Through sickness and in health

Chapter Two

The following morning Nicky woke up to Lorna still laying in her arms. She smiled as she looked at the smaller brunette and kissed her on the head before attempting to get out of bed. Succeeding, she left her bedroom as quietly as she could to avoid waking a sleeping Lorna.

Upon entering the black and white themed kitchen she began to brew a pot of coffee. After it had finished, she poured herself a mug and sat down at the kitchen island. She took a long sip. She felt like she couldn't function without her daily dose of caffeine. There was a shuffling noise coming from the door way. She sighed as her Mother entered.

"Good morning Nicole," she said as she poured herself some coffee and leaned against the counter.

"Morning." As she said this, to her relief, Lorna walked in rubbing her tired eyes as she slumped down on the chair next to Nicky.

"Morning Happy," greeted Nicky. "Coffee?" She asked, knowing her girlfriend was also in need for her daily dose of caffeine. Lorna smiled brightly and nodded enthusiastically. Nicky pushed herself up from the stool and grunted slightly as she did so.

"Are you okay?" asked Lorna panicked. Nicky nodded, trying to hide her pained expression. She took a couple of seconds before she went back over to the coffee pot and poured her girlfriend a mug.

During the interaction Marka had began to leave the kitchen but she turned around in order to address her daughter once more.

"Oh by the way Nicole, I am going away for two weeks with Paolo. I think Arianna is going back to collage later but Matthew is going to be here a while longer," She informed her as she left, not waiting for a reply. When she left Nicky looked back at Lorna and rolled her eyes. Carrying the freshly poured mug of coffee back she placed it in front of Lorna.

"Thanks," She said, suddenly brightening up at the sight of the mug. The two sat in silence for  a minute, both sipping their coffee.

"So what are your plans for today then?" asked Lorna.

"Probably meet up with Alex for a bit. You?"

"Oh it's Franny's birthday. We're all going out for a meal tonight at the Mexican. Which reminds me, do you want to come?" she asked, hopefully.

"Well I don't want to intrude."

"No it's okay, Franny wants you to come."

"Alright then." she smiled.

"I'll come back here at eight." Nicky nodded in response. "Well I'm going to get dressed then I better be going," she said as she got up and placed her empty mug by the counter.

Lorna had been gone for several hours. Nicky had taken a nap, already exhausted. She rolled over and looked at her phone. She had five texts and seven missed calls from Alex.

"Shit," she cursed, opening the messages.

A - hey Nick, are we still on for later?

A - Nicky?

A - if you don't feel like going out it's fine, I get it. Maybe I could come to yours?

A - Nicky are you okay?

A - Nicky I'm worried. Please reply.

Nicky quickly typed back a reply.

N - sorry, I was sleeping. Give me ten minutes and I will be there.

A - Dimitri's?

N - of course!

Nicky clicked her phone off and quickly got some shoes and went out to her car. Luckily she had showered and got dressed just after Lorna had left. She started her car and began the drive to the cafe to meet Alex. It was in walking distance but she chose to drive because these days she had no energy to do anything active. She remembered when she used to go jogging every morning with her friend Janae. Nicky missed having the energy to do simple things.

Deep in thought, Nicky arrived at Dimitri's and parked her car. She entered the cafe, instantly smelling the Russian treats. She arrived before Alex so she went over to the counter to order.

"Hey Nicky," said Maxsim, one of Red's sons. Red and her husband, Dimitri, owned the place with their three sons helping out. Red and Dimitri lived in an apartment above the cafe where Nicky would stay when her mother was away. Nicky would insist she was fine on her own but Red would always persuade her to come, Nicky secretly liked staying with Red. Red had taken on the role of being her mother and her sons had become her brothers. Red had first met Nicky when she was twelve and wondered into the cafe, looking for something to eat. The Russian had instantly felt her motherly instincts take over.

"Hey Max," replied Nicky, whilst she looked through all of the different cakes and pastries.

"What can I get for ya?"

"Umm, two hot chocolates and two Vatrushkas please."

"You know you order the same every time right?" he laughed whilst making the hot chocolates.

"It's the only thing I know how to pronounce," she joked. He laughed again, harder this time.

The two continued to talk for several minutes until Nicky saw Alex walk in. She said goodbye and went over to join her best friend.

"Hey Stretch," greeted Nicky as she pushed the  drink and pastry over to her best friend.

"Hey Nichols." replied Alex, solemnly. Nicky sat down before taking a long drink from her glass.

"What's up Vause?"

"Piper," Alex grunted.

"What's she done now?" asked Nicky, knowing what the blonde could be like.

"I saw her kiss Larry."

"Oh Alex I'm so sorry."

"It's okay. I know what Piper is like. I should've listened to you. Never fall in love with a straight girl, right?"

"Look, if I know Piper, this time next week you will be back together. It's just how she is."

"I guess. Anyway how are you and Lorna?"

"Good," smiled Nicky. "We went out to that new Italian last night, then she stayed over. And tonight she wants me to go out with her and her family for her sisters birthday."

"You two seem to be going good then?"

"Yeah. We are."

"And how are you?" Alex asked, her face turning serious.

"I'm great," she replied, sarcastically.

"How are you really?"

"I don't know Vause. I have no energy, all I want to do is sleep. And whenever I move it feels like my heart is about burst out from my chest."

"What have the doctors done?"

"Just given me more pills."

Alex ended up having to drive Nicky home because she was so out of it. Alex helped a drowsy Nicky into bed and took her phone to let Lorna know Nicky wouldn't be able to make it.

N - Hey Lorna, it's Alex. Nicky isn't feeling well so she can't come tonight. She told me to say she's sorry and let Franny know happy birthday. I'll see you tomorrow.

Alex put Nicky's phone down and looked over at her sleeping best friend. She couldn't believe how much she had deteriorated in the past year. She really hoped that Nicky could get a new heart soon. She switched her own phone on and message her Mum.

A - Nicky's not feeling too good so I'm going to stay here with her tonight. Love you xx

Alex climbed into the bed, the other side from Nicky  and wrapped an arm around her best friend. She wasn't a religious person, but she did pray that Nicky would be okay.