The Dopamine Rush

Chapter Twenty-Eight | California

April 1993
Burbank, CA

Nikolai's POV

"Good Morning!" I greeted my neighbors as I walked out to grab my mail. Flipping through magazines, food coupons, and random credit card offers, I ran across a surprisingly thick package from Melvin once I headed back inside of my house.

"What in the world is this?" I thought to myself while placing the other mail on the counter. After opening the package, countless letters poured out onto the floor as my eyes widened.

"Since you have forbidden me of giving your address to him, I'm shipping these letters to you." I read from a notecard in which my father had inserted.

Four months into the new year, and here we were... letter after letter after letter after letter.

Gathering them into my hands, I was tempted to just flip open the garbage, throw them inside, and go.

I didn't. After heading upstairs to my bedroom, I grabbed a shoe box from my closet, and placed the letters inside.

The last few months consisted of such internal conflict, none that I have could ever imagined.

Undoubtedly, my feelings for him never left, which caused the days to be a struggle. But since we parted, I gained an attitude filled of disgust, anger, and of course, sadness.

I picked up the phone, dialing my best friend, praying that she'd answer.

"Hello?"

"Wendy it's me. I need to talk."

"I'm listening, go on."

"He's still writing me." I blurted. "Daddy sent a package and I'm sure it contains at least fifteen letters."

"Have you read one or no?"

"No, I can't."

"I understand, but honestly Nik just how long do you think you can avoid this guy? It's true you're no longer in the same state but you're living in California now, not to mention working with one of the world's biggest designers. Face it, you'll come in contact with him sooner or later."

"This was definitely not what I was expecting to hear during this call."

"I know. I'm only telling you because you need to accept it. And you still love him."

"I can't stand him."

"True, you can't. But that doesn't erase the fact that you still love him. And you know what? That's okay."

"Alright." I sighed. "I need to get going, I've got to meet Tyler for lunch."

"Tyler huh? I knew it wouldn't be long before he contacted you and you two hung out. Remember to think, don't make any rash decisions."

"Yes mother I know." I said sarcastically. "I'll talk to you later."

*

Chanhassen, MN
Prince's POV

"Knock knock." Jennifer smiled as she walked into my office.