Time Goes By [COMPLETED]

chapter 18

Nic's POV

I hung up, feeling frustrated and slumped down on the couch. I closed my eyes, feeling way too drained of energy. I rubbed my eyes with both of my hands. I haven't been able to sleep and the nightmares doesn't help at all. Memories of Ryan keeps swarming in my head and the sight of his death haunts my dreams.

I released a heavy sigh and opened my eyes, looking over at Rita who sat next to me with sympathetic eyes. I turned my gaze away, not wanting her sympathy and looked at the t.v. with a blank expression. "The box and everything that's in it wasn't enough evidence for them to know who did this. Even when I told them who they are and why they're after me; there's fucking nothing they could do since they didn't do anything yet and they don't know where they are." I elaborated everything the cops had told me just now on the phone, whom I hung up on.

It's been two days since that night and the first thing I did when I stepped foot in the apartment is to tell Rita everything. From meeting Ryan, to his death, to the black box. To say she was shocked was an understatement. The first thing she said was 'I have a revolver in my bedside table with a stash of ammo as well. You can use it'

I was surprised she wasn't upset or mad. She wanted to help me out which I felt really grateful for. When I asked her why does she have a gun, she simply said her grandpa gave it to her. He used to be a commander in the navy and he handed her his favourite weapon so she could protect her home.

After I finished telling my story to Rita, we went to the police station with the black box. I told them everything as well and they took the box as an evidence. Now, they informed us that they don't have any track about those men and their whereabouts. Although, they told me that the one who killed Ryan did escape from prison which I concluded when I saw him in the elevator.

When I went to work that next day, I couldn't stop thinking about the message. You will get what you deserve. You crossed the line and it's time to learn your lesson. I was scared with no doubt but I was pissed. They killed my best friend. The one who held me together for the past six years. I couldn't focus on my job properly and I almost messed up a few times but I kept it together. Thank God, my boss didn't notice.

I heard my phone ringing and I sighed, reaching out for my phone on the table of the living room. I looked at the ID caller and the sad expression was gone and replaced by an instant smile. I answered, hearing her soft and sweet voice. She can change my mood so quick and all my negative feelings were gone.

"Hey, it's Lauren here." She greeted and I could feel her smile through the phone.

"Hey, what's up?" I asked, acting casual and hiding the tingling feeling in my stomach. Is it weird to feel like that? I've never felt like this before, not until I met Lauren years ago.

"Nothing much, it's just your mother said she tried calling you but you were busy with another call. So, she called me and told me that they'll be having a dinner at their home. They want us to be there." She elaborated and I nodded but then I remembered I was on the phone and said. "Yeah, sure. Unless you're busy with something?" I asked Lauren, making sure she's not bothered with my mom wanting us both there. Even though I was hoping that she wouldn't be bothered and would love to come.

"I always have dinner with your family when you weren't here and I have nothing else to do since............." I heard her hesitation and I felt worry creeping through my heart.

"I dropped out of college. I couldn't afford it anymore. Not to mention the stress is overwhelming, I couldn't contain it." I heard her sadness and I felt my heart clench with hers.

"You know I'm always here to help." I said, remembering the day where I blurted out saying she's my girlfriend and that's why I should help when I didn't even ask her to be my girlfriend. I thought I screwed things up because it's only been a few weeks since we meet but she looked so happy when I said that. I can never forget her reaction. First, she was shocked and the jaw drop said it all, then the excitement written clearly in her eyes, and then the beautiful plastered widely smile. When she agreed to be mine, I was on top of the moon. I smiled at the memory.