Rusty and Nicole
The Falls was busier than Nicole thought it would be. Not that she minds. It’s been a pleasant distraction from all the fuss that has been Valentine’s. She walks behind the coffeebar, and pulls her tips out from her apron.
Rusty: Good night? (He asks, making his way over to Nicole.)
She finds it funny that she would be sharing this one night of the year with Rusty… someone that at one time meant so much to her. And though their friendship has survived the destruction of their once volatile relationship, she finds it comforting that she can still count on Rusty as being a presence in her life.
Nicole: It’s been a pretty good night tip wise. I was expecting us to be slow.
Rusty: Yeah… my dad’s gonna trip when he sees what we did in sales tonight.
Nicole: I’m surprised to find you working tonight Rus’ (she says, counting her tips.) No hot date.
Rusty: Not this year (he smiles surprisingly.) What about you?
Nicole: I think my dating life’s hit a bit of a dead end of late Rus’.
He should’ve realized that. When was the last time Rusty had seen Nicole out on a date, or much less just hanging out with a guy. The same could be said for himself. Since graduation, he’d been so focused on running the coffeehouse.
Looking at Rusty, Nicole finds herself drawn to the memories of their time together. It’s strange how far they drifted apart following the loss of their child. And even stranger how they still feel the connection… even after all this time.
Walking along the pier, Nicole thinks of better days. Days that it didn't seem her whole future was full of impending doom. Days when the only thing in the world that mattered was her and Rusty. Why was it so hard for her to easily recall those memories? Had so much really happened that it was impossible to go back?
Nicole can see Rusty in the distance walking towards her. The sun behind him luminates the sky, as Rusty spots Nicole. As the two walk towards one another, a smile crosses Nicole's face. It is the first time Rusty had seen such in days.
Nicole: Thanks for coming.
Rusty: You didn't think I wouldn't show, did you?
Nicole: No I mean, it's just that if you hadn't, I wouldn't have blamed you.
Rusty: You should know me better than that.
Nicole: I don't know what I know anymore.
Taking Nicole's hand, the two begin walking down the riverwalk.
Rusty: Tell me what's the matter Nicole. I'm here for you. I promise you, I'm not going
anywhere.
Nicole: I wouldn't say that until you've heard what I have to say.
Rusty: Which is
Nicole: I'm pregnant Rusty.
The silence is deafening for a moment, as Rusty finds himself without words.
Nicole: I don't know how it happened. I don't know how far along I am. I just know that this is the real deal and I'm scared to death.
Rusty stops walking, causing Nicole to do the same.
Rusty: Why didn't you tell me sooner?
Nicole: I was scared Rusty. This is major. It's gonna change my life forever.
Rusty: You're wrong about that.
Nicole: What do you mean?
Rusty: It's not going to change just your life. It's going to change our lives. Nicole, you have to know that there's no way that I'm about to let someone that I love so much take on this responsibility by herself, do you?
As tears begin to fall from Nicole's eyes, for the first time in days, they are tears of
happiness. Hearing Rusty reassure her fears makes Nicole realize exactly why she loves him so much, and suddenly, she finds herself not as scared as she's been.
Nicole: I love you Rusty.
Rusty: I love you too baby. And I promise you, we'll get through this together.
As the two kiss, the sun continues to glare behind them. Hand in hand, they walk along the pier, and contemplate the future of them together.
Nicole smiles as the memory begins to fade. She hands over her tips to Rusty, as he opens the register to change her out.
Rusty: There you go (he says, handing her the changed cash.)
Nicole: Thank you Rusty (she says, leaning in towards him. She places a peck on Rusty’s cheek before pulling away.) Happy Valentine’s Day.
Rusty: You too Nicole. You too.