Chapter 7
She pulled into the parking lot and waiting before getting out. She'd agreed with Nick to pretend like she ran into them by accident. Apparently from what Nick told her, he'd had a hard time convincing her to go out. She slid out of her car and started towards the entrance. Checking her watch, she realized it was time to meet up. Heading over to Radio Shack, she walked in and pretended to look around.
"I just wanna see if that new game is here. Illana?"
This was it. She turned. "Nick, Vanessa! Funny running into you two. What's going on?"
"Hey Illana. Me and Vanessa are just hanging out." He turned to smile at Vanessa, she smiled weakly.
"Hey Girl."
"Hi Vanessa."
"Look, why don't you hang out with us Illana?" Nick offered.
"Uhh, I don't wanna impose or anything."
"No no, it's fine, really!" Vanessa almost shouted.
Illana's eyes widened and she quickly glanced at Nick who took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Well if you're sure, then ok."
"Great! We were just heading over to get something to eat." Vanessa smiled, walking over to stand next to Illana. She suddenly appeared to be happy she was no longer alone with Nick.
Illana watched as Vanessa headed off alone to one of the restaurants at the food court. She walked over next to Nick as they also headed over. "How's it going?"
"Not too good. I mean, you saw how she acted when you decided to stay. She's still doing it. I can't touch her, hold her hand or anything." He sighed, standing behind Vanessa in line.
"What were you two talking about?"
"Oh just seeing if Nick has gotten noticed much." Illana grinned, winking at Nick.
"So far the coast is clear. I've gotten a few strange looks, but no one has made a positive ID." He laughed.
They ordered their food and ate quickly before starting back around the mall. Illana noticed that Vanessa stayed away from Nick, he'd come over and stand next to her, and she'd find some way of moving. Illana couldn't believe her eyes. She decided she'd see what happened when she was gone.
"I'll be right back guys, gonna check something out in that store over there."
"I'll come with you." Vanessa started.
"Nah, stay with Nick. I'll only be a minute." After casting a quick encouraging glance at Nick, she quickly left and disappeared inside the store. She walked around for a few moments, then slowly made her way towards the front of the store, looking out the window. She could see Nick and Vanessa sitting on the bench across from the store.
She watched as Nick moved closer to her on the bench and swung his arm around her. What happened next had her head spinning. Vanessa slid away from him to the other side of the bench. He moved over next to her again, trying to take her hand, and she pulled it away, almost as if she were afraid of him. She watched as Nick braced his hands on either side of himself, shaking his head. It was totally unbelievable.
She quickly made her way out of the store and back over to the two. Vanessa immediately brightened.
"Did you get anything?"
"Nah, didn't see anything I wanted." She looked over at Nick, who sighed heavily, looking off into the distance. She could tell he was trying to keep his cool.
"Nick, do you mind taking me home? I'm kinda tired and I really need to get some rest." Vanessa explained.
Nick turned to look at her; he was too damn tired to care. "Sure baby, whatever you want."
Illana looked on as the two stood up; the weariness that clouded Nick's usual bright blue eyes tore at her heart. Shaking her head sadly she started after them. When they reached the exit, Nick pulled her away to talk to her.
"Did you see?"
"Yeah. Oh Nick, god I didn't know it was that bad." Illana frowned.
"Yeah, I'm just so..." He shrugged. "What do you think I should do?"
"I don't know Nick. I still think you should talk to her, maybe not so soon after last time though."
"Will you?"
"Will I what?"
"Will you talk to her? Please?"
"Nick, I really don't think I should get into this. This is personal."
"But I need help, she won't listen to me. Maybe you can sort of, make her understand, see what she's thinking."
She rubbed at her eyes. How did she always get talked into this? "Oh Nick, fine. I'll try my best."
His eyes brightened briefly. "Thank you Illana, it means a lot to me. Look I'd better get going. When are you gonna do it?" "I'll call her tomorrow at some point. I've got a few things to do, but once I get home I'll call her."
"Ok, call me and let me know how it goes. Do you have my number?"
"Nick, why would I have your number?"
He looked at her shyly. "Sorry."
Illana rolled her eyes and grinned, reaching into her purse and taking out a piece of paper and a pen, handing it Nick. "There ya go."
"I really appreciate this." Nick smiled, handing her the paper.
"Sure." She shook her head. "Take care Nick." She smiled, patting him on the cheek.
"Later Illana." Nick smiled, before leaning over and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek and strolling out the door.
She stood there shocked as she watched him leave. What the hell was that? She blinked a few times before leaving behind him.
