Chapter 110

Nicol

Geoffrey came to fetch me at home to go and get Nikki from school, it was her first day with Rika and I wanted to get her at school as soon as it got out. When we stopped in front of the school there was still a few paparazzi waiting for a photo of her, “Didn’t they have enough photos of Nikki by now?” “I’m sure they wait for Nikki to do something out of character to use it as a story.” “But Nikki wouldn’t” “You know that and I know that but they don’t.” “Fuck Geoffrey, my child can’t go through this for long. She looks like she takes everything as it comes but this takes a toll on her.” “I know Nicol, I can actually see it. But at least she has Rika now.” “Yes, but still.” We waited in front of the school when we saw Rika walking out with Nikki’s bag and Nikki walking on the other side of her away from the paparazzi. Nikki jumped into the SUV while Rika put her bag in the back. “Hi mom.” “Hi angel how was your day?” “So good mom, the other girls Caroline, Taylor and Danny sat with me the whole-time during break and Zoe didn’t come to me once, maybe it’s because of Rika I don’t know but she didn’t bully me today.” “That’s good to hear. Did the head mistress say anything?” “No, she didn’t even say anything to Rika.” Rika gave me a look, that said she most definitely spoke to her. “Oh okay.” “Mom Caroline invited me to a sleepover the weekend, can I go please?” “Angel it’s not just up to me anymore we have to ask your dad as well.” “Dad will say yes if you say yes.” “Can I speak to him first.” “Fine.” She wasn’t happy with that answer. When we got home Nikki ran to her room to put on more comfortable cloths. While Rika and I was in the kitchen I asked Rika “Did it really go that well?” “It didn’t go badly if I can put it that way, the head mistress did come to me and tell me I need to stay out of the way of teachers and the other children. She also said she was happy I was a woman it would make it easier to explain.” “And Nikki and the girls.” “No, they did good they chatted and had their lunch, Zoe did stay away from her today but….” “Mom what’s for lunch?” Nikki interrupted us. “We’ll pick this up later?” I said to Rika. “Yes, we have to.” That made me a bit nervous. “What about my famous grilled cheese sandwich?” “Yes please.”

Rika disappeared leaving me and Nikki alone to our grilled cheese sandwiches “Anything else happened you want to tell me about?” I asked because clearly something did happen or else Rika wouldn’t have said anything. She got quiet but didn’t say anything, then she said in a vey small voice “No nothing else happened.” I didn’t want to force her because I knew she would shut down and then you won’t get anything out of her. I’ll have to wait for Rika to tell me. Nikki was quick to change the subject. “When can I go back to Ballet classes mom?” “This Friday I already let your ballet instructor now.” “Oh, wow that’s great. I can’t wait anymore.” I didn’t say anything because I couldn’t wait either. When we were done with our grilled cheese sandwich Nikki got up and said she was going to do homework. I took a cup of tea and the book I started to read and went to sit in our favorite chair, I should maybe speak to Nicolas and get a few chairs in front of this window. I was lost in the book when I felt hands touching my shoulder, I got such a fright. When I turned around Nicolas was standing behind me. “Hi sweetheart I didn’t want to scare you.” I got up and walked to him hugging him. “It’s okay I’m just happy your home.” “Where else would I be?” He asked me, Dominiques words came back, maybe with other women. He won’t Nicol. “Earth to Nicol.” “Sorry I thought you might work late.” “Nope not if I have to beautiful girls at home.” “That’s good to hear.” “Talk about my two girls, where is Nikki?” “In her room doing her homework, but before you go, I think something happened today.” “Like what?” “I have no idea Rika wanted to tell me but then Nikki interrupted us and then I thought it would be better if Rika tells us together.” “You think it’s Zoe?” “No, I don’t think so, it’s something else but I have no idea what?” “And you’ve asked Nikki?” “Off course but you have to be careful how you ask Nikki something or she would shut you out very quickly.” “Let me go see what I can find out.” He gave me a kiss then he walked to Nikki’s room.

Nicolas

I was worried when Nicol said she think something has happened. I walked to her room knock on the door and open it slowly. When she saw me, she got of the chair and ran to me “Dad your home.” “I am, I sweet pea. How was your day?” “Good, so good Caroline invited me to a sleepover this weekend.” “That’s nice of her.” “It is but mom said she must first speak to you before she can give me an answer and I really want to give her an answer tomorrow.” “Okay I’ll speak to your mom. Anything else happened today?” Her whole face changed the happy face was gone. “No nothing.” She said looking down. “You sure?” “Yes.” I remembered what Nicol said and didn’t pressure Nikki we will speak to Rika about whatever it is that was bothering Nikki. “You need help with something?” “No, I’m good thank you dad.” “My pleasure.” I walked out and straight to Nicol. “Something definitely happened let’s go to my office and call in Rika.” “Isn’t it betraying Nikki if we find out from Rika what happened?” “Probable but I want to know what cause her to be so unhappy so quickly.” “Okay.” We walked to my office I called downstairs and asked Rika to come to my office. While we waited for her, I asked Nicol “So did you make an appointment?” “I did tomorrow at 12.” “Where?” “My old hospital.” “Okay I’ll work from home tomorrow morning. Then we can go together from here.” “Okay but who will go with Nikki to school?” “I can go.” “No, it’s okay I’ll go then you can lay in.” “You know I only lay in with you Nicol.” We heard a knock on the door. “Come in Rika.”