Love Me, Love Me

Ten. Threats Pt. 2

The next morning, Nicole went to Marcus' home to spend time together. She noticed he seemed a bit more skiddish and nervous than usual.

"Marcus," she leaned over to him and lifted his chin to see his eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Its nothing," I said hesitantly. I bowed my head against her attempt to look me in the eyes. Nicole laid her head on my chest.

Just tell her... You're going to hurt her...

"Nicole—" I started and her eyes beamed up. "Look, my dad..."

"I know, hon—"

"No, you don't know..." I sighed. "He's dead." Her eyes softened but twisted with confusion. "He was shot... A couple weeks after we started dating..."

Her eyes narrowed. She looked almost sick. "H-How the hell..."

"All I know, is I got a text from an unknown number last night... Saying they were coming for me." My eyes watered up and she cupped my cheek.

She looked down and sighed. "Do they know where you live?" Her voice was soft and scared.

I only shrugged. I had no idea. She looked so sad, so scared. This beautiful girl who has so much life looked more lifeless than I could have ever possibly imagined.

"Stay with me..." She finally spoke up again. My heart raced. She still made me so nervous, and I couldn't pinpoint the reason why.

"I don't... I..."

Dude, your girlfriend is offering for you to stay at her house. Take the offer.

"Okay." I nodded. I grabbed a bag and packed some clothes. I let my mom know where I was going, she didn't mind. She said I could stay as long as I needed to, though I neglected to tell her the reason why I'm leaving.

Nicole grabbed my hand and we walked out of my front door and we hopped in my truck. "Care if I drive?" She smiled.

"Sure," I handed her the keys and she started the engine. "And, uh, thank you..."

"Don't thank me, I don't need my baby getting hurt." She kept her eyes on the road while driving to her house.

Man, do I love this girl.

We got to her house and she led me to the guest room. "My parents would never let you stay in my room for the night," she gave me a sheepish smile.

"It's fine, I'm just glad to be here with you." I kissed her cheek and unpacked my things. She blushed and nodded, sitting on the bed. "I'm safe as long as I'm with you..." I muttered under my breath.

*****

"Daddy, come here! Look at what I can do!" I exclaimed cheerfully. He walked toward me and just as the swing hit the high enough in the air, I jumped.

I landed knees first in the grass and I laughed. "Very good, son." His smile was warm. "We better get going soon, if you want to get home and have some ice cream."