Unexpected Suprises
Disclaimer: Same as before.
A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up...I've been extraordinarily busy with school, but I'm determined to make time for this story!! It's almost over...maybe another chapter or two. This chapter contains a brief spout of graphic language. It's not too bad, but it could be offensive. Sorry if it offends anyone. Thank you all for your nice reviews!!
Chapter 7: Uncovering the Past
Athens International Airport was extremely busy. People were everywhere. Lindsey had never seen anything quite like it. Nigel and Sydney were used to it, but Lindsey felt hopelessly out of her element.
"Lindsey, take my hand, and don't let it go. This way you won't get lost. Sydney and I are gonna move rather quickly, so be sure to hold on tight." Nigel looked at Lindsey as he spoke. He was amused at the bewildered look she gave the airport. She looked up at him with an uneasy look on her face. She had a bad feeling, and she didn't know why. Nigel's amusement quickly turned to worry when he saw the uneasiness in her eyes. "What's wrong?" Nigel asked, an air of concern in his voice.
"Nothing, dear. I'm fine...just a bit overwhelmed." It wasn't a lie...just not the whole truth. Lindsey smiled at him. "I'll be fine. Lead on." With that, Nigel grabbed her hand and the trio set out to claim their luggage and head to the hotel. They made it to the hotel in one piece.
"Okay, guys, we have don't have to be at the Theatre of Dionysis until 5:00, and it's 11:00 now. Why don't we go settle in and rest and meet back here at 4:00? We could all use a little sleep." Sydney was looking at Lindsey the entire time she spoke, and Lindsey knew that Sydney was referring to her, but she agreed. She did need sleep, and that's exactly what she did. She and Nigel had laid down on the bed and turned on the television, but Lindsey was soon asleep. Nigel soon grew very sleepy, and turned off the television, and began to sleep too. **************************************************************************** * "Declan, what do you mean, 'I led you on'? How could you say that. I haven't even mentioned sex the entire time we've been dating. If I had wanted to sleep with you, I would have said something by now, don't you think?" Lindsey was very angry. She couldn't believe the words that had just come out of his mouth.
"You bitch." Declan threw that name harshly at Lindsey. He slapped her across the face so hard it knocked her backwards onto the sofa. "You argue about everything don't you? You're too stubborn for your own good. But, enough of that." He walks over to the couch where a wimpering Lindsey is still laying with her hands over her face. "I'm gonna get what I want from you, whether you want me to or not. You know that you want it, too."
"Declan, GET OUT!!!!!!!!!" Lindsey shouted. As she tried to kick him away. He moved her flailing legs out of the way and grabbed her wrists.
"This is going to be fun." Declan proclaimed, as he proceeded to rape her. Lindsey tried to fight, but it was no use. He just backhanded her everytime she struggled. She eventually gave up, and resorted to counting the number of rocks in her fish aquarium to help block out what was happening to her as the tears silently fell down her cheek. After he finished, he got up and killed the rest of the drink he left on the counter. "Now, see? That would have been so much better for you if you would have just let me have it. Now you're nothing but a whore...a used bitch that no one will want." Declan looked at her and smiled. "Maybe we'll meet again one day. I'd love to hit that again." And with that, he walked out the door, leaving Lindsey crying alone on the couch.
"Lindsey?" Nigel asked, gently shaking her. "Lindsey, wake up." Nigel said a bit louder and shaking a bit harder. He was growing worried. She had been tossing and turning in her sleep, as if she were struggling to get away from someone, and mumbling. She must have woken him up in the process. Now she was crying, curled up in a ball facing away from Nigel. Nigel tried to wake her up one more time. "Lindsey, love, please wake up."
"NOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Lindsey shouted as she woke up. She sat up and breathed very heavily. Sweat was soaking her face and shirt. It took her a minute to remember where she was. When she did, she looked over at Nigel, who had a look of severe concern on his face, and began to cry again. Nigel gently wrapped her in his arms and laid down with her and comforted her in much the same way he had the first night they spent together.
"Shhhh. Everything is alright now. You're going to be fine. No one is going to hurt you now." Nigel kept repeating these things over and over as he stroked her hair. Finally, she looked up at him.
"Nigel, I'm so sorry. I was having a nightmare about..." Lindsey didn't get a chance to finish because Nigel cut her off.
"about Declan. I know. I could tell. And there is no need for you to be sorry." Nigel looked at her with such compassion. How any man could do such a thing to a lady, he would never know. He just wished that he could take the pain away from her.
"I haven't had one in a long time, Nigel. I don't know where it came from." She had calmed down, and her breathing had returned to normal. For that, Nigel was thankful.
"Well, hopefully it won't happen again. I'm right here, Lindsey, and I'm not going anywhere. Try to get some more sleep, okay?" he asked.
"No, Nigel. Something's not right," Lindsey said getting up from the bed. She turned to face Nigel. "I've had a bad feeling since I stepped off that airplane, and now, I've had a nightmare. I don't know what it is or why, but something tells me that I'm in over my head." Lindsey just looked at Nigel. She had a frustrated look on her face. Nigel walked over to her and put his arms around her waist. He leaned in and gently kissed her.
"Lindsey, you're going to be just fine. No one is going to hurt you. They'll have to get through me first...not to mention Syd." The look in Nigel's eyes told Lindsey that he ment every word that he said, and there was an odd sense of comfort in those words. She smiled, and nuzzled her head against his chest.
"Nigel, I love you." Lindsey looked up at Nigel, and he stroked her hair gently.
"I love you, too, Lindsey. I love you so much. I..." Nigel didn't get a chance to finish. Lindsey cut him off with a kiss...a long, passionate kiss. Lindsey really didn't want to break the kiss, but it was growing closer to time to meet Sydney in the lobby. She broke the kiss reluctantly, and both of them were gasping for air. Neither of them realized that oxygen was becoming an issue...or didn't care.
"We really need to get ready if we're ever gonna met Prof...um...I mean Sydney...on time. I still need to get a shower. You can go back to sleep if you want. I'll wake you up before time to go." Lindsey turned to head toward the bathroom, but Nigel grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, and caressed her face with his hand.
"Are you going to be okay?" Nigel asked worriedly. "I'm really worr..." Nigel was cut off again by a pair of warm, wet lips. Lindsey soon broke the kiss.
"Nigel, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Now, you go lay back down, and get some sleep, and I'll wake you when I'm ready, okay?" It was more of an order than a question. Nigel turned around to head toward the bed, and smiled. Lindsey was quite reserved and had a quiet disposition, but when she ment business, she ment business. Nigel did as he was told, and soon fell asleep. Lindsey did as she promised, and woke him up. Nigel did a few minutes worth of freshening up, and then he and Lindsey met Sydney in the lobby.
**************************************************************************** *
The Theatre of Dionysis was more than Lindsey had ever dreamed it would be. The ancient ruins were absolutely breathtaking. Nigel and Sydney were in awe too. It was amazing...all of the history that this one place helped create...it was truly magnificent.
"Sydney Fox?" a deep voice with a heavy Greek accent asked. Sydney turned around.
"Nicholaus?" Sydney replied.
"Please, call me Nico." He said with a suave tone of voice. "Welcome to the Theatre of Dionysis."
"This is Nigel Bailey, my assistant, and Lindsey Pierce, a theatre grad student at Trinity. She was the student I was telling you about who translated most of the manuscripts. Without her, I don't think we'd be here." Sydney was beaming. She was very proud of Lindsey, and wanted everyone to know it. Nico wasted no time in introducing himself to Lindsey.
"Nicholaus Onassis. It's a pleasure to be in company of such beauty." He kissed her hand. A jealous Nigel looked at him and rolled his eyes. "I must say, your translations are quite impressive. Well done." Nico's eyes met hers, as he kissed her hand again.
"Uh..Well...I didn't do it by myself. Nigel helped me." She looked at Nigel with a smile that made his heart melt. "He helped me more than I can ever say." Lindsey wasn't just referring to the translations. She was suddenly feeling uncomfortable around Nico, but she didn't know why. He seemed nice enough.
"Uh..well, I only did a bit here or there. You did a vast majority of the work, love." He was sure to make the "love" audible. He knew that Lindsey wasn't interested in Nico, and probably hadn't even noticed his advances. He just didn't like how Nico was fawning all over her. Sydney just rolled her eyes at Nigel and laughed.
"A bit jealous, are we?" Sydney asked under her breath. Nigel just scowled at her.
"Shall we get started?" Nico asked as Nigel opened his laptop and brought up the translation. "Well, 'in the heart of the theatre...where scenes are born and where they come to die', I think that's the stage. It would make sense considering the stage is one of the most important parts of the theatre and scenes are created and destroyed there."
"Yes, that's what I was thinking," Sydney offered. "What about you guys? What do you think?" Sydney was referring to Lindsey and Nigel.
"I don't know," Lindsey said. "It seems like a good starting place, though. Let's start there." Lindsey couldn't help but think that there was something more to that clue. They spent the next three hours looking at the stage.
"Okay, nothing. Tomorrow, we'll start somewhere else," Sydney said. "Right now, let's get some food." The rumbling in her stomach had been fussing at her for the better part of the afternoon, and by the look on everyone's face, so had theirs. As Sydney, Nico, Nigel, and Lindsey headed toward the car, Lindsey got a pleasant suprise.
"Lindsey?!?" a male voice called out to her. Everyone had turned around to see who had called her name. She felt a bit self-concious as she herself turned around.
"Aaron?!?" came her eager reply. They both ran to meet one another and Aaron picked her up and spun her around in an embrace. He gently placed her back down on the ground. "I can't believe that it's really you!!" she said, as she stood on her tiptoes, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him on the cheek. The pangs of jealousy were now threatening Nigel. "What are you doing here?" Lindsey asked Aaron.
"Well, I decided to study abroad this semester, and when the opportunity to study here, and work here at the Theatre came available, I couldn't refuse. What about you?"
"Well, we're here looking for Sophocles's Book to Dionysis." She gestured over to her friends. "Oh, silly me, I forgot my manners. Aaron, this is Sydney, Nico, and Nigel." Then she looked at the other three. "Guys, this is my friend Aaron. We used to work together back when I was in high school, and part of my freshman year of college." A collective "Oh..." was all that she got in reply. Sydney was the first to speak.
"What Lindsey failed to mention is that she's the reason we're here, actually." Sydney saw the embarrassed look on Lindsey's face, and decided to continue anyway. The girl deserved the credit. "She's the one who translated most of the manuscript that led us here." Sydney smiled at Aaron, who gave Lindsey a look of praise.
"I wouldn't doubt it. She always was a smart girl." Aaron looked at all of them, and then realized that he was holding them up. "Oh, I'm sorry...I'll let y'all go. I'll talk to you, later, Lindsey." Aaron went to give Lindsey a hug, but she stopped him.
"Why don't you come with us?...if you can, of course. I haven't seen you in such a long time...it would be great to catch up a bit." Lindsey looked at him with eyes that she knew he couldn't refuse. There was never any romance between Aaron and Lindsey...mostly because Aaron was more like a brother. Nigel didn't know this though, and he was becoming more and more uneasy as the converstaion progressed.
"Well...okay...if I wouldn't be imposing." Aaron said looking at Nigel. Aaron could tell what was going on and had to supress a laugh. He would have to ask Lindsey about him later.
"No, not at all, Aaron," Sydney answered. She had wanted Nigel to say it, but he wouldn't. Sydney could tell that Aaron was gay, and that Nigel need not worry, but she couldn't say anything to Nigel right there. So Nico and Sydney, and Lindsey and Aaron went walking to the car in pairs, leaving a sulking Nigel walking behind them. When they got to the restaurant, Nigel pulled Lindsey's chair out for her, and quickly took the seat next to her, while Aaron took the seat on the other side of her. Lindsey realized what was going on, and after Aaron and Nico excused themselves to the lavatory, decided she would clarify to Nigel what was going on.
"Nigel, sweetie, are you okay?" Lindsey asked sweetly.
"I'm just fine, love. What makes you question?" Nigel asked nervously. He knew that he'd been caught.
"Well, it just seems that you are a bit...jealous...of Aaron. There's no need to be. There never was, nor will there ever be a romance between us...for two reasons."
"Really?" It was more of a statement that Nigel made, with a slight grin. The look that Lindsey gave him told him that he'd been acting silly. "What are they?"
"Well, first and foremost, I love you, Nigel." Lindsey took his hand and looked at him, and that look told him that he needn't worry about anything. "Secondly, Aaron's like a brother." Lindsey looked at the embarrassed look on Nigel's face. "Don't worry. You didn't offend him. It takes alot to offend him." Lindsey just looked at Nigel. "I really would like for two of the most important men in my life to get along though."
"You're right. I'm sorry. I'll be more sociable, now. I was just so jealous." Nigel squeezed her hand and kissed it. "I just wish Nico had been around to hear our conversation. Maybe he would leave you alone." Lindsey began to ask why, but Aaron and Nico had returned. Sydney just laughed. They all had a nice dinner, and Nigel, Sydney, and Nico got a nice history lesson on Lindsey. Apparently, she and Aaron used to sing various numbers from various musicals when they were younger. After dinner, they all went back to the hotel for more socialization.
"Come on, you guys," Sydney begged. "Perform something for us."
"I don't sing anymore, Sydney." Lindsey said, completely embarrassed. She could have killed Aaron for telling them that they used to sing musicals.
"Oh, come on, love. I want to hear you sing." Nigel requested. Eventually, she gave in, and she and Aaron sang songs from everything from Moulin Rouge to Chicago. It was quite entertaining, and Nigel was completely taken by Lindsey's voice. She had a beautiful voice. After a few more musical selections, it was time for them to go to bed. As Lindsey went to give Aaron a hug goodnight, he whispered in her ear.
"He really loves you, Lindsey." Lindsey looked at Aaron suprisingly. She hadn't told him about her and Nigel yet. "It's obvious. I'm so happy for you." He just looked at her and kissed her cheek. "You deserve it. Just be sure he knows that if he hurts you..." Aaron was cut short.
"I don't think you have to worry about that, Aaron." Lindsey smiled back. "He's the most perfect guy I've ever met."
"Good. I thought so. Well, goodnight, sweetie!" And with that, Aaron was gone. Lindsey didn't know why, but she was still feeling uneasy. Nico didn't help matters any.
"Goodnight, Lindsey. Have pleasant dreams." Nico said as he kissed her hand.
"Ready for bed, love?" Nigel asked as he put his arm around her waist. He didn't like this creep, and he could tell that something about him was bothering Lindsey. He could tell by her quick release of breath that Lindsey was grateful for Nigel being there.
"Yes, sweetie, I am." Lindsey just looked at Nigel, and as if on cue, they walked to their room together. Once inside, Nigel asked Lindsey what he had been pondering.
"Lindsey, what is it about Nico that makes you feel so uncomfortable?...I mean, besides all of his unwanted advances." Nigel said. Lindsey laughed.
"I think that's what's making you uncomfortable." Lindsey smiled. The look on Nigel's face told her that he was serious. "Okay, I'm sorry," Lindsey said as she went to sit on the bed. "Something about him just seems...creepy." Lindsey looked down. "I'm being silly, I know." Nigel went and sat beside her.
"You are not. If he's making you uncomfortable, there has to be a reason." Nigel said. "Although, I can't put my finger on it."
"Well, I can put up with 'Mr. Creepy' for as long as we're here. I want to find that book, Nigel." Lindsey had that look of determination in her eyes again. "I was actually thinking about that riddle today at dinner. Something just isn't right. I don't think we're interpreting the riddle correctly. I want to go back tonight and look around. It'll be closed, so it'll be easier to search without all of the tourists around." She looked at Nigel who had a look of utter disbelief on his face.
"Lindsey, you've been hanging around Sydney too long." Nigel laughed. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Nigel asked. He knew that Sydney would be up for it; in fact, she had probably already thought about it, but didn't want to wear Lindsey out on her first day.
"Yeah, Nigel, I'm positive. I want to find that book" Lindsey just grinned. Nigel went to go get Sydney, but when he opened the door, Sydney was standing there, fixing to knock. Nigel barely avoided getting knocked in the face.
"Nigel? Where are you going?" Sydney asked, suprised.
"To get you. Lindsey wants to go back to the Theatre tonight and look for the book." Nigel looked hopelessly at Sydney, who just grinned the same grin that Lindsey had grinned a few moments ago. Sydney walked past Nigel to find Lindsey brushing her hair.
"A girl after my own heart." Sydney laughed. Lindsey turned around, a look of determination in her eyes.
"I would like to go back tonight and look for that book, Sydney. I have a feeling we were so close...i think we were looking in the wrong place." The look on Sydney's face told Lindsey that she didn't have to explain.
"Let's go then." Sydney said, and with that, Lindsey, Sydney, and a reluctant Nigel left the hotel room.
A/N: Okay, another chapter is up. I'm thinking there will be another two chapters. Maybe I can get them up in the near future!! =)...Please Read and Review!
Disclaimer: Same as before.
A/N: Sorry it took so long to get this chapter up...I've been extraordinarily busy with school, but I'm determined to make time for this story!! It's almost over...maybe another chapter or two. This chapter contains a brief spout of graphic language. It's not too bad, but it could be offensive. Sorry if it offends anyone. Thank you all for your nice reviews!!
Chapter 7: Uncovering the Past
Athens International Airport was extremely busy. People were everywhere. Lindsey had never seen anything quite like it. Nigel and Sydney were used to it, but Lindsey felt hopelessly out of her element.
"Lindsey, take my hand, and don't let it go. This way you won't get lost. Sydney and I are gonna move rather quickly, so be sure to hold on tight." Nigel looked at Lindsey as he spoke. He was amused at the bewildered look she gave the airport. She looked up at him with an uneasy look on her face. She had a bad feeling, and she didn't know why. Nigel's amusement quickly turned to worry when he saw the uneasiness in her eyes. "What's wrong?" Nigel asked, an air of concern in his voice.
"Nothing, dear. I'm fine...just a bit overwhelmed." It wasn't a lie...just not the whole truth. Lindsey smiled at him. "I'll be fine. Lead on." With that, Nigel grabbed her hand and the trio set out to claim their luggage and head to the hotel. They made it to the hotel in one piece.
"Okay, guys, we have don't have to be at the Theatre of Dionysis until 5:00, and it's 11:00 now. Why don't we go settle in and rest and meet back here at 4:00? We could all use a little sleep." Sydney was looking at Lindsey the entire time she spoke, and Lindsey knew that Sydney was referring to her, but she agreed. She did need sleep, and that's exactly what she did. She and Nigel had laid down on the bed and turned on the television, but Lindsey was soon asleep. Nigel soon grew very sleepy, and turned off the television, and began to sleep too. **************************************************************************** * "Declan, what do you mean, 'I led you on'? How could you say that. I haven't even mentioned sex the entire time we've been dating. If I had wanted to sleep with you, I would have said something by now, don't you think?" Lindsey was very angry. She couldn't believe the words that had just come out of his mouth.
"You bitch." Declan threw that name harshly at Lindsey. He slapped her across the face so hard it knocked her backwards onto the sofa. "You argue about everything don't you? You're too stubborn for your own good. But, enough of that." He walks over to the couch where a wimpering Lindsey is still laying with her hands over her face. "I'm gonna get what I want from you, whether you want me to or not. You know that you want it, too."
"Declan, GET OUT!!!!!!!!!" Lindsey shouted. As she tried to kick him away. He moved her flailing legs out of the way and grabbed her wrists.
"This is going to be fun." Declan proclaimed, as he proceeded to rape her. Lindsey tried to fight, but it was no use. He just backhanded her everytime she struggled. She eventually gave up, and resorted to counting the number of rocks in her fish aquarium to help block out what was happening to her as the tears silently fell down her cheek. After he finished, he got up and killed the rest of the drink he left on the counter. "Now, see? That would have been so much better for you if you would have just let me have it. Now you're nothing but a whore...a used bitch that no one will want." Declan looked at her and smiled. "Maybe we'll meet again one day. I'd love to hit that again." And with that, he walked out the door, leaving Lindsey crying alone on the couch.
"Lindsey?" Nigel asked, gently shaking her. "Lindsey, wake up." Nigel said a bit louder and shaking a bit harder. He was growing worried. She had been tossing and turning in her sleep, as if she were struggling to get away from someone, and mumbling. She must have woken him up in the process. Now she was crying, curled up in a ball facing away from Nigel. Nigel tried to wake her up one more time. "Lindsey, love, please wake up."
"NOOOOO!!!!!!!!" Lindsey shouted as she woke up. She sat up and breathed very heavily. Sweat was soaking her face and shirt. It took her a minute to remember where she was. When she did, she looked over at Nigel, who had a look of severe concern on his face, and began to cry again. Nigel gently wrapped her in his arms and laid down with her and comforted her in much the same way he had the first night they spent together.
"Shhhh. Everything is alright now. You're going to be fine. No one is going to hurt you now." Nigel kept repeating these things over and over as he stroked her hair. Finally, she looked up at him.
"Nigel, I'm so sorry. I was having a nightmare about..." Lindsey didn't get a chance to finish because Nigel cut her off.
"about Declan. I know. I could tell. And there is no need for you to be sorry." Nigel looked at her with such compassion. How any man could do such a thing to a lady, he would never know. He just wished that he could take the pain away from her.
"I haven't had one in a long time, Nigel. I don't know where it came from." She had calmed down, and her breathing had returned to normal. For that, Nigel was thankful.
"Well, hopefully it won't happen again. I'm right here, Lindsey, and I'm not going anywhere. Try to get some more sleep, okay?" he asked.
"No, Nigel. Something's not right," Lindsey said getting up from the bed. She turned to face Nigel. "I've had a bad feeling since I stepped off that airplane, and now, I've had a nightmare. I don't know what it is or why, but something tells me that I'm in over my head." Lindsey just looked at Nigel. She had a frustrated look on her face. Nigel walked over to her and put his arms around her waist. He leaned in and gently kissed her.
"Lindsey, you're going to be just fine. No one is going to hurt you. They'll have to get through me first...not to mention Syd." The look in Nigel's eyes told Lindsey that he ment every word that he said, and there was an odd sense of comfort in those words. She smiled, and nuzzled her head against his chest.
"Nigel, I love you." Lindsey looked up at Nigel, and he stroked her hair gently.
"I love you, too, Lindsey. I love you so much. I..." Nigel didn't get a chance to finish. Lindsey cut him off with a kiss...a long, passionate kiss. Lindsey really didn't want to break the kiss, but it was growing closer to time to meet Sydney in the lobby. She broke the kiss reluctantly, and both of them were gasping for air. Neither of them realized that oxygen was becoming an issue...or didn't care.
"We really need to get ready if we're ever gonna met Prof...um...I mean Sydney...on time. I still need to get a shower. You can go back to sleep if you want. I'll wake you up before time to go." Lindsey turned to head toward the bathroom, but Nigel grabbed her arm and pulled her close to him. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind her ear, and caressed her face with his hand.
"Are you going to be okay?" Nigel asked worriedly. "I'm really worr..." Nigel was cut off again by a pair of warm, wet lips. Lindsey soon broke the kiss.
"Nigel, I'll be fine. Don't worry about me. Now, you go lay back down, and get some sleep, and I'll wake you when I'm ready, okay?" It was more of an order than a question. Nigel turned around to head toward the bed, and smiled. Lindsey was quite reserved and had a quiet disposition, but when she ment business, she ment business. Nigel did as he was told, and soon fell asleep. Lindsey did as she promised, and woke him up. Nigel did a few minutes worth of freshening up, and then he and Lindsey met Sydney in the lobby.
**************************************************************************** *
The Theatre of Dionysis was more than Lindsey had ever dreamed it would be. The ancient ruins were absolutely breathtaking. Nigel and Sydney were in awe too. It was amazing...all of the history that this one place helped create...it was truly magnificent.
"Sydney Fox?" a deep voice with a heavy Greek accent asked. Sydney turned around.
"Nicholaus?" Sydney replied.
"Please, call me Nico." He said with a suave tone of voice. "Welcome to the Theatre of Dionysis."
"This is Nigel Bailey, my assistant, and Lindsey Pierce, a theatre grad student at Trinity. She was the student I was telling you about who translated most of the manuscripts. Without her, I don't think we'd be here." Sydney was beaming. She was very proud of Lindsey, and wanted everyone to know it. Nico wasted no time in introducing himself to Lindsey.
"Nicholaus Onassis. It's a pleasure to be in company of such beauty." He kissed her hand. A jealous Nigel looked at him and rolled his eyes. "I must say, your translations are quite impressive. Well done." Nico's eyes met hers, as he kissed her hand again.
"Uh..Well...I didn't do it by myself. Nigel helped me." She looked at Nigel with a smile that made his heart melt. "He helped me more than I can ever say." Lindsey wasn't just referring to the translations. She was suddenly feeling uncomfortable around Nico, but she didn't know why. He seemed nice enough.
"Uh..well, I only did a bit here or there. You did a vast majority of the work, love." He was sure to make the "love" audible. He knew that Lindsey wasn't interested in Nico, and probably hadn't even noticed his advances. He just didn't like how Nico was fawning all over her. Sydney just rolled her eyes at Nigel and laughed.
"A bit jealous, are we?" Sydney asked under her breath. Nigel just scowled at her.
"Shall we get started?" Nico asked as Nigel opened his laptop and brought up the translation. "Well, 'in the heart of the theatre...where scenes are born and where they come to die', I think that's the stage. It would make sense considering the stage is one of the most important parts of the theatre and scenes are created and destroyed there."
"Yes, that's what I was thinking," Sydney offered. "What about you guys? What do you think?" Sydney was referring to Lindsey and Nigel.
"I don't know," Lindsey said. "It seems like a good starting place, though. Let's start there." Lindsey couldn't help but think that there was something more to that clue. They spent the next three hours looking at the stage.
"Okay, nothing. Tomorrow, we'll start somewhere else," Sydney said. "Right now, let's get some food." The rumbling in her stomach had been fussing at her for the better part of the afternoon, and by the look on everyone's face, so had theirs. As Sydney, Nico, Nigel, and Lindsey headed toward the car, Lindsey got a pleasant suprise.
"Lindsey?!?" a male voice called out to her. Everyone had turned around to see who had called her name. She felt a bit self-concious as she herself turned around.
"Aaron?!?" came her eager reply. They both ran to meet one another and Aaron picked her up and spun her around in an embrace. He gently placed her back down on the ground. "I can't believe that it's really you!!" she said, as she stood on her tiptoes, threw her arms around his neck, and kissed him on the cheek. The pangs of jealousy were now threatening Nigel. "What are you doing here?" Lindsey asked Aaron.
"Well, I decided to study abroad this semester, and when the opportunity to study here, and work here at the Theatre came available, I couldn't refuse. What about you?"
"Well, we're here looking for Sophocles's Book to Dionysis." She gestured over to her friends. "Oh, silly me, I forgot my manners. Aaron, this is Sydney, Nico, and Nigel." Then she looked at the other three. "Guys, this is my friend Aaron. We used to work together back when I was in high school, and part of my freshman year of college." A collective "Oh..." was all that she got in reply. Sydney was the first to speak.
"What Lindsey failed to mention is that she's the reason we're here, actually." Sydney saw the embarrassed look on Lindsey's face, and decided to continue anyway. The girl deserved the credit. "She's the one who translated most of the manuscript that led us here." Sydney smiled at Aaron, who gave Lindsey a look of praise.
"I wouldn't doubt it. She always was a smart girl." Aaron looked at all of them, and then realized that he was holding them up. "Oh, I'm sorry...I'll let y'all go. I'll talk to you, later, Lindsey." Aaron went to give Lindsey a hug, but she stopped him.
"Why don't you come with us?...if you can, of course. I haven't seen you in such a long time...it would be great to catch up a bit." Lindsey looked at him with eyes that she knew he couldn't refuse. There was never any romance between Aaron and Lindsey...mostly because Aaron was more like a brother. Nigel didn't know this though, and he was becoming more and more uneasy as the converstaion progressed.
"Well...okay...if I wouldn't be imposing." Aaron said looking at Nigel. Aaron could tell what was going on and had to supress a laugh. He would have to ask Lindsey about him later.
"No, not at all, Aaron," Sydney answered. She had wanted Nigel to say it, but he wouldn't. Sydney could tell that Aaron was gay, and that Nigel need not worry, but she couldn't say anything to Nigel right there. So Nico and Sydney, and Lindsey and Aaron went walking to the car in pairs, leaving a sulking Nigel walking behind them. When they got to the restaurant, Nigel pulled Lindsey's chair out for her, and quickly took the seat next to her, while Aaron took the seat on the other side of her. Lindsey realized what was going on, and after Aaron and Nico excused themselves to the lavatory, decided she would clarify to Nigel what was going on.
"Nigel, sweetie, are you okay?" Lindsey asked sweetly.
"I'm just fine, love. What makes you question?" Nigel asked nervously. He knew that he'd been caught.
"Well, it just seems that you are a bit...jealous...of Aaron. There's no need to be. There never was, nor will there ever be a romance between us...for two reasons."
"Really?" It was more of a statement that Nigel made, with a slight grin. The look that Lindsey gave him told him that he'd been acting silly. "What are they?"
"Well, first and foremost, I love you, Nigel." Lindsey took his hand and looked at him, and that look told him that he needn't worry about anything. "Secondly, Aaron's like a brother." Lindsey looked at the embarrassed look on Nigel's face. "Don't worry. You didn't offend him. It takes alot to offend him." Lindsey just looked at Nigel. "I really would like for two of the most important men in my life to get along though."
"You're right. I'm sorry. I'll be more sociable, now. I was just so jealous." Nigel squeezed her hand and kissed it. "I just wish Nico had been around to hear our conversation. Maybe he would leave you alone." Lindsey began to ask why, but Aaron and Nico had returned. Sydney just laughed. They all had a nice dinner, and Nigel, Sydney, and Nico got a nice history lesson on Lindsey. Apparently, she and Aaron used to sing various numbers from various musicals when they were younger. After dinner, they all went back to the hotel for more socialization.
"Come on, you guys," Sydney begged. "Perform something for us."
"I don't sing anymore, Sydney." Lindsey said, completely embarrassed. She could have killed Aaron for telling them that they used to sing musicals.
"Oh, come on, love. I want to hear you sing." Nigel requested. Eventually, she gave in, and she and Aaron sang songs from everything from Moulin Rouge to Chicago. It was quite entertaining, and Nigel was completely taken by Lindsey's voice. She had a beautiful voice. After a few more musical selections, it was time for them to go to bed. As Lindsey went to give Aaron a hug goodnight, he whispered in her ear.
"He really loves you, Lindsey." Lindsey looked at Aaron suprisingly. She hadn't told him about her and Nigel yet. "It's obvious. I'm so happy for you." He just looked at her and kissed her cheek. "You deserve it. Just be sure he knows that if he hurts you..." Aaron was cut short.
"I don't think you have to worry about that, Aaron." Lindsey smiled back. "He's the most perfect guy I've ever met."
"Good. I thought so. Well, goodnight, sweetie!" And with that, Aaron was gone. Lindsey didn't know why, but she was still feeling uneasy. Nico didn't help matters any.
"Goodnight, Lindsey. Have pleasant dreams." Nico said as he kissed her hand.
"Ready for bed, love?" Nigel asked as he put his arm around her waist. He didn't like this creep, and he could tell that something about him was bothering Lindsey. He could tell by her quick release of breath that Lindsey was grateful for Nigel being there.
"Yes, sweetie, I am." Lindsey just looked at Nigel, and as if on cue, they walked to their room together. Once inside, Nigel asked Lindsey what he had been pondering.
"Lindsey, what is it about Nico that makes you feel so uncomfortable?...I mean, besides all of his unwanted advances." Nigel said. Lindsey laughed.
"I think that's what's making you uncomfortable." Lindsey smiled. The look on Nigel's face told her that he was serious. "Okay, I'm sorry," Lindsey said as she went to sit on the bed. "Something about him just seems...creepy." Lindsey looked down. "I'm being silly, I know." Nigel went and sat beside her.
"You are not. If he's making you uncomfortable, there has to be a reason." Nigel said. "Although, I can't put my finger on it."
"Well, I can put up with 'Mr. Creepy' for as long as we're here. I want to find that book, Nigel." Lindsey had that look of determination in her eyes again. "I was actually thinking about that riddle today at dinner. Something just isn't right. I don't think we're interpreting the riddle correctly. I want to go back tonight and look around. It'll be closed, so it'll be easier to search without all of the tourists around." She looked at Nigel who had a look of utter disbelief on his face.
"Lindsey, you've been hanging around Sydney too long." Nigel laughed. "Are you sure you want to do this?" Nigel asked. He knew that Sydney would be up for it; in fact, she had probably already thought about it, but didn't want to wear Lindsey out on her first day.
"Yeah, Nigel, I'm positive. I want to find that book" Lindsey just grinned. Nigel went to go get Sydney, but when he opened the door, Sydney was standing there, fixing to knock. Nigel barely avoided getting knocked in the face.
"Nigel? Where are you going?" Sydney asked, suprised.
"To get you. Lindsey wants to go back to the Theatre tonight and look for the book." Nigel looked hopelessly at Sydney, who just grinned the same grin that Lindsey had grinned a few moments ago. Sydney walked past Nigel to find Lindsey brushing her hair.
"A girl after my own heart." Sydney laughed. Lindsey turned around, a look of determination in her eyes.
"I would like to go back tonight and look for that book, Sydney. I have a feeling we were so close...i think we were looking in the wrong place." The look on Sydney's face told Lindsey that she didn't have to explain.
"Let's go then." Sydney said, and with that, Lindsey, Sydney, and a reluctant Nigel left the hotel room.
A/N: Okay, another chapter is up. I'm thinking there will be another two chapters. Maybe I can get them up in the near future!! =)...Please Read and Review!
