Chapter 15

Nicolas

When we walked past Dr Versace PA, Nicol greeted her but the look she gave both of us was definitely one of curiosity I was just very happy she didn’t take her phone out and took a photo of us. We got in the lift only the two of us. It was quiet not one of us said anything until I couldn’t take it anymore “What’s wrong with her?” “She gets pneumonia very quickly and without warning so at this stage her fever is over 106 and she’s struggling to breath.” “She looked so healthy and up beat Saturday.” “She was and that is the thing with Nikki today she will be fine, chipper and active and then the next day she will have a fever and we end up here.” The lift open and we walked to the pediatric ward, the one nurse wanted to stop me but Nicol told her I’m the only other person that is allowed at Nikki which I appreciated. When we walked into the room, I couldn’t believe the girl that was so chipper Saturday looked so sick as she was sitting in the bed talking to another nurse. “Thank you.” Nicol said to the other nurse. Nicol went to Nikki kissed her on the forehead and said “How are you feeling angel?” “I’m okay mom don’t stress so much.” She tried to smile but failed.

“I see you brought me a visitor.” Nikki looked at me. “Yes, he was here visiting someone and I told him you where in the hospital he wanted to come and say hi.” “Hi Nikki” I said feeling a bit stupid as I wave to her. I walked closer to her “Hi Nicolas.” “How you feeling.” “I’m okay just tired mom is the one that always worry, the doctors know what do to by now so I’m not worried. The doctor wants to do more test but we can’t afford it so I’m only getting the test next year.” “Nikki you can’t tell other people that, I told you we are almost there I have an appointment for your test the 13th of Feb.” “Sorry mom you just so stress I though maybe Nicolas here can take you for a coffee and you can relax.” “You know I don’t leave your site.” “You just did.” Nikki said. “I had to see my boss.” “Is he angry because you not working?” “No angel don’t worry about it okay.” “Okay mom.” All I could think about was the fact that this child my child is sick and Nicol had to safe money to get her the test while she could have just told me and get the money from me. She could have come to me. I looked at Nicol. “I think we should tell the doctor to get those tests.” The look on Nikki’s face was one of pure joy the one on Nicol’s face was something else totally. “Did you hear mom we can finally find out what is wrong with me.” “It’s very nice of Nicolas angel but I’ll pay for your test not him.” I gave her a look, “Can we speak outside please?” I said as nicely as I could. She looked at Nikki “I’ll be fine mom.” Nicol kiss her again on the forehead then walked out with me.

We didn’t even make it out of earshot from Nikki before Nicol said “No Nicolas you can’t.” “Is she mine?” I whispered because I didn’t want Nikki to find out like this. Nicol looked at me crossing her arms over her breast “Yes Nicolas she is yours.” “Then I’m paying for the test, I can afford it Nicol.” “I don’t want to owe you anything Nicolas I’m the one that ran from you I’m not running back because things are difficult.” “I didn’t say you are running back to me Nicol I want to be part of Nikki’s life and I want her to know I’m her dad.” “Please not know.” Nicol begged. “Off course not now, I wanted to talk to you about how we are going to do it but let me pay for the test please Nicol.” Just then Dr Dominique came around the corner. “Mr. Brown what are you doing here?” He ask as he shook my hand. “Nicol is an old friend of mine I heard I had you to thank for bringing her into my circle.” “What do you mean?”

The doctor asked a bit confused “The Christmas Gala you gave her your ticket.” “I did.” “Well, that is where Nicol and I reconnected.” “Oh, wow what a small world.” Nicol whispered “Very small.” I’m sure it wasn’t meant for anyone’s ears but I heard her. “And Nikki how do you know her?” Dr Dominique asked. I looked at Nicol and she looked at the doctor communicating silently to him. “Oh, you him?” The doc asked. “If you mean her dad that didn’t know she existed then yes.” I was pissed off right on the spot. “Sorry Nicolas Dr Manno was old friends with my parents and one day when I couldn’t take the pressure anymore, I told him everything.” “Oh, okay but let’s get back to Nikki. Doc, I want you to do every test there is to find out why this is happening.” The doctor looked and Nicol when she nodded. “Great thank you Mr. Brown.” “Call me Nicolas.” “Thank you Nicolas and I’m glad you are in the picture now. Nicol here was working overtime for the last 3 years to safe up for these tests.” I couldn’t believe it, I just looked at her then I bend forward and said “If you only came to me.” We where whispering by now “And then Nicolas? What should I have done knocked on your penthouse door on 96th street and said ‘Hi Nicolas I’ve been avoiding you for the past 12 years by the way you have a 11-year-old daughter and I need money for her test because she keeps on getting sick? You know I would have never done that not even if you weren’t a total Playboy.” All I heard was the fact that she knew where I stayed “You know where I live?” She just shook her head and walked into Nikki’s room.