Chapter 5

Niko led me to the counter, effectively placing our order. I wasn't hungry, but I was tired. It was a tiredness that seemed to be taking over my body quickly, seeping down into my bones. I didn't listen to what he ordered, and I didn't care, to be honest. I wanted to go home and sleep. That's all I need right now. Sleep and then maybe some more sleep before I figure out what I'm going to do. 

Whatever just happened between Niko and Trey didn't matter — not right now, anyway. I didn't have the energy even to attempt to figure that out. Honestly, all that mattered was that, for whatever reason, I would not be fired for taking some time off, and whatever connection Niko had also ensured that I would continue to receive my pay. It was a blessing, and I wasn't going to fight it. 

Niko's warm hand slipping across my back gained my attention. "Let's go," he told me softly as he gently guided me back out to his waiting car. I hadn't even realized he had been handed our food already. It smelled good, but it also made my stomach turn. Niko opened the door and held it for me as I slid in. "Buckle up," he told me jokingly, but I couldn't even bring myself to smile. Even that felt like too much work right now. 

I leaned my head against the window, the rain tapping against the glass. "Do you want to go home? Or would you like to get a room somewhere or even go to my place?" he asked, surprising me.

"Really? A room? Your place?" I sat up immediately, narrowing my eyes at him.

"I didn't mean it like that," he said instantly, "I just wasn't sure if going back to your home would be too much right now. I don't have to stay with you, but I will pay for a room if you want." 

I kept my eyes fixed on him, unsure if I believed what he said. It would make sense, though, right? That would explain why he had been so lovely to me, so helpful, because he wanted something else from me. Well, newsflash to him, I'm not giving it up anytime soon. It's the one thing I'm very proud of. Most girls my age had already slept with multiple guys...but me...none. I want to wait for love and marriage. However, that seems like a fairytale. 

"Just take me home," I told him, the exhaustion clear in my voice, "Please."

He said nothing more, a simple nod of his head before heading in the direction of my house. My house would be so empty without my mother. Even though we hadn't been super close in a while, her absence will be significant, I know. I closed my eyes as a tear slipped down my cheek. There was no one to call. No one to inform of her passing. She didn't have friends, not really. She was an unemployed drug addict. Friends weren't her priority in life anymore. I rested my head back against the window as my mind raced with a million thoughts. 

I sat up straight when I woke up. My eyes scanned around the room as my heart raced. Home. My room. I was home. The sky was dark, no stars to be seen, as I slowly stood from my bed. The soft sound of the living room TV. Floated down the hallway as I slowly crept that way. Before entering, I peeked around the corner to find Niko sitting in the old ratty chair, staring at something on his phone. I didn't even know when we arrived at my house. 

"Hey," I told him softly, trying not to startle him with my sudden appearance. 

"Hey," he responded as he quickly stood up from his seat, "How are you?" 

I stared at him as I honestly thought about his question, "I don't know," I told him truthfully, "How did I get into my bed?" It hurt to know my mother was no more. It hurt to know I was alone. But it wasn't just the hurt I was feeling. I was worried. The stress seemed to weigh down on me, almost in a crushing manner. How would I pay for her services? How would I pay rent and utilities? How would I pay for groceries? How would I survive on my own? I had no choice but to survive, but I didn't know how I would do it. I was so close to graduating. The program I was enrolled in allowed me to graduate early, and I only had four weeks left. But could I still finish school and work enough hours to cover expenses? 

"That's understandable," he told me as he ran his hand through his hair, "I wish I could fix this for you, but I can't. And I carried you. Hope that's okay." 

The sincerity in his voice caught me off guard. And once again, I couldn't help but wonder why he was being so kind to me. We had only met this morning. He didn't know me, and as far as I know, he didn't know my mother either. So why do all of this for a stranger from the wrong side of the tracks? 

"It's okay. I don't expect you to fix anything," I moved to the small kitchen to make some much-needed coffee, "You could have woke me up." I didn't usually drink coffee this late at night, but tonight was the exception. 

"It's kind of late," I told him as he stood leaning against the counter quietly, "Won't your parents get mad you aren't home yet?" 

Yes, I was fishing for information about him. 

He scoffed before letting a small smile appear, "No, they won't. Maybe they would if I lived with them, but I live on my own. Have for a while now." 

That was surprising. "Why?" It came out before I could even think twice. 

"Well," he started before averting his gaze, "Let's just say my mother left when I was very young and my father...he's...controlling. We don't really get along anymore, I guess you could say." 

Hmmmm.

"So how do you survive?" My eyes widened as soon as the question left my mouth. Oh my gosh, I'm never this way. What is wrong with me tonight! "I'm so sorry," I quickly apologized, "You don't have to answer that. Would you like a cup?" I asked as I poured a cup for myself. 

"No, I'm good thanks, thought," he responded, "And to answer your question. Even though we don't get along, my father helps financially here and there. He helped me with funds to buy a business, and that's my main source of income." 

I realized then he must own the diner. That's why he was able to say and do what he did earlier.