Courage

I spent the day thinking about what I was going to do. Vivian was right, there was no way out of this situation without having an abortion. I hoped that at least one of them would call me and help me in some way, at least with a friendly word. What a silly thing to do. What kind of support they would give to a lying friend.

I sat on the small bed that had been mine as a child and pulled out the small box I used to keep photos in, looking at each one. The summer before my father's illness, he had given me a Teddy bear. The photo showed me happily holding him around a Christmas tree. It's one of the few good memories I have before he fell ill. I flipped through each photo, feeling tears run down my face. The memories were painful, which is why I had never been back. The house reminded me more of bad things than good things. A few moments later, I put everything back in its place and got uncomfortably comfortable in bed.

I had a bad night. Summer knocked on the door a few times and we had dinner together at the large dining table. Madeleine, for her part, never showed up. I felt sorry for Summer, she had tidied up. Even though the food had been bought, she had taken the trouble to set the table. But, apparently, she didn't mind when my mother canceled dinner. I realized that this was something she was used to. Being stepped on by Madeleine.

It was strange of me to laugh about it internally, knowing that she wasn't like that only with me?

- She's very busy," she said, taking her seat. - But as soon as you go to New York, you can spend more days together. - She smiled with concern, a smile that barely reached her eyes.

Later, when I went upstairs, my cell phone vibrated on the dresser. I picked up after her,

It was Alice.

- Err... uh... Nicole... It's just that... um...

- Hello Alice - I answered sadly.

- Hello, darling - she sighed. - I can't be on the phone long, I'm driving. - She stifled a smile. - It's just that if you still want to sort it out...

It took me a while to understand what that meant.

- Ah... uh... the b...b... - I added awkwardly.

- Yes... uh. - We were silent for a minute, neither of us knowing what to say. - I won't beat around the bush," she sighs again. - Luck is leaving town to accompany his father on the campaign trail. Which means that if you don't talk to him today, you probably won't be able to anymore

The blood rushes to my cheeks. Nervous, agonized, I don't know. And I cover my face with one hand, still holding my cell phone with the other.

- They've opened the chalet again for a cocktail party for Dad's political campaign. It's only for party members, but I don't think he'll have any trouble getting in. After that, he's going to board. If you want, I can go with you.

- I appreciate it, Alice. This is important to me. I mean, your call. Your help... - I blushed, as if she could see my nervousness on the other end of the line.

- It's okay, Nicole, we're friends and that's never going to change. - Her voice drops a little. - Vivian... she's difficult. It's just that she's been through so much... I definitely shouldn't have treated you like that. But if you can, don't get upset with her.

- I'm not going. - I tell her the truth, my shoulders relaxing. - Have you seen her? - I asked, almost voiceless.

- No!" he laughed. - That bitch won't answer my calls. - She gives a small smile.

- I'm sorry, Alice, I didn't want you to get upset like that.

- No. Don't apologize for Vivian's temper, just give her a break. And about Luck, if you want, I can accompany you. I got his friend, the less idiotic Antony, to get you in through the staff wing. - I can feel her giving a sad smile, the disappointment clear in her eyes. - I'm sorry, it's the only way I can talk to him. I've been trying all day to find a way to get us inside. We can go together.

- I really appreciate that, but I have to go alone.

- É... I understand. - Sigh sadly. - Just don't forget I'm here.

- Never," I whispered.

***

Two hours later.

I walked through the large garden of the Petrelli chalet. Giant tents adorned the garden, protecting the mayor's guests from the scorching Texas sun. White tables were spread out, waiters were serving drinks and canapés. There was a huge photo of the mayor stretched out and the huge flag of the lone Texas flag next to that of the United States. Everything looked very different from the last time I had been there. I kept walking slowly in search of Luck, trying not to attract attention, which wasn't working, since everyone was so overdressed, and I was just wearing a black tank top, jeans and Converse sneakers, as usual.

- Uniformed servants are not allowed on this side of the event. - A tall, thin man alerted me, before I continued my search outside the house.

- Err... I'm not... I'm with Antony... - I lied when Luck's friend from the previous party approached, sipping a glass of champagne.

The security guard narrowed his eyes as if he saw my lie.

- Antony! - he called out, without taking his eyes off mine, scaring me.

Okay, now I'm going to get kicked out. I'll be lucky if no one notices all this humiliation.

- Yes. - he said, approaching the security guard.

- This girl said she knows you, that she came with you.

He looked at me for a moment and then confirmed it.

- Yes, she's with me. Why don't you follow me? I'll give you the "papers" you came for

I hurriedly followed him into an internal staff area. He turned and looked at me.

- I have no idea why your friend insisted so much that you be here today. But I've been trying to date her for over a year. - he said, his voice dropping an octave. - I hope this doesn't get me into trouble.

- Thank you for that, I promise not to cause any trouble. - I say softly, trying to put the situation at ease.

He looks at me, not seeming to buy my lie.