“I’ll be your cloud up in the sky, I’ll be your shoulder when you cry, I’ll hear your voices when you call me, I am your angel. And when all the hope is gone, I’m…” before Riley could finish the chorus part of the song, the interruption of Nick’s voice singing along sent her into a loop. “Nick!” she clasped her heart as her face turned ruby red of sheer embarrassment. “What are you doing home so early?”

“Work got done early,” he smiled at her. “So Celine Dion huh? You a fan of hers?”

“Uhm…she’s okay,” she silently replied while bowing her head, feeling a slight discomfort of how hideous she must have looked, while she reached her hand up to her face and, like a child seeking salvation from her mother, she took a chunk of her hair that was neatly tied back into a ponytail and tried to cover up her scar.

“Did you eat lunch yet?” Nick asked while flopping down on the couch and fidgeted with the vacuum cleaner that Riley was using.

“No, I was going to have some after I got done cleaning. I made some chicken salad in the fridge and I just bought some fresh bagels. I can make you some if…”

Not allowing Riley to finish, Nick stood up and took the vacuum away completely out of Riley’s hand and said, “Forget the sandwiches, now forget this vacuuming stuff for today and get dressed. I’ll take you out for lunch!” he said while giving her a friendly smile.

“But…”

“No buts! Just go get ready, come one! I’ll time you!” he grabbed her by the shoulders and helped her face the direction of the stairs up to her bedroom.

“But I…”

“I said no buts, now come on you Celine Dion you,” he teased while chuckling. “I’ll wait for you out in the driveway”

Riley knew it was useless of arguing with Nick, so she gave up and followed his orders and made her way up the stairs.

“Oh and Riley?” Nick called back out

“Yeah?”

“You should keep your hair tied back, you look better,” he smiled at her then walked back outside.