Nevermore

Chapter 15

N I C H O L A S

Nicholas wasn't always as confident as he let others believe. He wasn't always as strong, nor as hopeful. But he kept pushing himself on, trying to ignore the words of warning his parents left him, saying how these foolish and empty dream weren't going to get him anywhere.

It was during Professor Johnson's class when Nicholas volunteered to read his poem out loud for everyone that day. It might not have been perfect, but he read it with a mask of confidence over his face as he stood at the front of the classroom:

Go to sleep, my love
Go to sleep, but hold me tight,
for the night is filled with my sorrow
and empty of our dreams...

If it's a sin to kiss you,
then bless me, oh Lord,
for I ache to be your most sinful of your creation...

So kiss me, my love,
as not even these heaving rivers can separate us

And if the world tries to force us apart,
I will tear down the world just to have your sin planted upon my lonely lips one last time.

He read, and as he spoke, the words blossomed, slipping through his lips like honey. When he finished the rest of the poem, he lowered the paper with a pleased blush upon his cheeks as everyone began to clap lightly. With a bright smile, he handed the paper to Professor Johnson and returned to his seat.

The remaining time in the class only allowed two more students to read their poems before the professor began their lesson, and after another hour had to dismiss them.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Make way for the greatest poet in history! Make way!" Shawn said dramatically as they passed through the halls, making Nicholas laugh and causing the rest of the students to stare.

"I would've loved to stay longer and see Shawn embarrass you, but I have to get to the music room for practice," Luca told Nicholas a smile. "We're all proud of you, Niko. I'm sure you're going to be great author one day."

Shawn watched Luca leave and turn the corridor, finally disappearing out of sight, before saying, "Have you noticed that Luca's been spending more and more time in the music room?"

Nicholas shrugged unsurely. "Yes, I suppose."

"You don't think that he likes someone in his music class, do you?"

"No, I don't think so. Anyway, Luca told me yesterday that he has a surprise for us, but he said that we have to wait until Christmas to find out. I think it has something to do with his music."

"He told you that himself?" Shawn's brows furrowed. "Then why didn't he tell the rest of us?"

"Dunno. Maybe because Luca is closer to me than the rest of you."

"Now that's just bullshit," Shawn retorted, his frown deepening.

"Why are you getting so defensive about this? It isn't a big deal." Nicholas let out a chuckle to lighten the mood. "Look, I'm sure he loves all of you. But it's just that... you do tease him a lot, Shawn. Everyone needs a little bit of support and encouragement from time to time."

"I guess you're right." Shawn let out a sigh in defeat, running a hand through his hair thoughtfully. But his grin was quick to return to his face when he saw someone approaching them from the other end of the corridor. "Looks like we've got a guest."