That Moment I First Saw You (TFF Fanfic)

Chapter 12: Confessions

       Delilah and Nicky entered the dress store as tentatively as two thieves about to rob a bank. Everywhere around them, women spoke in rapid French as they admired the beautiful dresses draped on the hangers. Nicky scowled.
       "I can't believe that Ian made us come here. We had perfectly fine clothes to wear to that party."
       "I can't believe that we're actually agreeing on something for once." Grinning at a spark of hope in her chest, she watched as to her disappointment Nicky rolled her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest.
       "Well by we I meant me. You on the other hand," she looked her up and down in distaste, "need a wardrobe change." At that, she then began to walk away leaving Delilah to steam. She had nearly had enough of this but she decided to ignore it, just once more.
       During their first hour there, Delilah could not find anything she liked except a baby blue dress that she found quite beautiful. Taking it into the dressing room, she slipped it on and watched as it hung slightly loose around her waist. Looking it up and down, she wasn't happy with how it made her look but she loved the color and it was the only thing that she found even remotely appealing. Walking back out into the main lobby she found Nicky and spun around for her.
       "So, what do you think? I think it's pretty good." Seeing her light brown eyes scan the dress, Delilah watched disapproval cross Nicky's face.
       "Well, if you want to look like a sea creature, I suppose that's your choice. But I know that that wouldn't be my first choice." Looking down defeatedly, Delilah could feel a volcano of anger rising up in her. Trying to suppress it, she knew that that wasn't possible anymore and she erupted.
       "Why do you hate me so much?" Delilah asked suddenly which took Nicky by surprise.
       "What?"
       "Why do you hate me so much? You always have, right from the moment we met." Putting her hand to her temple, Nicky closed her eyes and massaged her head.
       "Delilah, don't embarrass yourself with making a scene-".
       "No, I want to know." Seeing vulnerability for the first time ever in Nicky's eyes, Delilah stepped closer. "I don't deserve this. You know I don't deserve this. I never did anything wrong to you. I get enough of this back home so I need you to give me some germ of an idea of why people just look at me and hate me." To that, Nicky pushed her hair out of her eyes and sighed.
       "Look, it's not you ok. It's me. Let's just leave it at that." Nicky began to walk away but Delilah grabbed her arm.
       "Delilah-".
       "Tell me, tell me!"
       "Fine! You want me to tell you?" she paused breathlessly and Delilah waited while keeping Nicky's arm in her hand. "It's because of the way he looked at you." Going stiff as a board, Delilah released her arm.
       "The way who looked me?" Nicky then sighed in resignation.
       "Roland. The way Roland looked at you the moment he first saw you." With that, Delilah's mouth popped open and she quickly covered it with her hand.
       "Roland?" Delilah whimpered. "B-but what about Manny? You two seem so happy..." Nicky winced and pursed her lips.
       "I like Manny, I truly do. And he's a great guy." She smiled weakly. "But I've always loved Roland. I've always secretly hoped..." she trailed off dreamily. "But then you came along," Nicky's look then grew intense, "with your weird questions and your unorthodox way of integrating yourself into the band. And then Roland looked at you like...like you were his whole world. From the very beginning." She then looked down, somewhat ashamed and Delilah was speechless.
       "Nicky, I-".
       "No," she held out her palm. "Please don't pity me." Delilah went quiet. "Just promise me one thing." With that, Nicky stepped forward and grabbed Delilah by the shoulders looking her dead in the face. "Do not let Roland go. No matter what, don't let him slip away." Delilah glanced down surprised at her touch. "You are the only woman I think that he's ever loved this intensely. So you'd better not hurt him. Because a love like this only comes once in a lifetime." At that, Delilah silently nodded and felt Nicky release her shoulders. "And just so you know, I'm not going to the party tonight. So you don'thave to worry about it being awkward. " Delilah gasped.
       "What? But we all want you there..."
       "No, I just, I just can't go. You go, have fun with Roland, and take the dress that I was going to wear." With that, Nicky took a shining pearl-white dress off a rack. Delilah gasped again.
        "Oh my gosh it's beautiful," she whispered taking the satin cloth in her hands and caressing it.
       "But...are you sure?" Nicky nodded.
       "Yes...now you go on in and try that dress on. I bet that you'll look amazing in it." Giving Nicky one last look, Delilah then rushed to her and gave her a hug.
       "Thank you so much. You don't know how much this means to me. And," she paused hesitantly, "I hope we can be friends, despite how you feel about Roland." To that Nicky nodded and smiled weakly.
       "Sure. I'd like that. I'm always around guys so having a girl around will be...nice. And if you could please not tell Roland what I said..."
       "I promise," replied Delilah. She then gave her one last hug and then walked eagerly into the dressing room.