"Did you regret running away from home?" Nikki asked.
"Yes. Of course I did. It's not really easy to live alone and not think about all of you. Stanley helped me to get through everyday of my life. I just wish that I brought you with me so you won't have to suffer right now." He said and Nikki's tear came running down from her cheeks.
"I really wish you did. I don't blame you for leaving. I just wish that you brought us with you." She said still tearing up.
"I really wish I can... I don't have the money... you will starve in the street if you ever did come with me. I really left you because I knew that at least you have a shelter and food to eat." Nicholas said and Nikki smiled at his explanation. She understands everything and she doesn't feel any anger towards her brother because she knows the hard things that he experienced before.
"I am graduating as a junior this year. I figure that you are my real family and I would be happy if you go with me.. but that's only if you want it. I won't force you if you don't want it." She said as she ate her food but Nicholas chuckled at her last statement. She might be joking because it is obvious that he will go to his sister's special event. It was a perfect moment to reunite with them.
"Is Noah and Nathalie going too? I really want to meet them again after years." He asked hesitantly but Nikki's face lit up when he asked that. It seems like it is a bright idea for her.
"I can call Noah and ask him if he wants to go but Nathalie... I can't contact her. She also can't get out of the center." She said and this is the part when he was worried about Nathalie.
"Center? What do you mean center? Is she alright?" He asked constantly. Nikki itched her hair not knowing if she should say it or not but she figure that he deserves to know the truth.
"She went into rehabilitation center.. 2 years ago and she kept on relapsing from using drugs. I tried helping her get through it but she seems to be really addicted to it since the day she also left mom." She explained and he just stood up and gripping his head.
"How could I let this happen? I didn't want this to happen to anyone especially not Nathalie. She was the one who kept me stable in that house. She was great with school at that time... I let her down." He blamed himself truly now that he found out about it.
"Don't blame yourself, Nick. She tried her best... she went through abusive people. Don't also blame her if she became like that." She explained as she patted his back reassuring him.
"I want to see her. Can you tell me where she is right now?" He asked but a hesitant look was display in his sister's face as she also looked at her watch.
"I have to go.. I'm really sorry school is an hour from here and I have 1 pm class." She said and he understands but he really wanted to see his sister.
"I'll take you to the bus stop. It's just 6 minutes from here if you're riding a car." He offered and she gladly agree. Nicholas asked for the checked as he paid for it so they can leave the place fastly.
"The next one is on me. I can't let you meet me and pay for my meals. I have money." She said but he was about to argue when she shushed him.
"Since you don't want me to pay your meals... Consider the next meet as more of a family meeting. I was thinking you'll join me and my other family for a lunch next time if that's fine with you, Nikki." He offered and she nodded with the adorable smile. He handed his hand for her to take as a sign of their deal.
They walked their way to the car as they continue about the things they enjoy now. It seems like a genuine bonding between them. He opened the door for her sister as she was about to hopped inside the car.
"I really like that I had this time to clear things with you, Nick.." She said as she hugged him tightly like a child hugging a person close to them.
"We can do it again some other time and if we're lucky... maybe we can also be complete again as siblings." Nicholas said as he let her go inside the car. He also hopped in. He started the car as they drive to the bus stop for Nikki to ride a bus home.
"I just realized that we didn't have any picture even before but the house.. maybe it was stuck inside our old house.. I heard that it's still in the same neighborhood.. I meant that it's still out there, haven't touched by anyone." Nikki said as she was looking at the window.
"We have a lot of catching up to do. I know that we have the time in the world but now just focus on finishing your school year.. I'll try to put you under my care as in legally." Nicholas said and Nikki turned to him with a starry eyes as if it lights up. She was happy with his plan.
"I can finally be with you, Nick. I always dream of us... all of us in the same house again being young and happy except you know.. I was the only one who is physically young but with all of us together in a house... it would be fun and such a core memory that I would once treasure." Nikki said with sure joy in her tone.
"Here's the bus stop Nikki. Just be careful and be alert. I know you seem like a natural traveler knowing that you went here all by yourself but it's still dangerous. Just text me once you arrive there safe and sound. Here's my number." He said as he handed him a paper that contains his number.
"I'm really happy that I saw you again, Nick. Thank you." She said as she walked away from the car not even looking back because of the tears in her eyes.
Nick just looked at the mirror to see his sister. He can't believe that even after he left her when she was younger... she's still willing to know him and welcome him in her life. Such a pure soul.