Chapter 14
"Yesterday was fun," Theo said as he sat across from Billy at Dr. Cerberus's.
"Oh yea, it really was," Billy smiled. "Your friend Nick seems cool. Completely obsessed with Sabrina, but cool."
"I wouldn't necessarily say he's obsessed. Devoted seems like a better word to describe their relationship. It's refreshing in my opinion. You don't see that kind of love much anymore."
"He didn't seem to like me."
"Nick just has to get used to you. He can be pretty private."
"How long have you known him?"
"Well we met about 2 years ago, but we didn't really get to know him until last year. Church stuff."
Billy shrugged, seemingly accepting Theo's answer. "Sabrina taking Nick to prom?"
"Of course," Theo laughed. "Even if he didn't want to, he would go for her."
"Seems like a pretty outstanding guy."
Theo noticed an odd tone in Billy's voice, but he couldn't really pinpoint what it was. "He is. I think you guys would get along if you tried. I mean, if he and Harvey could be friends you can too."
"So he's even friends with his girlfriend's ex?"
Theo nodded. "They're actually pretty close. They won't admit they are, but they're close to being best friends."
"What was going on with Harvey and Roz last night?"
"I'm not sure. Roz said she would tell me later though. They got to be fighting though. She 'casually' asked if I was flying solo to prom."
Billy nodded as he looked down at his hands. "You're going alone to prom?"
"Yea. I figured a lot of people would be going stag too. Who are you going with?"
"No one. I thought maybe we could go together."
"Oh yea. I'm sure Roz would welcome a group since I doubt she's going with Harvey."
"Oh. Yea. A group." Billy looked up when he heard the bells above the door chime. A group of his friends walked in, laughing and shoving each other. He looked back down, making sure not to make eye contact. "Hey, why don't we get outta here? I think there's a double feature at the theater."
"We just got here though. Didn't you wanna get some food first?"
"I'm fine. Really. Let's just…." He cursed under his breath when his friends spotted him.
Theo turned around to see the group pointing in their direction and they whispered something to each other and laughed.
"Oh, I see," Theo said sadly. "You don't want your buddies to know you're friends with me."
"No, Theo, it's not that."
"No, I get it," Theo said as he slid out of the booth. "I'll see you around, Billy."
"Wait, Theo!" Billy called after him. But Theo ignored his friend. He walked right past the group and out the front door. He was trying to get out of sight so quickly, he didn't see Nick walking into the shop.
"Whoa there, Theo. Where's the fire?" Nick joked. The warlock quickly noticed his friend was upset. "Hey, what's wrong?"
"Nothing," Theo sniffled. He tried to keep his voice steady, but the tears welling in his eyes gave him away.
Nick looked past Theo, noticing the group of Baxter High jocks. "Did those assholes do something to you again?"
"No. Nick, it's fine. I'm fine."
"I can tell you're not. I'm gonna say something to them."
Theo grabbed Nick's arm, pulling him back. "Please, Nick, don't," he begged. "They didn't do anything to me. It's just….Billy doesn't want his friends to see us hanging out. We're cool but his buddies still don't like me."
"Ok, that's worse than the knuckleheads teasing you."
"Nick! I'm begging you, just leave it be."
Nick let out a sigh. "Alright. I'll let it go this time
But I swear to Lilith…."
"It won't happen again. It's probably best I don't hang out with Billy again. I gotta go. I told Roz I would meet up with her."
"Alright man. Let's hang out later. Harvey can use some cheering up."
"Sounds good. I'll text you."
Theo hurried down the street. He wasn't sure if he really was rushing to meet up with Roz or to get away from Billy. Nick looked back into Dr. Cerberus's shop to see Billy staring at him. The mortal shook his head and got out of the booth to join his friends.
Nick could feel Billy's eyes on him as he headed up to the counter.
"Hello, Nicholas," Dr. Cee greeted with a smile. "How can I help you today?"
"Two cheeseburgers, vampire fries, and werewolf fries - extra chili on that please," Nick replied with a smile.
Dr. Cee always had named his food according to his theme or monster movies. Nick didn't understand at first. He even thought it odd a grown man would have a themed anything. Why couldn't he just call the fries garlic fries and chili fries? It grew on him though. The shop itself was quirky and fun. Of course it spilled into the food names.
"I can't believe you and Harvey are friend. You two are the complete opposite," Dr. Cee chuckled. "Sometimes I wonder how you two are and stay friends."
"That makes two of us, doc," Nick laughed.
"Alright, young man, I'll have your food ready in no time."
"Thank you so much, sir. No rush though."
Dr. Cee smiled and disappeared into the kitchen. Nick leaned against the counter and sighed. It was barely noon and already he needed to check on Harvey. He had called and texted his roommate to be sure he was ok since he spent the night at Sabrina's, leaving Kinkle alone in the house. There was no response so Nick thought it best he physically check up on him.
"You're even friends with the shop owner?" he heard a familiar voice huff.
Nick looked over his shoulder to see Billy standing a few feet away.
"Dr. Cee is my girlfriend's aunt's fiancee. Pleasantries are required. Besides, he's a really nice guy. Quirky and weird at times, but a nice guy."
"Right. People seem to think the same of you."
Nick turned around to face the taller man. "I beg your pardon?" he asked irritably.
"You're one of those guys people tend to describe with 'but a nice guy'."
"People around here don't know me well enough to describe me as anything. The opinion of the masses never bothered me. You ought to think about that."
"And what is that supposed to mean?"
"I thought that was clear: what other people think shouldn't matter or bother you. If you like doing something or hanging out with someone, fuck what others think."
"You don't know what you're talking about."
"But I do, Billy. I promised I wouldn't confront your buddies over there, but if you're supposed to be Theo's friend, you should."
Dr. Cee emerged from the kitchen with a bag of food for Nick. The warlock handed the older man some money and uttered a thank you with a smile. He grabbed the food from the counter and headed for the door.
"He likes you," Billy called after Nick.
Nick laughed. "If you think he likes me, you're an idiot. Theo helped me through some tough shit. So yea, we're close now. He's like a brother to me. So if you Nick with him, you're going to have to deal with me."
Several eyes were on them now, including Billy's friends and Dr. Cerberus. The group of teenagers congregated behind their fellow jock, crossing their arms and attempting to look intimidating.
"Somehow, I don't think that's going to be an issue," Billy said, followed by chuckles from his friends.
Nick laughed to himself as he walked up to Billy, standing inches away from him. Though the blonde was taller, Nick didn't allow himself to be intimidated. "You and your buddies think you're some tough shit, threatening an eight against one match. You and your buddies don't scare me. You're nothing but a bunch of assholes that think because you wear a jacket with a letter sewn to it, you can do whatever the fuck you want. But I know guys like you. You're nothing but a bunch of scare little boys who know they've peaked before even graduating."
One of Billy's friends balled his fist and moved as if he were going to attack the warlock, but Billy blocked his way. He continued to stare down at the shorter man. Neither Nick nor Billy would back down and pretty soon tension would be too much to handle. Someone was going to throw a punch and all heaven and hell was going to break loose.
"Gentlemen," Dr. Cee called from behind the counter, "unless you plan on purchasing something, perhaps it be best to take your leave."
"Don't worry, Doc," Nick said. "I'm on my way out. These gentlemen are welcome to patronize your establishment."
Nicm swiftly made his exit. Once he was far enough down the street that you couldn't see him from the shop windows, he took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He was close to losing his temper and he couldn't afford to do that in public. The Dark Lord may not have been inside of him any longer, but there were still reminders that the young warlock harbored the embodiment of evil - such as an uncontrollable rage when he reached his boiling point.
"Hey Scratch," he heard Billy call.
Nick let out a heavy sigh as he turned to face Billy. Now that he was away from his neanderthal friends, Billy seemed to look calmer. More friendly.
"I prefer Nick, if you don't mind," Nick stated.
"Yea, sure. Um, look, about what happened back there…"
Nick put his hand up and shook his head. "I don't want nor need to hear it. I get it: you have a reputation to keep and hanging out with the trans kid cramps your style. Theo doesn't deserve that. It took a lot of him to come out and be who he was and he doesn't need someone like you only being a part time friend. I told myself I would give you a chance for Theo's sake and I'm willing to continue to do so, but you need to get your head out of your ass and start acting like an adult."
Billy stared at Nick for a moment, contemplating his words. Nick could tell there was something he wanted to say, but either didn't know how or couldn't actually get the words out.
"If I tell you something, I need you to swear never to repeat it. Not even to Sabrina."
"Where is everyone?" Roz asked as she walked into a silent Spellman Mortuary.
"My Aunt Zelda is working on stuff at the Academy. Aunt Hilda took the twins shopping for some new clothes. And Ambrose is hanging out with Nick," Sabrina replied.
"And Harvey," Roz added. Sabrina just nodded. "That doesn't seem like everyone that loves here. Is someone mis…." Roz trailed off as Prudence came around the corner. "Of course. How could I forget about Prudence?"
Roz's voice dripped with sarcasm and she forced a fake smile. For Sabrina's sake, the two women were civil but far from what could even be thought of as friends. Their worlds collided and several things did not mix well.
Prudence rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms. "Ever the charming mortal, per usual," she mocked.
"Ok!" Sabrina interrupted. "I asked Prudence if she wanted to join us in finalizing plans for my Aunt Hilda's bachelorette party."
"What do witches do for bachelorette parties?" Roz asked.
"They don't have them," Prudence stated. "Warlocks enjoy a night filled of debauchery - much like mortal men - but witches do not have the luxury. On the eve of a witch's wedding, she is expected to stay home should the Dark Lord decide to visit her and claim her."
"Claim her?" Sabrina gave Roz a knowing look. "Oh...uh well now that the Dark Lord can't….claim anyone, what happens?"
"Well, now witches are free to enjoy their last night of being single as they wish," Sabrina smiled. "Did you talk to your cousin?"
"I did. She said she would talk to the owner, but she doesn't think it should be an issue."
"Roz's cousin is trying to book this club she sings at for us."
"Fascinating," Prudence said in a bored tone. "It would seem you have everything planned already."
"Well, we kind of need to find something to do. We have a place, but activities are lacking."
"So you're throwing a party with no entertainment?" Prudence rolled her eyes. "Leave it to me and my sisters. We will ensure that the night is….entertaining."
"You aren't planning on killing anyone are you?" Roz asked only half joking.
"Do you think witches have some unfulfilled blood lust they can never satisfy?"
"Whoa! Let's tone it down," Sabrina interjected. "We aren't killing anyone. We just need something tasteful my Aunt Hilda will appreciate. And no strippers. She isn't a fan of them."
"Yet she reads those awful romance stories."
"Reading about it and seeing a naked man swing his thong clad junk in your face are two totally different things."
"Speaking of man junk, I heard some pleasurable moans coming through the floorboards last night."
"Prudence!"
"Wait a minute, you and Nick finally did it?" Roz asked excitedly. "Why didn't you tell me?!"
"We didn't," Sabrina said quickly.
"It sure sounded like you did," Prudence teased.
"You can do things that make you moan without having sex."
"Like what pray tell?"
Sabrina's face turned bright red as she recalled the events of last night. She and Nick tried something different and definitely exciting for the both of them to ensure the relief they both needed without actually having sex. As erotic as it was, it was also intimate. She could still feel his soft touch on her skin, exploring places it never had before. Her own hands had also touched places on Nick's body they never had.
"What Nick and I did last night is private," Sabrina stated, not wanting to share as if it would defile what she had done with her boyfriend.
"If it was intended to be private, why do them in a house full of people?"
"I can't touch my boyfriend when he lives in the room below my ex."
"So you let him touch you down the hall from where your two aunts sleep?"
"She has a point there, Brina," Roz agreed.
"Well I thought you guys were….sleeping," Sabrina said, making a face when she realized how it sounded. A moment later, the three girls started to laugh. "I am a terrible person for that."
"At least you weren't caught," Roz said.
"You were caught in the act of doing the deed with the Kinkle boy?" Prudence asked.
Roz nodded. "By his dad….while Nick was napping downstairs….twice."
Prudence looked at Roz with a surprised, yet impressed look. "My, I may have misjudged you Rosalind."
"Thank you? Well, I doubt we'll get caught doing anything anytime soon. I texted and called Harvey earlier, but he isn't answering me."
"Is he that mad?" Sabrina asked.
"Wouldn't you be?"
Sabrina sighed. "I might as well be. Nick told me about the way witch proposals go and it doesn't look so great right now."
"What do you mean?"
"A warlock must obtain permission from the head of the witch's family before he can propose or risk excommunication from the family," Prudence explained. "And in this case, they would also be excluded from the church since Zelda is the head of the family and the Church of Lilith."
"Why would Zelda say no if…."
"Oh please, Rosalind, she hates Nicholas. He is handsome, rich, and powerful. He reminds her too much of my father. Not to mention he has broken Sabrina's heart before."
Roz opened her mouth as if to say something, but closed it quickly. The look on her face made it seem like she was lost or missing something. It dawned on her that they were missing something. Prudence said something about getting a movie for them to watch from her and Ambrose's room before disappearing up the stairs. Sabrina looked at her friend, knowing that something was up.
"Hey, you ok?" Sabrina asked.
"Huh? Oh, yea. I'm fine. I just….I thought your Aunt Zelda would have forgiven Nick by now."
Sabrina sighed. "I had hoped she would, but she's just being overprotective. I can't blame her. We've all been through a lot over the last two years."
"Yea."
"That all that's on your mind? Nothing else?" Sabrina knew there was more, but she also knew she wouldn't be able to pry it out of her friend. She could only hope Roz would share.
Roz just smiled and shook her head. "That's all," she replied hoping Sabrina wouldn't press more. "Hey, so are you and Nick getting a room for prom night? Harvey and I did but I don't know if we'll be using it."
Sabrina shrugged. "I don't think so. I mean, we haven't really discussed prom night. We aren't having sex so it seems a bit much to pay for a room when we can just watch movies and cuddle here."
"I guess. I just was hoping to dodge an awkward night alone with him."
"You're still going to prom together right?"
"Sorta. I did invite Theo to tag along though."
"Oh, Roz, no."
"I had to Brina. Harvey is really upset and I just don't want to fight with him. Theo volunteered to be a buffer."
"what was he planning on doing if you didn't ask him to be a third wheel?"
"I'm not sure. He mentioned that he and Billy sorta talked about prom and said Billy didn't have a date either. Theo said they were going to go stag together."
"That….is confusing."
"I thought so too. But apparently something happened and that's not happening anymore."
"Did he tell you what that something was?"
Roz shook her head. "He just stopped talking about it. He seemed upset so I didn't push the subject. I wonder if…" She was interrupted by the sound of her cell phone chiming. She pulled it out of her purse. Theo's name flashed across her screen. She hit the answer button and held the phone to her ear. "Hey Theo, what's up? Hold….hold on. You're going to fast. I need to go where? What are you guys doing there?" Roz groaned at Theo's response. "Alright, alright. We're on our way."
"What's going on?" Sabrina asked as Roz angrily hit the end button and shoved her phone in her purse.
"We need to head to the Riverdale Sheriff's office," Roz said. "Harvey's in jail."
