Runaway

Chapter 7

Nikki was in a state of shock. In complete shock. She was standing stiffly, almost frozen, her eyes wide open, staring at the picture of a girl with sand-colored hair. Curls fell over her shoulder while her mysterious green eyes looked ahead. Sofia was dead? Daniel's ex-girlfriend was dead?

The woman finally exhaled. She couldn't cope with everything she just found out.

„God, I'm so sorry," she said, putting a palm on her face and gently shaking her head.

Brian and Marina exchanged glances. The Latina turned to the big picture, while Brian patted Nikki on the shoulder.

„It's okay," he replied. „You didn't know. Dan didn't tell you the whole story."

„I shouldn't have pushed so much."

The blond man rubbed the back of his head.

„You would've found out about it anyway. I knew we couldn't hide it for long, considering the way Dan behaves. These things always have a way of coming out in the open. I was just hoping I won't have to be the one to tell you. This is still Dan's thing but I'm glad he has at least mentioned her to you. Now he won't be able to accuse me of revealing his secret," he explained and Nikki looked up at him.

„He doesn't have to know that I know. I could still pretend to be oblivious."

Brian disagreed with her. He knew that there was a certain kind of tension between Daniel and Nikki. Although he wasn't sure what exactly happened, he was convinced Sofia was somewhat involved.

„Will you finally tell us now what the hell happened between you two?" Marina asked. She grabbed Nikki's attention and for a moment and she stopped thinking about Sofia.

"Ever since he told me certain things related to his, I guess now nonexistent break-up, I was trying to get him to tell me the whole story. But he misunderstood it and kinda accused me of wanting to use his story for my new book," she admitted.

Marina was standing behind the counter, hands leaning against it.

"I swear, it was never my intention to use him. I just thought..."

„We know. He is such an idiot sometimes," the Latina interrupted her.

Nikki was trying to assure them everything was fine and that there's no need to tell anything to Daniel. Frankly, now, that she knew the truth, she felt stupid. She should have never assumed things. They talked more about Daniel but eventually decided to go home.

„Hey, can I know what exactly happened to her?" Nikki asked as they were leaving the store,

„She was sick," Brian answered. „Leukemia. Acute and extremely aggressive type. She found out in a late stage so she didn't have a much of a chance in the first place."

The woman shut her eyes, beginning to feel even worse. She never should've started this conversation. But now, she knew. She was aware of the situation and could fix her attitude toward Daniel. She knew he certainly wouldn't be open to any kind of conversation about his dead girlfriend.

„I think I'll go to the hotel. I really need to sleep this off," she said, changing the subject.

Brian immediately stood beside her.

„I'll walk you."

Nikki was already shaking her head.

„Stay and talk to her," she whispered so Marina wouldn't hear her. She hugged her friend. She was really grateful for Brian.

-

Brian wasn't sure about leaving Nikki alone on the dangerous streets but she didn't give him a choice. She said goodbye to Marina, then walked away from them, leaving them in front of Brian's shop.