Chapter 15
Mark closed the door to his room. He nearly got killed as he was crossing the street on his way home by a car, but he really didn’t care. He actually half-wished that the car had hit him. He couldn't believe what he just saw. It was as if a sort-of revenge from Toni. Both Alessia and him saw it, and it totally broke their hearts. Toni was lying on the bed and Nicky was beside her, smoothing her hair and he kissed her. Mark couldn’t make out where Nicky kissed her, but from what he saw, he was pretty sure Nicky spent the night there. Mark’s imagination ran wild, and he shook his head, hoping that those horrible things he was thinking of weren’t true. He was so angry at Nicky. He couldn’t believe that Nicky would do something like that. Mark was also of course angry at Toni, but he couldn’t quite blame her. He even felt as if she had the right to do so, after what she had witnessed the night before on the street going to his house. But he just couldn’t forgive her for taking a bit of happiness for herself and hurting Alessia in the process. He felt so sad too. He knew Toni didn’t love him anymore. She was in love with Nicky. Anyone could say he might be wrong, for he hadn’t really heard it from Toni himself. Deep down, Mark knew he was absolutely right. He knew Toni all too well. They had so much in common between them, and at times by just looking at each other, they didn’t need words to communicate. He even used to think that she was his soul mate. Well, he thought wrong. But just looking at her then, he knew painfully that he had been replaced. He broke down, knowing all the chances that he had of getting Toni back in his life just went down the drain.
Toni opened her eyes, and she was so surprised to see Nicky lying beside her. “What are you doing here?” she asked. “You’ve got the wrong room! Alessia’s room is at the other end of the hall, near the stairs in case you’ve forgotten.” she added jokingly. Nicky laughed softly as Toni just watched him. She liked the way his eyes twinkled when he laughs. “Well, you fell asleep crying your eyes out last night on the sofa, or should I say, earlier this morning. I took you in here into your room and I somehow fell asleep beside you. Last thing I remember is that I was playing with your hair, thinking of ways how to get you and Mark back together.” “Aww… you’re so sweet.” Toni smiled. There was still a hint of sadness in her eyes even as she smiled. The loneliness she felt was just too great to be covered. Nicky turned to his side and started stroking Toni’s hair. “Everything’s going to be alright. Don’t you worry about a thing.” he said as he kissed her on the forehead. Toni was like a sister to him. Sure, he liked her but he felt nothing more than that. She was only like a sister, nothing more, nothing less. Toni felt herself blushing. Nicky’s eyebrow lifted. “Eh… why are you blushing lil’ sis?” “Nothing.” Toni stammered. She felt herself blush even more. “You’re getting redder by the second!” Nicky laughed. “Fancy me don’t ya?” he kidded. Toni blushed even more, turning crimson. "Nicky, I have to talk to you.” “What’s wrong?” Nick asked suddenly, concern filling his voice. “I just came to realize something. Well, I know I shouldn’t tell you this but well, I know and I hope when I say this you won’t change the way you treat me…” “Of course not. I love you to bits! I’m the big brother that you never had and that’s never, ever, ever going to change. So, what is it then?” Nicky asked, smiling a bit. He knew what she was going to say and he didn’t mind. He wasn’t dumb at all not to have noticed. He knew there was nothing to worry about, as it wasn’t anything serious. “Nicky, I… I really, really… like you.” “I know.” he said softly. “No, you don’t understand. I meant it…” “In a different way? Yes, I know. Remember, I’m the big brother you’ve never had as I’ve said just a while ago and you can’t hide anything from me. And I have noticed it too.” Nicky said. Toni kept quiet. She looked away, not knowing what to say. “Hey…” he said, “Look at me. Toni, please. I know you’re embarrassed and I completely understand. But let’s talk about this.” he continued. Toni looked at him, still trying to avoid eye contact. “Now, let’s see… you had a fight with Mark right?” he asked, sitting up on the bed as he turned around to face her. Toni nodded. “Well then, obviously, your heart is broken and who do you turn to if you’re heartbroken? That’s right, me.” Toni looked at him questioningly. “What’s your point?” she thought. Nicky went on, seeing that she was confused. “I’ve been here every single time you need me. You’re very vulnerable at this point, and you’re seeking for love, for someone to take the place of what’s lacking in your life right now. Well, since I’m here all the time, helping you heal the wounds of your bruised little heart, and I seem to care for you very much, you easily think that you’re in love with me or something like that.” Nicky explained. Toni’s eyes lit up. She now perfectly understood what she felt. They sat in silence for sometime. “Temporary insanity.” she said, smiling up at Nicky. “Exactly.” he said, quite relieved that she understood and had agreed. He wouldn’t know how to explain it and convince her otherwise if she didn’t comprehend. “I’ve been through all that before, kiddo. I know how it feels. But mine was quite different. Alessia filled the gap that was missing in my heart and soul, for I was terribly miserable after breaking up with someone who had used me to get to a friend of mine. Well, we both know in our hearts that Mark is the one, the only one, that you love deep down.” Toni hugged him. “Thanks so much for everything Nicky.” “Don’t mention it. I’m always here for you. But at the moment, I’ve got to go back to the hotel. The lads and I will be meeting up at Shane’s later on so… I’ll see you around. Oh, why don’t you go and get yourself quite ready a bit, for I’ve figured out a way to get you and Mark back together.” “Really? Oh, Nicky, you’re totally the best!” Nicky got up, followed by Toni. She closed the door behind him as he left. “This is it! I hope things go smoothly today!”