but this was my definition of heaven.

'I'll have to remind myself to get some swimming trunks and sandals.' Imagine me wearing that...

"Old sport! Afternoon!"

I turned to see none other than Gatsby himself. I smiled politely and waved to him. He came down to the sand and walked over to me. "Hello, Gatsby." He flashed a perfect smile at me that I'm sure girls would swoon over.

"Old sport, I must ask you of something."

"Yes?" Bradley came up to me, large stick in mouth. I gently took it and tossed it. You should have seen how fast he bolted after it.

"What do you think of me?"

I turned my head to the side to look at him. "Think of you?"

"Yes, old sport. What is your opinion of me?"

This was unexpected. I looked down to the sand, thinking about it. He was honestly just another wealthy man whom I had the pleasure to meet. Nothing more and nothing less. To say the least, I was uninterested in him. What was his life was his life.

"You're a man with a life, just like all the rest." I replied honestly.

A long silence followed after that comment.

"... You really don't know about me do you?"

"No. That's how it should be, unless you change otherwise. I won't prod over matters that don't... involve with me."

Gatsby seemed astonished at my words. "You're brutally honest, and that I deeply respect." I gave a small nod. Bradley came running back, stick in mouth. Gatsby looked down at him and smiled.

"He's growing."

I nodded softly. "They grow up too fast..."

"When did you first get him?"

I almost immediately replied. "Two and a half weeks ago." Wow. Unhealthy much?

Gatsby smiled softly and gently took the stick, throwing it with little effort, yet it managed to go farther than what I could ever throw. Bradley immediately sprinted off.

"Where did you get him?"

I tensed at that part, and apparently he noticed.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, old sport. If you're uncomfortable with it, I won't go on."

I merely gave out a nod. 'Did I basically steal him? Well, no, he followed me. I just... Hadn't... returned him yet. Yeh. That would work.'

Gatsby and I continued to walk and talk about... small things. Such as what we did for a living, and where we liked to be when alone. It was peaceful until we were at his house. He smiled.

"I'm sorry, old sport, but I have to cut our adventure short. I'll see you later, yes?" I gave a small nod and smiled. Gatsby smiled and went inside those marvelous gates. I walked back home with Bradley to take a shower.

~

I was only able to rest for an hour or so before a rapid knock came at my door.

"Nicky, darling, it's me... please open up..." I shot up out of bed and dashed to the door. I opened it, and sure enough, my thoughts were confirmed.

"Daisy?" Her eyes were red, from what I assumed could only come from sobbing profusely. What shocked me even more was that her daughter was in her arms. It was the first time I had seen her... she was so small... and fragile...

"Nicky, I had no where else to go..." Her voice cracked.

"Come in, set her on the bed." She came in. I closed the door and locked it, following after her. We tucked her little girl into bed and left the door open, in case something happened. I made some chamomile tea for her and poured it in another dainty cup. She took it gratefully. I sat her down gently on the couch and awaited an explanation.

"Nick... He... He went mad... He... started to yell at me... s-saying I wasn't good enough... I.... The servants helped me out of there... I... I didn't know what to do.... I..." She started to cry again. "He's never been like this Nick..."

I knew this would come someday... I just had hoped the day would have never come...

I gently pat her back. I noticed small scratches cut into her perfect face, and bruises (fingers) all on her neck. I sighed softly.

"No one should have to go through that... I'm so sorry it happened to you..." She sniffled and wiped tears away from her face. "You can stay here for the night."

"Mama?" We turned to see the sleepy three year old clutching onto her white plush teddy bear, her white nightgown plastered onto her little body that was drenched in sweat from how hot it was inside.

"Sweetheart..." Daisy picked her up and held her close.

"Where papa?"

"At home... my love..."

"... where at now...?" She looked like she was about to cry.

"At your uncles house, honey... we're going to stay here for the night."

"Daddy got mad again?"

Daisy nodded softly. The small child nodded softly back to sleep. Daisy gently stood up.

"Come on Rose..." She took her to the bedroom again. That was her name... Rose. I smiled softly to her, and laid my head back.

Bradley came trotting up to me, yawning softly. Daisy came towards me. "Where will you sleep Nicky?"

"I'm fine here with Bradley on the couch. You and Rose can take the bed."

"Are you positive?"

I turned to look at her. Worry was written all over her face. Tom had done a toll on her already damaged enough self esteem.

"I'm sure, Daisy... Get some rest." I gave her the friendliest smile I could muster up.

Not that I was in a bad mood!! Just exhausted! It was two in the morning for God's sake!

"You're too kind Nick... Thank you... Goodnight." She went back to the room and closed the door.

I laid my body on the couch and closed my eyes. Bradley nuzzled into my chest and fell asleep as I crashed out.

Author's Note: Weren't expecting that, were ya!? Mwahahahaha >:3 But yeah, I wanted to introduce the daughter in some way, because I want her to have a bigger role in this story.

So, question time!! Please leave a comment because your opinion really helps on this! Should Gatsby resume the party, and wake up Daisy and Rose, or should he drop for an unexpected visit? You choose!!

All credit to Scott Fitzgerald!! Also, sorry this took so long!! I was sick!! 🤕😞 But oh well, eff it. Toodles!!