Broken Pieces, L. S. [brene brown rising strong .txt] 📗

to protect and keep me safe at all times but I know it's not going to be the same anymore. Nicole became my family since I left home. We've been together for 8 months max and we've shared so many things from good to bad.

Nicole isn't a huge fan of chick flicks so we decided to drop the sad thoughts and just enjoy the day. We ate at a pizza parlor and shopped for another hour or two. Around six o'clock when we reach the house. We're both exhausted so we agreed to take a nap. Some of my things are already packed but I still have some things to take care of. Two days ago Carter flew back to California for a business convention and promised to pick me up at the airport. I lied on my bed with my face on the ceiling. For the past 8 months this has been my home. Whenever I have the time, I go to the mall and bought some decorations for the house. I was able to buy a couple of paintings that hangs on the living room and personalize mugs for me and Nicole. As much as possible I kept the house clean, I considered this the home that I've never had in St. Louis. This home witnessed how I came from being the weak and lost girl from St. Louis to the strong and wise girl in Miami Beach. Now I am completely leaving this place I once called my home. I am getting the same feeling I had when I left Missouri. The only difference is before I was afraid that Dan might find me but now I am afraid of the life I am going to have with Carter.

I was lost in my thoughts when Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars surrounded my room. I glanced at the screen of my phone, yep I own a one now and it is from Carter. As I expected it was his name that registered on the screen.

"Hey. . ." he greeted me, I don't see him but I can clearly sense he is wearing his Greek-god smile again. 

"Hey" I replied trying to be cheerful as much possible.

I sat on the bed Buddha style while I kept the phone on my ear.

"I can't wait to see you tomorrow." He said sweetly.

I felt the need to reply to him, though I am not sure what to say.

"Me too." I replied almost a whisper.

I'm still not used to this. My relationship with Carter is not clear at all. We didn't talk about it, though for the span of time that he was here I've spent my nights in his penthouse.

 "How's your day?" he asked.

I told him about how I spent my day with Nicole while he told me that Elena; his secretary was able to take care of my transfer to UCLA but she hasn't picked my schedule yet because Carter wants me to do it myself. I decided to continue my course, although Carter offered me to take medicine but I don't want to start over again. Besides, he will practically pay for everything and I don't want to be a burden. I am planning on getting a part time job there after school so that I don't have to get everything from him. We talked for another hour or two. He told me about the company he is expanding in Paris and the hotel he is building there. He keeps on telling me he misses me and can't wait to see me tomorrow. We said our goodbye when the clock hits nine PM. It was only six in the evening on his end and he is going to take dinner. As I hang up the phone, I packed the remaining things I have left. I smiled when I remember the only thing I own when I first got here was my black backpack and a couple of clothes. Now, I was even obligated to buy a new luggage and folded my clothes in the smallest fold I can do so I can squeezed everything in. I took a bath after making sure I have everything packed and then settled myself on the bed. My flight is not until ten AM tomorrow. Nate offered to drive me to the airport since Keith has a business meeting and Nicole will be working the night after.

I woke up at six in the morning. I wasn't able to sleep well, I don't know but I was anxious all night. Nicole is still asleep, so I'll be cooking breakfast first before waking her up. I want us to eat breakfast together for the last time. Yesterday, after we were done shopping for clothes and shoes I forced to come with to shop for other house supplies mainly food. Now, that I am leaving her alone I want to make sure that she is eating properly. I made sure her fridge is full. I made some bacon, omelet and pancakes; her favorite. It's only six thirty and Nate will not be here until seven thirty. Anyway it will only take twenty minutes travel time from here to MIA.

I knocked on Nicole's door after a set the table. She came out of her room with her usual messy hair and PJ's.

"Morning LA girl" she greeted me.

She went to the sink and washed her face.

"Wow breakfast." She said with amusement.

"Fix yourself up and let's have breakfast." I told her as I pour coffee on our mugs.

"Okay. . ."

She walked back to her room, when she came back she was still wearing her PJ's but auburn locks are now properly comb. We sat on the chair and started eating our meal. We both ate a lot. We talked about the things we shared, trying to avoid the topic of me leaving today. After we ate, she offered to do the dishes while I take a shower. As I was about to finished dressing myself up when Nate knocked on my door. The moment Nate stepped in our house Nicole broke down to tears. She sobbed loudly that I didn't help myself not to cry with her. She told me that she's been trying to be strong about this whole thing because I know I will be in a good place but she can't help not to get hurt and feel sad now that I am finally leaving. Nate and I hugged her so tight. Like what I told her yesterday I promised to get in touch and visit her every once in a while. She was able to compose herself while Nate loaded his trunk with my things. She offered to come with me but I'd rather not cause I don't want to inconvenience her. She still has to work tonight. Before I get inside Nate's car, Nicole once again cried on my shoulders. Seeing her like that tears my heart into pieces. This is the first time that I see her very vulnerable and I didn't expect I'll have that effect on her. 

We said our goodbye s and for the last time she hugged me so tight.

"Well, that was hard." Nate said as we were driving away.

I wiped the tears on my face.

"Yeah, I hate leaving her. She is the only one I have when times were tough for me. She rescued me so many times." I said as I cherish the days I spent with Nicole.

She is my best friend, my protector, my home.

"I know. By the way Keith sends his goodbye. He really would like to come with me but we have this urgent business proposal." He explained.

"That's fine." I said.

I've said everything I have to tell Keith when he talked to me after Carter bought my contract. He said that it saddens him to see me leave. He told me a lot of things how I evolve from being rebellious to obedient. He also said that I was an asset for his club and that it will be hard for him to find a replacement.

Nate drove in silence while I sat still on his side.

"Did you know that I liked you?"

I was stunned. He liked me? I never saw that coming. I mean, I talked to him only a couple of times since he wasn't always at the club. He manages the other club they own in Orlando, it's a much smaller than the one they have in Miami Beach.

I shook my head.

"I had a crush on you when I first saw you and Nicole." He said shyly.

I smiled when I saw his cheeks flush.

"I had no idea." I said, though I remember him slightly squeezing my hand when we were introduced by Keith.

"I wasn't allowed to tell you, though Keith knew I'd just kept it with me besides you work for the club and you know how strict Keith with dating employees."

"Of course." I said.

I don't know why he is telling me this now. Is it because of I am leaving and I am no longer working in the club? But I thank god he didn't tell me this before, not that I was expecting him to pursue me or what but I know it will be awkward whenever we're around each other. Nate is good looking, the boy next door type but not my type; although I am not sure I have a type. I think of him as my brother or my guy friend.

We reached the airport at exactly eight. We were stuck in the traffic at 5th St. and A1A S/MacArthur Causeway.

"So, I think this is goodbye?" he said sadly.

I nodded.

"Thanks for everything Nate. I owe you and Keith a lot."

"No problem. If you need us we're just a phone call away okay?"

I nod. The he reached for my hand and pulled me into a hug. I embraced him too and then I walked inside the airport.  I took a deep breath as I looked around the place that I once called home. I smiled because for the second time in a year I am running away again. I really hope California is my last stop.

 

Carter booked me for a first class flight. It's my first time on a place so Carter tried to have this same flight but he needed to go back to California ASAP. The plane is so big, the carpeted floor is clean and the chairs are huge that it can even be adjusted and turn it to bed. Carter said the flight is only for more than five hours so I should reach LA by four in the afternoon.

The entire time that I was only plane I stayed uneasy. I was so nervous and the thought of the plane might crash any second didn't slip my mind. It was past four-thirty when the plane landed to LAX, after I gathered my things I made my way out of the airport. Outside the airport, I saw Marcus holding a cardboard with my name on it. I waived my hand at him and he waived back. I wonder where Carter is, he promised me last night that he'll pick me up here. Maybe, he was in the car.

Marcus took my luggage and I followed him toward at the parking area. He opened the door of the car, Jim, the driver on his place but I didn't find Carter when I peaked in.

"He apologized for not being able to pick you up Miss. He was caught on an emergency meeting." Marcus said as I get in. It seems like he was able to read my mind.

I nod and sat myself still on the car. Jim drove away and I patiently wait for us to reach our destination I entertained myself through the fancy houses we passed by. Beverly Hills is indeed an expensive place to live. A couple of minutes later the car stopped. Marcus opened the door and I get off the car.  We are inside a huge and look like an expensive vintage garage. There were four other shiny