Finding Grandma #1

I knocked on Nigel's door, and his head popped out. "Oh, hey. What are you doing? Shouldn't you be asleep..?"

"Yeah, about that.."

"What?? Did he hurt you!?"

"No! No! Nothing like that….I just, can I sleep in your room tonight?"

He smiled softly, "You're always welcome to sleep here, you can take my bed and I can sleep on the floor if you would like…?"

"I was actually thinking if I could sleep with you, I just need some comfort is all, I...I just have a lot on my mind right now…"

He looked surprised but he stepped aside and said," Of course, Jessica."

That night me and Nigel actually slept side by side, my heart was pounding so loudly I thought I might wake him up. I couldn't sleep very well after what had happened, and my heart was about to leap out of my chest so, all I could do at that point was stare at his face. He was very handsome, his hair was a chestnut brown, his skin looked so soft, and he smelled so good, his scent just made me feel more comforted. Quietly, he mumbled, "You're staring again, now sleep." He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer. I thought I would never be able to sleep with his muscular arms wrapped around me, but instead I fell asleep almost instantly.

I awoke to find myself no longer in Nigel's comforting arms, but instead was greeted by the gentle warmth of the sun. I stretched and walked downstairs, the smell of pancakes and bacon flowing throughout the open house. I walked into the kitchen to see Nigel standing there making pancakes, wearing an apron that said, "Kiss the Cook".

"Good morning Miss Jessica. How are you feeling?"

"Just fine Nigel...just fine."

He smiled at me and turned back to his pancakes. After a while Zachary came down yawning, "Good morning everyone!" Nigel glared at him, I stared into my coffee, avoiding making eye contact with Zachary. The moment of awkward silence and glaring seemed to last for what felt like hours. I was so nervous I could feel the sweat running down my palms, so I decided to break the deafening silence.

"Hey! So, uh…are you guys ready to see if we can find my Grandma?"

"Ah! I was hoping you'd ask!" Nigel stepped away from the pancakes and turned off the stove. "Follow me," As we trailed behind him I felt somewhat excited, not knowing what was going to happen but knowing that it was going to be a surprise. Nigel brought us outside the garage, and next to the garage was a huge purple and yellow helicopter. I was so sleek and modern, it was basically brand-new! I opened my mouth but no words came out, I was too excited. I started tearing up, and Nigel's smile turned into a look of worry. His brow furrowed, "Are you okay? Do you not like it..?"

"No way! Oh no!I absolutely love it How could I not love it! Thank you, Nigel."

I hugged him.

"All right, enough you two love birds! Let's get this show on the road!"

Zachary's voice startled us and we immediately pulled away from each other, blushing. I looked away from Nigel, he did the same. Zachary just rolled his eyes and hopped into the helicopter.

"So! How do I drive this thing?"

Nigel laughed, "Like I would ever let YOU drive this!"

Zachary was flustered. "I-I'm not….you….!" He sighed in frustration.

"Whatever. Mr. Goody-two-Shoes over there can drive. I don't care…"

I looked over at Zachary. I felt kind of bad for him, knowing that many people thought or expected him to be some kind or block-head, or just stupid in general. I knew that he was pretty smart, because he does have common sense and that he works very well with animals. I wondered if he was ever a zoologist or someone that worked with animals. He didn't hit me like the kind of guy that would have no job, or a man who was homeless. To me he seemed more like a guy with good integrity, and pride. He was also quite sweet and gentle in my eyes.

On the way there, Nigel had said he was able to find out where my Grams was staying, but he also said that she was living with someone else. (Who could she be staying with? She never married, she had kids but I don't remember any mention about a father...)