*~The Dream Of A Lifetime~*

Antoinette and Justin sat beside Valondra on her bed, as she cried continuously. They looked at each other and Antoinette said, “Lon, Nick loves you more than anything in the world.”

“So that’s why he was seeing that slut behind my back,” Valondra said getting off the bed still crying. “Because he loves me. He’s a disgusting pig and I never want to see him again.” Antoinette and Justin just watched her, as she walked over to the window. “I must’ve done something wrong for him to hurt me so bad.”

“You didn’t do anything. I don’t believe that Nick cheated on at anytime. Come on, Lon, he asked you to marry him.”

“You weren’t there, Toni. Since I found him in his parlor I can’t help but think it’s all my fault for what he did.”

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, Loni,” Justin said joining her at the window. “Did Nick explain why he was with Bridgett?” Standing behind her, he put his hands on her shoulders.

“I didn’t leave him, because I already know why.”

“So he wanted to explain?”

“I guess so…yeah.” She wiped her eyes.

“So leave him explain.”

“I can’t believe he has the audacity to come here after what he did.” She continued looking out the window. “The nerve of him. He is not staying here. I promise you that.” She walked from the window and left the room. Antoinette looked at Justin and then they both went after Valondra.

They made it to the parlor just as Valondra and Nickolas saw each other, and Nickolas said, “Loni, we need to talk.”

“I have nothing to say to you. You’re not welcome here so leave. I never want to see you again.”

“Please let me explain.” He stood in front of her. Everyone watched, as Nickolas touched her arms and she pushed him away.

She walked over to the fireplace saying, “Get the hell out of my house, Nick.”

“He deserves a chance to explain, Loni D,” Fox said and Valondra looked at her friend.

Nickolas walked over to Valondra and everyone else went into the kitchen. Nickolas watched her stare at the candle filled fireplace with tears in her eyes. A lock of her hair fell in front of her face, as she looked at Nickolas. Nickolas pushed it away and tucked it behind her ear while saying, “I love you, Princess.” They just looked at each other, as Nickolas stuck his hands on Valondra’s face and used his thumbs to wipe her tears away. “Give me ten minutes to explain.”

Valondra looked at Nickolas as she put her hands on his and moved them from her face. She left him go, walked away, and said, “Ill give you five minutes to tell me the whole truth.”

“Thank you.” He joined her on the sofa. He told her everything that happened from the time that Bridgett got to his house to the time she showed up. He also told her what happened after Valondra left to the time Bridgett left. He told her every word that was said between them and didn’t leave out any details. After he was done, Valondra just looked at him and he said, “I would never lie to you, Lon.”

“Nick, there’s part of me that believes you’re telling the truth, but the other part doesn’t believe it.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t know. I guess it’s because of what I saw.” Nickolas just looked at her, as she got up. “I saw the man I love in the arms of his ex-girlfriend.”

“I explained that.”

“I know, but I still feel betrayed.” She started crying again. Nickolas walked over to her and took her in his arms. Valondra put her arms around Nickolas and after a few seconds she pushed him away. “I can’t.”

“Loni!” He watched her, as she ran upstairs. He heard a door slam just as the others walked in. He waited a moment then went up after Valondra. He knocked on the door and said, “Lon, it’s Nick, may I come in?”

“Go away, Nick. Just leave me alone.”

“I know you’re upset, Princess, but I still want to talk about this. I also know you hate me right now, but I told you the whole truth. I left nothing out and I have nothing to hide.”

“Why should I believe you? Just because you say so?”

“Not because I say so, but because I love you more than anything.” There was silence and he continued, “If there’s on thing you should believe of me believe that. Believe that I do love you and would never hurt you.”

“Please leave, Nick. Go before you make this harder for me.”

“I’m not giving up on us, Princess. If you ever change your mind you know where to find me and I’ll be waiting for you.” He waited a moment to see if Valondra would open the door. When she didn’t he turned and left. He knew how much Valondra was hurting at the moment and was going to do anything to show her how much he loved her.

Valondra sat there looking out her window, as the tears went down her face. She held a picture of her and Nickolas from earlier that year. With teary eyes, she looked out the window at Nickolas and Brian, as they walked to Nickolas’ truck. They stood at the driver’s side talking a moment then Brian walked away. Nickolas opened the door and looked up at the window. He and Valondra made eye contact, as Valondra touched the window. Nickolas smiled at her and she moved away from the window. His smile faded, as he looked at the front door; hoping Valondra would walk out. When she didn’t he got in his truck and left.