𝐖𝐚𝐬𝐧'𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲

18. Hang Out?

NIKKI

The whole week, I try to occupy myself with gym and training, trying to focus on the match tomorrow. This is something important and seeing my son depends on this match.

"That's good positioning Nikki. Keep going." Joe tells me, still assisting. "That's it. I think you need to rest."

"No. I need to practice more."

"Nikki, we've been practicing since Wednesday. You need to widen up and get some rest or else, you're body will be a total mess for tomorrow night..."

I stop, looking at him. He's right, I should get some rest. So, I go down from the ring, hugging him.

"Thanks Joe."

"Well, its a pleasure to help.."

I take my bottle out and drink it, making it half empty. I take a seat at the ground, wiping all of my sweat. Joe sat next to me, drinking his water. He place it down after.

"You know Nicole, I think you're occupied with something."

"Really?"

"Yup. I know you're occupied here, but I think something's bothering you too.."

"Oh.. Yeah, uh... Family problems."

"Tough... Then why didn't you take a leave?"

"Steph doesn't want me too. And if I win tomorrow night, I get to go home. But if I lose, I won't."

"Whoa. Is that why you're really eager to not rest?"

"Yes. Because I need to win this thing."

"Well, how about Brie?"

"Brie has... Has her own family to watch out too."

"Can I ask you something? If its okay?"

"Sure."

He take a deep breath first.

"Aren't you jealous?" I mean, she had a family now. He had Daniel and Birdiee."

"Want my honesty or my fantasy?" I ask and he just chuckle.

"To be honest, I'm REALLY jealous of her. I mean, I'm older than her, and yet she's the first to find her forever. And here I am, still alone. I was kinda thinking of just being alone forever.."

"What happened to John?"

"Oh that douche?" I say and he laughs. "Don't laugh. That's just true.."

"But you loved him."

"Yes, I did. And him proposing to me is a step I'd wish to take. Marriage, kids... That's what I want for my future. But, he didn't even gave me that."

"What about the dancer?"

"Oh him? Well, he just want my co dancer. He's a timer.."

"Then... What about Colby?"

"Him?... Hmmm, you know Joe, Colby's a different story. And I can't explain why..."

There's silence after.. I know he also wants us to be back.

"Anyways, thank you for asking. At least I had someone to tell."

"I'm happy for your openness."

We hug again and decided to go out of the gym.

"I'll come to your room later."

"Why? Are we doing something?"

"No. Were going somewhere."