Chapter --> 9 Trapped PT 1

ITS SHORT I KNOW.. HAVE A LOT ON MY PLATE RIGHT NOW K SO CUT ME SOME SLACK.

Nicki walked into her kitchen to Lauren and Candi plating food and giggling. She grimaced with every step she took. As she walked in they eyed her looked at each other then back at her.
Candi: Well good afternoon sleeping beauty
Nicki: hey guys
She said as she walked over to the coffee maker and poured herself a cup. She turned around to them staring at her and took a sip.

Nicki: what?
Lauren: You ok? You look like your in pain
Nicki: Im good. Just some sore muscles
She gave them a fake smile then looked away. They werent gonna leave it at that. Especially not Candi

Candi: and your muscles are sore because???
Right then Safaree walked in. Nicki looked at him and everything that happened that night came flooding back to her. She was in a daze as she reminisced.
Candi: Nicki!! Nic!!
Nicki: umm what?
Candi and Lauren looked from Nicki, to Safaree, At each other then back at Nicki
Candi:  your muscles are sore because?
Nicki: umm... treadmill. I.. uh kinda over did it yesterday. SB and I were having a little competition
She turned her back putting the empty mug in the sink. Knowing they wouldnt buy the crap she just told them. not after she took so long to answer and stuttered. Safaree was making plate for food for him and Nicki. He avoided making eye contact with Lauren or Candi and avoided the whole conversation becaused he knew he would be able to tell nothing but the truth and obviously Nicki wasnt ready to say anything to them.
Candi: right... ok
"What?" Nicki thought. "She's just gonna let it go? Wow! That's a first"
Candi: oh, Safaree
"Shit!!"
SB: sup?
He said as he walked over to the table with his and Nicki's food. Nicki turned around and walked over to the table sitting by her plate. Lauren just sat there observing them and forking egg whites and bacon into her mouth.
Candi: your sister said to tell you bye and thanks for taking her to the airport. She'll call you when she gets home.
SB: Oh shit. I totally forgot. Why didnt she call me?
Candi: Oh yeah you did. which is quite strange if you ask me. And she did call you several times before I had to get out of bed and take her.
SB: damn!! I dont even know where my phone is.
Nicki: Bathroom. By the sink.
He got up to go get it leaving Nicki with Candi and Lauren staring her down with questioning looks.
Candi: and you know where his phone is because??
Nicki: thats where he always leaves it
She shot back.
Lauren: you know Nic you really arent a very good liar.
Nicki rolled her eyes and dropped the fork on the plate. She got up taking the plate with her, scraped the remainder of the food into the trash can and put the plate in the sink. Lauren chuckled. Nicki walked over to the refrigerator and got her a bottle of water and an apple. As she washed the apple under the tap Lauren walked up beside her, put her plate in the sink and said in a soft voice.
Lauren: we know. But if it makes you feel better to lie and pretend, then go ahead.
******
They were all in the tv room watching a movie as the rain continued to pour outside. Wayne had texted Nicki and told her he wouldnt be able to make it so they'd talk tomorrow. Lauren and Candi took the two single seater couches while Nicki and Safaree sat on the big couch. Usually they'd be close to each other but they sat at opposite ends. He texted her.
Faree: whats wrong?
Baby: Nothing.
Faree: so why are you sitting all the way over there?
Baby: because I want to Safaree!!
Faree: *sigh* so we're back to this treatment again?
Baby: dont start!!
Faree: sorry but unlike you I cant just pretend nothing happened last night
Baby: Safaree!!! Not now!!
Faree: then when Nicki?? Is this how its gonna b all th time. We're ok to make love for a whole night but once our frnds r arnd i get treated like dirt. Evn when there was nothin btween us we use to be all cuddled up watchn a movie.
Baby: can we just enjoy the movie and not do this right now plz
Faree:  wow! smh.. you know what you enjoy the movie Nicki! Im out!

He got up and left. She let out a deep sigh. Candi and Lauren looked at her

Nicki: what?!!

They both shook their heads and turned back to the tv. Nicki rolled her eyes and got up leaving the room. She walked around downstairs looking for him but didnt find him anywhere. She walked up the stairs and to his bedroom. but he wasnt there either. She stood in his doorway and texted him. But he didnt reply. She called his phone. He looked at the caller ID and put the phone down letting it ring. She heard the ringing and followed the sound to one of the guest bedrooms. He was standing by patio doors looking out at the rain, she walked up to him resting her forehead on his back and her hands around his waist.

Nicki: baby Im sorry

SB: *chuckles* oh so Im baby now? and you can touch me? a few minutes ago you wouldnt even sit close to me. You know thats all I wanted Nic for us to sit by each other like we usually do no extra bs not that Lauren nd Candi nosy asses dont already know its something between us

She let go and tried to get him to face her
Nicki: look I...
SB: dont its cool. But get this since you cant even do that with me around our friends anymore dont be all close to me when we're alone either.
He walked away from her.
SB: Im heading out. Be back later.
She could feel the tears forming in her eyes.

---

The movie was over so Candi and Lauren went to go find Nicki. They found her Curled up in bed scrolling through her TL. They went to lay beside her not saying a word for the first few minutes.

Lauren: You ok?

Nicki: yeah Im fine

She responded nonchalantly

Candi: anything you wanna talk about

Nicki* *sigh* not right now

They just lay there in the silence, scrolling through their phones until they all dozed off. When SB got back he found them all passed out on Nicki's bed he went in quietly and closed the curtains then turned on the bathroom light leaving the door open so the room wouldnt be as dark. He didnt want to turn on the bedroom light and wake them up. He went back downstairs.

A couple hours later Candi walked down to find him on the couch watchin tv. She went to sit beside him

Candi: you good bro? You know how she is sometimes dont let it get to you

SB: Im not.. Im over her and her bs... Im done

Candi: so you're just gonna...

SB: I'd rather not talk about this right now but thanks for the concern.

He got up and walked to the kitchen

Candi: both ya asses so fucking difficult *shakes head*

----

The next couple weeks had seemed extra long to Nicki. Safaree had moved out for a bit giving her space to figure out what she really wanted to do. He would still go to the studio and her interviews with her but that was it. They didnt talk unless it had to do with business. Their friends were really concerned and annoyed (tbh) at their childish behavior) so they sat together and devised a plan to get them together. It would go down tonight at the get together young money was having!