until

Ellie felt a little peculiar going over to Nick's. It was something odd yet casual. She had to drive herself. Drive herself home. These were things she was used to Eric doing. Especially at night. Especially with the snow. She almost chickened out.

"I didn't think you'd show." Nick wasn't all that optimistic. Her surprise, Rex was there for Holiday break.

It was suddenly awkward and Ellie wished she hadn't came, but at least he treated her more or less like a stranger. He had his girlfriend from college with him. Leslie, a tall black girl with a sweet smile, yet she had a way of keeping him in line with just one look.

It made Ellie smile as she shook her hand.

"So do you have a major?" Ellie knew to ask.

"Psychology."

"That's so interesting." Ellie made small talk wanting to leave well enough alone. Rex certainly didn't have his eyes on her. Perhaps on Nick, but they let it slide by as they went to the family room while Rex and Leslie went to the basement. They were leaving to go back to school tomorrow.

"So you're doing OK?" Nick wondered as he pondered through video games to conquer. Ellie just nodded.

"How does Call of Duty sound?" Definitely not Ellie's game.

There was Grand Theft Auto 4 he then popped into to his gaming system. "Awesomeness." He had to show off with his new game.

She watched for the longest time before he ever got her to play. It was just something she wasn't that used to doing. But Nick was a serious gamer. He guided her through scenes. Ellie did her best to concentrate.

"It'll take some getting used to," Nick told her, after awhile.

"The game?"

"No, being without Eric."

"I guess so."

"So Kyle's still keeping quiet?" Nick asked.

"Quiet?"

"You know, Amanda and the you know-"

"Oh, that." She guessed speaking about the baby was off limits. "I don't know why he hasn't done it already."

"I still can't believe it happened," Nick said.

"I can." Ellie nodded.

"Really?" Nick winced.

"That Kyle's a bad boy." Ellie almost grinned.

Nick just smiled.

"Seriously, " said Ellie.

"Oh yeah?" Nick couldn't help but smile more. "You sound like you know from experience?"

"No." Ellie scowled. "He's told me things. That's all."

"And you believed him?"

"He's rather convincing." She sighed.

"Even with Kelsey?"

"I dunno." Ellie looked at him then. "Are you seeing her?"

"No." Nick shook his head. "She's just a friend. That's all."

"Really?"

"Yeah, she's still hung up on Kyle. Actually." This was news to Ellie.

"Would you go out with her if she wasn't?"

"I hadn't thought about it. I really save a lot of money when I don't date," Nick then said watching the screen and hammering his thumbs into the controller.

"I guess you won't have to worry about Valentines Day then." Ellie shrugged thinking they best stop making small talk.

"Neither will you." Nick smiled back, but it gave Ellie an icky feeling. She was kind of hoping for a romantic Valentines day until now.