THOA/Chapter 178

A furious gust of wind blew the window open, and along with the rain breaking inside large hailstones tapped on the window seat. Nickey pulled herself free from Cosmos' hugs and approached the window to shut it back.

"It's raining like a cow peeing on a flat rock," she remarked, "The guys have definitely got caught out there, I think. They must be all wet through now."

"The pack of fools," replied Cosmo disdainfully, "I can't believe they set up for walking all the way to Honeylake. it's all about Olive and her crazy ideas!"

Nickey shut the window and having drawn the curtains she crept back to bed and curled up next to Cosmo.

"It's alright, let them take a little shower," he said, "We are nice and warm in here, it's all that matters."

"Oh yes," Nickey replied, "We've done the right thing not to go with them. To be honest, I'm glad I've got rid of them for the rest of the day. At least I can have a little break..."

"Oh, I understand," said Cosmo, "Olive likes to run around with crowds. She has an incredible capacity to turn any place into a train station. I can imagine how sick and tired you are of this all..."

"I'd like to change the subject," said Nickey, "Let's talk about something more interesting..."  

"Okay," Cosmo made himself quite comfortable in bed and embraced Nickey with one arm, "You know what, I've read something about you in Olive's book. I had imagined you quite different..."

"Really? So what did you imagine me like?"

"Oh, well..." Cosmo looked up at the starry ceiling of Nickey's bedroom, "I imagined you like, you know... An astute woman. A strong one with an iron will. A devious bitch," he gave a chuckle.

"So what is the real me like? Worse?"

"Not worse; why? Quite the contrary - you are sweet and gentle," he took her hand into his and stroke it gently, "And very beautiful, too..."

"Well, judging from Olya's book I wouldn't say so," said Nickey.

"You had an argument about some guy; I know, I read about it" said Cosmo, "Olive is a sore loser, that's her biggest fault. There's just one thing I can't get clear on - what she is doing in your house after that..."

"I just feel sorry for her, she really needs help... Life has been cruel to her."

"But, maybe she deserves that."

Nickey paused. 

"Don't think so... Olya is really not that bad, she's just immature..."

"Isn't she older than you?" remarked Cosmos, "But, yes, you are probably right. She is childish; she plays with people as if they were dolls. I have a feeling she plays the character she invented for her book. But life is not a game to play, is it?"

"For somebody it is..." said Nickey pensively as she recalled Daniel with his "concepts".

Cosmo looked in her eyes very seriously.

"Not for me," he said.

Nickey averted her eyes.

"Did I say somthing wrong?" asked Cosmo.

" No, you didn't... Just... I think, people shouldn't get too close sometimes... So they won't end up with a broken heart..."

"Oh I see. The teaching of Daniel aka Fourty-Two-n-teller has born fruit. No hidden touch, no strings attached," he added in English, "Did I say that right?"

"Probably," said Nickey uncertainly.

"Well, I tell you it's all bullshit," Cosmo stated flatly.

Nickey moved slightly away.

"Bullshit or not, diving in headfirst is not an option either... There are things besides love. People may not match each other, after all, one of them may drag down the other. There is a point, I think..."

"That means it is the wrong person for you, that's all," was the answer.

"How do I know if the person is right or wrong?"  

"You are supposed to feel it," Cosmo drew Nickey's fragile hand to his lips, "You give yourself some time. And then you'll see..."

"We," Nickey corrected him, "We will see."