Changes

Chapter 4

I called Louis for what seemed like the millionth time before he finally answered. 

"Nikki?" He answered, sounding tired.

"Louis? Hey! I've been calling you for like, forever," I replied, out of breath. I just had to walk up the billions of stairs up to my apartment because the elevator was out of order. You'd expect more from a nice apartment complex like this. 

"Yeah, sorry, I've been...busy."

"Are you okay? I was worried when you left school! I mean, I get it because you just got beat up, you know but...." I heard a laugh at the other end of the line. I realized I was rambling. 

"Nikki, calm down, I'm fine," he laughed. "Just like I told you before I left school. It's all good."

I breathed in relief. "Okay, sorry. I just get worried very easily."

"I've noticed."

"Well, I'm glad you're okay. I guess I'll call you later?"

"And I guess I'll answer later," I could hear him smiling.

"Okay."

"Okay."

A silence went by before he broke the tension.

"Bye, Nikki."

"Bye, Louis," I hung up, ending the extremely awkward conversation.

I unlocked the door and walked into my apartment. 

"Helloo? Anyone home?" I called out to the apparently empty room.

Just then, Amy, the devil stepmom, came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. 

"Hey, Nikks, hungry? I just made some fresh chocolate chip cookies," She greeted with a warm smile. 

"Uh, I think I'll pass," I replied. Amy's cooking wasn't the greatest. 

"Okay, well your dad and sister should be home any minute."

"Okay," I stalked into my room, suddenly irritated. 

I finished homework quickly, and changed out of my uniform into white shorts and a tank top. It was an unusually sunny day in London. I wanted to call a friend, but I didn't really know anyone in London yet, aside from Louis and his friends. I really need to find a girl friend.

I grabbed my purse, put on some flats, and got my phone and wallet. 

"Hey Amy, I'm going to go walk around town, maybe get dinner or something!" I yelled before leaving. 

"Okay, be back by 9!" She shouted back.

I strolled down the street, wondering what to do. There were a couple of cute boutiques and cafes, but nothing really struck me. Maybe it's because I am from Los Angeles. I walked around for an hour or so before turning back down my street, when I bumped into someone. 

"Oh, I'm so sorry," I looked up and saw a girl in my school uniform. 

"No problem, my fault," she sweetly smiled back. 

"Do you go to South Hampstead High?" I asked. Wait. Duh. Of course she does. No other school has the same uniform as us.

"Yeah," she tucked her hair behind her ear and pulled her purse up. "Do you?"

"Yeah, what grade are you in? I've never seen you before."

"I'm a sophmore, you?" She asked shyly.

"Same here. Funny we've never met!"

"Yeah, funny," she laughed lightly. "What's your name?"

"Nikki, I just moved from Los Angeles."