Runaway

Chapter 26

Author's note:

This is actually the last chapter before the epilogue. It's quite short if you're comparing it to the others but it's my favorite and it completes this story so nicely. The song above is also one of my favorites and let's just say it describes Nikki and Daniel's relationship. I suggest you listen to it while you're reading.

Warning: Light LGBT material.

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Nikki was lying on her bed in her hotel room, smiling while talking with Marina over the phone.

Marina: „You're joking, right?"

Nikki: „No, I'm serious. I don't know what exactly they're up to but I guess Dan is pretty convincing because Aline started to be really infatuated and enthusiastic. That's the only thing they're talking about and, I swear, they're giving me headaches."

She heard Marina chuckle on the other side of the line.

Marina: „Well...whatever it is, I want you to tell me everything later. I wonder if he can reconcile them. And I want to know Maia's reaction."

Nikki: „Deal. Tell me, how are the things in Tallahassee?"

Marina: „Great. I'm truly thrilled with the city. It turned out that I and Javier are getting along a lot better than we thought. I'm really happy here."

The woman could hear the enthusiasm in her friend's voice. She was happy for her and Javier.

Nikki: „That's the most important thing, right?"

Marina: „Yes! What about you and Dan? When are you going back to Seattle?"

The question kind of ruined Nikki's mood and it was once again dreadful.

Nikki: „Next Sunday. You know, I don't even want to think about it. I'm so happy here, in Naples. He finally told me he loves me."

Marina hollered excitedly. So loud that Nikki had to remove the phone away from her ear for a bit, in order to protect her earpiece. She remembered the evening when she finally heard these three small but so significant words. He took her to a night surfing on the beach and at one point when he was at the very top of the wave, she screamed: „I love you!". Nikki was a little shocked but as soon as she registered what he said, she jumped out of the board and swam toward him, pulling him in a tight hug.

Marina: „You don't know how happy I am for you. I knew from the very beginning that you're going to be the one who's going to make him live his life again. You saved him, Nikki."

She smiled broadly.

Nikki: „He saved me. I'm scared of what's going to happen once we're going to be on the opposite sides of the States."

Marina: „Everything is going to be fine, don't worry. If you really love him, then nothing bad can happen."

Nikki: „I hope so. I really fucking hope you're right."

Marina: „I am and you know it. Anyway...how's Brian?"

Nikki paused a little. She didn't know what she is allowed to say or reveal and at the same time, she didn't want her words to hurt Marina. But she didn't want to lie to her either.

Nikki: „He is...he's happy. He's dating again. It seems that he and Addison really like each other."

There was a complete silence on the other side of the line for a few moments and then Nikki could hear a sigh.