10. Alienated - Part One

*Kay, I know I didn't post on the day I said but I've been kinda busy and goin through some stupid shit right now....And I've been a lil' bit bad too ._. But I won't get into that right now. Anyways, this chapter doesn't really go too much into law stuff cuz I know nothing about American law...Hell, I don't even know anything about Australian law and I study it XD anyways sorry for the delay and I hope this is ok :/*

Nicki lay awake for what seemed like ages, how the hell was she supposed to sleep? He'd been gone for almost an hour, he said he would be back. Throwing the covers off of herself she let her feet hit the tacky carpet of the motel room as she went over to the window. His car was still gone.

"Shit Drake, where the hell are you?" She pulled her hand up to her mouth and chewed nervously on her thumb as she shut the curtain again. Luckily Jacob was still sleeping quietly, what was going to happen to him if they got caught? And her, she had nothing to do with this. Trying to shake the thoughts from her mind she sat back on the edge of the bed and waited out the silence.

***

"So the girl, Onika, she had nothin' to do with this?"

"No sir, not that I know of and Ion see why he would have any reason to lie to me. He said that he'd taken her and this kid to a motel."

"Mmkay, do you remember the name of the motel?"

"It's on tape, I was wearin' a wire." He retorted with attitude.

"Just tell us the name of the motel."

A.J. did as he was asked and was taken away, since he'd co-operated he'd probably receive a lighter penalty but time would soon tell.

"Aight, go speak to that Samuels guy again, see if he's had any contact." They were on their way back out to the cars as they spoke.

"Yes sir, where you goin' though?"

"Imma head down to this motel, I'll meet you there."

Just like that everything was set into motion as the female officer headed back over to Safaree's and her partner did as he said and went to the motel.

After knocking on his door for a while she heard some yelling before an extremely pissed off Stefani answered, it was well past midnight at this point.

"Yes?" She crossed her arms over her chest waiting.

"May I come in ma'am?" There was an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds until Stefani pulled the door open and stormed upstairs causing Safaree to walk out of the kitchen in confusion. "Mr Samuels?"

"Oh, I didn't know you were here, is this 'bout Nicki? Do you know where she is?"

"My partner is headed over there now, we were just wondering if you had heard from her but I'm guessing not?"

Safaree's shoulders slumped as he led them back through to the lounge-room. "No I haven't spoken to her since she last called." Taking a seat he rubbed his hands over his face.

Before the officer could speak again Safaree's phone coincidentally sung out from his pant pocket. Swiftly pulling it out he looked at the caller ID.

"It's her." It was more of a statement than a way of saying Should I answer? Immediately answering he heard her frightened voice on the other end.

"Safaree?"

"Nicki? What's wrong?"

"Ion know, I can't get hold of Drake and I didn't know who else to call." He could tell she was crying but for some reason she was whispering too. As he listened the officer motioned for him to put her on loud speaker so he did.

"What's happened and why you whisperin'?"

"There's someone at the door but it isn't Drake, and they sound like they gonna freakin' break through it." She sniffed as she continued to whisper. "Please, Ion know what to do SB?" Honestly he had no idea what she wanted him to do as he looked at the officer, they both knew that it was her partner at Nicki's door.

"Tell her to open the door, we know she didn't have anything to do with all of this." Listening to her orders Safaree spoke up.

"Look Nic, the person at your door is a police officer, they lookin' for Drake 'kay? Not you, so if you open the door they gon' get you outta there."

"What?! No, I'm not 'bouta freaking drop him in it! If it wasn't for him I'd be dead, Jacob too probably." She was crying even more now after her hushed outburst. She was sat crouched next to Jacob on the bed as she watched the door intently. "Wait....How'd they know where we was at?"

"Ion know, some guy who helped Drake." He shook his head."But that's not the point, Nicki go answer the door. He murdered somebody." He put more emphasis on the word 'murdered'.

"You don't get it Safaree! He's the only person I have, the only reason I'm still alive right now." She got quieter and before he had chance to say anything else back he heard the female officer speaking angrily on her own phone, she was telling her partner that Drake wasn't in the room but Nicki and Jacob were so he should ease up on the knocking and yelling. "Safaree? Who the hell is that?"

"Nicki, that officer will break through the door if he has to so just open it." He heard silence for a moment.

"I asked you who that was?" By the way she spoke he knew that she knew. "Am I on speaker right now?" Just as he was about to answer she hung up on him.

"She hung up, I think she knows I was helpin' y'all."

"Don't feel bad about it, what you chose to do was the right thing. For everybody." Looking at him reassuringly she carried on speaking to her partner on the phone as Safaree sighed loudly and took a seat, what if he'd just made everything worse?

Back at the motel Nicki was beyond pissed, as if it wasn't enough that her best friend's life was hanging in the balance and now the only person she had in her life to rely on was going to be sent to prison for God know how long. Killing her spiralling thoughts she looked to the door as everything was silent, until she heard a car pull up. It was Drake.

***

Almost three months had passed and Nicki was still the same. She felt like her whole life had been blown to smithereens all over again and she'd lost everything, her best friend, her boyfriend, her job, her home. Everything. Safaree was still trying to prove himself as being there but she was done with trusting people, it got her nowhere so why should she bother? She didn't know if learning of Candi's death was worse or having to say goodbye to Jacob as social services took him. But one thing she was sure of was nothing hurt more than seeing Drake being put away, he was in there because of her and that thought was constantly eating at her. Driving her mad with guilt. Sitting in a store doorway she wiped a stray tear and after finally losing her temper with her constantly ringing phone she tossed it with all her might across the road and watched it shatter. Safaree had not stopped with the calls, everyday he'd try and reach her but she ignored it every time. It seemed as though every persons life she entered she damaged, she didn't want to do that to him. She cared about him too much. Slipping back into her thought she quickly stopped herself and stood up as she walked the dark streets.

***

Coming home from a stressful day shopping Stefani and Mama Samuels walked in looking exhausted.

"Ugh we finally got everything sorted! My dress, the bridesmaids dresses, everything." Flopping down on the couch next to Safaree she rested her head on his upper arm. "You kay babe? You've been really quiet this past week. You stressin' 'bout the weddin'?" Safaree looked down at his fiance's worried face.

"Yeah, I guess I am a lil' nervous. The biggest day of our lives right?"

"Mmm, don't worry it'll be fine. I know it." She rested her head back down as his smile faded again. Truthfully he wasn't even thinking about the wedding. It was the last thing on his mind, especially after last week when he figured his mind was playing tricks on him. He thought he'd seen Nicki on a street corner, it wasn't a good thing to see though. She was leaning into a pulled up car as she spoke to the driver and then walked around and hopped in the passenger seat before taking off. It made him feel instantly sick. As his mind continued to spin Stefani felt his body tense up. "Babe, you sure you're ok?"

"I'm fine, promise." He mindlessly pecked her lips and stood up. "I gotta go see Tyler 'bout the whole best man thing but I'll be back 'bout nine." He kissed her again as she watched him suspiciously. Mama Samuels noticed and quickly interjected.

"Well, these wedding invitations aren't going to finish themselves." She got out of her chair and looked at her soon-to-be daughter-in-law. "Best get cracking." Smiling sweetly she led them through to the kitchen to table. Being his Mother she knew there was definitely something on her son's mind and whatever it was he would tell her when he was ready. But she had a feeling it would be something to do with Nicki. Neither herself or Stefani knew of Nicki's previous, and current, job description and since Drake had been locked up and junior was dead, obviously the business had shut down and left Nicki jobless. Doing the only thing she knew best she turned to street work, it sounded ridiculous but she felt like it was her only option.

As his thoughts carried on swirling in his mind he felt like every person he saw on the street was her, but it never was, apart from that time he really did see her. Ever since then he felt like he'd been looking for her, expecting her to be there. As he got closer to Tyler's house he had finally come to a decision, he just hoped it was the right one.

*I know it's MAD short and rushed, I'm sorry but I have had THE WORST case of writer's block! But I hope this was ok and thanku all SO MUCH for the comments left on the previous chapter! I'm so grateful!! Hopefully my next posts will be better when I have nothing on my mind or whatever. Anywhooslebees, what do you want updating next? I have a feeling it might be CM but I could be wrong!*

9. Gettin' Messy (Part Two of 'Gone') - Full Chapter

She continued to cling on to his big build as he walked them over to the bed, placing her down carefully so as not to wake a sleeping Jacob.

"You ok?" He held her shoulders firmly and looked between her face and Jacob's little body sprawled out under the sheets.

"Well, for everythin' that's happened I guess so." She looked down as he took a seat next to her, allowing their shoulders to rub against one another still. "Did you sort stuff out?"

"Yeah. We just gon' be here for one night, I promise." He took her hand in his and kissed her.

"Promise? 'Cause I need to see Candi. I wanna know she's ok." Her eyes trailed over Jacob's little frame. He needed his Mom more than anything.

"I promise. We're goin' back to your place first thing. I need to clean everythin' up." Rubbing his hands over his face he sighed and lay back gently. Following his movement she settled next to him, facing his body as she trailed her hands over his bruised face. They lay still for a few long minutes with her continuing her actions as he enjoyed the calm feeling she was giving him at that moment, but she quietly broke the silence after a while.

"Can I still not answer my calls? Safaree's been ringin' non stop." Her hand stayed resting gently on his face as he turned slowly to look at her, he looked drained, tired and empty.

"Mmm I guess it's alright...We have to act normal." She nodded in understanding and stood up to go get her phone, as she guessed he was ringing again. Persistent or what? Clicking to answer the call she held the phone to her ear, watching Drake move past her and shut the bathroom door behind him. The shower starting up made her feel more comfortable about talking.

"What do you want Safaree?" Hearing her tired, whisper made his heart relax in utter relief.

"The fuck Nicki?! Why you been ignorin' all my calls? I been ringin' you all day?" Pulling the phone away slightly she winced at the pounding headache she was experiencing.

"Can you please stop screamin'? Why you been callin' me like there's no tomorrow?"

"I been over here shittin' bricks! I went 'round to your place this mornin', nobody was there but you left your door open. There was blood everywhere, I thought that boss of yours had..." He trailed off and sighed loudly. "I thought you were dead." It didn't matter about what he was saying, in fact she wasn't even listening. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly hear anything else. "Nicki? Nicki you still there?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah I'm...I'm still here." Chewing on her bottom lip nervously she readied herself to ask him a question. "So what's goin' on right now? Where you at?"

"I called the cops first, they all over your place...What the fuck even happened Nic? You alright?"

"Wait, there are cops? All over my apartment?" She started pacing as the panic began to kick in.

"Nic, the hell did you want me to do? Shrug it off? I thought you'd been killed, you understand how much I been worryin' 'bout you? Where are you? And who are you with?"

"No. You did the right thing....And yeah I'm fine, just a lil' overwhelmed right now." She paused shakily, urging herself to end the call. "I have to go, I'll call you later." She heard him yelling for her not to hang up but she had to. She continued to pace and chew at her fingers nervously waiting for Drake to finish showering.

Hearing her hang up quickly he snatched his phone away from his ear in anger. "Shit!"

"S'up babe?" Stef had just come through from the lounge room. Setting her empty bowl on the side she gently ran her hands up a troubled Safaree's chest.

"Nuffin'. Look, I needa head out for a minute I'll be-"

"No Safaree! We're supposed to be plannin' our wedding together! Y'know? As a couple!" With each emphasised word she slapped the back of her hand on to the palm of her other.

"And we will. Soon as I get back." He managed to shrug out of her grip after kissing her forehead and started moving out into the hallway. Her shrieking could be heard growing fainter the farther away he got. Before he had chance to reach for the handle there was a knock at the door. It was the police. Opening without hesitation he looked between the two officers' faces.

"Safaree Samuels?"

"Yeah, yeah that's me. Is this 'bout earlier?"

"Yes sir, you mind if we come in?" He shook his head no and allowed them to walk in. A confused Stef and Mama Samuels were stood watching worriedly. Giving them a quick nod to let them everything was ok he followed the officers through to the lounge room. All three of them took a seat as Stef and Safaree's Mom stood in the doorway intrigued.

"Mr Samuels, you say you saw Miss Maraj...the night before she disappeared yes?" The first officer asked as he flipped through some notes.

"Um, yeah I was over at her place the night before and then the next mornin' when I visited...Well Y'know the rest." He cringed suddenly remembering Stefani was in the room. He could feel her burning holes into the side of his face. Mama Samuels noticed thankfully and offered for the two of them to go make the officers a drink. Leaving Safaree alone with the them.

"You had any contact with her since? Know who she's with? Perhaps where she might be?" The female officer asked softly noticing his obviously worried posture.

"I been callin' her all day, never got an answer but she picked up on the last one-"

"How long ago was this?"

"Ten, fifteen minutes ago. She wouldn't tell me where she was and when I asked her who she was with she hung up." The two cops looked at one another.

"So she sounded alright to you?"

"Well, yeah I guess...She mentioned she was a lil' overwhelmed but thas it. Is there any way you can like, Ion know trace the call or somethin'?" He sat forward some more as he tried to think where she could be. He knew who she was probably with but had a gut feeling Drake would never harm her so didn't want to drop him in it. But if he was a murderer or whatever, surely he should say something.

"Aubrey Graham? You ever heard that name before?" The male officer took over as the woman started scribbling things down.

"Mmm, no Ion think so. Sorry." He wrinkled his brow in thought.

"What about the name Drake? She ever mention him?"

"Yeah, he's her boss or somethin'...I think he's her boyfriend too. Not too sure...Why? Do you think he has somethin' to do with it?" This was perfect, now they knew he was involved and he didn't have to snitch.

"Her boss?"

"Yes sir."

"Did she say anythin' else during your phone call?"

Safaree sighed and ran his hands over his face. "No she just said that she was fine and-" Before he could continue the female officer's phone rang out, swiftly answering as Mama Samuels and Stef returned with drinks. They all listened intently even though Stefani and his Mom had no clue what was going on.

"Mhm, yeah we're talkin' to him as we speak." She paused as the person on the end of the line talked. "Ok we'll head back now, thank you." Hanging up she looked between Safaree and her partner. "They have a guy who says he has some info 'bout the case. We gotta go back and interview him." At that point Safaree remembered Jacob, where was he at?

"Oh before you go, Nicki prolly has a kid with her." As they were halfway out of the front door they turned back to look at him questioningly. "He's not hers but he was there the night before so..." He trailed off and shrugged. They looked a little more worried now.

"How old is the child Mr Samuels?"

"'Bout two at a guess, he's her friend's son. His name is Jacob."

"Thank you so much for you help Mr Samuels, and for the drinks." The both nodded at the three of them before the female added. "We'll let you know of any progress. You're obviously very concerned. If she happens to make contact with you again try and get more answers out of her." He agreed and shut the door behind them. He knew he was going to have a lot of explaining to do now.

***

Nicki continued to twizzle the ends of her hair as she paced the floor. Drake was still in the bathroom, the shower had died down but he was taking a while to reappear. As soon as that thought crossed her mind the door opened slowly, letting all the warm steam flow out.

"Woah, you kay Nic? You look like you just seen a ghost?" Almost immediately his face dropped. Probably not the best thing to say right now. He made his way over to where she was stood chewing her lip.

"Aubrey I-"

"Shh, c'mere." Calmly pulling her into an embrace he felt so bad that all of this was creeping its way into her life too. He'd never seen her looking so vulnerable and sad. Even when she was sat in the bus shelter the night he first met her. "I promise everythin's gon' be fine. Trust me." He pulled her even closer, it felt so good to her just being enveloped in his arms. He was only wearing a towel around his waist and his torso was still covered in beads of water.

"No it's not though!" Moving away from him the tears were clearly visible as she brought her hands up to her face. She was shaking like crazy.

"Nic, what are you talkin' 'bout? I got rid of the body, nobody knows where we are and Imma clean up the mess at yours tomorrow, kay?" He furrowed his brow and moved closer to her when she started shaking her head no.

"Safaree went 'round to my place this mornin'. The door was open and he went in-"

"Shit. Shit, shit, shit." He threw his hands up and rested them on top of his head as he started to pace around too. "Don't tell me, he called the cops didn't he?"

"Drake, the fuck was he 'sposed to do?! He thought I'd been murdered or some shit like that!"

"Wait, you didn't tell him where you were did you? Or who you were with?" Nicki's lip quivered as she shook her head no. "Good, that's good." He nodded to himself and she could see the obvious thoughts running through his mind.

"So now what are we gonna do?" Hearing her sad, scared, little voice he stopped what his was doing and moved over to her.

"You're gon' stay here with Jacob and Imma go meet Lee. He can fix us up with somewhere to stay for a bit-"

"What about Jacob? We can't just take him along with us! We haven't got any of his stuff or whatever! That's like kidnapping isn't it?!"

"Look, I'll sort it. All you have to do is stay here with him, kay?" He pulled her over to him by her hands.

"How long are you gonna be?" 

"Not long, I promise."

"Wait, you're goin' now?" She pulled away from him quickly. "You can't just leave me here!"

"Nicki." Gently grabbing her shoulders he made her look at him. Her face was full of worry. "I'll be an hour at the most and as soon as I'm done Imma be back here with you, I swear." She sighed in defeat as he guided her over to the bed. "You should try and get some sleep whilst I'm gone. Might make it go by quicker too." Kissing her forehead he sat her down and pulled her shoes off before letting her settle under the blankets. Jacob didn't stir once on the other side of the bed. She lay still watching him dry off and throw his clothes back on before he drew the curtains, blocking the moonlight out as he grabbed his keys again. "I'll be back soon. Don't answer-"

"The door or my phone unless I know it's you. I got it Aubrey." Bowing his head he set the door to lock before pulling it shut behind himself, leaving Nicki to lay alone with Jacob silently in the dark with only the faint sound of traffic filling her ears.

*** Back At The Station, 10pm ***

"So you're saying this guy was wired and helped the suspect to dispose of the body?" The male officer bugged his eyes at his female partner.

"Yes sir, the victim was Aubrey Graham's father. The guy who was wearin' the wire was an old friend of his. Looks like Mr Graham didn't quite think through who he was relying on huh?"

"Looks like it. Well, we best go see what this...." He looked back at his notes again. "....A.J. has to say for himself." Stepping out of the vehicle they both made their way inside.

*Ugh I hate this, I'm really sorry! BUT next chapters from hereon should be a bit better cuz by Monday all my assignments will be DONE!! ^_^ Haha thanks for all ur comments guys, hope this is okayish, I know it's not much but hopefully enough to hold out 'til next week :))*

8. Gettin' Messy (Part Two of 'Gone') *Sneak Peak*

*Kay so I know I didn't ask what y'all wanted updating but I'm doing a lil' sneak peek for this one cuz I did a kyna biggish chapter for HIA tonight :)*

She continued to cling on to his big build as he walked them over to the bed, placing her down carefully so as not to wake a sleeping Jacob.

"You ok?" He held her shoulders firmly and looked between her face and Jacob's little body sprawled out under the sheets.

"Well, for everythin' that's happened I guess so." She looked down as he took a seat next to her, allowing their shoulders to rub against one another still. "Did you sort stuff out?"

"Yeah. We just gon' be here for one night, I promise." He took her hand in his and kissed her.

"Promise? 'Cause I need to see Candi. I wanna know she's ok." Her eyes trailed over Jacob's little frame. He needed his Mom more than anything.

"I promise. We're goin' back to your place first thing. I need to clean everythin' up." Rubbing his hands over his face he sighed and lay back gently. Following his movement she settled next to him, facing his body as she trailed her hands over his bruised face. They lay still for a few long minutes with her continuing her actions as he enjoyed the calm feeling she was giving him at that moment, but she quietly broke the silence after a while.

"Can I still not answer my calls? Safaree's been ringin' non stop." Her hand stayed resting gently on his face as he turned slowly to look at her, he looked drained, tired and empty.

"Mmm I guess it's alright...We have to act normal." She nodded in understanding and stood up to go get her phone, as she guessed he was ringing again. Persistent or what? Clicking to answer the call she held the phone to her ear, watching Drake move past her and shut the bathroom door behind him. The shower starting up made her feel more comfortable about talking.

"What do you want Safaree?" Hearing her tired, whisper made his heart relax in utter relief.

"The fuck Nicki?! Why you been ignorin' all my calls? I been ringin' you all day?" Pulling the phone away slightly she winced at the pounding headache she was experiencing.

"Can you please stop screamin'? Why you been callin' me like there's no tomorrow?"

"I been over here shittin' bricks! I went 'round to your place this mornin', nobody was there but you left your door open. There was blood everywhere, I thought that boss of yours had..." He trailed off and sighed loudly. "I thought you were dead." It didn't matter about what he was saying, in fact she wasn't even listening. Her heart was beating so fast she could hardly hear anything else. "Nicki? Nicki you still there?"

"Hmm? Oh yeah I'm...I'm still here." Chewing on her bottom lip nervously she readied herself to ask him a question. "So what's goin' on right now? Where you at?"

"I called the cops first, they all over your place...What the fuck even happened Nic? You alright?"

"Wait, there are cops? All over my apartment?" She started pacing as the panic began to kick in.

"Nic, the hell did you want me to do? Shrug it off? I thought you'd been killed, you understand how much I been worryin' 'bout you? Where are you? And who are you with?"

"No. You did the right thing....And yeah I'm fine, just a lil' overwhelmed right now." She paused shakily, urging herself to end the call. "I have to go, I'll call you later." She heard him yelling for her not to hang up but she had to. She continued to pace and chew at her fingers nervously waiting for Drake to finish showering....

* Just a sneak peek but I hope it was ok :/ Thanku all so much for the comments on chap. 7 ^___^ Sorry for any typos and what do you want updating next week? I was gonna do CAHM but I have an inkling some of you are gonna say CM? ^_^ Anyways it's totally up to you guys HOWEVER I might do FY next cuz I'm axing that one, so if I do that one then it's all over and outta the way, unless I'm doing a continuation? I need to check the comments again but I think I saw someone or maybe 2 ppl wanted a continuation, anyway I'll think about it :)*

Which blog am I posting on this week?

Kay, I have a time slot for writing a chapter on Thursday night soooo which blog would you like updating CM, WTWC, CAHM, HIA or FY? ^__^ Or if it's easier you can just DM me on twitter :))
It's Barbie Biiiitch! :*