Chapter 20
Nicky glared at Mark as Toni went off. He stood up to follow her but Loraine stopped him. “She needs to be on her own, Nicky. Believe me, I know. Just give her time. She’ll come to you when she needs someone to talk to. Just give her time.” “Well, I can’t stand to stay here anyway after seeing that disgusting display. I’d rather go home or go somewhere else rather than to stay here. I can’t believe how people can be so cruel nowadays.” Nicky said, glaring at Mark and Alessia. His gaze fell on Alessia for quite some time as he took Loraine’s hand. They walked out of the club and into the night. They got into Nicky’s car. He started driving, having no idea where he was going. “Nicky, I saw something back there while we were at the club…. And I really don’t like it. I mean, it’s funny and all but someone is bound to get hurt.” “What was it that you saw honey?” “Well, like, when Mark and Alessia were umm… snuggling up to each other or whatever. We both know Toni tried not to look but just couldn’t refrain from doing so.” “Uh-huh.” Nicky said, holding Loraine’s hand. “Well, when you placed your hand on Toni, Mark looked as if he could’ve killed you on the spot! And Alessia… well, it was the same for her I guess. But she was looking at Toni instead of you. And you…” she fell silent. Nicky stopped the car. He knew what she was going to say. “Loraine, I’ll be completely honest with now. You deserve the truth.” “I… I just…” “Shh…” Nicky said, placing his index finger on her lips. He kissed her and he smiled. “Loraine, I love you. You know I do. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be in this relationship if I didn’t. I wouldn’t tie myself down with something I didn’t want. No one would. Alessia and I… we have something. Okay, at least we had something. It was a special bond that no one could break. That no one could ever come between. I was hoping you could destroy that. I know you can. I love you enough to break that. But it’s me. It’s me who doesn’t want to. I still love Alessia and no one could ever take her place. I’ve never loved anyone as much as I love her. And if you want to break it off with me and walk out of my life forever, I wouldn’t blame you for doing so. I just want you to know that I never used you in anyway just to forget Alessia. I want you to know that I love you so much.” “I love you too, Nicky. And thank you so much for being honest. I knew that I could never take Alessia’s place right from the start, but I’m still here. I guess I love you too much to let you go, huh? Talk about being so… I don’t know, stupid?” “Not at all. And it would crush me terribly if you did leave. I don’t know what I would do. Every night I go to sleep, there’s only one thing that keeps me going. You keep me alive. You make me look forward to getting up every morning. You’ve been my source of strength since Alessia left. If one of us is stupid then it would be me. Stupid for not letting go of Alessia and stupid for not realizing what I have in front of me.” “Nicky, I hate you! You’re such a sweet talker you know that?” Loraine laughed, playfully punching him. Nicky laughed and he hugged her. “I’m so happy to find someone like you.” he whispered in her ear.
The alarm went off, making Toni groan. She got up and went to the bathroom. After showering, she got dressed and headed off for school. Toni bought a cup of coffee and a pastry as she proceeded to wait for the bus. She got on when it arrived, and sat down at her usual spot. It had been three months since that incident in the club, and everyday her life was just like that. It was the same old routine for the past 12 weeks. And it was getting to be pretty boring, and enough to do someone’s head in. She hadn’t seen her friends ever since, but at least this time around, she talked to them whenever they called her. She would even call them sometimes just to ask how they were.
Her day went off as usual. Classes, classes, lunch break, more classes, then to the radio station. Going to the radio station was the only thing that had variety in her life. It was the only thing that she looked forward to everyday. After the one-hour show, she was getting ready to leave when she got called in to her boss’ office. She was slightly alarmed, and her imagination ran wild as she thought of what it could be that her boss was going to tell her. She knocked softly and poked her head in. The secretary looked up at her. “Oh Toni. Yes, he’s been waiting for you. Hurry now! Get moving.” she said, smiling at her.
Toni ran out of the room, shocked. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She couldn’t believe it. This couldn’t be happening to her. She sat down, trying to think but nothing came in her head. Anne, another dj who got wind that Toni was called to the office came up to her. “So, what was it?” she asked, looking concerned. She was becoming one of Toni’s best friends. “Anne… I can’t believe this!” “Can’t believe what?” “I… I… I have my own show…” “Silly! I know that!” Anne said, laughing. Toni was still white as a sheet. Anne’s expression changed. “I’m sorry. Is it something serious? You didn’t… lose your job right?” she asked looking concerned. “I… my show… 3 hours… oh my gosh!” Toni screamed. Anne’s eyes lit up, finally understanding. “Oh how wonderful! A three-hour show! That is so… amazing! Man! I’m so happy for you!” They started hugging and jumping around, laughing and crying. Passersby thought they were crazy, but they didn’t care at all. “And that’s not all! I’m not working here temporarily anymore! I’m working permanently!” Toni said, looking so excited. “You deserve it.” Anne said, pride filling her heart for her friend. “I’m really so happy for you Toni! Come on, let’s go celebrate!” Anne said, linking her arm to Toni’s as they headed out of the building.
One afternoon, Anne and Toni were talking about the show. Toni was so excited, she had only one day to go and the next day, the three-hour show would be on. “Toni, I’ve got something to tell you. Well, I know that you’re really oh-so nervous about everything tomorrow, but I swear, you’ll totally love me for this! Since tomorrow is the first day of your show, and we’ve already talked about it a lot and stuff and we’ve come up with so many ideas, I decided to do something extra-special for you, so that your show would be a major hit. I already announced it earlier on my show, and it was also announced on the other shows, so don’t get surprised when loads of people start calling you and stuff.” “What is it Anne?” Toni asked, her eyes lighting up. She just loved surprises. “I know this will mean extra nervousness and excitement but, here goes nothing! Are you ready to hear it?” “Anne! Stop it! The suspense is killing me! Tell me what it is already!” “Well… Westlife will be on your show tomorrow.” Anne said, a smile coming to her lips. Toni went white, as if all the blood from her body got drained. She had never told Anne about what happened with her and Mark, Anne didn’t know anything that Toni was somehow related to the band. “Will I be interviewing them or something?” Toni asked, finally finding the strength. “Don’t worry. The questions are all prepared and they’ll be given to you tomorrow.” “Anne, please tell me you’re only kidding. You are kidding aren’t you?” Toni said, forcing a laugh. “Toni! I’m not kidding! I’m dead serious! I’ve talked to BMG about it and I am totally serious. Plus, here’s more. Since I asked them, and they gave me all the numbers I needed to contact to get Westlife into your show, I had talked to someone, and he said that would be terrific. And, he asked if I knew anyone who would be good enough for tv as well. I said yeah, and I was pertaining to you. Then he said he’d like to get in touch with you as soon as possible.” “What is it about?” Toni asked, looking exasperated. “Apparently, MTV will be having this show that will take the viewers into the lives of pop stars and bands for a whole week. I think it’s about 30 minutes or something everyday. Anyway, they picked you to be host of the show. Along with another vj I think. Well, I’m not sure on that one but it’s definite that they picked you.” Toni looked so uncomfortable. Sure, she loved her work, and she would love to give the television a shot. “Wait, let me guess… Westlife will be the first band on that show huh?” “Definitely. Toni, aren’t you happy? I thought you’d be, because you keep playing their records all the time. I thought you were quite a fan.” Anne asked looking disappointed. She had worked so hard to get Westlife into Toni’s show. “Oh Anne! I’m sorry. It’s just that… well, I’m terribly nervous about tomorrow and everything. But I do appreciate everything.” “Promise me you won’t let that opportunity pass by, I mean, the tv thing.” Anne said. Toni fell silent. She took a deep breath. “Okay, I promise.” “Great!” Anne said, giving Toni a hug. Toni looked very uncomfortable. A whole week with the lads would be just great, but it also meant that she would be spending a whole week with Mark. How could she cope with that?