Chapter Fifteen ~ Searching for Answers
"Is everything alright?" Nicole asked startling Erik from her seat on the couch, as he walked in the door.
"What are you still doing up Miss Angel?"
"Well, I couldn't sleep and I half wanted to wait up to make sure that you were alright."
"Nicole, you don't have to worry about me, you don't even know me."
"True, Erik, I have no idea who you are other then a guy competing for a spot in a band with my brother, but I can tell that for the last couple of days you've had something on your mind, and I just thought that perhaps you'd like to know that you have someone that wants to be your friend waiting to listen, but if you don't want my friendship thats fine with me," Nicole said tears starting to pour from her eyes.
"Whoa, girl, chill for a sec. I never said that I didn't want your friendship. I'm just not used to people being so compassionate towards my feelings. I've never known people like you and Ashley. Your both so kind hearted and generous."
"Our mother always raised us to be like that. She always taught us to treat people the way we would want to be treated, and thats what I'm trying to do."
"Alright, hypothetically speaking. Say there was this girl that you really really liked, but because of her job you were unable to be with her."
"Well, first off if there was a girl that I really, really liked, I'd be kind of scared," Nicole joked hoping to cut osme of the tension she felt.
"You know what I mean," Erik laughed. "What would you do?"
"Erik, if you and this girl were meant to be together then eventually you will be able to overcome all obstacles. If her job is in the way now, she will find a way to get it out of the way in the future if you were meant to be together. Love conquers all boundaries. Erik, you have to give it time. I won't lie to you, it may take a while, and it will be difficult, but everything will work out for the best," Nicole assured.
"Thanks Nic, I just needed to be reassured. I'm gonna get to bed though, its been an exhausting day both physically and emotionally. Are you going to be alright?"
"Fine. Don't y'all worry about me. I'll just crash here on the couch for a while. Night Erik."
"Night, Cole," Erik yelled as he walked down the hall before running into a sleepy Jacob.
"Are you just getting home, man?" Jacob yawned rubbing his eyes sleepily.
"Nah, I've been talking with Nicole."
"You were in my room?" Jacob asked still half asleep and terribly confused.
"Nope, shes in the living room, she said she couldn't sleep," Erik explained.
"Ah, I must have been in a dead sleep. I didn't even hear her get up."
"Jake, do me a favour. Go to her and stay with her. Jacob, follow your heart," Erik said as he went into his room. "Everything will work out for the best," he muttered as he nestled under the covers and closed his eyes for the night.
Jacob went into the kitchen and grabbed two glasses of milk instead of the one he had originally intended on. He grabbed the bag of chocolate chip cookies that were sitting on the counter, and neatly arranged tham on a plate which he picked up to take in the other room.
"Care to join me for a midnight snack?" he said quietly as to not frighten Nicole.
"Jacob, you startled me. I thought I was the only one still awake."
"Well, your not. Unfortunately I'm awake as well and your gonna have to say goodbye to your peace and quiet and put up with me," Jake grinned revealing his adorable dimples as he set down the plate of cookies and handed Nikki the glass of milk. "So spill girl. What ya thnkin' of?"
"First off, Jacob, its not such a big hardship to be in our presence. I really enjoy your company. It was really sweet of you to think about me with your snack and all," Nicole smiled.
"It's my pleasure. I met with Erik in the hall, and he said something about you not being able to sleep?"
"I was thinking about my mom. I miss her so much," Nicole replied trying to hold back the tears.
"We have a week vacation coming up sometime in the near future. Why don't you and Ash go to Cali and visit her?"
"Because Jacob, we're both afraid of our step-dad. You've seen what he's capable of. He would NEVER hurt my mom, but he doesn't like Ash and I at all!"
"Then just phone her. Sometimes just hearing a loved ones voice helps to get over the pain of not being with the,."
"I can't even phone her. I tried the other day, and all the phones have been disconnected," Nicole sobbed finally breaking down.
"Ahhh, sweetheart, come here."
Nicole layed back on to Jacob's chest as he wrapped his arms around her tiny trembling body. He rubbed her arm gently and spoke quietly as she drifted off into a light sleep, as did he within a few minutes.