Wrapped

Chapter 21

Twenty-One ~ Nick

        After Pierce and I's one month anniversary 'date', our relationship didn't seems to get stronger or any better, but it became distant. We haven't hung out as often as we used to, we only have short conversations of nothing important, and it seems as if he's trying to ignore me.

        Did he use me? Did he just lead me on, take away my innocence, and toss me over? Pierce wouldn't do that, though. He loves me, he trusts me, and cares about me. Maybe he just needs some space. Everyone needs a break once in a while.

        Maybe I upset him; or even disappointed him. What could I have done? Something I said? Something I did?

        Pierce has also been skipping dance class. I haven't seen him at Zack's Dance Studio all week. When I ask Zack, he tells me that Pierce hasn't been feeling well, but when I go to their apartment, I see Pierce for a second, but then he leaves to his friends' house.

        "Hey, Nick?" I heard a soft voice behind me say, breaking me out of me thoughts.

        I look behind me to see my mom leaning against my bedroom door frame, dressed in her work uniform.

        "Oh, hi, mom," I smiled at her.

        "I have to stay late tonight," She said, a frown present on her face. "Can you call Pierce and see if you can stay over at their place?"

        I bite my lower lip. I want to give him space. He seems like he really needs it by how he has been acting lately. I don't want to bother him with my presence near him.

        "Can't I just stay here?" I ask in a begging tone that fills my voice.

        Mom shook her head with a small sigh, "You know I don't like you being alone," she said quietly.

        "I'm sixteen, Mom," I mutter. "I can take care of myself."

        "I know that, Nick," She snapped at me, "But you know I get nervous when you're alone and - "

        "Fine!" I exclaim and pulled out my phone, "I'll call him."

        She gave me a look of anger, and then left my room, leaving me alone.

        I stared at my phone. I don't want to bother Pierce. What if he gets mad at me? What if he's busy?

        Finally, I sucked it up and dialed his number, pressing the 'talk' button. There were three rings before someone answered.

        "Hello?" The voice said. I could tell right away that it wasn't Pierce, it was Zack.

        I feel a little relieved that it wasn't Pierce. "Hey, Zack, it's Nick," I said through the speaker.

        "Oh, hey, Nick," Zack began; I could tell by the tone of voice that he was smiling. "Want me to get Pierce on the phone?"

        "No," I said a little too quickly, "I mean, I just needed to ask if I could come over, my mom is working late, again."

        The other line was silent for a minute until Zack finally spoke. "You should know by now that you are always welcomed here."

        I smiled, "Okay, then I'll see you in a while."

        I hung up the phone and exited my room, heading for my living room. My mom was sitting on the couch. When she heard my footsteps, she turned to me.

        "Can you go?"

        I nodded, "Yeah, Zack said it was okay."

        Immediately, she stood up and went to the front door, going straight to the car. I followed her, sitting in the passenger seat.

        She started up the ignition and began to driving in the direction of Zack's apartment complex. At first, the drive was quiet. The only sound was the classic rom music coming from the radio that my mom loved so much.

        "So," She started the conversation, "How was your anniversary with Pierce? I never asked."

        I looked over at her to see her smiling at me. She was very interested in my love life, I guess. It's all she ever wants to talk about now. Sometimes it's annoying, but other times, I didn't mind talking about it.

        "It was fine," I replied and looked back out the window.

        "What did you guys do?" She asked while making a turn on to a different street.

        I froze. "I - uh, made him dinner, then we - um, watched a movie," I said, mentally yelling at myself for sounding so nervous.

        "That's all?" Mom said shocked. "I thought you'd do more."

        I chuckled nervously, "There wasn't that much to do."

        My mom gave me a confused look. "Okay, well, we're here."

        I looked out the window,  and saw the apartments, quickly getting out of the car. "Bye, mom!" I called as he drove off.

        I jogged up to Zack's door and knocked twice. I didn't have to wait long for him to open the door and greet me with a smile. "Hey, Nick," He said kindly, opening the door wider, allowing me to get inside.

        As I stepped in, I looked around for Pierce. "Is Pierce at a friend's house again?" I asked, sounded sadder than how I wanted to intend it.

        "Nope," Zack said and sat on the couch, "He's in our room."

        I slightly smiled; maybe we could talk things out. I hurriedly walked down the hallway and peeked inside their bedroom, seeing that Pierce way lying on the bed, watching television.

        "Hi, Pierce," I said quietly and stood fully in the doorway.

        Pierce glanced at me and sat up, "Nick, we need to talk."