Disclaimer: I arrange the words, but own nothing.
Warning: I'm not known for finishing what I start. Is that a chance you're willing to take?
The Difference Between
Chapter Fourteen: A Little Guidance
Kaylie doesn't know what to think when she sees a pile of mail near the house phone and finds a letter addressed to her from Denver – from Nicky.
Having to make her way to the gym for the day, Kaylie just goes to her car, tosses the crisp envelope onto the passenger seat and tries not to think about it too much. That was weeks ago. A pile has formed where that first letter fell. There has to be a good fifteen of them, all the same size and all the same squiggly, boyish handwriting on the front.
Kaylie and Nicky haven't spoken in weeks. She can't even count how many missed calls she has from him, how many times her phone rang and let it go to voicemail. If she's being honest with herself, Kaylie's desperate to just hear his voice, to know how he's doing and what he's doing, but she just can't bring herself to answer. He never leaves a voicemail either, but Kaylie can't say that's a big surprise.
"Nicky, I left you a voicemail to meet me at the Rock! What? Did you just ignore it?"
"Don't flatter yourself, Princess. I don't do voicemail."
"Why not? It's there for a reason."
"Because then I have to listen to the robotic woman's voice telling me what to do and take the time to memorize a password and then enter the password every time I want to listen to someone yell at me about missing their call. It's just inconvenient and annoying. Next time, text me."
A fond smile draws itself across her lips at the distant memory. It completely disappears when she realizes that she's caught herself thinking about him and it isn't the first time.
Kaylie had stupidly thought that she'd forget Nicky once enough time has passed. Slowly, she would forget his face, forget the crooked way he grins and how his hair is always messy but still attractive, just the right spikiness in the back with no hair product and no time devoted to its perfect state of disarray. She would forget the sound of his voice – the unintentional Dark Knight impersonation. She would eventually forget the feel of his hands and the taste of his lips. Kaylie may forget all of this one day, but lately it's as vivid as if he left yesterday.
Looking at the screen of her phone (no new messages) Kaylie thinks he might have given up on reaching her via technology and resorted to the pile of letters on her passenger seat.
She can't say she hasn't thought of returning his calls and texts. It can't hurt to just send him a 'hey' or a 'how are you?' She always told herself that they were strictly friends and their friendship would be placed up above everything. Things were so black and white in the beginning. Nicky and Payson were meant to be. Kaylie was meant to stay away from Carter. Nicky was helping Kaylie with her training and Kaylie was helping Nicky with Payson. Then somehow without them realizing, everything started to blur.
"You're sixteen, Kales. It might not feel like it, but this is normal," Leo told her the other day, finding her in the garden, staring at the only imperfection, the spot where she dug up the red tulips. "You're just a kid. Kids can't help, but play in the grey areas of a black and white world."
Kaylie had smiled faintly and asked him when he became so wise. Leo had only grinned and replied that how to shotgun a beer wasn't the only thing he learned in college. He's as nice and supportive as a big brother can be, but Leo's words of wisdom don't keep her thoughts from drifting to Nicky.
Sure, that night in his kitchen might have been really messed up and the last thing he said to her was completely heart wrenching, but even with that, Kaylie knows he has feelings for her and it isn't like hers for him have just disappeared. She simply files all of her baggage away in the back of her head when she's training and she keeps working hard in hopes that she won't have to think of anything but gymnastics.
The arrival of Austin Tucker makes things just a little harder.
Kaylie wouldn't only be lying to herself if she denied that Austin Tucker was hot, but she would be denying fact. There's something about him that's just so intense even though he's, for the most part, easygoing. However, just as Kaylie starts to think Austin Tucker is alluring, he does something (like flirt with the juniors) or the universe does something (who took down her National Champion banner and put up that Welcome Austin Tucker one?) that reminds her to stay away.
Sometimes Kaylie even finds herself comparing him to Nicky. Austin is tall, dark and handsome while Nicky isn't even six feet tall and his skin is milky (but not as bad as Carter and his Edward Cullen complexion minus the hot factor), but he was just as handsome. Austin is laidback. Nicky is stringent. Austin chases girls while still maintaining spectacular stamina and the title of Olympic gold medalist. Nicky has no social skills and works so damn hard, but still comes in second.
Sometimes Kaylie even finds herself contemplating that Austin took root in the Rock once Nicky left for a reason. Life is practically shoving him in her face, telling her that Austin Tucker is the perfect rebound guy and to take the opportunity presented to her. Her conscience counters that if she did hook up with Austin, he would be her third male Rock gymnast love interest in the last year. What would that say about her?
Even when Austin starts flirting and teasing (because he just can't help himself, he's Austin Tucker) Kaylie goes with her conscience and does not fall for it. She won't be the girl that bounced between three different boys so quickly. Even Kaylie Cruz has more self-respect than that.
"Hey."
Austin gives her a cool nod as he goes to get water from the water cooler. Kaylie blinks and realizes she's still holding her paper cup that's filled to the brim with water that has turned room temperature. She tries to shake the foggy thoughts out of her head and brings the rim to her lips for a sip.
"So in honor of the proverbial water cooler talk," Austin says, addressing her, "What do you think my chances are with Emily Kmetko?"
"Imaginary," Kaylie quickly replies. She takes another sip, looking disinterested.
Austin makes a fuss and clutches his chest. "Ouch. That hurt."
"Trust me, Em has enough boy drama to fill this entire gym. The last thing she needs is you trying to get in on the action," Kaylie says truthfully. "Plus, we totally saw you making out with Georgia Jenkins in your car yesterday. Newsflash, seeing you with other girls, tons of other girls is not a turn-on."
Austin winces. "So did Emily look crushed?"
"If by crushed you mean disgusted, yes."
"Damn," Austin grunts. He doesn't look too disappointed as he coolly leans back against the wall behind the water cooler. He leans in, smiling wide. Kaylie can't help, but notice how his smile shows off a little too much of his teeth and his eyebrows don't go up in the right way like…like Nicky does when he smiles. "Hey, you okay? Mesmerized by my smile or what?"
"Or what," Kaylie says, snapping back to reality. She rubs her fingers at the corner of her eyes, trying to focus on the moment at hand. "Wh—what are we talking about again?"
Austin leans in even closer and grins. "My chances with you."
Kaylie doesn't even stop to think or stutter.
"I'm a lesbian. Megan Fox, she's totally hot," Kaylie says in this singsong voice that makes it obvious how bad a liar she is.
"I knew it. You and Lauren, right?"
Kaylie looks away and Austin smirks.
"To be honest, I'm more of an Amanda Seyfried man myself," Austin adds. "I like them looking all innocent. Now that is a total turn-on."
Kaylie shoots him a glare. "Okay, if we're done talking about how you're not getting laid by any elites in this gym, I have to get back to training."
"Wait," Austin says, stopping her. "What about the chick that answers the phones and stuff in the office…Summer?"
"She doesn't believe in premarital sex," Kaylie says, rolling her eyes at the defeated look on Austin's face. "Plus, she dated Lauren's dad, which is more than a little gross and if you made a move and Lo hears about it, she'll literally castrate you."
"And I thought it'd be fun training at the Rock," Austin says, blowing air past his lips in an exaggerated sigh. "Oh, well. What about Payson Keeler? You're still friends with her, huh? Think you could score me a meet and greet? We are friends, aren't we, Cruz?"
"No way to both questions," Kaylie says. She shakes her head from side to side and feels her hair whipping her cheeks. "Honestly, Pay isn't in the best place right now and I think meeting you, Austin Tucker, Olympic gold medalist, would just remind her of everything she's lost."
Swallowing the guilt she feels thick in the back of her throat, eliminating her ability to talk anymore, Kaylie tosses away her paper cup and starts to turn away.
"One last thing," Austin says, staring at the back of her head as she slowly makes her way back to the vault. "Were you talking about me just then or you?"
Kaylie freezes at his words. She literally feels her muscles stop working as his deep voice rings in her ears. Is she that easy to read or is Austin just throwing darts, praying one will hit the target – which it does?
When Kaylie fails to respond, Austin goes on, "It might have been my imagination, Champ, but I think I heard, what is it? Oh yeah, guilt in your voice. When's the last time you visited your supposed friend, huh, Cruz?"
Kaylie tries to forget how the missed calls and text messages that aren't from Nicky are from Payson. Kaylie is yet to reply to a single one, just like how she's yet to even acknowledge Nicky's letters. Somehow her life has become a state of frozen motion, a paradox, the days go on, but she isn't really going anywhere.
Turning around to face her accuser, Kaylie just sees a water cooler. No Austin in sight.
The rest of the day drags on and every time Kaylie catches Austin out of the corner of her eye, she thinks about their brief water cooler conversation. At the end of the day, Kaylie finds herself sitting in her car and texting Payson, praying her oldest friend is too busy tonight.
Just got out of the gym. You said you wanted to talk?
Kaylie shuts her eyes and sends off the message.
A moment later comes Payson's reply. Definitely. My house?
I'll be there in ten.
Despite the roads being clear at this time of night, Kaylie takes even longer to get to the Keeler house. She drives slowly, shaky hands on the wheel and her gaze set straight ahead. When she finally gets there, Kaylie finds Payson sitting outside her house on the front steps of the porch. It's somewhat of a relief to find Payson looks just as nervous as she feels.
"Hey Pay," she calls, getting out of her car.
Payson smiles. "Kaylie! You are not the easiest person to get a hold of."
"Sorry about that. Life has been…hectic lately," Kaylie says sheepishly. "It is so good to see you out of a hospital bed."
"Physical therapy isn't easy, but I can walk again. At the very least I have that to be grateful for," Payson responds.
The thought to go in for a hug is there, lingering in her head while silence settles between them. Payson just coughs into a closed fist and looks down at the wooden steps. Kaylie vetoes the idea of the hug and just slowly lowers herself down onto the step beside Payson. Her heart starts slamming against her ribcage and her mouth is suddenly so dry. Why is this so hard? It's Payson for God's sake!
"I just took my first high school exam earlier this week," Payson says, breaking the silence. Kaylie's ears perk at what Payson is saying, but she's more interested in the way Payson is saying it. There's no bitterness or sadness like back in the hospital. It almost sounds like pride.
"And how do you think you did?" Kaylie asks.
"Aced it," Payson says joyfully, shifting so she's sitting just a little taller than before.
"Of course," Kaylie says, smiling. "Like I'd ever be able to expect anything less."
"High school really isn't that bad." Payson shrugs her shoulders. "I've made great friends. Heather is helping me catch up with everyone else, which means long, intensive study sessions. The teachers are understanding and at least this time I don't have to wear that stupid brace."
"So how is Ike?" Kaylie asks. She knows she's scrambling for conversational topics to keep the conversation alive and to keep from talking about the things she came here to talk about.
"Still Ike," Payson laughs. The sound of her laughter makes Kaylie feel a twinge in her stomach, something like elation. "I've even convinced him to come to a class or two a day. We're just friends."
"Oh."
"So how is everything at the Rock?" Payson asks.
"Fine." Kaylie really doesn't know what else to say. "And how's your family? I haven't seen your mom or Becca around the Rock in a while."
"They're fine," Payson answers.
Cue the awkward silence. It's like a game of Chicken that no one wants to play.
"Listen, Kales, the reason I've been trying to get a hold of you is because… I wanted to apologize for what I said to you at the hospital," Payson says, taking the plunge in a single breath.
Kaylie sighs. "Pay, it isn't—"
"Yes, it is," Payson says strongly. "After everything that we've been through together, for me to take out my anger over my situation on you wasn't very friend-like. And if I somehow messed up any change you and Nicky had to be together, I just want you to know that I didn't mean to. Things were just…all wrong and I didn't know how to handle any of it."
"I get it," Kaylie says. "Really, there isn't anything to apologize for."
"Yes, there is. I do. At first, I'll admit, I was upset because you had my dream, Kaylie. I was really really angry, but then time went by and I realized that the only one I had to be mad at was myself, getting mixed up in the Cortisone and just making bad decisions in general," Payson explains. "I somehow ended up pining all the blame on you when you haven't done anything wrong."
"But I stole Nicky from you," Kaylie says shakily. "I didn't mean to, but…somehow we got close and…you and him clearly had something. I was clearly in the wrong for messing that up."
"Let's be realistic, Kay," Payson says softly. "Yes, I had something with Nicky and it was sweet and nice in the moment, but…so much has happened since then. So much has changed. We're all completely different people. Honestly, I thought you were ignoring me because you finally realized that we don't have anything in common besides gymnastics and now I don't even have that."
"Aww, Payson, we've been best friends since we were kids. That doesn't just disappear overnight," Kaylie mutters. She finally wraps her arms around Payson and hugs her tight. "Kelly Parker and I have gymnastics in common, but you don't see me hugging her on her front porch, do you?"
Payson laughs, hugging her back. "I guess not."
Kaylie sighs. "You know, this entire time I've been so afraid that you hate me."
Payson pulls back enough to tilt her head and blink. "Hate you? What gave you that idea?"
Kaylie chews on her bottom lip. "For one, that hospital visit scared the crap out of me."
Payson laughs a little. "Kaylie, I can tell you that, yeah, the timing was all off when you came to visit me in the hospital and I was feeling sorry for myself and I took it out on you, but I can't hate you for falling in love with Nicky. You both were being honest with me and I can respect that."
Kaylie fully pulls away, startled. "Wait, I—I didn't fall for Nicky."
Payson frowns, noticing the way Kaylie's eyes suddenly darken and how they've completely broken free from contact with one another. Knowing she probably isn't the first to ask, but someone with a better grasp of the views of both sides, Payson asks, "So how have you been doing since he went to Denver?"
"I've become a stronger, more focused gymnast," Kaylie says affirmatively. Payson takes careful notice of how Kaylie's shoulders tense and her hands turn into fists. "To be honest, it was rough at first…Pay, are you sure you want to hear this?"
"Go for it." Payson nods her on. "You look like you could use it, but only if you want to."
Nervously knocking her knuckles against the wooden floorboards, Kaylie debates talking or not. With how devoted she's been to training, Kaylie hasn't talked much to anyone. Other people talk at her a lot and usually she responds just enough to satisfy them or push them away. Kaylie takes in how Payson isn't pushing or prying. She's just left the window open and now it's Kaylie's turn to take a dive.
"He just has me so mixed up in my head," Kaylie admits aloud for the first time. "I understand why he left, I really do, but…it's hard without him. The first few days I was an honest to God wreck. I was literally falling left and right, off the beam, off the bar, eating mat hard and in front of the National Committee and my teammates. I didn't have any energy. I just like crying all the time, but, like you said, time goes on and I'm back, better even."
"Then mission accomplished." Payson nods. "It probably hurt Nicky just as much to leave you, but now you guys can concentrate. It's only two years till the Olympics and then after that you two can come back together and see where things go from there."
Kaylie shakes her head. No. "Actually, I don't see that happening, Pay."
"Why not?"
"He didn't exactly leave on a hopeful note," Kaylie explains vaguely, reluctant to go into detail. "I'd be happy if I never see him and his stupid, lopsided grin ever again."
"Kaylie, you know that isn't true."
"I don't need him," Kaylie says decisively. "I've got you. I've got Em and even Lo seems to be trying this time. Leo is home. My mom is getting help. Things are looking better and better every day. I think we already got through the hard part. The last thing I need is for him to mess everything up."
Payson's frown deepens if possible. "Have you talked to him lately?"
"No." Kaylie stares down at her jumbled fingers. She can feel Payson's eyes on her, just peeling back the protective layers one by one. Payson has always had that affect. When she does something she puts everything she has into it. This moment is no different.
"Kales, what is it?" Payson asks knowingly.
"It's Nicky," she says, nervous and not really knowing why. "He's been…writing me letters, like straight out of the Pony Express days letters, letters that I find in my mail box."
Kaylie carefully looks up at Payson and takes in the staggered look on her blonde friend's face. She sees the corners of Payson's lips going into spasms, trying to fight back a smile. Kaylie's the one who shatters the silence with a girly giggle. Then Payson can't hold back anymore and the two start laughing hysterically, leaning against each other and clutching their aching stomachs.
"Wow. Kay, you sure did a number on him," Payson says when she finally calms down enough to get out coherent words. "So what do the letters say?"
"I don't know." Kaylie shrugs. "I haven't opened them."
"Why not?"
Kaylie stops herself before she says it. I'm scared.
"I'm just doing so good," Kaylie says, clinging to the one thing she tells herself every night before she goes to bed and constantly throughout the day. "I don't want anything, especially Nicky Russo, ruining this for me."
"You never know, Kaylie, you could find some closure in those letters."
There are so many reasons to tear open each one, but also reason to simply forget their existence. Fear has been chasing her away for weeks, but the possibility of closure has sparked an interest.
"Payson!" comes Becca Keeler's voice. "Mom says to come in now! You have school tomorrow!"
"How weird does that sound?" Kaylie laughs.
"Trust me, I'm still getting used to it," Payson says. She firmly takes hold of the banister and hoists herself to her feet. Kaylie follows right behind her. "So I'm thinking of visiting the Rock this Saturday."
"You totally should. Sasha and everyone will be happy to see you. Plus, Austin Tucker has been nagging me to introduce him to you," Kaylie says offhandedly.
At the sound of the Olympian's name, Payson's brows furrow and her eyes fill with confusion. She looks downright adorable as she asks, "Austin Tucker is training at the Rock?"
"Exactly. I don't know what Sasha was thinking, letting that slide. You should definitely kick some sense into him on Saturday," Kaylie says. "Austin is a big flirt, but you get used to it. He's harmless. You better watch out, though, he told me himself that he doesn't date gymnasts and he has a thing for innocent-looking blondes."
"Right, because me and Austin Tucker are definitely a possibility," Payson says sarcastically.
The two share another animated laugh before embracing in a hug. Kaylie waves as she backs out of the driveway and Payson returns the gesture from the porch. Kaylie marvels at how much lighter she feels now that she's free from the guilt she's been wearing ever since that time at the hospital. On the drive, Kaylie can't help, but glance once or twice at the stack of letters sitting on the seat next to her.
Sitting out in her driveway, Kaylie takes the first letter, the first one she got and the first one he wrote. She turns the envelope vertically and rips at the corner. Careful in each and every movement, Kaylie rips a strip off the side and looks at the plain white paper within. Gently, she slips the letter out form the envelope and unfolds it in front of her steering wheel.
Slowly, tentatively, Kaylie starts to read.
…
Nicky, got your letters. -Kaylie
After reading the text message aloud, Kelly Parker looks over at Nicky, trying to gage his reaction. It's their designated lunch break and Nicky sits on the blue mats, stretching out his legs. His eyes are on his toes and his face is void of emotion. Kelly can't help, but think how sad and embarrassingly pathetic he looks right now.
"That is how she response after you wrote her a billion cute little letters, not texts, not e-mails, but handwritten, through-the-mail letters?" Kelly asks. "That's all she has to say? It's more like a receipt."
"I didn't write her a billion letters and I wouldn't exactly call them cute," Nicky disagrees. "There was more like eighteen, counting the one I sent this morning."
"So this was your big, grand gesture and she sends you this?" Kelly asks, turning around the phone to show Nicky the screen with the dreaded text. "Wow. Nicholas Sparks totally got it wrong."
"Or maybe I got it wrong." Nicky groans. At least he knows she's still alive. That's a positive. "I know I'll live to regret this, but what do you think, Parks? What would you do?"
"I would grab my hot bestie and bomb Twitter with pictures of me and said bestie so the high-maintenance skank knows what she's missing out on," she replies, and in true Kelly Parker fashion no less.
"And I was right. Remind me never to ask you for advice ever again," Nicky says. "That jealousy stuff won't work on Kaylie. It'll just piss her off and mean that I really have been writing these letters for no reason, especially since I know by 'hot bestie' you mean you."
"You never miss a thing, do you, Nick?" Kelly grins. "Good boy."
Nicky has accepted that he's Kelly Parker's "bestie." What that means, he isn't exactly sure.
"Anyways, do you think you can give me a ride home again?" Kelly asks. She carelessly tosses Nicky's phone to him and he catches it with lightening fast reflexes.
"What happened to Daddy?" Nicky asks mockingly.
From knowing the Parkers for years, Nicky can easily see where Kelly gets her straightforward nature. What he's yet to completely understand is how Kelly and her dad are best friends. When they're together (which isn't often considering how much he works), Kelly and Mr. Parker are all smiles and laughs, inside jokes and telepathy. The warmth and ease is undeniable. Kelly with her stepmother, however, is a completely different story.
"Working late per usual. Apparently he has a huge neurological case. I swear, he's like a kid in a candy store when he talks about tumors and MRIs," Kelly explains. "My car is in the shop. Some bitch keyed it again. The StepMonster was supposed to pick me up, but she just got this new prescription for Paxil or whatever's the hip antidepressant this week and I know for a fact she mixes meds with her alcohol. I refuse to get into a car with that."
"Yeah, I'll drive you home," Nicky says simply.
"Yay!" Kelly says enthusiastically. "I still have that episode of Project Runway on my DVR."
"I'm not staying for that."
"Spice World?"
"No way."
"Nick!" she shouts irritably.
Nicky groans. "Maybe Sunday, okay?"
"Fine," Kelly reluctantly agrees, starting to walk away. "Oh, and by the way, watch that tucked yamawaki. I saw you just before lunch. Marty just has stars in his eyes whenever he looks at you. He failed to mention your knees came apart. Remember, if your knees aren't together then you get deducted."
"Yeah, nice catch. Thanks, Parks."
"God, I don't know what you'd do without me," she says with mock exasperation. "I'll say you're way better off than when you first got here. Then again, back then you were worse than shit sooo..."
"Parker, language," Marty barks, walking over to his two top gymnastics. Kelly gives him a sweet smile that Marty doesn't trust, but doesn't mind. He tosses a Denver Elite hoodie to Nicky who catches it. Russo is stitched in over the heart. He nods to Marty in thanks and Marty nods back before moving on.
"Looks like you're officially one of us," Kelly says. She gives his arm a playful pinch like she always does before moving across the gym, probably going to mess with the other elite girls just for the hell of it.
Nicky isn't quite sure how he became actual friends with Kelly Parker. She fails to forge any real connection with girls in general and all the boys are scared of her. Meanwhile, Nicky having the social skills of a potato means he doesn't connect with the other guys and because he's Kelly Parker's "bestie" all the girls are afraid to talk to him. Nicky and Kelly being friends is baffling, but it works.
Nicky probably wouldn't tell her ever, but Kelly would make a good coach. She's loud, annoying and demanding, but she gets into your head so easily and she'll egg you on until you either break or prove her wrong. Her constant nagging and chiding has restored Nicky to his former glory as the Android gymnast instead of the slacking castoff from the Rock. The guys recognize him as a threat and there's a grudging respect there. What is there to hate about that?
Working with Marty is also a plus, just like he planned. From spending so much one-on-one time together, Nicky recognizes the sadness in Marty. He knows he made mistakes and adult decisions as a result. Marty is a great coach, helping to toughen him physically and also mentally. So far, everything is proving that his departure from the Rock was necessary.
"Hey, Mopey, ready to go?" Kelly asks at the end of the day. Nicky nods and walks beside her as she lets her hair free, combing her fingers through the lush, light brown tresses. "So have you figured out what we're going to do about Kaylie?"
"We?" Nicky snorts. "When did this become a team effort?"
"Well, you are my personal chauffeur," Kelly teases. "The least I can do is help you get laid."
Nicky sighs, knowing not to fight her on her word choice. "There isn't much I can do, is there?"
"Why don't you just drive over there, not like it's far, and tell her that you're sorry you made her feel like a whore that night you almost took her v-card and that you want to be with her?" Kelly lays it out, plain and simple. Nicky almost blushes, realizing just then how much information Kelly actually managed to get out of him about what happened with Kaylie. "It's going to be hella embarrassing, sure, but at least it'll all be out there, right?"
"I'm not…like that," Nicky says uncomfortable. "I not the face-to-face final showdown type."
"Right, because these passive aggressive love letters are really doing it for her," Kelly says in a voice just dripping sarcasm. Nicky unlocks the car and opens her door for her. "Have you tried calling her?"
"Only a million times," Nicky says. He gets in and starts his car, making his way out of the lot.
"Nick, whatever you do don't tell me you sent her that letter about Slutty Stephanie, who's obviously seen one too many episodes of One Tree Hill, naked in your backseat. I told you not to send it, which, in my opinion, was fantastic advice. Just like I told you not to tell her I was your first kiss when we were kids."
"I thought she should know," Nicky says. "About the awkward moment with Stephanie. Now, you attacking me with your lips, I'm smart enough to leave that out. Actually, it was so traumatic I think I've blocked it out completely."
"Shut up. You loved it." Kelly grins. Honestly, they were so young and different it probably shouldn't even count. "Anyways, like I was saying, the last thing any girl wants to hear about is other girls coming on to you. Seriously, we need to marathon rom-coms to school you on how to woo a girl because, frankly, your current technique sucks."
"Can we not talk about this for the rest of the ride home?" Nicky asks. "I'm exhausted and my wrists are killing me. I think we've brainstormed enough for one day."
"Hmm, do I get to choose the radio station?"
Nicky sighs. "Whatever."
"Awesome," Kelly agrees, going straight for the dial of the radio.
This happens more often than not, hanging out with Kelly outside the gymnastics world. Nicky is still debating whether she's more draining to be around when she's barking out how his flares need to be cleaner or when she's singing along to some stupid song on the radio. Still, Nicky knows that for some reason unbeknown to the both of them, they're more willing to open up around each other than the others.
Nicky pulls up in front of Kelly's gigantic glass house where all the lights are off. At first, Nicky sympathized with Kelly having no one to go home to. That is until he found out Kelly actually likes going home to a dark house. While Nicky sees his house as cold and empty, Kelly sees it as calm and safe, somewhere she can be herself without the judgment. They both like being alone a little too much for it to be normal so they make it a point to hang out.
"You need a ride in the morning?" Nicky asks just as Kelly is getting out.
"Do you even have to ask?"
"Have breakfast ready when I get here," Nicky says. He smiles when he gets the reaction he was waiting for and Kelly rolls her eyes.
"As if," she says, but always does. "I'll see you tomorrow, loser."
"Yeah. Goodnight."
Nicky sits there for a moment and watches Kelly make her way to the front door. Once he's certain she's safely inside, he drives to his new home. The place smells a little too new and the way the furniture is arranged is a little too similar to their Boulder house, but Nicky doesn't complain. After all, he only ever goes home to sleep and shower. The rest of the time he's in the gym training or hanging out with Kelly.
Before heading inside, Nicky makes his way to the mailbox like he does every night. He expects a pile of bills to leave on his father's desk, but once he pulls down the little iron door, he finds an envelope with his name neatly written across the front and Kaylie's name in the top corner. Nicky has to blink a few times just to make sure he isn't seeing things. The moment he touches the envelope, he feels his fingertips buzzing with hope and it surges up his arms. She wrote back. At this point, Nicky can't exactly ask for more.
Baby steps, he reminds himself, making his way up to his house. At least it's a start.
Author's note: Nickelly-BFFness is my newest obsession and for a long time I debated introducing Austin or not and finally did it. Sorry KayAus fans, but there will be no triangle. My Austin Tucker is a charming, surprisingly wise bad boy who doesn't want to be Kaylie Cruz's boyfriend. He wants to be everyone's boyfriend…at the same time. Mainly Payson...maybe.
Do you guys want to know what's actually written in the letters or just onward with the story?