Arriving at the restaurant, Nigel sees that Rachel has got them a table already.
"Hey, Rachel." Nigel walks over and gives her a hug. She hugs him back, but he notices that she doesn't seem too happy.
"What's the matter, Rachel? You're not happy to see me?" Nigel asks.
"Oh I am happy to see you, BELIEVE me I am. But my reason for asking you to come here may not be all that pleasant." Rachel explains.
"Well why am I here? Don't get me wrong I like hanging out with you, but you're making me a little nervous." Nigel says. Rachel takes a deep breath and begins to explain.
"Well, it's about Chad."
"What about him?"
"He's been… harassing me about you."
"I'm sorry… what?" Nigel asks, taken back by the accusation.
"Let me explain…" Before she can finish, she is interrupted by a waitress.
"Hi there, can I start you both off with some drinks?" She asks.
"Yeah sure, I'll have Blue Moon." Rachel orders.
"And can I have a Bud Light?" Nigel orders.
"Sure thing." The waitress leaves and returns with their beers. When she is gone, Rachel goes back to explaining what she was saying before.
"Do you remember karaoke night and how I texted you the video of us singing together?" She asks.
"Yeah, it was a fun night." He answers.
"Agreed. But what did Chad say to you when he found the messages?"
"Well he… wait. How do you know Chad saw the messages?" Nigel asks curiously.
"Because, that same day he came over to my apartment and screamed in my face." Rachel explains, much to the shock of Nigel.
"But I told him that you and I are just friends and that you being there wasn't something I anticipated. Why the fuck would he yell at you?" Nigel asks, still in disbelief.
"Because he's a jealous, possessive fucking asshole." Rachel asserts.
"Rachel, I know you two don't get along, but why can't you two be civil for my sake?" Nigel snaps.
"Nigel, I'm sorry for saying this, but I don't think Chad is good enough for you. When he came over to my place, he told me that you belong to him, and he even called me a cunt." Rachel explains.
"He's protective, he's not possessive. It's… why are you bringing this up now?" Nigel is confused on how to respond, taking it all as a great shock.
"Why would he need to protect you? I don't want to see you get hurt, I want you happy and to make sure you're safe." Rachel states.
"But why? Why are you so concerned about that?" Nigel asks, wanting to know why Rachel truly called him there. Rachel wipes tears away from her eyes before she answers.
"I love you, Nigel." She answers. Nigel sits back in his seat, completely bug eyed.
"What?"
"I always have. It's just... I never wanted to force you into anything. I respect relationship boundaries." Rachel continues.
"But then why is Chad different? And why is it you two have had this big rivalry with each other?" Nigel asks in a demanding tone.
"Because Chad and I never liked each other, even when we were kids. I always respected your friendship with him, more for your sake. I mean, I'm great friends with Fanny, but were you always friends with her?" Rachel asks. Nigel's face goes from surprised to smiling.
"Well, my relationship with Fanny was a turbulent one. We were the best of friends in Kindergarten, to hating each other up until middle school, to dating in high school til graduation. We do talk every now and then though." Nigel answers.
"Okay yeah. Now I never got an answer out of Fanny at the time, but why did you two break up?" Rachel asks curiously.
"One thing about Fanny is, she gets KINKY. Too much for my taste" Nigel emphasizes.
"Hmm. That's ironic, I'm the same way with Patton." Rachel interjects.
"Well it's about time they realized they're good for each other. But regardless of all that, I just wish that you and Chad could at least be acquaintances. I wish you could see how happy we are together." Nigel says, leaving Rachel dumbfounded.
"Nigel, do you hear yourself? And did you hear what I said? It's very clear to me that Chad has no respect for me and just wants you for himself. I mean how often does he let you out alone with friends or when it's a family gathering, he has to be with you? And you leave when HE'S ready?" Rachel questions.
"Well I can explain that, he was… wait. How did you know about that last part?" Nigel asks, while eyeing her suspiciously. Rachel pauses, before letting out a sigh.
"Because after I was screamed at by Chad, I went to work the next day and voiced my concern to Dalia. And you know what she said? She said she never liked Chad either, but that he might not be as bad as I think. She kept an eye on you at your mom' party. Nigel, your fucking cousin agrees that Chad isn't good for you." Rachel explains.
"And who exactly did Dalia say was good enough for me? You?" Nigel quips.
"Yes, she did say that I'm better for you. I love you, Nigel. You mean the fucking world to me, and that's not gonna change. I'm not gonna make you do anything, but please understand my concerns." Rachel states, trying to hold back tears. Nigel lets out a sigh, and stands up to leave.
"Rachel, I appreciate you telling me this, but this a big fucking shock to me. You've given me a lot to think about. But it was pretty ducking overwhelming to hear all of this. I need to go now." Nigel makes for the exit after throwing some cash on the table to pay for his beer. Rachel stands up to follow him.
"Nigel, please…"
"Rachel, please. Let me figure this all out on my time. Some of this was a little much to hear. I need time to process it. I'll see you later." Nigel leaves the restaurant, leaving Rachel standing there in shock.
Soon after he has left, she runs into the restroom crying. She splashes water on her face before angrily staring at herself in the mirror.
"You dumb fuck. Why are you so fucking stupid? How could you do this to him? Why is he friends with you? You stupid fuck. FUCK YOU! FUCK YOU! You don't deserve his love you dumb fuck! How could he ever love someone so fucking pathetic?! FUCK YOU! FUUCK YOOUU!" She screams at her reflection as she begins to kick and punch the walls. She then collapses not the floor in tears.
About ten minutes later, she gets up and leaves the bathroom. She then pays for her beer and leaves the restaurant.
A very dramatic chapter to write, with more on the way. I hope you all enjoyed Rachel telling Nigel how she feels.