Runaway

Chapter 19

Author's note:

So, this is where this story's breakout starts. The remaining eight chapters. The song above is one of my favorites. I've listened to it all the time when I was writing a next few chapters. It perfectly represents the sadness and the pain because of the loss of a loved one. 

I also have to warn you that the next two chapters are very sad so if anyone feels triggered by them, you can always contact me and talk to me about it. 

Otherwise, I want you to enjoy it (it's gonna get very bumpy).

-

Naples, Florida, the date night, 2018

„Hey, you're cheating!" Aline yelled as she was trying to pull the cards out of Diego's hand. The whole gang gathered in Brian's Shop after its closing and they decided to hang out for a little, before going to the beach. Diego was playing cards with Aline while Brian, David, and Marina were talking about David's troubled car.

„You should go to Coastland. It's in Shirley Street. My dad is their customer and they're really great," Marina said.

David just sighed, shrugging his shoulders.

„If we're talking about the body, MAACO is always a better option, trust me," Brian objected. Marina stuck her tongue in his direction, making David smile and feel a little bit better.

„When I get home, I'll check on them. Thanks for the advice," he replied.

Soon, they started to get ready to go to the beach but they were interrupted by Nikki, bursting through the door. All five of them immediately turned toward the entrance.

„Hey," Diego greeted her cheerfully. „It's still pretty early. You're done so fast?"

Nikki just looked at him, swallowing a big lump, forming in her throat. She directed all her strength to stop the tears but her face was showing something wasn't right. Brian was immediately alarmed. He stood right in front of her.

„Nikki?" he called her name with concern. „Is everything all right? Where's Dan?"

The woman looked up into his eyes. Soft, sympathetic eyes. At that moment, she knew she wouldn't be able to restrain. She hugged her friend around the waist, sticking her head in his t-shirt and let the tears fall.

Brian was shocked, just like the remaining four friends in the store. Marina approached her, putting a hand on her shoulder but she didn't separate from him. Brian felt her body shaking from crying. His t-shirt was getting more wetter.

„You're scaring us. Where's Dan? Why haven't you two came together? What happened?" Marina was asking question after question until Brian hadn't looked at her disapprovingly.

„She can't talk. Leave her alone," he muttered, before leading Nikki to the stock room. She lowered her head, her cheeks being wet from the tears who just continued to fall down. Brian closed the door and sat her down on one of the chairs. Nikki put palms on her face, not allowing him to look at her eyes, which were probably all red and puffy. He was really worried so he took the bottle of water from the fridge he was holding there and handed to over to Nikki. That finally forced her to take a deep breath and raise her head.

Brian sat down opposite her. Nikki looked away from him but not for too long because he stretched out his hand, slowly turning her head toward himself again. At the first look in her eyes, Brian wished to hit someone. He became angrier, wanting to know what made her so upset that she came here in such a state.

„Take a break, drink some water and then tell me what happened, okay?"

She nodded, following his instructions while he was just watching her worriedly. He knew...he simply knew this was somehow related to Daniel. The other man screwed up again, he was sure of it.