Chapter 140
Nicolas
When Nicol came out of the room she was smiling for ear to ear. “I take it he likes the idea.” She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. “He loves the idea. What did Luther say.” “He said the first thing is we need a name for the charity and then an address from where we are going to run it from, that is the most important things if we have that he can file the paper work.” “Okay a name? That’s difficult.” Nicol said. We both went to sit with Nikki. “What do you need a name for?” She asked looking at me “We want to start a charity to help women in need.” “Women? Like when mommy was pregnant with me?” “Yes, exactly that.” Isabella called from the kitchen, “Dinner is ready.” Jeez I haven’t even thought about food yet.” Nicol said. I didn’t say anything because this is why she’s so thin. Nikki jumped up and ran to the kitchen, clearly, she didn’t have the same problem as her mom, thank God. As we walked into the kitchen Nikki said “Mom mom it’s your favorite lasagna and garlic bread.” “Oh, it is. Now I’m hungry.” Nicol said looking at Nikki. I made a mental note to tell Isabella to make it at least once a week, I might get tired of it, but if that is what will make Nicol eat then that is what we are going to eat. Isabella put our plates in front of us, Nicol got up and poured each of us a glass of red wine. “Red wine?” I asked her “Yes what goes better with Lasagna than red wine.” “You will make me ask Isabella to make it every evening if you are going to drink red wine with me.” “It’s only special occasions I’ll drink red wine.” “And today is a special occasion?” I asked her. “It is, we’ve been on the front page of the newspapers with a good article, I took care of ‘businesses’ at the office.” “Oh yes you did.” I winked at her. She just blushed. “And then we are establishing a charity to help women, I think that is a very special occasion.” We raised our glasses; Nikki raised her glass of water and we cheer.
It got quiet around the table as everyone was eating, I was impressed with Nicol she almost ate everything on her plate that in itself is a miracle. I on the other hand was thinking about what we could name our charity. I thought about Nikki’s name but did I really want to put her name out their people would want to know more about Nikki and why it’s called the Nikki Charity and I was just not sure I could take it, telling the people their story. My story essentially. “Nicolas.” “Nicolas.” I was sure I heard my name but I was so deep in thought, Nikki touched my hand “Dad, mom is calling you.” “Oh, sorry sweet pea.” “Where did you go?” Nicol asked me “Sorry I was thinking about a name.” “Oh.” Nicol could see I wasn’t happy with the thoughts I had. “Well, I finished my food, your turn.” Nicol teased me. “Okay okay I’m sorry, you get some more and eat with me.” “I couldn’t possible.” “Oh yes you can and you want to.” “Fine.” Nicol got up and dished herself like a spoonful, but I wasn’t going to complain I mean it’s more than she usually eats. “Now you should eat.” Nicol said. “This is delicious.” “Right dad Isabella knows how to make lasagna.” Nikki said with a smile on her face and some bolognaise sauce on her cheek. That made me think again, how much I missed I’m sure in a year or so she would be mortified if she had any food on her face so I’m going to enjoy the moment I have with her now.
“What’s going on with you tonight?” Nicol asked me “I’m not sure my head is all over the place.” “You think it’s the charity that is working on you, the thought of it?” “I think it’s the why we are doing it that’s gotten to me.” “Oh, I understand. Let’s leave the talk about it for tonight.” Nicol suggested. “Oh no we need to come up with a name and I thought we can set up an office for you at my building and we can run things from there which means the address is sorted and the Chairperson of the charity also.” “What do you mean?” “I want you to be the Chairperson of the charity Nicol.” “Really?” She looked so surprised. “Off course I do, why wouldn’t I, who knows best what these women are going through and what they need better than someone that’s been through it?” “I totally get it I just didn’t think you would make me the Chairperson of the charity.” “You thought I wanted to be the chairperson?” “It would have made more sense I mean you are the business person here; I have no clue when it comes to business.” “Don’t worry I will be helping you I won’t just leave you.” “Good.”
We put Nikki to bed and went to our room, it was a busy day and tomorrow is going to be hectic if I want to do my work and go see the head of the hospital. We got in our PJ’s and got into bed, Nicol was sitting in bed with a book and a pen making notes. “What are you doing?” “Just scribbling.” I took the book from her she wrote “Green-Brown Charity.” “I like it.” I said as I said the name again “Green-Brown.” “But what if we get married then I’m not Green anymore?” “That is true but it’s still Nicol’s Green story that let us here, so “Green-Brown is a good name.” I got quiet for a minute before I said “There is something else that has been on my mind Nicol.” She put her book and pen down and came to lay against me “What?” “Nikki’s surname, I want us to change it to mine.”