Author Notes: Hey guys! A little note before you read the story below. The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite books and I was so mad about the ending of said book. If you never read the book, close this page and read the stupid book! I will not give away the ending if you never read the book!...
Ok anyway I love Gatsby because he is the perfect anti-hero (look it up, it's a real thing!). The movie The Great Gatsby in 2013 is my favorite movie. So inspired by the book and the wonderful movie, I wrote this. Enjoy! I don't own the book or movie The Great Gatsby.
It was a warm summer day when I first saw Jordan and Daisy talking with a soldier at Daisy's side. I could hear the conversation and I rolled my eyes. How Daisy got people to do things for her is beyond me. I went back to writing in my journal; I write poetry and stories, when I felt someone's eyes on me.
The soldier was staring at me and he smiled. It was a warm smile, a welcoming smile; I smiled back and waved shyly. He stood and excused himself from the girls. He was walking towards me and I couldn't breathe.
"Hello."
"Good afternoon, what is a lovely woman doing here all alone?"
I blushed but smiled.
"I'm not alone. Anyway, I see you know my cousin."
He looked back and looked at me with a confused expression. The expression was priceless and adorable.
"Which one?"
"Daisy Fay, the other's my friend, Jordan Baker. My name's Nicolette Carraway."
"What a queer name."
"Yes, but I like it. My friends called me Nick or Nicolette."
"Nick…"
He looked at me and smiled. He wanted me to come back to the side with me and I followed. Daisy and Jordan watched me with amusement.
"Is that why you left us, Jay?"
I looked at 'Jay' and gave him a confused and amused expression.
"Is that your name?"
"Yes…"
He looked shy and I smiled playfully at him.
"And you called my name queer."
Instead of shying away, he smiled and took my hand. He kissed it gently and looked at Daisy.
"Daisy, your cousin is as witty as she is pretty."
I couldn't help myself; I giggled and hid my face because I knew it was turning redder and redder. They laughed at my shyness and Jay asked me one last question.
"What do you want to do with your life?"
I looked back at Jay, Daisy, and Jordan, all eagerly awaiting my answer. I looked at the house I was staying at and at the people. I smiled and told them exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
"I want to be a writer. I'm going to be famous someday and I'm going to live in the most beautiful city in the whole world. I'm going to be married to a wonderful man with money and I'll have a garden, yes…yes…a garden all to myself."
I danced around them and walked towards the house. When I looked back they were still watching me and I wrote something down. I made it into an aeroplane and threw as hard as I could. It landed in Jay's hands and I walked away. What was the note, you ask?
"'Stay safe soldier. Come home to all the beautiful ladies who need men like you.'"
Five Years Later
I've finally got my wish. I finally moved east to New York, the most beautiful city in the whole world. Not everyone back home was supportive of my decisions; my father for example. He wanted me to give up my dream of being a writer and have me marry Humphrey Rein, a rich man with a heart of coal.
No thank you.
So I finally moved East to New York on the coast of an island divided by a sound. I lived on West Egg, in a small cottage that my cousin, Daisy, bought me. She lived right across the sound and she promised me that she would support me until I got famous.
I opened the cottage door and stepped inside. I noticed something; the large window faced the castle-sized estate next to my humble home. I noticed someone in the window looking at me. I waved out of politeness and closed the drapes.
The next days were amazing to say the least. I had one of my books published and I had my garden that I wanted. Some of my dream was complete.
I was wearing a pair of old overalls and my hair was in my face when a man in a blue suit walked up to me in my garden.
"Madam…"
His voice was a combination of British and age.
"…You are invited to a party at Gatsby Manor tonight."
He handed me a blue invitation and walked away. I read the invite over and over until I memorized the blue thing. I went inside and went to changing and cleaning myself up. I picked a baby blue dress with black trimming and tied my hair up into a ponytail.
The moment I walked across the lawn I realized that it was a big party. People poured in from everywhere and they were loud and rowdy.
I walked from room to room to find this Gatsby and I found myself in the middle of a party. I walked up some stairs, taking a glass of alcohol and sipping it lightly.
"Having a good time Old Sport?"
I looked and saw a handsome man with blonde hair and blue eyes looking at me and I couldn't help but smile back. He felt familiar, like I knew him from a dream I had long ago.
"Quite though I wish I knew this 'Gatsby.' The man seems to be a ghost."
He looked at me with confusion as he shouted over the fireworks.
"I'm Gatsby! Jay Gatsby!"
"Jay…"
Suddenly it clicked the daring features and the smile. I broke out into a huge smile and he took my hand like he did before.
"Welcome Old Sport, to my humble abode."
I giggled again and took his hand.
"It's so good to see you again, Soldier."
He smiled that smile that had me smiling all those years ago but instead of the familiar feeling of friendship, I felt something stir inside of me. I haven't ever felt that way before, pondering it although I could write it down and examine it. I shook my head when Gatsby took my hand and pulled me away from the main attraction of the party into the library.
"I can't wait to talk to you."
"Master Gatsby, Chicago is on the phone."
Gatsby waved him away as though he was a gnat and continued to pull me into the largest collection of books I've ever seen. He pulled up a green plush chair and helped me sit in it. He stood.
"How long has it been Old Sport?"
"I'd said five or six years, friend. You made quite a name for yourself here."
"Well yes, I dare say I've been quite fortunate to have such a vast amount of money."
I looked him up and down and I realized something.
Jay Gatsby was handsomer now than when I first met him.
Although he filled out his uniform nicely, the tailored suits looked even better on him. He dared to wear a lavender tinted suit with a silver shirt and dark purple tie. His blonde, oiled hair was neat and handsome. He wore a ring with a sapphire stone in the middle and he still had that dazzling white smile I remembered.
He had something in his hands and as he showed me I recognized the title.
'Life's Greatest Treasure,' by Nicolette Carraway.
"You have my book…" It was more an answer than a question.
"You're a talented writer, Old Sport, a lot better than most today."
I looked into his eyes, his beautiful baby blue eyes and blushed. When did they become so lovely?
"You…you really think so?"
"I know so."
I stood up and walked towards him. I took the book and opened it to page 101. I found my favorite part in the entire book.
"'Never in my life have I found a more interesting man than Mr. Robert Falls. Even with his millions and priceless gems and clothes, he was humble and generous to everyone he met. Strong like a soldier but gentle like a gentleman; I am proud that I, Rose Danielle Fay, am able to call him my closest friend.'"
I looked up and smiled.
"I hope you know I based him off of you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. From the moment I met you, Gatsby, I knew you were gonna be big. But I never in my wildest dreams imagined how big!"
He smiled that award-winning smile and took my hand.
"Let's rejoin the party before they tear my house apart."
That night was the last time I allowed myself more than one drink in a sitting. I didn't like to drink, solely on the fact that people when they're drunk, they say things they don't mean or let secrets go because they're not thinking straight. I drank so much that I can still remember the night but I wasn't myself.
I was making myself a cup of breakfast tea when I heard a knocking at the door. I tied my hair up and opened the door to find Gatsby trying to fix his lapel.
"Gatsby?"
"Old Sport, lovely morning isn't it?"
I stepped outside and looked around.
"Quite. What are you doing here?"
"You left before the party was over and I wanted to make sure you were ok."
I crinkled my eyebrows in concentration and vaguely remembered stumbling in my lawn with music still ringing in my head.
"Oh…I'm sorry."
"Whatever for Old Sport?"
"I was a little drunk and I decided to come home before I said or did anything I might regret."
The morning sun felt warm on the front of my shirt and I looked at Gatsby again. He was wearing a pink suit with a white shirt and pink tie. I felt undressed and nervous.
"I was wondering if you would like to come to the city and have brunch with me and a friend of mine."
"Of course, I would love to come."
He started to walk to his car parked in my tiny plain driveway.
"Just…let me get dressed."
He turned around with a confused expression on his face which quickly turned into realization and then shyness. I think he finally realized that I was only wearing an old, ratty tank top and a pair of soft shorts that my cousin gave me. The expression made me laugh a little and I smiled an easy smile.
After I get dressed, we take off and he was driving like a madman. He started passing everyone in his way; we hear horns and finally the magical sound.
"Police, stop!"
He rolled his eyes and showed the policeman a white card. The policeman turned pale and he told Gatsby to have a great day. I watched him pull back behind us.
"How did you do that?"
"I was able to do a favor for the police commissioner once. He sends me a Christmas card every year."
People waved to us as we passed, some from the party others from the favors Gatsby gave. The more we passed Gatsby's adoring fans, the more excited I grew.
"Old Sport, what do you think of me?"
"Whatever do you mean?"
"I mean, when you hear my name, what do you think of?"
He couldn't have asked me a harder question. I thought about it and pondered my answer. What did I think about Gatsby?
When I heard Gatsby's name, I thought of the wild parties, his dazzling smile and the man I first met five years ago. I smiled as the image of a soldier popped into my head.
"Old Sport?"
"What do I think of you?"
I turned slightly in my seat to face him and I looked at his face, not once glancing away.
"When I hear your name, three words pop up."
I lifted my three fingers and counted the words as I told him.
"Grand," thinking of his parties.
"Dazzling," smiling at the smile he gave me.
"And honorable."
"Honorable?"
"Yes, Gatsby, honorable; you are so generous that you throw expensive parties for people you hardly know and someone told me you once gave a woman a dress because she tore hers on a chair!"
I smiled at him and wondered why he cared about what I thought about him. I mean, I am a successful author but he is JAY GATSBY, the richest man in New York! My opinion shouldn't matter at all but I'm glad it does.
We finally arrived in one piece to a restaurant I've seen on my way to the West Egg. He gave the keys to a valet and ushered me inside when a man took us to a table with two people already sitting there.
"Nicolette!"
"Daisy!"
It had been too long since I had last seen my cousin. She looked splendid and the years haven't changed her at all. Once I had let her go, she told me that the man sitting next to her was her husband, Tom.
"How do you do?"
"Now Nick, there's no need to be so formal!"
Tom stood and hugged me as tight as I did to Daisy and I swear he picked me up a little bit in the process. When I was released, Gatsby pulled out a chair for me and we ordered our food. It wasn't long before the music started and some of the people started dancing.
"Oh, Nicolette, let's dance together!"
"Oh no Daisy I…I can't."
"Come on! It'll be fun!"
"Daisy, why don't you and me dance together and we'll leave Gatsby with Nick to play catch up."
Daisy pouted slightly but walked onto the dance floor with her husband. Sometimes I think she hates being married solely because she can't be like all the other women her age but other times she loves being the only one that can love Tom. I watched Tom and Daisy dance to the jazz, flowing like water with the others.
"Why can't you dance?"
"Never learned."
That was a lie. I knew how from Daisy. She once told me that music isn't a right or wrong thing, that all you need is the will to move.
"Why don't you try?"
That was the question wasn't it?
"Cause I know I'm no good."
"Didn't you ever try?"
"No."
"Than why don't you?"
I had no real answer for that. I was trying to make up an excuse and a lie to make him stop trying to get me to dance but he was quicker to my reasoning.
"Either you stand up and take my hand now or I'll pull you out of the chair. Your choice."
He had me trapped and he knew it. I took his hand and he pulled me into the swarming mass of bodies and music. He chose to hold me like a fragile vase until I finally broke contact with him. He glared at me in a way that terrified me. He pulled me back into his embrace and we began to dance.
"I promise to not let you go."
"But Gatsby!"
I pulled my arm out of his grasp and I got as far as the hallway to the restrooms when Gatsby took my arm back.
"Old Sport, why are you so against dancing with me?"
I looked into his eyes and saw he was hurt. He honestly thought I didn't want to dance with him. He thought I was embarrassed to dance with him.
"I…"
"Yes?"
"I…I don't want to embarrass you."
"What?"
I looked away from his pleading eyes but it was in vain because he grabbed my chin and made me look into his eyes.
"I…I don't want you to be embarrassed about dancing with me. I can't dance and Daisy tried teaching me before but I just stumbled and fell a lot. I just didn't want you to be embarrassed by me."
His face turned from hurt to relieved and he grabbed my hands. He pulled me to the dance floor and he waved to the band. They ended the song without anybody noticing and started a slower song. The single people walked back to their tables and the couples started to sway together.
"Follow my lead."
He placed one of his hands on my waist and the other in my hand. I remembered to place my left hand on his shoulder; we didn't move much after that, we just swayed back and forth. The song ended and the couples around us separated but we stayed together for a while before I let his hand and shoulder go.
"We should get back to the table."
I walked away from him without another word because my cheeks were turning red.
The sound was a crystal blue oasis in the middle of earth. I was never for swimming but the water was too inviting to ignore. With the little money the publishers gave me, I bought a modest swimming suit, never really wondering when I would use it.
I hung my legs over the dock and let the cool water splash me. At this moment I felt at peace with myself and my life; I could die happy at this point. I saw a green blink in the distance and I let my mind wonder; I often did this as a cure for writer's block.
"Enjoying yourself, Old Sport?"
I turned around to find Gatsby on the dock wearing a suit and tie and an amused expression. I lifted my legs up and hugged them close to my chest.
"I am. Where are you going dressed up like that?"
"Business meeting in the city; I just saw you here and thought you'd like to know, Old Sport."
"That's sweet of you, Gatsby."
He smiled and I returned the feeling. Even though he was dressed up to the nines, he would be just as handsome as if he were wearing farmer's garb and a straw hat.
"Gatsby shouldn't you get going, your meeting?"
"Oh, oh yes! My meeting! Would you like to, um, go into the city later today after my meeting?"
"That's a sweet gesture Gatsby but I need to tend to my garden."
"I can have my servants…"
"Thank you but no thank you, Gatsby; I don't like anyone but me to touch my garden."
He smiled and held out his hand and I took it. He helped me up and walked me to my front door.
"What if someone you knew wanted to help you?"
"Then they need to be ready to learn how to garden. Enjoy your meeting, Gatsby."
I watched him walk out down the driveway to his car from the window and I went into my bedroom to change into my overalls.
The sign that someone was working hard is the sign of dirt. The dirtier someone is, the harder someone worked.
"I should be ashamed of myself! Letting my garden go to ruins like this!"
I looked over all the plots and glared at the weeds that choked my plants.
"Time to weed."
I pulled, cut, threw and toiled in the hot sun, trying to cut all the weeds away and to give the plants and their roots some water and love. Finally the weeds were all gone when someone's shadow interrupted me.
"Would you like some help?"
I looked up to tell Gatsby no when I stopped; I was certain I had heard Gatsby's voice but the man before me didn't look like Gatsby. The man had on denim overalls and a straw hat. His face was covered by a shadow and I looked around to see if Gatsby was there.
"Old Sport, it's me."
"Gatsby! You're in overalls and a straw hat! You almost look like a farmer or a gardener!"
I stood up and I could see his smile. He looked a little uncomfortable and nervous; he kept looking over his shoulder to see if someone was there.
"What's the matter, Gatsby?"
"I haven't worn this outfit in the longest of time. I'm afraid someone will see me."
"Well I saw you."
"You're different; I only wore this to see if you would let me help you. It seems like a giant job if you do it on your own."
I wiped my forehead and looked behind me at my garden. It was a big job and I could use some help…
"Alright, you can help."
I couldn't keep the uncertainness out of my answer. We kneeled in the dirt and I dug a small hole; he did likewise. I gave him a potted flower and I watched him place the plant into the hole. I watched from the corner of my eye so not to worry him but I turned my head finally when he packed the earth around the flower down and stopped.
"Have you done this before?"
"No, but I have watched my gardeners in my free time and I learn quickly."
I smiled a real smile, a smile that showed I trusted him and his skills and handed him another potted plant. We just kneeled there and planted until everything was done.
The garden looked wonderful! The plants were beautiful and healthy and the smell of earth and water filled my senses. I looked at Gatsby and I found that he was dirty. His knees were brown with the wet earth and he was sweaty.
"You look so handsome, Mr. Gatsby."
He looked at me with a star struck expression, like he finally noticed I was standing not six inches away.
"Handsome?"
"Yes, Mr. Gatsby, handsome."
"How can you think of me as handsome when I am like this?"
"I don't see the dirt or the dirty clothes but rather…the man in the dirty clothes, the man who chose to help me personally rather than let me do it by myself…"
He looked at me and I smiled another real smile and I dusted off my hands.
"I don't know about you but I'm going to get clean now. Thank you Gatsby."
"It should be me thanking you."
"Gatsby?"
"You said you wouldn't let anyone touch your garden but you. You let me help you, you trusted me with some you held precious."
I smiled shyly again and looked down at the garden we made together. I looked over everything when I realized something; I was smiling.
Smiling. Smiling wasn't something I did. I never smiled, even before the war, before I was a war nurse, before I saw man after man die at the hands of someone they didn't know. The memories still haunted me after the war and I felt guilty smiling. So I never smiled anymore.
That is before I re-met Gatsby. He brought out something that I had buried deep inside of me, something that made me feel like a young girl again. Something…something that I had to bury because I needed to grow up.
I realized he was speaking to me.
"What?"
"I said, 'What are you thinking of, Old Sport?'"
Should I lie to him and protect him from the mysteries of my past? Or should I proclaim the truth and show him the woman I really am?
"A nice hot shower, Gatsby."
As I watched him smile and walk towards his house, I come to the conclusion that it was better to lie to him than let him see the horrors I saw, dream the nightmares I dreamed, hear the screams like I still do…
It wasn't until later did Gatsby park his bright yellow car outside and honk the horn at me. I was clean and dressed but he came to the door and asked me whether or not I wanted to tour the city with him. I looked back on my house in its current state and grimaced at the messy quarters I called home.
Getting away sounded wonderful but…
"Please Nick…come into town with me…"
Normally Gatsby was cunning and used good reasoning to persuade you to do what he needed to be done but he knew me better than I knew him. He knew I wasn't the kind of woman to drop everything and go. He knew better.
It was with this pleading tone that made me smile on the inside. He was waiting for a 'no'.
"…why not?"
I am not a spiteful or tricking woman but the expression Gatsby gives me when I give him something he doesn't expect is priceless and it gives him a fresh start and break from being Mr. Jay Gatsby to being just Gatsby.
He recovered from the expression and held out his arm for me, which I took in mine and we walked to the car with the sunset fading sleepily over the trees.
I am not a material girl.
Period.
"Gatsby I don't need these things!"
"But you do my dear!"
I glared at the salesperson as he tried convincing Gatsby that I looked like an autumn rather than the spring Gatsby made me out to be.
"But look at her eyes, man! She had to be a spring!"
"But her brown hair is more autumn than spring!"
I knew I was a summer because of the balance of my skin tone and hair and eyes but I let them fight a little more before someone guessed right.
"What if, old sport, what if she's…a summer?"
I clapped loudly and proudly at Gatsby's answer and they looked at me strangely.
"You knew what you were?"
"Of course, I may be a farmer's daughter but I'm also a lady."
"Why did you tell us?!"
The little mousy man was red in the face and the look of discontent rang through his body.
"You and my friend were fighting so loudly about it that I couldn't voice my opinion."
Many strange and wondrous things happened next; the salesperson walked away, angry but satisfied and Gatsby started laughing as hard as if I told the best joke he's ever heard. Then again maybe it was…
"Old Sport! You are a tricky one!"
I smiled along with him as the flustered salesperson brought me some summer dresses and shirts to fit. Although I've never been able to make these large purchases, I've always wanted to be able to walk down the street wearing a beautiful dress that I bought rather than a dress made from burlap and flannel.
The first one I tried was a sky blue with white trimming and a short skirt. Gatsby shook his head and gestured to the dressing rooms. I went back for a green shirt and dress pants. He did the same thing again.
After a while, I was getting annoyed. He wanted to drag me here to shop and now he's turning down everything I try on! Why am I here if he was just going to berate me?
"No, no, no! It's not right! Everything's wrong!"
"But sir we have the most extensive summer fashions in all of New York!"
While they argued again, I walked around the store and picked out some dresses and clothes that suited me. When I returned, they were still yelling. I had to whistle sharply to grab their attention.
Gatsby didn't say a word but he rather looked at the salesperson and handed him a tip.
"Gatsby…"
"That was trying to help. From now on my man in Britain will pick out the right clothes."
"Gatsby, I really don't need…"
"Nonsense!"
The tone caught me sharply, as though he was annoyed at me. I drew back from him and went to change. After a while, he was holding some shopping bags and I felt sick to my stomach. These clothes cost over four hundred and fifty dollars all together!
I tried talking but we walked out of the store and into the streetway.
"I promise to pay you back, Jay…"
"Nonsense, I wanted to buy these things."
"But Jay…"
He turned sharply and I flinched, holding my arms up as though he would hit me. When nothing happened, I lowered my arms and looked down, afraid to look him in the eyes.
"Nick…"
My head snapped to attention and I looked at him, afraid of what he would do to me. He looked into my eyes and sighed.
"I'm sorry."
"Gatsby…"
"I'm sorry for doing that to you, to that salesperson. I just…I just want to give you everything you would ever want and the looks on your face…"
We were in the middle of the sidewalk and people were staring so I pulled him off to the side and sighed.
"Gatsby, I was getting frustrated with myself. I didn't mean to upset or discourage you. Truth be told, I didn't mind the attention."
"You didn't?" His gaze was hopeful and his tone was doubtful.
"No, I wouldn't have cared if we were here in the city or back in West Egg, I…I just like spending my time with you."
As though the heavens answered my cry of distress, the rain started and we ran to his car, hoping the seats weren't ruined.
We ran to his mansion and we threw off the heavy water-logged coats. The same butler who invited me to his parties placed him on the coat rack and stood there, waiting for instructions from the master. I realized how alike we were, the butler and I. Both were trained to be a servant and were loyal and fair but unlike the butler, I served no one.
"Old Sport!" Gatsby came running from the back with a smile on his face.
"Gatsby, whatever is going on?"
"The pianist is wake and wishes to play for the lady today."
It took me a few moments to realize that he meant me.
"Well…"
"Over here, m'lady."
A tall woman stood in the doorway and smiled proudly at me. I instantly felt nervous around her.
"Follow please."
Gatsby and I followed this woman down the hallway that lead to an impressive grand piano. She then bowed and left the room to fetch the pianist. I ran my fingers on the white keys and I sat down.
"Old Sport, I'm sorry the pianist is…"
I began to play the grand piano as though I never stopped learning. I stopped four years ago to serve in the war but it was clear in Gatsby's face that I was either very terrible or a master.
As I played more and more, the songs grew together and evolved into a melody I never knew. It wasn't until I ran out of new songs that I ended the glorious sounding music; when I looked behind me, I found out I drew a crowd. The pianist, Gatsby and some more servants were behind me.
"How on Earth…"
"Mr. Edwin, please escort everyone out."
As they left, he threw his arm around my shoulder and laughed.
"Where did you learn to play like that?"
"My cousin taught me when I was staying with her. I also play the violin and the cello."
"My god, I've been hiring entertainment for ages and you were right next door!"
Our laughter was echoing through the giant mansion but neither of us paid it no mind. All we did was sit and play and play and play…
The next couple of days were quiet, aside from Gatsby coming and offering to garden with me, which I declined. I was working on my next book, "Between the Ashes and the Grave," when my cousin rang the doorbell.
"Nicolette! It's raining like cats and dogs out there!"
"I know; I've been in here all day. Come in and I will make some tea."
After she had gotten dry, we retired to the living room and she asked about Gatsby.
"Gatsby? Well he took me shopping the other day."
"Oh?" Something about her tone I didn't like.
"Yes and it began to rain." We spend most of the day at his mansion talking and exploring the vast estate. She raised an eyebrow and smiled that smile.
"You're not telling me something are you?"
"Actually he let me play his grand piano." This was the truth but not the whole truth.
She seemed upset but satisfied at the answer and sipped her tea; we didn't speak of Gatsby again, and I was happy with that. Daisy has always been the gossiping one of the two of us. I love and trust her but I don't want reporters from everywhere dropping in to get a picture of the two of us together.
"How's Tom?"
"Ok, he's trying to sell the coupe and he's having trouble finding a trustworthy mechanic."
"That little car could get you nine hundred easy."
"That's what Wilson said."
"Wilson?"
"He lives in the middle of the way to the city. You know the place with all the ash and dust? He wants the coupe and is paying top dollar for it."
Wilson…
"Married?"
"To a lady named Myrtle. She doesn't seem too happy about it though."
"Tragic."
The banter went on for a while until Daisy left and I was bored once more. I walked to the window and saw a man's shadow in the large window of Gatsby's mansion. I pretended not to notice; Gatsby was watching me in the window and I wondered what he wanted with me.
In my experience, when a man spends so much on you, he expects something in return…
The Valley of Ashes was a perfect setting for my book. People looked tired and beat down and envious as I drove through with the coupe Tom wanted to sell. I looked for the sign that would tell me where Wilson was when a woman waved at me from the side of the road. I pulled over to speak politely to her.
"Are you looking for Wilson's?"
"Yes."
"Right this way."
She led me to a garage where I got out and asked for Wilson himself.
"I'm here."
Wilson was a man of medium height and weight with dirty blonde hair and a face that said he was vaguely handsome. He walked over, greeted me, and escorted me to the office.
"Tom sold you the car?"
"Yessum. Eight hundred and fifty dollars. He wanted you to pick it up?"
"And drop the car off."
"No body else is here but me and Myrtle and I'm not gonna let a lady like yourself walk."
This angered me. During the war, the officer in charge of me told me because I was a lady I wasn't allowed into battle making me a field nurse. I hated watching someone else fight for my freedom.
"Hold on."
Wilson left suddenly and returned with a young, handsome man of maybe thirty years old. He had black oiled hair and harsh green eyes but the smile made me feel at ease.
"This here is my assistant. Isn't doing anything today."
"Wilson says I got to drive you home."
"You don't have to."
"T'ain't nothing ma'am."
He spoke like he was western but I didn't ask for details. I felt a strange feeling in my stomach. It felt like attraction but it hurt at the same time. I thanked Wilson again and this strange man whose name I didn't know drove me home. He kept stealing glances until he gathered the courage to ask me my name.
"Nick and yours?"
"Arthur. Do you live in the East Egg?"
"West."
We didn't speak for the longest time until he pulled up to Gatsby's mansion. Gatsby himself was standing there, as though waiting for my arrival. I hopped out of the car and Arthur did the same. We walked to Gatsby who smiled and shook Arthur's hand.
"Old Sport why didn't you tell me you were going to the garage?"
"I was just doing a favor for Daisy. She hates to drive and Tom couldn't do it until night. It was really last minute."
He turned to Arthur who was gawking at the sheer mastery of the mansion. I looked at what he saw through his eyes and I saw the grand building for what it was, a castle built for the royal family of England.
"Thank you for driving my friend home."
"Not a problem, sir."
Arthur took my hand and kissed my palm, sweaty from being in the car and dirty from the ashes. I felt myself flush pink.
"I hope we see more of each other, Miss Nick."
With that, Arthur walked away and got back into his car. He honked the horn and waved at us as he drove away.
"Well that was…odd."
Gatsby didn't say anything and I told him that I was going to go work on my book again. He wished me good luck and waved goodbye once more as I walked the distance to my house. I felt a heavy feeling deep in my heart.
Gatsby stayed away from me and my house for the next week and a half after we met Arthur. I finished most of my book but it needed an ending. The main character Wilson has just found out where his father is being held hostage and must fight for him.
"Old Sport?"
His voice shocked me as I hadn't heard it for a week but I smiled and turned towards him.
"Gatsby, how pleasant to see you. How have you been?"
"Well and you?"
"Quite, I'm almost finished with my book."
"Good, what's it about?"
"Can't tell you but I still need help with the ending. If you can help me write the ending then and only then you can read it."
"Deal."
And just like that, we forgot about Arthur and the distance between us. We forgot about everything except for the sunshine on our backs.
"Old Sport…"
"What is it, Gatsby?"
"Why…," He faltered as though uncertain how to word his question.
"Why do you live so poorly? Your books are big sellers, but you live like you're a poor farmer."
I was confused at his question but then I looked at my life through his eyes.
He lived in a mansion full of rooms and expensive things and people filter in and out almost every night. I live in a small cottage, hidden by the trees drooping over me; I almost never get visitors and I live alone. I wear poor farmers' garb of flannel and plaid and he wears suits of pastel colors.
'We are so different, he wouldn't understand.'
But then I thought of the time he helped me in the garden and the time he gave me all those wonderful clothes. On both ends we were somewhat even.
"Old Sport?"
"Gatsby…"
I stopped because something felt wrong.
It felt like someone was watching us.
I looked around to the window and saw a man standing there; he was wearing a suit of black and holding a bouquet of daisies. I jumped back and screamed sharply, in which Gatsby got in front of me and the window and the man put his hands up.
"Wait Nick!"
That voice sounded…familiar…
I looked around Gatsby to see the man smooth his oiled hair down. His eyes met mine and I knew exactly who it was.
"Oh my God!"
I ran to the front door and Gatsby followed me confused and curious; the man dropped the daisies and ran to me as quick as he could. He hugged me as tight as he could and smiled at me.
"Private Darren, you old son of a gun."
"Nurse Nick, looking well."
Private Darren looked and saw Gatsby standing there and he saluted sharply and spoke in a voice he used for officers.
"Hello, Commanding Officer Gatsby."
"At ease, private."
I was confused.
"Commanding Officer?"
I turned to him and he turned sheepish.
"You were in the war?"
"Yes…you were a nurse in the war."
"Field nurse, I got shuttled around as the commanding officers saw fit."
I couldn't understand why I didn't see the connection with Gatsby and the war, the way he stood and talked, it was engrained into him. I turned back to Private Darren who smiled at me.
"What are you doing here private?"
"I'm marring my sweetheart, Lauren, today. She wanted you to be a witness today."
"Today?!"
"Yes, you can bring someone if you wish."
Suddenly I ran to my house to change and Gatsby stood there talking with Private Darren.
"Gatsby, if you're going to this wedding, you better get dressed in five minutes or I will take Daisy!"
I never saw two men laugh so hard and run so hard in their lives.
"I pronounce you man and wife. Kiss the bride."
It was a beautiful wedding, full of laughter and fun. Gatsby even danced with me and another woman. While he was busy dancing with someone, I walked to the garden, alone.
"What's someone as lovely as you doing out here alone?"
I turned and saw someone I never believed to see again in a hundred years.
"Humphrey?"
Humphrey Rein smiled his award winning smile at me and fixed his lapel nervously. His black suit looked clean and freshly pressed and his white shirt was crisp and purely white.
"Humphrey Rein, what in sam hill are you doing here?!"
I was furious with him. That no good, two-timing…
"Nicolette, please, I only want a minute!"
He raised his arms in surrender and I crossed my arms. I was still mad at him but I wasn't unfair.
"Nicolette, please…"
I sighed and told him to tell his story and then get out of my life. He promised to do so.
He told me about the affair he had with my friend, Lauren, and how every time he was with her, he was thinking of me. He regretted every moment we were apart and that he would never cheat on me again if I gave him another chance. He told me stories about the war and the pain he endured and how he missed me. I still hated him but a little bit of me softened.
"Please Nicolette, give me a chance…"
"No, you don't deserve it."
He looked crestfallen and agreed that he didn't. He handed me a card with his number and address for the apartment he was renting in the city.
"In case you change your mind."
He walked away with that cool sadness that I knew about him. I wanted to rip up the card and toss the pieces to the wind like my love for him but instead I pocketed it and walked back inside to go home.
Gatsby's parties always left me wanting more. The fireworks, the champagne and the colorful people… I often separated from Gatsby to explore the rooms and people of the parties but Jordan and Gatsby wanted me to stay close to them for some reason.
"I must use the restroom you two! I will return!"
Their laughter tickled my heart strings and I thought about the two wonderful, loving friends waiting for me in the drawing room. I passed through waves of people and servants, drinking a glass of water to my way to the restroom.
When I reappeared the fireworks were on full blast and most of the guests were watching in wonderment. I walked to the drawing room smiling my biggest smile when I swung open the door.
What I saw next broke my heart; my best friend, Jordan Baker, was in the arms of my neighbor and friend, Jay Gatsby. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes looked at me with shock and guilt. Gatsby's released her and fixed his lapel and began to speak when I noticed the clock.
"Oh my God! Is it really that late?!"
I made my face to show shock at the late hour when my heart was breaking into little pieces.
"Oh my God! I need to get home! I promised my father I would call him by ten!"
It was only ten thirty and I could've used Gatsby's phone but I needed to get out of there. I excused myself quickly and ran out into the crowd with Gatsby calling my name but losing me in the swarm of bodies. I ran to my house and called a taxi which quickly came and picked me up.
"Where to?"
I handed him a card that I didn't know I had. We drove over the bridge and across the Valley of Ashes to a simple brownstone building. I paid him and walked up to the door. I slowly knocked and waited for someone to answer. A small Finnish woman answered and took me to a study with a roaring fire.
"Mr. Rein? There is a woman for you."
Humphrey stood up and caught sight of me and my currant state and he sent the Finn away.
"Nicolette, what is the matter?"
I couldn't speak, couldn't talk; I walked three steps to him and he suddenly pulled me into his arms.
"What happened?"
I still couldn't speak, I sobbed into his front. I was heartbroken and I felt like an idiot for coming here. He wiped my tears away and sat me down into a plush chair and fetched me a cup of tea himself. After a few sips, I regained my ability to speak.
"I'm sorry."
"What happened?"
"…he…he was…"
I was still crying and he patiently wiped the tears away.
"What did he do?"
I swallowed my bitter bile down my throat.
"He was kissing my best friend while I went to the restroom!"
For a moment everything stopped, time stood still. Then in a flash I was in Humphrey's lap and he was comforting me. He didn't ask who and he asked me if I wanted to go home. I shook my head and he led me to a bedroom and wished me goodnight.
He came in the morning with my favorite tea and toast.
"I'm sorry."
"No, I'm sorry. I'm sorry you had your heart broken by that no good, two-timing…"
"Daisy said the same about you."
He softened and held my little hands in his strong ones; I forgot how soft his hands felt.
"I've changed. I just want to prove it to you."
I thought about all the good times we had and I couldn't help but feel broken.
"Alright Humphrey, I will give you one chance."
He smiled like he finally had something to live for.
"BUT if you break my heart like you did before," I grabbed his collar and snarled, "I will tear your head off."
He took my face in his hands and smiled at me.
"I promise I will never hurt you again."
He kissed me and I felt like I was twenty again, twenty and in love.
I got home by a taxi and there on the front porch was Jordan, Daisy and Gatsby.
"Nicolette!"
Daisy ran up and squeezed me tight.
"Oh Nicolette, we have something to tell you!"
I raised my hand and smiled a fake smile.
"No need Gatsby. I figured out last night that you and Jordan were dating and I'm happy for you."
They looked scandalized but I walked inside and looked back.
"My news is bigger; I'm re-meeting an old friend today. I believe he's pulling up…now."
Humphrey's timing was perfect and I disappeared inside to change into my sundress he gave me. I skipped out and he wrapped his arms around me.
"You! I thought you would know better than to come here again!"
Daisy was livid, not only at Humphrey but me. I got inside his car and waved at them.
"Don't wait up!"
We pulled out in a hurry and the next thing I know we're over the bridge and he's pulling into a parking lot. He pulled me into a dance hall and we danced like we once did a long time ago when we were in love and young. My heart was still broken but I couldn't feel the pain when I was with Humphrey.
We ordered champagne and danced some more before we left and drove to the movies. I felt so young and when I finally noticed the clock, I told him I had to go home. He agreed to drive me home.
"I missed you, Nicky."
I blushed at the old nickname and punched him lightly on the arm.
"Don't call me that."
He looked at me and wiggled his eyebrows, his eyes sparkling.
"Or what?"
He looked back to the road and I kissed his cheek, making him swerve and him to glare at me playfully. We made it to my bungalow in one piece and he walked me to the door.
"I love you Nicky."
He kissed my cheek and walked back to his lovely red car. I waved as he drove away. As I walked to the back of my home, I felt the heavy feeling of my broken heart droop over my shoulders like a sad coat. My smile faded and I felt heavier and disgusting.
"Old Sport."
Gatsby and Daisy were sitting on the swing in my garden and they looked relieved. I placed a fake smile on my face and made my tone dreamy and light, much like one who is deeply in love.
"Cousin, Gatsby, what are you doing back here?"
"Waiting for you sweetheart."
They stood up and Daisy hugged me tight.
"I wanted to make sure that piece of trash didn't hurt you."
"Don't speak of him that way."
My tone was harsh and defensive for Humphrey and I pushed her away. I was mad at them and I glared at Daisy.
"You don't know him. I saw him and he's changed. He really loves me and I love him."
I saw Gatsby flinch a little and I was a little happier. Gatsby deserved a little pain.
"But Nick…"
"NO! No Daisy I love you but I will not have you putting down Humphrey! If you are going to be rude and mean to him and our relationship then…then I won't hang around you or Tom anymore!"
I heard her gasp and I ran to the house. I locked the door but I could hear them knocking on it.
"GO AWAY AND NEVER EVER COME BACK!"
My throat was raw and I was exhausted. I passed out on my couch and my dreams were filled with pain and anger.
I stopped going to Gatsby's parties or visiting Daisy's home. I was avoiding everyone except for Humphrey and some times he was gone for days at a time. I told myself not to worry and believe the stories of business. This went on for months until one day he called me and told me to meet him at the Ritz.
I dressed in a sky blue dress I picked out with Gatsby and I got into the blue car I bought for myself. As I passed through the Valley of Ashes, I stopped to get gas.
"Ms. Nick?"
"Arthur!"
Arthur smiled at me and waved as he filled up my tank.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm meeting up with my man, Humphrey Rein."
"Rein?"
His face was shocked and I didn't like the look. I threw him a dollar twenty and drove away quickly. He was shouting something but I refused to hear. Soon I was in the Ritz following the bellboy to the room.
When he opened the door, I saw Humphrey, Tom, Daisy, Gatsby and Jordan looking back at me.
"Nicky…"
He took me in his arms and kissed me. He smiled at everyone and talked directly to me.
"Oh Nicky I love you so much. That's all I ever want to do."
He got down on one knee and held out a little red box.
"Nicolette Carraway will you marry me?"
I started to cry and I opened my mouth to answer.
"Oh Humphrey…I…I…"
Suddenly Arthur opened the door and glared at Humphrey on the floor. Humphrey looked shocked and embarrassed to be such a position.
"Miss Nick, before you answer that question I have something to tell you."
He moved into the room and took my hands.
"Mr. Rein has been cheating on you with Ms. Myrtle."
"W-what?"
"It's true, look outside."
Myrtle was outside looking at me with disgust and arrogance. She moved into the room and planted her hands on her hips.
"Oh look at you, close your mouth you ugly little toad."
I closed my mouth and glared at Humphrey on the floor.
"Is it true? And DON'T YOU DARE LIE TO ME!"
He looked at the ground and nodded. I felt the tears fall double time. I turned away and wiped them.
"Nicky…Nicky…"
"DON'T CALL ME THAT, YOU TWO-TIMING SON OF A BITCH! I CAN'T BELIEVE I TRUSTED YOU AGAIN! I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME BUT NOW I SEE I CAN'T TRUST YOU WITH ANYTHING!"
I pushed Arthur and Humphrey out of the way and made it to the door. I looked back into the room and looked at everyone.
"I can't trust anyone. I can't love anyone. I…I deserve to live alone and miserable."
Before they could get to me, I ran out to the entrance and to my car. I drove fast and recklessly, I didn't care if I killed myself or someone else. I felt dead inside.
I made it home before I killed myself or someone else. I ran to the back of my house and into the woods on the edge of my garden. It began to rain and I felt powerless. I slipped on a rock into the mud and I had no energy to get up. I lied down in the mud and cried hard, harder than ever before because I let myself believe a lie. I believed that Humphrey loved me, that he would keep his word that he cared about me, and that I didn't love Gatsby.
"I love Jay Gatsby…"
I felt lighter and happier. I felt relieved but I still felt broken inside. I cried harder into the mud because I knew I lost Jay when I screamed at him to leave me alone all those months ago. He would laugh at me and tell me that he was right. He would never love me…
A flash of lightening followed by thunder shocked me but I still didn't get up. I cried even harder and I wished for a second chance.
"OLD SPORT!"
In a flash of lightening, I saw people around me and when I could see again, I saw Daisy, Jay, Jordan, Tom and Arthur standing over me. I couldn't speak, I was in shock.
"HOLD ON NICK! PLEASE!"
Jay picked me up, covering himself in mud and the little blood that poured from my open cut on my forehead. I felt numb and tired. He carried me to his mansion and told the staff to clean one of the guest rooms.
"You two, help her into the bath and make sure she's ok."
"Of course."
Jordan and Daisy took my arms and helped me into the grand bathroom. Daisy started the bath while Jordan and I stripped my clothes off. They helped me in and Daisy stayed with me so I wouldn't drown myself. After I washed myself, Daisy helped me into flannel bottoms and a night shirt. Jordan braided my hair and they smiled sadly at me.
"I'm so sorry. I was a fool. I should have believed you…"
Daisy and Jordan smiled and hugged me. Although I was already warm from the bath and the warm clothing but I warmed on the inside when they were still there and still willing to love me.
"I love you, Nicolette."
"Me too, sweetheart."
My tears returned but they no longer were sad and salty, they were sweet and warm; 'Tears of Joy' I believe they're called. They helped me to the drawing room where Tom and Arthur were standing together, speaking heatedly.
"Old Sport…"
I looked to the chair and saw Jay in a clean shirt and bottoms. He stood and picked me up like he did outside. He settled me in his lap and everyone crowded around us.
"Oh Jay, I'm so sorry."
"You have nothing to be sorry about."
"But…"
"Nick you have every right to be sad and unhappy."
Tom took my hand and wiped my tears away. Daisy took his hand and kissed my forehead.
"I'm sad and angry and hurt but…"
"But what, Ms. Nick?"
"I'm so surprised that you all came back for me. I shut you out and told you to go away but you came back when I needed you. You should hate me…"
I began to cry again but Jay took my chin and looked into my eyes.
"Nicolette, I could never hate you, you mean so much to me."
I'd love to believe that he meant those words in the way I wanted him to. But the fact of the matter is that I was one of his only friends, of course he cared about me. He didn't trust a lot of people and for good reason too. People are evil, rude, hurtful and ugly on the inside, they may appear sweet but they are evil.
They stayed around me and tried asking me questions but I didn't answer any of them. I was afraid of speaking. I was tired but I was afraid to fall asleep. Jay never let me go, no matter at times when I started to cry, when I wanted to run away again, he never let me go. It felt like a dream, a dream that will end quickly if I sleep.
"Nicolette?"
I lifted my head to Daisy and Jordan and Tom who stood up and held Daisy's hand.
"We need to go home, Pam will worry."
I snapped to life and looked at them.
"Of course go, I'll be fine. I love you all…"
Jordan and Daisy kissed my forehead and Tom hugged me as best he could while I was in Jay's lap.
"He was a piece of trash, Nick, and he threw away the best thing he will ever have for a whore."
I cried at the truth in his words. As I watched them walk away I turned to Arthur and spoke.
"You don't need to stay Arthur dear. You can go home."
"Aw, Miss Nick, I don't have a home anymore."
"What?"
I slowly stood up and placed my socked feet on the cold floor. I walked to Arthur and he flinched a little at my stance.
"I was living with Miss Myrtle and Mr. Wilson and since I, well, exposed her for the cheater she is, she told me to never come back or else I'd get shot."
I placed my hand on his cheek and smiled. My face felt strange about smiling, mostly because I had no reason to.
"Arthur use my house, I have an extra bedroom."
"Miss Nick…"
"No buts. Go."
Arthur grunted lowly and turned to the door. When he got to the threshold, he looked back and smiled at me.
"Good night Miss Nick."
I waved him goodbye and just stood there; I could feel my depression sinking back into my body, its heavy weight on my bones, crushing my spirit. I didn't feel like myself. I felt sick and worthless. I felt like the whore, not the valuable woman they make me out to be.
"Nick…"
Jay walked behind me and wrapped his arms around me. He felt so close and so warm; it felt right to close to him. I shrugged off his arms and took a step forward.
"I should go home…"
"But you are home."
I turned to look to him and I looked down at the floor.
"Gatsby, don't be nice. I don't deserve it. I don't deserve your kindness."
He come close and lifted my chin and he looked into my eyes. His baby blue eyes looked into my sapphire eyes; they were sad and painful to look into.
"You deserve the best and I'm not mad at you. You're staying here for the night."
He again picked me up and carried me to a guest room. He placed me on the soft bed and he tucked me in.
"Jay wait!"
He stopped and came back to the bed. His eyes worried and upset.
"I'm…I'm afraid to sleep. I'm afraid I won't be able to wake up."
He said nothing and he lied on the comforter next to me.
"We can talk."
We talked all night, about everything. He talked about his part in the war and his brief love for Daisy. When he realized he could never love Daisy the same way after the horrible things he saw, he told her to marry someone else. Through the pain, they became friends and he learned more and more about me from her and Tom.
He began to care for me.
He told me he remembered that I wanted to be famous and live with a rich man to be happy and to have a garden all to myself. He wanted to be able to give me everything I wanted.
When he was done, I began my side of the story. I retold the war from my eyes. The horror of leaving my friends behind and watching man after man die. I told him about my overbearing father and my mother who died the year before I came home. That's why my hair was so long. She always wore her hair long.
I told him everything from the day I came to today to my flight into the forest. I began to cry and I wondered when I would cry myself dry. I told Jay everything except for my feelings for him. I was translucent and no longer mysterious, which is something I prided myself on.
At dawns light a doctor came in and checked me out. He made sure I wasn't hurt too badly.
"She'll be fine. Just make sure she is stable and she'll be good as new."
"Thank you I'll pay you on the way out."
Jay and the doctor left me in the room alone and I took out my lighter and cigarette case. I stepped out to the veranda and smoked silently, watching the day break over the sky.
Two long arms wrapped around me and I handed Jay a cigarette and my lighter. He gladly took it and puffed on the little stick. He still didn't let me go.
"Doctor says you'll be fine if you don't hit your head again for a while."
"Gatsby…"
He didn't respond and he kept me close. We could see the sun rising just over the peak of the trees.
"Nick, would you like to go swimming with me? I haven't used that pool all summer."
I looked down at the pool and saw leaves falling. Summer was ending and fall was coming.
Fall.
Fall.
Fall!
"Oh my God!"
I left Jay's warm embrace and ran to the door.
"What's the matter?!"
"MY BOOK PUBLISHERS WANT MY FINAL DRAFT BY FALL! I DON'T HAVE TIME! MY BOOK'S STILL UNCOMPLETED!"
I ran to my house and dressed quickly to go into town to ask for more time. I ran out to my car and Jay was still there.
"Old Sport wait!"
"Jay I promise I will come back! I just need more time!"
I jumped inside and waved goodbye and screamed at him to go swimming, that I'll join him as soon as I get back. I started the car and drove out of there as quickly as I could. I saw a familiar red car fly past me towards Jay's mansion. I stopped the car.
"Humphrey?! What in the hell?!"
I turned the car around and drove faster than before back home. I jumped out of the car while it was still running and I ran to the shouting.
"You took her away! You're gonna pay!"
What I saw made my skin crawl and my blood freeze. Humphrey was holding a gun to Jay's head.
"JAY!"
It wasn't the smartest move I made but it was the only thing I could think of. Humphrey turned around in shock and the gun went off in his hand. Instead of hitting Jay's head, it hit me in my leg. I fell to the ground and cried out in pain. I could feel the blood pumping out of my leg but I didn't care about the pain. I wanted to know Jay was ok.
"Nicolette!"
"Move you piece of trash!"
Jay's form came into view and I smiled sadly. I sat up enough to hug him tight to make me forget the pain. I looked up and saw Humphrey aim his gun again. I stood in front of Jay and I got shot in my arm.
"Nick!"
"Don't you dare touch her you…"
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH HUMPHREY REIN!"
I was furious that he was here and that he planned on shooting Jay.
"WHY ARE YOU HERE YOU SON OF A BITCH?! I HATE YOU; YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE HERE! LEAVE MY LIFE AND NEVER COME BACK!"
He didn't say anything. He aimed the gun at Jay and I stood up again. I didn't care how many times I got shot, I needed to protect Jay.
"WHY DO YOU PROTECT HIM?!"
"YOU WANT TO KNOW THE TRUTH YOU PIECE OF TRASH?! I'M PROTECTING HIM BECAUSE I LOVE HIM!"
Everyone was silent and still.
"THAT'S RIGHT I LOVE JAY GATSBY! I LOVE HIM! I LOVE HIM!"
My vision was fading and I could feel my breathing jump.
"I love Jay…"
I heard a gunshot but I couldn't tell who was hurt.
I felt sick and the room was way too bright for my eyes. I looked around the room and saw some people I knew.
"Daisy…Tom…"
My voice was weak and it hurt to talk but they jumped up and ran to my bedside and looked at me worriedly.
"Oh my dear, look at you!"
"You look terrible!"
"Tom, where's Jay? Where's…where's Gatsby?"
"Sweetheart, Jay is at home. We told him to go home. He was here since you arrived."
"What?"
"Humphrey shot himself after you blacked out. Jay then drove you to the hospital and called the police to the mansion. You were out for a couple of days."
I leaned back into my pillow and smiled. Not because Humphrey was dead but because Jay wasn't.
Wait if Jay wasn't dead…
I sat up and called for the doctor. When he came he told me I could leave in an hour if I was up for it.
I walked up the familiar path to the pool and noticed someone else was there. Gatsby was kneeling over the dark red stain in the white cement. He looked like he was crying but I knew better.
He was praying.
Gatsby was praying for me.
Gatsby was praying for me because…
"Jay…"
He suddenly looked back at me and he did one of the queerest things I had ever seen.
Jay Gatsby, the most mysterious man in New York, the man every man wanted to be, the man every woman wanted to be with, stood up straighter like a pole and began to cry. He ran to me and held me tight in his arms, afraid to let me go. I held on with just as much force.
He was crying into my shirt and I was crying into his…overalls?
I backed up slightly to find that he was indeed wearing overalls while I was wearing a blouse with a skirt. I began to laugh harder than the day I was with Jay.
"Nicolette?" He sounded worried and upset.
"Jay, what are you wearing?"
"What…I…"
"Jay, aren't you afraid someone's going to see you?"
I used his own words against him and when he realized what I said, he stopped crying and began to laugh. It wasn't a fake laugh either; it was a laugh I had never heard before. It was a really good hard laugh that shows he was truly amused by my answer.
"God Nicolette…"
"Gatsby, were you crying?"
"What?"
"Crying, Jay; were you crying just a second ago?" I felt myself smirk and watched him carefully.
"And what if I was, Old Sport?" His tone was like a challenge and I gladly took it.
I took two steps forward and grabbed his face, his eyes full of slight fear and curiosity. I kissed Jay Gatsby, a man who was wearing the poorest grab on the planet, a man who I thought was untouchable, a man who didn't seem real. When I let his face go, I took a step back and turned around.
"Old Sport…"
I didn't get too far when I felt two strong arms hold me tight and I felt someone whispering into my ear.
"I love you Nicolette Carraway."
"I love you Jay Gatsby."
And like the ending of a cheesy overrated romance novel, the sun began to set on us, bathing us in the glow of the ending of the day. I never wanted to leave this place and I'm sure Jay wouldn't let me.
At this point dear reader, I am told by my publishers that I must thank some people before I conclude this autobiography.
I must thank my father (deceased) and mother (deceased), my darling family, Daisy and Tom and niece Pam. I thank my friends Jordan Baker and Arthur Gunway. I must thank my soldier and his family, Private Darren and Lauren Darren. And finally I thank one of the most important people in my life, Mr. Jay Gatsby, father of our son, Drake, and love of my life.
Rest in peace mother and father.
Rest in peace Humphrey Rein.
Without these people, I wouldn't be here and breathing, happy and full of life.