Rift

Both of them came back to their main door and Nicolette opened the door. After getting in, Vance still laughed sitting on the sofa. Nicolette who calmed down much before asked him, "Why do you laugh?"

He took a moment to control himself. "Why else? What park is open at noon?"

They both laughed a little more. Vance asked her, "What about you?"

"Same reason."

"Well go somewhere." Vance said grabbing his car keys and dangling it before her face. She didn't like him doing it one bit.

"I'll change in a few minutes then," she told him and went to wear a better outfit than the home clothes. Wearing them to the park was no problem because others very nearby. She would still change even if it was for the park but she asked him to come along so she thought she couldn't waste time then. She quickly changed and took her phone and purse.

Not waiting anymore the two went to the parking lot of the building. Getting in the, Nicolette's hand that subconsciously reached for the back door stopped. She looked at Vance but he was only getting in. She quickly got into the seat beside him.

Vance had seen her almost sitting behind but few moments later he was pleased. It was nice that she remembered.

The ride was short and they were at a mall. Nicolette had never enjoyed shopping. "Here?" She asked.

"Yeah. Just roam around, eat whatever, buy some things too." He said.

They spent almost three hours. While Vance was looking around at some new items and utilities that caught his attention, Nicolette ate every now and then. She would buy for Vance too.

Because Nicolette was right beside him he felt that asking her opinion was needed. However, she really had no opinion on anything. It did not matter if they were looking at fashion brands or set of tableware. In the end, he did not fell like getting anything.

Another hour passed and looking at Nicolette, she was once again eating. Such slim lady taking small bites neatly, he would easily be misled.

Passing by a shoe store, he tried one last time. Pointing at one pair he asked, "How's that?"

It was a pink pair of lady's walking shoes. "For me? I won't use them." She said.

"When was the last time you wore shoes?" Vance asked her stretching out one foot and tilting it around. "Yours must be so uncomfortable."

"Please, I can run with these," she said tapping the heel of the floor.

Vance had no doubt and he walked into the store. "We're still buying a pair. So which one?"

Nicolette followed him and she looked around. "I really don't think I'll use them."

Vance once again pointed to the previous pink pair and then another orange pair, "That or this?"

Nicolette just sighed. A pair of shoes wasn't that expensive. "I'll try the pink one."

Along with the shoes and some pairs of socks and Vance's share of food, they both reached home.

Looking at the volume of food bags Nicolette carried, Vance said, "You're such a silent eater!" He observed her through the journey and he knew she was eating away but he didn't think she would only have two parcels left.

"You wanted?"

"No.."

"Want these?" She offered whatever was left when he declined once again.

Time passed off with the two watching news on the TV and in the late evening Nicolette cooked good dinner.

When it was half past nine Nicolette thought how she would wish him goodnight while taking his room. But she did anyway.

Vance was nonchalant about it and after a while he walked to the sofa. He had already cancelled the airbed order. Because he was rather tall, sleeping on the sofa was not an option if he was to continue doing so for who knows how long. He dragged the cushion on the sofa to his study room and laid in it the place where they had created for a bed. He had already fetched a pillow from the bedroom. With a thick blanket on, he fell asleep.

The next day as one would expect, Nicolette was guilt ridden when she knew of Vance's sleeping arrangement. But she did not say anything. After all, she had spout enough nonsense in front of him; she would never do such a thing. She was never the one to comment or even express her opinions unless absolutely required. More so, if the person is someone she would interact with more.

Ever since then, the two had not truly spoken to eachother. Nicolette was completely back to how she would behave with her parents, a complete minimalist of words and actions. Vance had a rough understanding of her by then. As long as she is comfortable, she would not be a person who showed any kindness or concern.

After that final holiday, the two got back to work. Visiting the in laws followed. A gentleman and elegant lady was always a perfect match. They both seemed mature and good with harmonious interactions.

Slowly two months passed. It was the slowest time in both of their lives.

On one fine day, Vance had initiated the breakup with Clara whom he had only met once during the two months. The reason he gave was simple, he would search for a person he could love. "Nicole isn't your friend and you should understand that." He told her when she started pursing her lips and holding in her tears. Vance's purpose was more clear in his gaze. He did not want Nicolette to know.

More time passed and it was summer. As observant as she was, Nicolette didn't grasp Vance's indifference or the rift he was deliberately keeping up. Since she wasn't fond of casual talk, it'd be best if he didn't initiate one. Vance was almost in his room, the study room all the time. They never say and decided but it became so, that Vance would cook breakfast, Nicolette would prepare the dinner and as for lunch they would have it their work places.