I hadn't even noticed that I started to cry as I was running straight to the motel. When I finally got there, I slowly walked into the office and saw Niko at the counter. He looked up from his work and stared at me. I stared back at him and then the tears started to pour out of me and I couldn't stop them. Niko walked around the counter and over to me. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder.
"Charlie, what's wrong? Did something happened?" He asked.
I nodded as I sniffed.
"Do you want to sit and talk about it?"
I hesitated. I just met Niko. I wasn't sure if I was ready to talk about my problems to him. Hell, Niko just told me something that has been bothering him so why can't I return the favor. Then, it seemed like Niko read my mind because the next thing he said made me feel a bit better.
"You don't have to tell me. Don't think it's fair to tell me your problems just because I told you mines okay? How about you go up to your room and i'll bring up something for us to drink? Sounds good?" He said.
I nodded.
"Here's your key." He handed me the same room key from last night.
I started to walk out of the office and up the stairs to my room. I opened up the door and walked inside then closed it back behind me. I tossed my bookbag into the single green chair then plopped down on the edge of the bed. I sniffed and wiped the tears away from my eyes. Ten minutes later, Niko walks in with a tray of tea. He sets the tray down on the desk then picked up a cup of hot tea and handed it to me. I took it and started to drink a small sip of it. I watched Niko grab his own cup then walked over to me and sat down next to me. He took a sip of his drink. I sighed then stared down at the tea in my cup.
"I'm sorry I didn't eat the food you bought me."
Niko shrugged. "No big deal." He said then looked at me. "You look troubled."
I nodded. "I have a lot going on. My...mom lost her job yesterday."
"I'm sorry. Is she looking for a new one?"
I shrugged. "I think."
"I don't think that's what's troubling you the most, though."
I sighed. "It's...difficult to say. Anyways, why are you working here?" I asked, looking at him.
Niko shrugged. "I dunno. This job sorta happened. Taking care of my mom and all, it was difficult to find a decent paying job."
I nodded, understanding. "I guess we both don't really want to talk about our problems."
Niko looked at me and smiled then nodded. "Definitely. But, aren't you supposed to be at school right now?"
"Yeah but something happened there so I left. I can't explain."
"Hmm. Well, are you going to stay here for another night?"
I shrugged. "My mom doesn't know i'm here and I can't exactly tell her why..."
"You're hiding yourself from the world huh?"
"In a way...yeah. I just...I feel like dying so much."
Niko placed his hand on mines. "Charlie, just relax. You can stay here for as long as you want okay? Don't stress. If you can't tell your mom about where you're staying, just say you're staying with a friend. You technically are anyways."
I nodded. "Makes sense. I think my phone is in my bag." I stood up and set my unfinished tea on the desk then walked over to my bad and finished for my cell phone. I pulled it out of the bag and started to call my mom.
"Yes, Ronnie?" Mom said.
"I...Is it okay for me to stay with a friend today? I need some time to clear my head."
"Sure. I don't see why not. Be careful okay?"
"Yeah. I love you. Bye." I hung up. "I feel bad about leaving my mom alone but...I can't stay there."
"Everything will be okay. Right now, just worry about yourself okay?"
I smiled and nodded. Niko started to look me over then focused on my face. I felt my heart pounding in my chest, wondering if he notices my severely skinny body. But, he didn't say anything.
"Sorry." I finally said.
"For what?"
I shrugged. "I dunno. I...i'm just sorry."
Niko chuckled. "You're sorry for no reason?"
I nodded. "I guess I am."
Niko smiled. "You know, you're something."
I smiled shyly. "Is that good or bad?"
"Definitely good. I've never met anyone like you."
I smirked. "You're going to be like that now huh?" Suddenly, I was starting to feel more comfortable around Niko. Not enough to tell him my whole life's story but...enough to become friends with him.
"Well, I should jet. I'll come back for the tea later." He said, finishing off his tea then took the tray and left the room. I let out a breath of relief once he left. Now, I can get comfortable. I feel like I need to sleep to escape this world.
ns 15.158.61.48da2
