The Blade Chronicles

Unexpected Vistors

***Emily's point of view***

Time flew by. Nico and Uncle Ferdinand became my support system, we'd all make supper and breakfast together and watch movies. We'd take walks in the park and even drive to the coast to get away for a while, especially on weekends when I needed a break from school. Uncle Ferdinand grew concerned about my slipping grades and talked me into seeing a grief counsellor. At first I fought it but now that the nightmares aren't every night anymore, I go willingly. 

School is a different problem though. The girls I used to hang out with kept looking at me with pity, so I pushed them away. I didn't need people feeling sorry for me. Nico wanted to be by my side but I told him he needed to hang out with his other friends too. So, yes some days I hid in the library and read but I was okay with it. Of course some kids couldn't keep their mouths shut and soon rumours were flying around about the poor orphan girl, I caught on immediately and tried to stay out of most people's way with no such luck. I managed to discover who started the vile group of bullies and I knew exactly why she did it. You see Nico is one of the popular guys so obviously one of the popular girls is after him and apparently I'm a threat. Keeping myself in the shadows I managed to learn it was Ally Olsen. The leader of the b*tch squad. I know I could've made my life easier by staying away from Nico during school but you know what I didn't feel like it. So every chance I got to be with Nico, I was. The bullying got worse and so I shot back by spending even more time with Nico. 

It took poor Ally a few tries to realise what I was doing and when she worked it out the bullying started fading little by little. In those few weeks that I was Nico's shadow, he scolded me as if I were his younger sister. When he was done I laughed at him and just like that his anger turned to surprise. "I...I haven't heard you laugh so real in long time," he gave me a genuine bear hug and the smile on his face could've lit up the whole town. I punched his arm and he feigned a pained look causing both of us to laugh. 

After breakfast we both left for school walking our normal route, when a guy bumps into me. "You are Emily..?" he asks unsure. I look at Nico before speaking, "That depends... Who are you?" The man smiles before dropping a bomb, "The people you called mom and dad were false." Before I could ask any questions the man disappeared into the crowd of people. Nico looked at me before pulling me into a hug. "Don't worry about it. He's probably some prankster with nothing better to do with his life." "Or he could be telling the truth." "Emily. Don't." "Don't what Nico?" "You know exactly what  I am talking about. You're going to overthink this and end up looking for answers." "Wouldn't you do the same if the tables were turned?" I asked looking straight into his eyes. He combes a hand through his hair before walking again. I follow behind him giving him space... 

The rest of the day went without hassles and in a blur. I got Biology homework along with French. As I put my books into my bag I get a message. I quickly closed my locker door and discovered it was Nico wanting to know if I wanted to grab a coffee before we head home. I smile and reply that I wouldn't mind. He's reply is that he'll get me by the café a block away from school. 

As I walk into the café I notice a blonde haired woman sitting in the corner. Her hair grabbing my attention it had red and blue tips. She looked up and met my gaze I quickly look away and search for a place to sit. A waiter comes and I order an espresso for Nico knowing he is addicted to the stuff and I order myself an iced coffee. Soon after Nico pitches up and he sits down smiling, "Did you already order?" "Yup. How was practice?" "It was okay but I might be late tomorrow afternoon." "Why?" "Stuff to do." "Okay. So why did you invite me for coffee?" "To get some friend time in. We haven't had it in awhile." "Yeah because we see each other 24 hours a day." "No we don't. We sleep for eight hours go to school where we only see each other on the corridors and at break. So no we don't see each other 24 hours a day." "Wow, the big bad jock has a brain," I say with a flustered voice while fanning my face playfully. "Oh shut up." "Make me." Without realising it Nico and I were leaning in towards each other while having our conversation. It wasn't until I said those two words that we realised that little fact. I see Nico's eyes drop to my lips but just as quickly he sits back normally. The waiter brings our order and I silently drink my iced coffee. A charged atmosphere surrounding us. A woman walks past and drops something I pick it up and run after her. "Ma'am you dropped this." "Why thank you, be careful who you trust child. Your parents are searching for you." Just like this morning the woman leaves blending in with the crowd. I walk back into the café and sit down feeling slightly dizzy. "Em's are you okay it looks like you've seen a ghost." I smile pulling myself together, "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine."

One day, two unexpected visitors and a whole bunch of new questions...