Chapter 155

Nicol

On our way to the grocery store I saw JP looking out the window, like he was daydreaming “A penny for your thoughts?”  “I was just thinking of all those women, and so many that is out there that goes through domestic abuse on a daily basis Nicol.  To think most of them never look for help.”  “It is sad yes.”  “Can I ask you why you never went to a shelter when things were going bad for you?”  Same question Nicolas ask me.  “Pride JP, and it wasn’t like I was running from an abusive husband or boyfriend, I just didn’t see myself in a place like that, and I’m very sorry to say I still don’t.”  “I think that is maybe most women’s problem.”  “I guess.”  We both got quiet again before I remembered I had news for him.  “JP.”  “Yes.”  “I forgot to tell you; I’ve got you a number.”  “A number?” He asked a bit confused.  “Yes, for a date.”  “Wait what where did you of all people find a gay guy for me to date?”  He asked laughing.  “I do know people you know.”  “No, I don’t so please do tell.”  “Fine my hairdresser okay, he saw us in the newspaper and ask if I can introduce the two of you.”  “And how does this guy look.”  “Oh, I can show you.”  I dig out my wallet and took out his card.  “Oh wow.”  He said looking at the tall blond guy on the photo.  “Not to bad right?”  “No not at all.”  “You want to call him?”  “Jeez Nicol, I’m barely out of a relationship.”  “When did that ever bother you before?”  “True. Give me his card and I’ll call him.”  “You will?”  I asked excited.  “Yes, I will.”  “Oh, goodie maybe we can go on a double date some time.”  “Slow down let me meet the man first.”  “Just thinking positively.”  “Yes, I can see that.”

Nicolas

It was past 1 pm on a Friday afternoon and it felt like this week was 14 days long, I couldn’t wait to get home, order a pizza open a bottle of wine and sit in front of the TV with my two girls.  But I needed to get through this last stretch of the day before I can even think about it.  I was busy with compiling a letter for one of my suppliers when Luther walked into my office, before he could even say anything I told him “If it’s bad news I don’t want to hear it, not today.”  “No, it’s not bad news I think it’s actually good news.”  “Okay then I’m all ears.”  “I wanted to let you know all the paper work is completed and the fee is paid to change Nikki’s name.”  “Oh, wow so quickly.”  “Well, you do have me remember.”  “Well thank you for that.”  I said sarcastically.  “I’ll forgive you for that one.  Your court date is the 14 February.”  “No way?”  “Yes why?”  “It’s on her birthday; you couldn’t have chosen a better date.”  “Well, I would love to take the credit but it was the date that was given to me. Here is all the paper work you would need for that day.”  I took the papers from him and looked through it.  “Is this all we need?”  “Yes.”  “Thank you, Luther, you’ve made my day, and I’m very sure you made a little girl’s weekend.”  “Well, it’s my pleasure.”  When Luther left, I called Nicol I wanted to go home and I wanted her to be there.  Her phone rang a few times before she answered “Hi Nicolas.”  “Hi Sweetheart, what you doing?”  “I’m still at the shelter.”  “You think you can wrap up there and come and get me, this week was just to long for me.”  “Yes, off course we are mostly done in any case.”  “Great say in an hour.”  “I’ll be there.”

Exactly an hour later, Nicol came strolling into my office “Hi Nicolas.”  I got up and walked towards her, pulling her into my arms “Hi sweetheart, am I glad to see you.”  “I can see that.”  She said smiling at me.  “What’s going on?”  “Nothing this week was just to long for me I want to go home and just relax with my two girls.”  “You do know Nikki start with her ballet classes today, right?” “Oh, I forgot, are we going with her?”  “Yes, if you don’t mind?”  “No as long as I’m with the two of you and don’t have to think about work I’m good.”  “Well then let’s go and get Nikki, she’s going to be so excited that her dad is going to watch her practice.”  “Oh, I’m just as happy.  I do however have another surprise.”  I pushed the papers into her hands “What is this?”  She open the papers “Oh wow so soon.”  I wasn’t sure if it was a happy ‘oh wow’ or a sad ‘oh wow’ “Is it good or bad?”  “No, it’s good I just didn’t think it would be so quick.”  “Look at the court date.”  She scanned the paper until she found what she was looking for.  “No way.”  “Yes way.”  “She is going to be so excited to change her last name on her birthday Nicolas.”  “I know I’m just as happy, it’s like we get a second change.”  She pulled me towards her and hugged me “We all are getting a second chance Nicolas.”

On our way to Nikki’s school Nicol told me about that fucker Anton VanDyk that went to the shelter the previous night, clearly this man doesn’t know what is good for him, she also told me about the women that had very high blood pressure and that was so sick she had to pick her up from the floor, I was just happy that JP was with her.  When we stopped at the school, Kevin came walking out with Nikki, all smiles talking about I don’t know what but the smile on Nikki’s face was one that was smitten “Oh my God.”  Was all I said “I’ve warned you.”  Nicol said without me even elaborating why I said what I said.  Rika was an after thought clearly as she walked at the back of them.  “What are we going to do about this?”  I asked Nicol “Well my love there is nothing we can do.”