chapter 7

"Actually I am really nervous Nikki" he fiddles with his fingers showing his obvious nervousness as he continues, looking at me innocently " I like you, Nikki I've liked you since the day I saw you at the Cafe but never really had the guts to ask you out. and now when I am here with you I am not getting any words to say."

I don't know what should I say to him. What do you say to someone who tells you that they like you? thank you? Shut up Nikki don't be ridiculous. "Its Okay Sam. That happens with all of us. I am not good with words either." I smile at him "We have been friends for about a year but we don't know anything about each other. Let's get started with that. What do you say?"

his eyes sparkle with excitement as he speaks "Yeah you are right, so do you have a boyfriend?" As soon as he asks that question he looks away from me. I guess he is embarrassed about asking such a silly question.

" If I would have had one I wouldn't be out on a date with you now. but yeah, I had one when I was in school. unfortunately, it couldn't last for long." I say honestly.

"What about you? had any girlfriends?"

"Yes I had a girlfriend too back in school." he looks at me for a moment and continues "I liked her very much and was really serious about our relationship." I listen to him without interrupting.

"But then she left me because I couldn't give her enough time that she needed." I can see the pain in his eyes as he says the next words." at that time my mother was suffering from leukemia. so I had to spend days in the hospital looking after her. I couldn't tell that to my girlfriend because I didn't want her to pity my situation. soon after a month of our breakup my mother died."

I don't say anything but place my hand over his and squeeze it gently. He gives me a sad smile.

"That's why I decided to take this medical field as a profession. I want to be an oncologist so that there won't be any other one out there who has to suffer as my mom did. I want to help them, Nikki I want to save lives, I want to make their families happy Nikki. I want to put a smile on their faces." I see him fighting back his tears.

"Your mother would be really proud of you," I say smiling at him.

Rest of our conversation continues, I try to cheer him up by asking him about his childhood days. that actually works and lightens the mood as Sam tells me about how mischievous he was when he was a kid. he tells me about his sweet memories with her mother. he also tells me that his father owns a supermarket and he takes care of it too whenever he gets time. We talk about random things and then head out. Sam tells me that there is a lake near and insists me to go there with him. we walk there, the lake view is really beautiful. The surface of the water sparkled under the moonlight. it was serene and mesmerizing. everything quiet around us. we sat on a bench at the corner enjoying each other's company. it was so peaceful sitting here in silence and watching the shimmering reflection of moon casting silverly sparkle on still water. the sweet smell of lilies surrounding us. even the insects were at peace. this was too perfect. Sam requested me to go on pedal boating with him. it was really fun. I was actually happy after a long time. I felt like a teenager going out with her boyfriend. This day was really amazing.

At half-past eleven we decided to head back. I told Sam to drop me at my clinic as I have to collect some papers from there for my work. But he suggested that he can wait for me till I get them and then drop me at my home. finally, after a hell lot of argument, I managed to convince him. As the car stops in front of the clinic, I turn around to face him.

"Thank you for this wonderful night Sam. it was really special for me. I loved spending time with you." I say sheepishly.

He smiles at me "I can say the same, Nikki. I am looking forward to many such nights in the coming time." He leans towards me and I become stiff, for a second I think he is going to kiss me. As if sensing my hesitation he moves away and places a gentle kiss on my cheek. I instantly turn red at his action.

"I can wait. Goodnight Nikki" he winks at me saying so.

"Goodnight Sam!" I step out of the car and wave at him as he drives away from the clinic.

I can't believe that I went on a date. and it was actually great, I never expected it to be this good. I didn't tell Sam that I never went on a date and that this was my first one. because that would have been so embarrassing for him to know. but I think he wouldn't make fun of me knowing how considerable he is. Sam is actually sweet. I honestly loved spending time with him. I guess I like him too. it makes me think that we can actually work. I mean, I feel like I can have a real relationship with him. Today was great and I am actually hoping to spend more time with him. I smile as I begin to unlock the door. I soon notice an envelope lying at the doorstep. something was not right. I have a weird sensation in the pit of my stomach as I look at it. who could send this? who the hell sends letters in this era of technology? My family doesn't send me any letters and I don't have any close friends living far away. Suddenly I have a dreaded feeling. what if it's him? what if its from Christopher? No Nicole it can't be him. why do you keep thinking about him? he is gone. he won't come in your life again. stop imagining things that are not real. as when I thought that my life is going to be on track again this has to happen. Oh god please help me. let this not be him. Hoping so I pick up the envelope.

I look at the envelope in my hand, blood-red in color screaming danger, asking me not to open it. my hands are shaking, not able to comprehend anything at the moment. sweat trickling over my forehead. I gulp the lump forming in my throat. I am very much aware that once I open it there won't be any going back. with my heart racing, I tear it open to find a letter in it. I choke on my words when I read it.

Dear Nicole,

You may think that you can run from me but you are wrong Cole. even if you still think so, You can run as much as you can but you can never hide from me. even if you are hiding deep beneath the core of this world, I'll dig up and find you, princess. You just can't leave behind the world you belong to. you can't escape from me, I'll drag you straight back to hell darling. meet you soon Cole.

Your sexy bastard,

Devil

I knew that I was looking at the catastrophe that has hit my life.