"I'm ok,'' I told myself, as I gingerly climbed out of my seat, my feet were still shaking from the frightful thrill.
"I'm ok," I said again, patting myself down to make sure all my body parts were still intact.
Vanessa, on the other hand, had a huge grin on her face. She pulled me along once again and did the same with Nicholas.
The next thing I know she pushed me into him.
"Sorry, clumsily me. I'm going to the bathroom. You two, you know, talk and whatnot." She walked off.
We walked in silence for a while before Nicholas broke it by saying, "Royal-Reign. Is that your real name or?"
I almost laughed, "I get that a lot, but yes it is, though I would rather people call me Reign. Royal is just so... too much."
"Never heard a name like that before."
"My mother gave me the name, you should hear my little brother's name. King Elijah-Prince."
"Interesting, and the middles name?" He said.
"That I won't say out loud."
"Last name?"
"Belmount."
"Ok. Are you really single?" He awkwardly said after a pause.
“I- yess. I never really get out that much." I told him truthfully.
"So then, you wouldn't mind going out on a date with me?" He scratched the back of his neck.
I gave a small smile, "sure."
He breathes out, "good cause that would have been so awkward."
"Let's exchange numbers." I handed him my phone.
I could see him trying to hide a grin, but it betray him.
"This might sound weird, but do you believe in love at first sight or soulmates?" He inquired.
"I do now," I answered honestly.
He let out another breath, "good. I didn't want you to think I'm a creep by asking that."
"No, I was actually thinking that life... Sometimes people meet for a reason."
"Right? I thought that the first day I saw you and kept seeing you after that on the same day. At first I was like, wow she's, she is beautiful and I should say something. Then you left. But then, there you were in that diner, then you were across the road and here we are again." His words came out in a stutter, telling me that he was nervous.
"I wanted to say something but, I was afraid that you would blow me off or your boyfriend would come along." He added.
I couldn't help my laugh at that. “Well, I'm glad we finally get the chance to meet."
"I'm glad too."
somehow we forgot about Vanessa and made our way over to the snack shop, where I got a hot dog and another slushie that I now loved.
"So Nessa, she talks about me." I inquired.
"To ever guy she thinks is single or available.'' Nicholas nodded.
"I swear, if she wasn't my best friend."
"She is something else."
"Imagine knowing her as long as I do. There is no getting rid of her."
"I know. I can't shake her at work. Even when I want some time to myself, there she is."
"That's Nessa. She forced me to come here."
"I can tell, but we have to extend our thanks to her. Otherwise, I doubt I would be brave enough to approach you on my own."
The time went by with the two of us talking about random things.
"So she said you are into real estate?"
"Yeah, I took over my parents' business after they passed away. I also recently opened a salon."
"Oh wow, and here I thought I was doing well for myself as an art teacher."
"Trust me, there is a lot of pressure in what I do. Real Estate in itself is a full-time job, not to mention having to run my own business."
"Oh, I wasn't aware that you had your own business as well. Nessa only told me that you do real estate."
"I'm also a designer. I have a blossoming boutique, where I make wedding dresses and I had the privilege of dressing a few celebrates, even had a couple of my pieces on the runway. And I recently opened a salon."
"Wow, that is a lot. How do you manage?"
"I really don't know. Tell me about yourself. What is it like to be you?"
"I quit medical school hoping to live my own life and not the life my mother wants me to live. Since I moved to the city, maybe three years ago, that was the last time we spoke to each other."
I said nothing to that.
"Even though I'm a teacher, my ultimate dream is to become an architect. But without experience, you know how that goes."
"Maybe I can put you on a few projects of mine."
"You're planning on making houses."
"I think."
There was an awkward silence after that, which made me suggest that he win a prize for me, just to lighten the dark mood that fell on us.
"Anything for the little lady." He helped me up and together we walked over to the ring toss.
"Let's see. How about the blue bunny?" I pointed.
"Ok, let's see if I can do this."
I cheered him on, clapping and telling him he can do it.
"Ok, my own personal cheerleader." He smiled.
"I could be more."
I didn't mean it to sound that way, but it came out more than sexual, causing him to miss one bottle.
"Nooo." I pouted.
The man behind the counter still handed me the bunny with a wink.
"Thank you." I told the man.
Then gave Nicholas a hug, "thanks."
"No problem."
"You want to go on a ride, maybe something simple?" He asked after a pause.
"No, no."
"Are you really that afraid of rides?"
I sighed, about to tell him something only Nessa and my case workers knew.
"My parents died when I was thirteen, along with my little brother. He was six, had just finished my first year at a boarding school and was supposed to meet them at Frankfield mall. That day there was this mass shooting and booming."
"I'm so sorry to-"
"Wait, I'm not done." I cut him off.
"I never went back to that school, decided that I would rather a public school. Gain street smart instead of being cooped up, where I won't know much of the world."
"The school took us on a field trip to a theme park. I have never been before, until then. I was used to hotels, fancy dinners and fashion shows."
"So, I went on the ferris wheel with a few others. The next thing I know, the wheel stopped with us at the very top, turns out the ride operator shut the ride off because the was a shooting and was trying to save us."
"Even though he did, a stray bullet hit the controls, sending the wheel into over drive. It threw me from my seat. Luckily, I landed in another seat on someone, but when that seat went around, I was thrown from it again."
"I don't know how I held on to a railing but I did and climbed until I could sit on that bar. I waited for hours before I could get taken down."
"And that only added to my anxiety. I don't do public spaces much. Do background checks on all of my clients and don't trust anyone."
"But you trust me?"
I gave a little laugh. "I guess."
Just then, his phone rang. “Shit, my little cousin." He held up a finger and took the call.
I used that moment to call Nessa. She picked up on the first ring.
"Nessa, I'm so sorry."
"For what?"
"Wait, where are you? Are you watching Grey's Anatomy?"
"Oh, did I not tell you? I never actually went to the bathroom. I left so you two could get to know each other."
"You sneaky little.''
"Bye, kiss, kiss, make sure to give me every single detail." Nessa hung up after that.
"Hmm, I have to go. My little cousin is ready to leave. One of her friend was throwing up." Nicholas said.
I nodded in understanding, "well I'll see you soon then."
"On our date?" Nicholas smiled.
"Our date." I nodded.
I walked to the dark parking lot, that had a few people making out in different locations, like a scary movie waiting to happen.
I paused, remembering my bunny.
When I turned around, only to come face to face with Nicholas.
"Sorry, you left this." He held the stuff toy up.
"Sir Hops." I took it from him.
''Sir Hops?" He questioned, not holding any judgement.
I gave a nod.
"Well, I hope Sir Hops keep you company tonight and I'll see you soon." Nicholas said.
He lingered a bit.
"I should," he pointed over his shoulder, then walked off.
I sat in my car smiling before starting the ignition. Maybe life was finally looking up for me.
I sat on the floor of my closet, not knowing what to wear. I felt like messaging Nicholas to cancel, but that would be selfish of me all because I didn't know what to wear.I finally decided on a little pink dress, but changed my mind at the last minute, picking something else.I looked at myself in the mirror, hoping that I'm not overdoing it or creating the wrong impression.Being the nervous wreck I am about this pending date, I had to fan my sweaty armpits.I just hope I don't mess this up, seeing that I had no idea where I was going.I stood there staring at myself, once again stressing the small stuff.Should my hair be up, down, curly, straight?What?I played with my stiletto nails as I waited for Nicholas to show up.At one point, I was close to start cleaning, just to try and settle my nerves.I paced the length of my livingroom, waiting for him.Then the bell rang, causing me to jump and my heart to race.I glance at myself one last time in a mirror on the wall before openi
As I expected, I couldn't keep my mind from wondering to Nicholas. I have to say, neither could he.It had been two weeks since our date; we messaged each other since.Though we didn't see each other often, it felt like we did, between sending each other pictures and videos.Life must finally be looking out for me again, had finally taken my hand to lead me across the road.For the first time in so long, things were alright, things were looking up.I could feel the energy, the attraction between us. Life had finally placed someone in my path to fill the void of despair I had been feeling for so long.Even my therapist had noticed the change in my attitude, saying that I had come a long way.(Sadly, they want to keep me on my medication, because of my episode after my parents' death. They said I have manic depression {another term for bipolar}.)I stared at my phone, wondering if it was ok to ask him out for a second date.‘Do I want it to?’‘Yes, yes, I do.’I sent a message to Nichol
It seems as if Nicholas was waiting at the door for me, because before I could knock, he swung the door open."Hey," I smiled up at him.Nicholas pulled me into a hug. "You look amazing.""Thanks," I pulled away from him.’’Let’s go.’’ I smiled.Without knowing where to go, I drive around aimlessly for twenty minutes, until I settled for a piano bar.Thinking that I could impress him with my musical skills, or my drinking skills, whichever came first."Mystic musical." Nicholas read."Something new for both of us." I winked, hoping that he would like it.On the outside, the place was silent. The inside was theming with life, music, drunk patrons singing loudly and laughter.Nicholas glanced down at me at the same time I peeked up at him."Something new, huh?" He chuckled.I honestly was not expecting this.Even so, it was nice, just people off from working, kick staring their weekend.We found a small table in the corner, away from the crowd, with dim lighting and less cigarette smoke
I gently lifted Nicholas' hand off my stomach, then tip-toed in search of the bathroom. I didn't get far before another male raised his brow at me. I gave him a small smile, only to shrink back into the room I came from.Nicholas, being the sound sleeper he was, was awake and giving me questioning looks."You didn't tell me you had housemates." I lay back beside him."Yeah, it's. They're cool." He assured me."I have to pee." I told him.He snorted back a laugh, then pointed to a door inside his room."Oh," I hurried off to use it."When you're done, come to the kitchen. I'll rustle up something for us." His voice came through the door.I nod foolishly, as if he could see.I dragged on a pair of red shorts that I saw on a chair before making my way outside.The place got silent as all eyes turned towards me, making me wish I had stayed cooped up in Nicholas’ room."Sooo...you're the one that kept us up last night with all that fracas." A bald head, bearded man said.I felt my face hea
Maybe things aren't so bad after all. I think life might finally be looking up for me.I know I think this a lot, but that is how I feel.And after three months, I can safely say that Nicholas and I were in a relationship. His friends were more like family to both of us. I adored them and I think they feel the same way.I held onto Nick's hand as we walked through the park, eating ice cream cones."So, how would you feel about working for me?" I asked.Nick let go of my hand, "like as a slave or you as my boss?"I let out a laugh, leave it up to Nick to say such a thing."I could use an architect, and you are the only person I know and trust. You see, I have this crazy idea in my head. I saw this land space and just thought. Why not build on that piece of land? Maybe turn it into a gated community, I have asked, and the governor gave me the go ahead if I can acquire it. I just need a time." I brought forward."And the first person who you thought of was me?" Nick considered, sucking o
I sat there re-reading the message I got from Nick.Not believing what it said.He quit his job.Though I'm not too happy about it because of how things might turn out.I mean, we didn't have an office space, or the things we needed for the company yet.I'm still happy that he was finally having the chance to live his dream of being an architect.I can't stress over this.But at the same time, I don't want to be the blame of him not having a job if this failed.I placed my phone down to pay attention to what was happening before me.I'm here today, talking with the landowner, along with a few other potential buyers.Who aren't the nicest, and thought that because I'm a female, they had the higher advantage, while offering a small amount of money and sweet talking Mr Moore.They were trying to talk their way into paying much less than what the land actually cost, then make a fortune off it later."I'm telling you, the most I can pay is three million. Could put an extra million, but tha
"Look who's finally awake," Nick greeted me with a kiss when I walked into the kitchen.Jackson looked up at me, pouting his lips. "What, no kiss for me?"I made a face at him. "I could get Nessa to do it."He scoffed, "your friend is something else."Nick slid a plate of blueberries drenched in syrup before me. The berries were all jumbled trying to form a word."You wanna go get a cow?" I guessed.Rickie and Jackson burst out laughing."Never mind. " Nick shook his head, popping a berry in his mouth."Oh, come on, tell me." I poked his arm."Maybe later. Right now, we both have work." He got up, taking me with him.I got ready at record speed, after seeing the time."Don't forget your portfolio." I pointed to the small dresser.Nick paused at the door, turned back, gave me a kiss, then left. Only to enter the room again, and picked up his portfolio."Later." I waved at him, then made my way out as well.I didn't count on it raining today, so there I was. Having to walk to the open h
Nick along with Jackson and Rickie, met me at the location of where our new community would be.This was the biggest thing for us yet, and there was no way we could mess this up, it was hard enough to get this place, with all the fights we got from other investors that either wanted to build a new mall, or offices."So, what do you think?" I asked, after we drove around off the dirt road."It’s ok. There might be a slight problem with flooding, but I think we can raise the land a bit." Rickie said."And not to mention that it's smaller than we originally thought, so instead of five hundred houses, we might have to cut it down to three, in order to facilitate the pool and play park." Nick added.He kicked at some loose dirt, then looked at me."You're the boss, so whatever you think." I told him.He looked at Jackson, making a gesture for him to put in his idea, and he did so nervously."We might also have a problem with the backwater that is coming from a factory nearby.""The only fa