melody_voyage-of-discovery

A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY by Melody

PART 1

Alexis checked herself in the mirror nervously, she had lost a lot of weight – too much weight, and wasn't happy with the image gazing back at her. Although she was wearing loose beige cotton trousers and a floaty maroon blouse, her skeletal frame was all too evident.

She had carefully applied bronzer over her face to give the illusion of health but it couldn't completely disguise her gaunt features. To try and ensure that her now angular face didn't get too many disapproving glances, Alexis had used neutral shades for her make up.

It had been almost three months since Alexis had last met Nicky, Sean and James after a severe viral infection had rendered her in hospital attached to drips for a little over a week. The infection sapped all of her strength and she still hadn't fully recovered, and knew that she was nowhere near capable of going back to work.

They had visited her in hospital, bedecking her room out with beautiful fragrant bouquets of flowers that could be smelt all the way down the ward. Once she was discharged and went back to her little house, Alexis didn't want to see anyone. She did all her grocery shopping on-line, becoming a recluse, afraid to confront the rest of the world. She missed seeing the guys, for years they had met up once a month, except obviously when they were touring.

Her parents ignored her wishes and visited her once, making the long trip to see her, and the sight that greeted them made their hearts sink. Although neither thought it possible, their daughter appeared more ill than when she was in hospital. They encouraged Alexis to go out everyday of the week that they stayed. The resulting exhaustion from the slight activity meant that Alexis would spend hours asleep on the sofa before finally retiring to bed.

Her parents despaired at the meagre amounts of food that she would consume. Prior to her illness their daughter had had a healthy appetite and a nice curvy, womanly figure. In the space of the week, her continuing weight loss was noticeable.

Staring unhappily at the stranger in the mirror Alexis worried about the reaction awaiting her. Her parents had been so distraught when they left, that they told her they would see her again in a couple of months, hoping that her health would have improved by then and that their daughter would no longer have the appearance of an undernourished street urchin.

Alexis called her parents up saying that she would visit them in a few weeks. Her appetite was slowly improving and she had gained a little weight and strength, but she still had a long way to go. Her parents though were greatly encouraged by this news. At least it showed that their daughter was making strides in the right direction. James, Sean nor Nicky had been there when she had been at her skinniest so so it was going to be quite a shock for them.

Taking a deep breath Alexis turned from the mirror, sliding her feet into the taupe flat sandals that she had chosen. She checked her taupe handbag; she hadn't forgotten anything.

On this occasion it was Nicky's turn to put her up overnight, the time before she had stayed at James' very plush apartment. At the end of that three day stay she was shattered and concerned about the drive home; she and James would stay up chatting until six or seven in the morning! They would then get a couple of hours sleep prior to meeting with the others, causing much Mickey taking.

Deciding that if there were any clothes that she had forgotten to pack that it was tough, she grabbed the handles of her overnight bag and then made her way to the car.

Nicky's enthusiastic smile and embrace were unable to disguise his shock and dismay at Alexis' appearance. Oh she was beautiful, always would be, but the once soft contours of her face were now sharp and edgy. Also gone was the curvaceous figure that he had often fantasized and dreamt about. Everywhere he touched her during their hug he could feel bones and he didn't like it.

“You seem really tired,” he mentioned, gazing into her deep blue eyes, eyes that had lost most of their sparkle.
“I am. My energy levels are still somewhat depleted, though I'm not as bad as I was.”
Carrying her holdall he walked her into his home. “Go and have a kip if you want. James and Sean won't be here till about six, so you've got plenty of time.”
They walked into the lounge and sat down. “What about Martin and Terri?”
Nicky shrugged his shoulders. “Something cropped up and they had to back out.”
“That's a shame.”
“I know. They really wanted to catch up with you.”

“Ah well, there'll be other times,” said Alexis with a smile. “So, do any of you have girlfriends coming over tonight?”
“No we're all still single,” Nicky chuckled.
Alexis shook her head. “”I don't know, you're all nearly forty and not one of you has dated a woman for longer than eighteen months.”
“Yeah well, James just likes shagging and doesn't like the complication of relationships.”
Alexis stared open mouthed at him. “So why has he been engaged so many time?”
“Because he's a git!”

“Hmm, he wants to love does that man but keeps going out with the wrong women. Oh and I include myself in that.”
Nicky gave a little titter. “Yeah well, and Seany is head over heels but the woman of his dreams is married...”
“Ooh er!” she giggled childishly, “and you? Why don't you have a paramour Nick?”
A rosy glow from his creeping embarrassment, spread over his cheeks, and he started fiddling anxiously with his fingers.

“Ah, there is someone that you're interested in! Come on, tell me about her.”
“It’s difficult,” he spluttered.
“Is she married?”
“No.”
“Seeing someone?”
“No.”
“A lesbian?”
“No!”
“A nun then?”
“No!” he laughed. “Now you're being silly.”
“I'm running through the options and I don't seem to have any other ideas. What IS the problem Nick?”
“I don't think that she's attracted to me.”
“Have you asked her?”
“I'll go and make us a pot of tea,” he blustered, getting hurriedly up and dashing through to the kitchen.
“Oh no you don't Nicholas Jones!” said Alexis following him. “You don't get rid of me that easily. So, why don't you grab the bull by the horns and ask her out? At least that way you'll know for sure.”
“Hmm,” he mumbled.

Alexis sat down on a kitchen stool and watched Nicky prepare everything for their drinks. “Oh Nicky! I'm getting frustrated here, tell me!”
“I can't.”
“I won't laugh.”
“I could deal with your laughing, it's your horror and disgust that I can do without.”
“Now I really am confused,” Alexis sighed. “Is she a member of some weird cult or something?”
“No, not at all.” He kept his back to her.
“Perhaps it will help if you tell me what the problem is,” offered Alexis softly. “I may be able to offer you some advice. You know me well enough to know that I'm not easily shocked.

Nicky went and sat beside her. “I appreciate that,” he said earnestly, “but let's leave it.”
“Ok,” she placed a hand over his. “If you do wanna talk about it sometime, you know where I am.”
A genuine bright smile spread over his lips. “Thanks. Are you sure that you wanna go home tomorrow? It seems a bit silly to come all this way for one night.”
“I've brought a few pairs of jeans, some skirts, quite a few tops and loads of undies so I can, providing you don't get bored with me, stay longer. I just wasn't sure how I'd be and how it would go. You've been very polite.” She let out a nervous titter when she finished speaking.

Nicky knew exactly what she meant. “You were very ill Lexy. It will take you a long time to recuperate.”
“My appearance doesn't disgust you like it does me then?”
“Disgust is a strong word Lex. It was a shock. I'll give you that, but no, I'm not disgusted. You are still a beautiful woman, all you need is a healthy glow again, and that will come with time.” He gave her a reassuring smile.

“You always know what to say to make me feel better.” She gazed fondly at him, her hand still caressing his.
“James always seems to do that as well.” His voice was soft but with an edge; a trace of hurt.
“Oh Nicky please, not again. That was over a long time ago.”
“And what happened when you stayed with him last time?” His voice was acerbic.
“Nothing! It’s over; dead and gone. We had a four month fling and then came to our senses. It isn't going to happen again, trust me on that.”
“But you must still fancy him.”
“Fancy is the wrong word. Yes I do still find him sexy, but I'll never have a relationship with him again.”
“What about if a night of sex was on offer?” Nicky stared down at the floor.

“Why all the questions Nick?”
“Curious, that's all.”
Alexis stared at him in confusion. “Didn't you approve? You never gave me the impression that you were against it.”
“Kettle's boiled, I'll go make the tea.”
“Fuck the tea! Be honest with me here. What upset you about what happened with James?”
“The fact that it happened with James,” he finally said, shifting about uncomfortably on the stool.
“it made you feel awkward? I'm sorry.”
“Oh forget it!” Angrily he stood up and strode across the kitchen.

Confused and bewildered by the actions of her friend Alexis was at a loss, Nicky had never been anything other than his usual self when she was dating James. Not once during the brief fling had he chided her, told her she was being stupid, or backed away, so why now? Why, after almost two years, did he feel a need to vent his spleen?

Quietly she moved behind him, rested her head on his shoulder and hugged him warmly. She was shocked to feel his body shaking against her, deep tremors running through him. “I'm so sorry Nicky. I never meant to hurt you.”
“You have no idea how hard it was for me, watching the two of you smooching or hearing James talk about what you'd been doing?”
“He told you about our sex life?” she screeched in horror.
“Not in detail, no. It was the fact that he would tell us about the places that you'd been to, what you'd done and when you'd organised your next visits to be together. Her never stopped, the git wouldn't shut up.”

“You could have told him to shut up Nicky.”
“That's the stupid bit isn't it?”
“What? I don't get what you mean.”
Nicky turned to face her. “I pretended that it was me with you when he talked about stuff. The more details he gave, the easier it was for me to imagine.” He gazed forlornly at her and pulled a face. “Go on, call me a sad twat, I know you want to.”
Once again she hugged him. Tentatively Nicky hugged her back, enjoying holding her in his arms.
“For what it’s worth, I don't think you're a sad twat at all.”
“You don't have to be nice about it.”

“I'm being honest, it’s just, well I had no idea.”
“Neither do James or Sean.”
“Am I the woman that you mentioned earlier?” she spoke calmly and quietly, not wanting to scare or alarm Nicky.
“Yes,” he whispered. “I don't suppose you wanna stay here now huh? Makes things a bit difficult.”
“It’s difficult if we make it difficult, but if it makes you feel more comfortable and less self conscious I can ask Sean about staying there.”

Alexis felt it was only right that the final decision ought to be Nicky's, it was his home after all.
“Wouldn't you rather go to stay with James?” He did nothing to hide the sarcasm.
“And make you more paranoid? I don't think so. It’s your choice Nicky, do you want me to go?”
“No of course I don't. I'm worried you won't be the same with me now that you know, that's all.”
“Have I treated James any differently? Aside from the fact that obviously I'm no longer snogging or shagging him.”
Nicky shook his head and tittered. “No you haven't.”
“There you go then!” she said nudging his arm playfully. “So, am I staying?”
“I guess so.”
“Good. Now pour that tea and I'll drink mine whilst I unpack.”

Nicky poured them both a cup of tea and carried Alexis' bag upstairs to her room for her. She told him that she would take that nap that he suggested, and asked him to give her a shout in a few hours to ensure she didn't over sleep. He agreed and left her to put her clothes away.

I'd better go and wake Lexy thought Nicky a few hours later. He found the bedroom door ajar, the room inside silent. Lightly he rapped on the door and walked in; Alexis was naked on the bed, the bedding strewn on the floor.

Nicky backed out of the door, closed it a little further, then knocked loudly, also shouting her name out.
“Hmm, thanks Nick,” came the yawned response.
“Don't be too long Lexy, I know what you're like for falling back over to sleep.”
“Ok, ok, I'm up! You can relax now.”
Nicky sniggered when he heard her feet padding around the bedroom, then he heard the sound of the shower running in the en-suite. “I'll see you downstairs in a bit Lex.”
“Ok,” she called out. “Make sure there's a cuppa waiting for me please Nicky.”
He smiled at her cheek and went downstairs.

Nicky was hugely relieved that Alexis' behaviour hadn't changed following his rather awkward confessions of his real feelings for her. Thank goodness that she still wanted to be his friend. He would have been devastated if she had been uncomfortable around him, and he lost the friendship. Alexis meant the world to him.

part 2 >>>

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