Runaway

Chapter 16

Daniel was standing on the balcony of Nikki's room, watching clouds. Lightning strikes were flashing everywhere and the storm was beating with full force. So much that the waves of rain were hitting him for every few seconds. His shirt and pants were completely wet but Daniel wasn't reacting to it. All he could think of was a kiss with Nikki. He couldn't explain why he kissed her. Nikki's accident seemed to turn things around in his head...and heart.

Daniel faced the glass door, looking at the woman lying on the bed with her eyes closed, sleeping. She looked serene. She had fallen asleep immediately after they had eaten lunch and no longer woke up. Aline didn't come back but Daniel knew she would come later just to make sure Nikki was fine. For a few moments, Daniel was observing her breathing calmly and then, the rain forced him to come back in. He quickly closed the door, keeping the rainy sounds outside. Nikki wasn't reacting.

He walked toward the bathroom, where he wiped his wet face and smoothed his hair. He looked in the mirror. His eyes were showing only tiredness. To speak the truth, he felt totally exhausted. As soon as he got out of the bathroom, he approached Nikki's bed, looking over at her. Today, she came very close to something bad happening to her. The very thought of it caused discomfort in Daniel. His hand went through her black curls and then he lightly kissed her forehead. Nikki still didn't react. She was sound asleep. He sat in the chair right up to her, pulling out his phone.

Won't come home tonight. Got stuck at Brian's. D!

Daniel was hoping that this would be enough for his parents. His mother Felicia had recently begun to oppress him. He knew this was a result of his impossible behavior and that his parents were just worried about him but he couldn't say that they weren't annoying. Then, he received a new message.

Okay. Don't go out. I don't want anything happening to you.

„Is everything all right?"

Daniel looked up, seeing Nikki already looking at him. Her hands were rubbing her eyes. He shifted.

„Yeah. I told my parents I wouldn't come home tonight. And you? Are you okay?"

Nikki touched her injury.

„I don't feel any pain. I guess these pills are working," she replied.

He nodded, looking aside. There was a strange and unpleasant feeling left between them. None of them knew how to behave after that kiss.

Nikki stretched out. She slowly shifted to the sitting position, trying to avoid dizziness.

„I think I'm going to shower. You can do it later if you want."

„Do you need help?"

Her eyes widened and she raised her eyebrow questionably. Just then, Daniel realized how this question actually sounded. He blushed.

„Not like that. Do you need help getting to the bathroom?" he clarified but Nikki shook her head. Daniel returned to the balcony, watching the sea and flashes of lightning raging above it. He heard rustling behind him, assuming that Nikki was picking up whatever she needed. After a few moments, the bathroom door closed. Daniel let out a breath he was holding, feeling the air return to his lungs.

Nikki was in the bathroom for about ten minutes and then she came out, fully dressed and removing the plastic foil, covering her temple, in order to prevent wetting the injury. Her hair was still wet. Daniel faced her, smiling lightly.

„If you want, you can shower too," she told him again. „You have a clean towel and a toothbrush inside."

The man nodded gratefully, then headed in the same direction Nikki had previously come from. She was still feeling an uneasiness in the air but hoped it would soon disappear. She decided to call the reception and ask for a clean shirt, pants, and underwear for Daniel. As he was still wearing a sandy shirt, she knew clean clothes would be welcomed. Soon, there was a knock on the door so she went to open them. There was a man in a suit with a neatly folded clothes.