7. Pale White

The cold air hit me and I was nauseous. I ran to the side of the building to throw up. After a few more dry heaves, I finally had it all out of my system. I think I blacked out after that, because the next thing I felt were strong arms around me, holding me, carrying me. When I was finally more conscious, I felt that something was wrong and I struggled as much as I could, swinging my arms and legs like a crazy person.

Fear was all I felt. Was I being kidnapped? What would happen if I couldn't get away, raped, tortured or even killed! I wanted to get away as soon as possible. I kicked even harder, finally with all my floundering around, the person finally dropped me. As my feet touched the ground, I ran like my life depended on it, and at this very moment it really did.

Not even knowing which way I was going or where I was heading, I just ran with all my might. I ended up again, back at the side of the building where I was before. It was dark and I slowed my pace, because I didn't know if it was from fear or because it was cold, I felt nauseous again.

In no time at all, a pair of big hands wrapped around my shoulders, more like supporting me rather than capturing me. Startled, I turned around really quickly and even before I could see his face, threw up all over him. I wiped my lips with my sleeve and noticed that the person was still holding on to me, but now at arms length. I was just about to kick him in the crotch when he asked, "You feel better, now?"

I know that voice, it was Nick! I winced, remembering that I had just threw up all over him. He was still supporting me without letting go even after that happened. My heart was warmed by his actions. When suddenly again a wave of dizziness spun my world around and I slumped over.

The next thing I knew I woke up in a bed. My arm slung on top of my forehead, I woke up in a daze. Unlike before I remembered that Nick was with me and wherever I was at this moment it would still be safe.

As I titled my head a bit and looked around in the moonlit room, I figured out it wasn't my room. It looked very much like my dorm room though, everything was placed differently, but just as sparse. I sat up and as the covers rolled down, I saw my clothes were changed into a big t-shirt and I had only my underwear on.

I got up, with a pounding headache, and went to search for a light. I crawled along the wall until I found a switch. I winced as my eyes adjusted to the light. I found my pants but they were stained with vomit, but I put them on anyway. I really had to look for a bathroom and not knowing what was outside, I felt even gross pants were better than none at all.

I walked out of the room and to my surprise I was back at the company, inside Carol's office. I had never noticed the adjoining room. At least I knew where the toilet was. I rushed out without turning on the rest of the lights, I knew my way around like the back of my hand. I took off my pants and gave it a good rinse and dried most of it in the hand dryer.

After a while, I was tired of standing there in the bathroom so I gave up on drying it completely. I would just have it dry the rest of the way on the chair and wear it home in the morning. As I was walking back to the room I thought to call home, I should tell my parents I was okay, even though I doubt that they were up worrying about me. It's not that they didn't care, they just understood I was an adult now. I took out my phone and looked at the time. It was already three in the morning, so instead I just texted them to say I was spending the night at the company and not to worry.

I got to the wall where the door was supposed to be and noticed it was flushed. So that was why I never noticed it. I placed the phone down at a little table adjacent to the bed. It was a very small room, only a bed and table, not even a lamp. Thank goodness at least it had a warm blanket. I made a mental note, to apologize to Carol for missing the rest of the party. As I was placing my phone on the table I saw two Advils and a glass of water. Surprised, I turned and walked outside Carol's office to look for the person that left it, but I saw no one there.

Thinking maybe I just didn't notice it when I first woke up. I was too tired to ponder it any further. I took the Advils and went back to sleep. I woke up again when I heard voices in the office.

I looked at the clock on my phone, it was 8 am and it was a Saturday, who would be at work?

I heard a female and male talking in a very low voice. "Has she woken up yet? She is going to have one big hangover."

The male voice answered, "Yeah she woke up early in the morning and probably went back to sleep. When she woke up I had placed some Advil in the room for her. Hopefully she took them."

It occurred to me that the people outside were Carol and Nick. So Nick was here all night with me? Why? Wouldn't that just give Carol the wrong idea? OH, oh this is bad!

My head pounded. It was too early for all this. I cannot think of what to do, but just go out and face the music.

I put on my stiff jeans, fix my hair the best I could, tying it back into a messy bun and walked out to greet the couple. I timidly said, "Good morning." They turned to look at me, smiled and both said, "Good morning."

I turned to Carol and said, "I am so sorry for embarrassing myself and being burden to you"

Carol replied with a twinkle in her eyes and shrugged, "It's okay, I am not the one you puked on."

Turning a bright shade of crimson, I turned to Nick and bowed saying, "I am so sorry, I can wash your clothes or buy you new ones, I am so sorry. Thank you for helping me last night"

I looked up and I saw a shy smile, and thank goodness, a clean outfit. At least it was comforting to know, he didn't have to sleep in all that.

He didn't say anything, a tinge of pink was on his face, and he turned away. When he looked away, it finally dawned on me that, someone had changed my clothes! I was thinking last night that it was Carol, since I was in her office but now I saw that smile, I wasn't quite sure. Also the t-shirt was quite big too.

I shook my head, I didn't ask! I really didn't want to ask. It would be even more embarrassing if I found out. I just excused myself, went back into the room, collected my things and got ready to get away from there.

As I walked out of the room, Carol asked if I wanted to join them for breakfast. I told them that I had already troubled them enough and it was time I went home. Also I didn't want to get in the way of their "couple time".

Carol choked on her own spit, coughed and as Nick was patting her back, she spitted out, "We're not a couple, GROSS! He is my younger brother, well step brother."

My eyes widened, I said in astonishment, "Sorry, I just assumed by the way he is so attentive towards you."

Carol turned and slapped the hand that was patting her back. "See I told you, that you were the reason that no guys dares to come near me." Then with a few more fists to his arm, she pointed at me and said, "See, even girls think that you are my boyfriend, how is any guy going to come close to me!"

Nick said in his most casual voice, "If the guys are scared of a little competition, and don't even fight for my big sis, they don't deserve you." He then held the back of her head and kissed her on the forehead. Carol playfully glowered at Nick and smacked him once again.

After all that was cleared up, Carol offered breakfast again. I again declined the invitation because I really wanted to go home to freshen up and change my clothes. Nicholas said, " Well let me give you a ride home."

I nodded and said "Okay."