COMPLICATED.

CHAPTER 26

PROMISES

<< What are you doing here? >>
And why are you holding a bunch of red roses? Nothing has changed, even in the sunlight he always has the same face, of an idiot.
He didn't do anything to me, he just annoyed me with his bad flirting and his jokes made me sick , nothing more. But I have the impression that he isn't a good person and I guess almost always.
Nick is at my side, motionless but tight as a violin string, he looks at him with contempt from head to toe and as soon as possible he surrounds my waist with his arm and approaches me to his chest.
If his intention is to 'mark the territory' well he can forget it, I'm not his property, not as a friend and not as any other role I may have for him.
Jack is certainly not intimidated by this gesture, in fact he continues to smile at me revealing his perfect white teeth. Yeah, he's a nice guy, but I'm not sure about him.
<< I was passing here and yesterday Aria, after praying to her several times, told me that you lived here so I came by, these are for you. >> he says stretching the arm with which he holds the flowers.
<< You were passing by here? In the Upper East Side? Well, you're very far from home, since you live in the East Village. That's very strange! >> Nick exclaims in a sarcastic tone before I could open my mouth.
<< I'm glad you care so much about my personal life, I had no doubt, you always have. >>
I would like to stop this ridiculous feud between the two of them but I am interrupted by Nick who now, irritated, responds to him properly.
<< Oh dude, it's quite the opposite, it would seem that you and the rest of your family are also too interested in mine, especially your father. You know how they say, the wolf loses the hair but not the vice. >>
Alright, what's going on? Why am I always in the middle of a fight?
Jack is having a nervous breakdown and inhales abruptly.
<< At least my father is a successful entrepreneur, despite the shit that your family dragged us into! >>
Nick gently pushes me back so he can face him.
<< Us?! Your dad is a dickhead, he did it, he stoles all his money to go fuck everything in all the casino of the world, involving him to the point of ruining his existence. >>
<< It was only his incompetence that brought him into a coffin, you're a loser, just like he was...>>
That's enough now!
Nick is petrified, he doesn't answer, he just looks at the floor with empty eyes.
He loves his dad, and it's not fair for him to hear this crap from a person who only deserves a punch in the face for how insensitive and asshole he is.
Take it out with him and I'll deal with you. I'm furious.
<< Listen, I suggest you to leave immediately, before I can do anything I regret bitterly. Take these fucking flowers and take them back to Sasha, since I know she asked you to do this, I'm not that stupid. And do a soul-searching or maybe it's better a psychiatric exam because I have some doubts that you're brain doesn't work well, although I doubt you have. Go away , now. Don't you dare come near me or him again. Are we clear? >>
Jack takes a step back, probably because he didn't expect this attitude from me.
Yes, take it up with him and you'll see it with me!
He's a liar, I knew Nick's father too well, and he was anything but not a manipulative, dishonest man. I won't let him say another word against him.
<< You're serious, would you prefer him more than me?! >>
<< I'd prefer him among a billion people, you know what? I feel sorry for you and for your shitty friends. Now go. >>
After a second he has already run away, as a coward he is.
I quickly reach Nick, who didn't move from that position.
<< Nick, don't listen to him, he just wanted to provoke you. It's not true at all, let him talk. >>
<< Don't worry, I'm fine. Let's go >> he murmurs looking me straight in the eyes.
I know your eyes, I know your face, I know everything about you, and I know you're lying.
<< Nick...>>
<< No Emma, not now please. Let's just go. >> 
<< But... >>
He goes in an blink of an eye to his car .
He's too shaken, I can't see him like this.
<< Give me your keys, today I'll drive. >>
<<Emma...>>
<< Not 'Emma' , you heard me. >>
<< I can do it. >>
No, you can't and I don't want to.
<< I know, but I want to drive. >>
He hands me the keys and after starting the engines we enter into the busy streets of New York.
After a few minutes we are almost close to a parking lot near the park, on the way we were both in silence.
Nick, despite these days, is a guy that you can only envy , I'm sure of this.
He deserves all the love and affection that you can give. He'll never be alone, I will always be on his side, no matter how many times we may argue or shout at each other, I will always protect him. I put one hand in his and then I weave my fingers to his, I notice that he sighs for surprise but I am immediately rewarded by one of his beautiful smiles.
<< I'm there, always. >> I confirm to him.
<< I know, me too, always. >>
<< And you also know that what he said is absolutely not true. >>
<< I...>>
I immediately park my car, undo my belt and put my hands on his shoulders.
<< Hey look at me. >>
He stares at me studying my movements , he has shiny eyes, he was definitely crying, I didn't notice that before.
<< People are mean, and these days I've understood it better than anyone else, some will think they're better than others , Jack thinks this, he thinks he's better than you on everything. He found your weakness by talking about your father, but I want you to promise me something, very important. >>
Some tears come down from his face but his eyes are still fixed on mine.
<< Promise me that you will never doubt of yourself, that you'll never doubt of the wonderful person who your father was, that you'll never doubt of your mother and of what she is capable of doing to make you happy but above all, don't doubt of how much I love you, because that will never change, even though you're unbearable. Promise me please. >>
He smiles at me holding my hand to his.
<< Did I ever told you that you're beautiful when you worry about me? >>
I could be really embarrassed by this sentence, or even bursting with joy.
No , don't go there, you have to stay calm.
He just compliments you, he always does!
<< No, but now I know. Let's go eat my cupcakes! >> I say leaving the car and Nick laughing.