Time Goes By [COMPLETED]

chapter 16

One week later

Nic's POV

I yawned loudly while walking across the hall with a big smile plastered on my face. It's 11am in the morning and the sun was shining bright in the sky. I was wearing just my shorts and a bra on since this is what I usually wear when I'm asleep.

I was walking towards the kitchen to eat some breakfast, whistling since I'm in a very good mood. I've been receiving e-mails from HR (human resources) for the job i applied to and the manager spoke to me every now and then. Yesterday, I received a call and They informed me that I'm hired for the job.

I was traumatized when I notice the familiar number on my cellphone. Usually, they don't call someone to say you're not hired for the job and we found someone else but I still got that tickling feeling in my stomach whenever I'm nervous. My left leg was shaking from how tense I was. When they spoke the words I was agitating for, I couldn't contain my excitement and told them to hold on a minute so I could go to the balcony and shout in happiness which I received curious gazes from the people below then I went back to my phone to continue our conversation.

I entered the kitchen and my mouth formed an 'o' shape after founding an unexpected guest, sitting on the counter; Ashley. Lauren's friend. I raised my eyebrows in curiosity and looked at Rita, who had her back turned to me. I knew they were getting close since they were texting and hanging out after the party that we went to, weeks back but I never expected Rita to invite someone this early in the morning.

Ashley saw me standing on the doorway and smiled at me. "Hey Nicole. How are you?" A frown appeared on my forehead but a smile started to grow on my face. From what Lauren had informed me, ashley is sweet and kind. Memories from before flashed in my head and I remember her as the girl who only laughed. She never swung with Danielle or brad, the ones who bullied me the most. She was their support, a puppet from them to laugh about their jokes, not much of a talker. But I don't care anymore, what happened before will stay in the back of my head and although, I can't forget but I can forgive.

I welcomed her back politely and noticed her looking at me up and down, eyeing my body with admiring eyes. That's when I remembered I wasn't wearing any pants or shirt. I felt embarrassed but I haven't made any attempt to cover myself.

I leaned against the counter beside her but made sure my back isn't visible in her sight. I was afraid she would see my flaws; the marks on my back. What awakens my nightmare in the middle of the night. I cleared my head from the horrific memories that haunts my mind. No matter what, they will always come back; the awful memories. I looked at Rita with her back turned towards us, making coffee since it's her favourite.

"Stop staring, it's rude." I whispered in ashley's right ear after noticing she hasn't stopped staring, causing a blush to form on her cheeks. She smiled at me and whispered a small 'sorry' and I smiled back in response.

"So, why were you screaming on the balcony yesterday?" Rita said, turning around and handing a cup of coffee to Ashley. Ashley smiled in delight, thanking her with kiss on her cheek. I raised my eyebrows when I didn't see the reaction I was expecting from Rita; the 'don't kiss my cheeks with your white ass lips' reaction. She actually blushed and turned to me, still waiting for an answer.

I cleared my throat and stood straight, still not able to comprehend about what just happened. "Well, I got the job." I smiled, just remembering the news I received last night. I can't wait to tell Lauren and my mom about this.

"Congratulations!! I knew you could do it." Rita smiled and Ashley fist bumped me. They looked genuinely happy for me. "Now, get the fuck out of my house." Rita said with same smile on her face. I frowned at her and Ashley started laughing that she almost spilled her coffee on me but i stepped away before it landed on me and burned my skin.