Why Are We Still Friends by colorguard_diva
Chapter 29 by colorguard_diva

Why Are We Still Friends

By: Rachel

Copyright 2014

 

Chapter 29

“You no good, lousy son of a bitch. You’re a fucking asshole. Shut up, you bastard.” Nick yelled into the phone. His loud voice woke me up from a sound sleep. He was so focused on the conversation that I laid there with my eyes shut. “You should have told Lexi from the beginning. I can’t believe you kept that a secret.”

I pretended to be asleep, while I eavesdropped. Who was hiding something from me? Was it AJ, Bella, or Brian? Nah, it couldn’t be Brian. He would never do that to me. Brian never kept secrets.

Nick slid a chair over and sat beside my bed. He took my hand in his and just held it. It was comforting. It felt good having my best friend back. No matter what I knew I’d always have him in my life.

I opened my eyes and stared at him. He gave me a smile, and my heart melted. “What time is it?” I asked softly.

“It’s eleven thirty-two. Hopefully you’ll get sprung soon.” He let go of hand and sat back in the chair.

“Would…umm…do you think you can drop me off at my house once I’m released?”

“Lexi, you’re staying with me. “ Nick said softly.

“Sis, are you okay?” AJ walked into the room, ending my conversation with Nick.

“I’m fine. I passed out and hit my head.” I said as my brother gave me a hug. “I’ll live.”

“You worry me, Lexi. I go away for the day and you end up in the hospital.” He turned his attention to Nick. “Thanks for coming to the princess’ rescue. Where’s Brian?”

Before Nick can answer, I replied. “He’s out of town.” There was no need for my brother to pitch a fit about Brian. It was my issue to deal with.

“Well, I’m glad Nick was around. How are you feeling, Lexi?” My brother found a seat.

“I feel better than I did yesterday. I just want to go home, but this one here is demanding I stay with him.” I pointed to Nick.

“I think it would be better if you stayed at his house. I don’t want you passing out and hitting your head again.”

Damn it. I guess I wasn’t getting a choice on this matter. Everyone thought I was a helpless female. I could take care of myself. I was a nurse, and knew what I was doing.

“It’s only a concussion. I’ll be fine.” Nick and AJ both smirked at me. “I’m not some fragile butterfly who can’t take care of herself.”

“But Lexi, the doctors don’t even know why you passed out. What if it happens again?” Nick’s voice was full of worry.   

“It’s most likely due to me not eating. I woke up late and didn’t eat breakfast. Then all I had was a granola bar for lunch. I’m fine. I just need to fix my eating habits.” I sighed. I felt bad lying to them, but I just needed some time alone to digest everything that was going on at the moment.

“You’re staying with me and that’s final.” Nick ordered as I rolled my eyes at him.

 

 

Three hours later, I was stuck lounging on Nick’s couch. Even though I protested the whole time, Nick got his way. It’s what always happened. He used his charming ways to get whatever he wanted.

“Do you need another pillow? Do you want something to eat or drink? I could put in a movie.” He asked as he walked into the room.

“Nick chill out. Seriously, I’m fine.” He sat on the coffee table beside me and pouted. “You make a horrible nurse. Now stop frowning.”

“I just want to make sure your every need is taken care of.” The way Nick said that, I wasn’t sure he was just talking about my well-being. There was something in his voice that made it seem like he was talking about other things. It had to be the pain medication messing with my mind. Nick couldn’t want me in that way. We were best friends. He knew I was in love with Brian.

I decided to change the subject. “Have you heard from Brian today?” Nick’s demeanor changed rapidly. There was a look in his that I knew was anger. He must have been talking to Brian when I woke up.

“I talked to him this morning. He’ll be back tomorrow night.”

“Oh.” I slid down further on the couch, burying myself under the afghan. It hurt knowing my boyfriend didn’t care about me.

Nick started rubbing my back gently. “It’s okay to be mad at Brian. What he did was wrong? You don’t deserve to be treated that way.”  He whispered in my ear.

He was trying to make me feel better, but I was feeling worse. I didn’t want Nick to whisper those words to me. I didn’t want to feel the way I was feeling. Love sucked! Every time I thought a relationship was going well it fell apart. This is why I focused on my career instead. No one knew that, not even Nick or Brian.

“Lexi, you’re a beautiful woman. You deserve to be treated with respect. No man should treat you like this.” Nick said as he lay beside me.

His arms wrapped around me and his body against mine felt right. I couldn’t let this happen. I loved Brian. I was a faithful girlfriend. This was practically cheating. Brian treated me like crap, but I wasn’t going to stoop to his level.

I pushed Nick off the couch. He tumbled to the floor, as I threw the afghan on him. My feet sent me in the direction of the back porch. The cool air on my face calmed me. Self-control took over once again. I was strong. I could handle whatever was put in front of me.

“What the hell, Lexi?” Nick questioned as he made his way towards me.

“Nick, I can’t do this. I…I…love Brian too much to hurt him.” I sputtered.

Neither of us spoke for a long time. I was tired and my thoughts weren’t making a lot of sense. Broken was how I was feeling. This was a first for me. I was mad at Brian, but my heart ached to be with him. Nick was so good to me, and I kept pushing him away.

“Nick, I wanna go home.” I said with no emotion. I needed time to be alone.

“I don’t think that is a good idea. What if you pass out again?”

“I’m fine Nick. Stop babying me.” I crossed my arms in front of my chest. Nick and I were having a stare down. “If you don’t take me home, I’ll call a cab.”

“Alexia Lillian McLean, you are not going anywhere. I forbid you.” Nick yelled at me.

I stomped towards the door past Nick. The last thing I remembered was him catching me before I blacked out.



 



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