Chapter 9 A Week Away
Chapter 9 of Blood Bound
Henry Cavill x Named OC
Word Count: 5k
Summary: Nina is back in America for the holiday and tries to have a good vacation despite being away from Henry and rising tensions in the donor community.
Warnings: riot heavy chapter, incorrect use of fireworks, mentions of blood, stitches, (if i missed some please let me know)
A/N: Here it is finally! I wanted this out weeks ago so i didnt really edit at all. Im sorry! Also thanks to @hellcaster901 and her ideas there is some drama on its way!! Enjoy! <3
“Wake up! It’s time for breakfast!” I grinned as a knee landed on my gut. I opened my eyes and saw Irene’s 11 year old cousin was jumping on us.
“Lucas, I swear to god if you don’t get out right now!” Irene teased, pushing him off of us.
“Geez, fine!” He giggled and ran out. “But it really is time for breakfast.” He yelled back at us.
“He’s lucky he’s young. Otherwise I might kill him.” I laughed.
“Come on, let’s get up.” We got out of bed and went downstairs. I smelled bacon and coffee as we entered the kitchen. There were sounds of glass clinking together and silverware being jostled around.
“There you two are, always the last ones up.” Mom was pushing around a large pan of scrambled eggs. “Irene go help your cousin set the table, Nina, honey, will you put some more coffee on? The aunts are guzzling it down.”
“Sure, mom.” Irene went to the table and I went to the coffee pot. The thing was already empty so I just loaded the new grounds in with the water.
“Did you sleep okay? I know you’re usually asleep technically right now.” I nodded, pulling out my own mug for when the coffee was done.
“I slept like the dead. Flying that long really wears me out.” She rubbed my back.
“I bet, but I’m glad you’re here honey. I didn’t want you alone on thanksgiving so far away.” I couldn’t help but hug her.
“Thanks, mom. For letting me come every year.” She kissed my head.
“You’ll always be invited.” She squeezed me and let me go. I went to help Irene with the table. I found her chasing her cousin with a fork and I rolled my eyes.
“Irene, stop tormenting your cousin.” Lucas had a smirk on his face though. “And you too, Lucas.” He huffed. The table was only half set, so I took the fork out of Irene’s hand and set it down.
“He’s the little brother I never asked for!” Irene teased and Lucas laughed. We finished the table and I had set my phone down somewhere.
“Lucas, did you see where I put my phone?” I looked over to him, he was standing across the table, my phone in his hand.
“You mean this one?” As he held it up it rang and I saw Henry’s contact fill the screen. “Oh look at someone’s calling.” Irene cackled while I moved to snatch the phone back. “Nina’s phone, who’s this?” He answered, running away from me. “Henry? Are you Nina’s British friend? I’m Lucas!” I rolled my eyes and he made it around the table to Irene. She stopped him, taking the phone away. Before I could thank her she put the phone up to her ear.
“Jesus Christ.” I mumbled, stopping my feet and rubbing my forehead.
“Henry, I’d like to personally apologize for my cousin. This is Irene by the way, Nina’s best friend.” I walked over to her.
“You’re so dramatic.” I punched her shoulder and took the phone.
“Hey Henry are you still there?” He was chuckling already as I put the phone to my ear.
“Yes darling,” I walked out and to the bathroom, locking the door behind me.
“Oh good. I would’ve hung up on all that.” He laughed again.
“No it was funny, plus I did say I wanted to meet Irene.” I laughed.
“She wants to meet you.”
“How old is Lucas?”
“11.” I sighed. “But hey, what’s up?”
“I just wanted to see if you were up yet, ask how California was so far?”
“It’s good, we’re about to eat breakfast. I thought you’d be sleeping right now?”
“I’m staying up for a night shoot, I thought it’d work out if I called you now.” I smiled.
“It did! How are you?”
“I’m alright, tired now that my schedules off.”
“Yeah, I’m just waiting for jet lag to kick in.”
“I know how that feels. Are you doing anything today?”
“I’m not sure what Irene has planned. I am going to see some friends at the company tomorrow, though.” Kari had found out through Abbey that I was coming to the states and she wanted to see me.
“Oh that will be good, just be careful? The protests are pretty regular there.” The protests had become a regular part of the news lately. LA did have it bad.
“I will, Irene’s family lives in the suburbs, so that’ll probably be the only time I’m in the city.” I heard Mom call for breakfast.
“Good, I’ll try to call you when I can and text.”
“Thanks, so will I.”
“Go eat breakfast, talk to you soon.”
“Bye Henry.” We hung up and I went back out to eat. The table now had plates of bacon, sausage, and eggs, plus Auntie Jen and Auntie Jess were sitting at the table, both with fresh cups of coffee.
“There’s Nina,” Jen got up and hugged me. “You look beautiful as usual.” I smiled and went over to Jess to hug her, she kissed my cheek.
“There’s fresh coffee in there honey.” I laughed nodding.
“I know, I’ll get some.” Lucas came running in with a big glass of orange juice. “Woah, slow down, buddy.” He slowed to a walk and sat next to his mom, Jess. I went to fill my mug and saw Irene’s dad pouring two mugs, one of them being mine.
“Hey Nina,” He smiled at me over his glasses. “I got your cup.”
“Thanks,” I went to the fridge and got the creamer. I poured it in each of ours and he clinked our glasses together before we drank.
“It’s good to see you back here.” He rubbed my back and we walked into the dining room to eat with the family.
Irene ended up dragging me out to go grocery shopping with her so I wouldn’t fall asleep in the middle of the day. Henry did text me here and there, in between takes of his night shoot. It wasn’t a lot but it was all I could get for the time being.
“Irene, its just lunch, we’re not even leaving the building.” It was the next day and Irene was dropping me off at the company building.
“I know, but those protesters are there a lot. Especially lately.” I sighed, seeing the building up the street.
“I promise I’ll be careful. Plus security has been amped up a lot.” It was true security had been raised company wide. I had noticed the increase in it the last time I was at the building in London. It made me feel better, but more anxious at the same time.
“Just call me if you need anything. I’ll be here at two o’clock to pick you up.” She held the steering wheel fighters as we came up to the front door, four or five protesters with stupid signs were out front already. “Okay, nope, we’re going home.” Security was pushing them back from the door, but Irene was letting off the brakes.
“Irene, it’s fine. The guards can handle a few people with signs.” She huffed but stopped.
“I’ll call you when I’m here. Seriously be careful.”
“Thank you, Irene. See you later, okay?” I opened the door and hopped out. One of the guards held open the door for me as I ignored the taunts from the protesters.
“Freak!” I heard as the door shut. I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.
“Nina! Welcome back.” I opened my eyes and saw Kari standing at the front desk. “Sorry about all that. They’re all idiots.” I laughed as she pulled me to the elevator. “It’s good to see you!”
“It’s good to see you.” She linked her arm with mine. “Have they been bothering you guys a lot?” She hit the up button and we waited for the doors.
“Yes, they stand out there all the time. It’s obvious not doing anything so why don’t they just stop?” The doors opened and we stepped in, Kari pressing the button.
“I don’t know. It’s weird in London too.” She shook her head.
“Again, they are all idiots.” We made it up to her floor and walked to her office. “I got us burgers and they just got here.”
“Yay, thank you!” We sat at her desk and caught up with each other.
“Henry Cavill’s still your client right?” I nodded, picking at what was left of my fries. “How is that? I haven’t donated since I was in college, and when he sent in his paperwork I almost started again.” I chuckled, shaking my head.
“I mean, he’s like most clients. He calls me, he feeds.” She raised an eyebrow. “What?”
“Oh come on, what else? You donors get to meet all these celebrities all the time. What’s he like? Please tell me he’s as charming as he looks.” I giggled at her dramatics.
“He is really charming.” I rested my chin on my hand and my elbow on the desk. “He never pressures me into anything, which is great.”
“Has he bought you lots of things? Abbey told me about this trip she went on once.” I nodded. Irene texted me then, saying she was on her way, but traffic was bad. I furrowed my brow, we were well past the lunch rush, but there could be an accident or something.
“Yeah, he bought me this beautiful dress for a wedding he took me too, here I think I have a picture.” At some point during the wedding the photographer had taken photos of us and Henry had gotten his hands on it. It was just us talking. I was looking up at him and his hand was moving as he explained something to me. “He surprised me with the dress and the bag-“
“Nina, you look like a couple!” I couldn’t help but smile. “You look beautiful!” She took my phone and I saw her zoom in. “You’ve got some cow eyes for Henry too.” She laughed at me and I punched her shoulder. “Seriously, you both look good.” She handed me the phone back. “Do you like him?” Her brows raised, but she was smiling.
“Well yeah, apparently I have cow eyes.” She rolled her eyes. “I only showed you the picture to see the dress.”
“And you thought I wouldn’t notice the rest of the picture?” She laughed. “My advice is to tie him down before it’s too late.” I joined her laughter as we started cleaning up our trash from lunch.
“How long are you in town for?” We walked to the elevator.
“Just for the week. I’ll fly back-“ Kari’s phone rang and she sighed.
“Hang on.” She answered it and I went over to the windows to see if Irene’s car was out front. My eyes widened as I looked at the street below. The group of protesters had multiplied and weren’t happy. Security was holding them back, but there were a lot of people. I gulped when I saw a man push a guard down.
“Kari-“ I was going to call her over here, but an object flew out of the crowd, I couldn’t figure out what it was. I squinted my eyes as the protesters looked up. I backed up as I realized what it was. The firecracker hit and shattered a window only yards away from where we were standing. Kari screamed and I pushed her back the the way we came as the the thing popped so loud my ears were ringing. Smoke filled the hallway as we ran. I wasn’t sure where we were going, but Kari grabbed my wrist, pulling me faster. I choked on the smoke as she pulled me into the stairway. The echos of our feet and coldness of the concrete walls made me shiver.
“Nina, what was that?”
“A fucking firework.” I still didn’t believe it.
“Security told me to go back to my office and lock the doors, but that was before the firework.” She held her head. “Oh my god, Nina, what’s happening?” My hands shook.
“Is there somewhere else we can go?” There were tears in her eyes as she thought.
“A few floors down there’s a janitorial room that locks.” I grabbed her hands.
“Okay, let’s go. Just keep it together until then.” She nodded, but I wasn’t sure if I couldn’t hold it together. We jumped out of our skin when we heard a door slam at the bottom of the staircase. “Does this lead outside?” Her eyes widened as we heard loud footsteps and voices coming up the stairs.
“Yes, shit, let’s go.” She pulled me down two flights and burst through the door at the last one, all while the protesters got louder. We ran as fast as we could through another floor of offices. “It’s on the other side of the floor.” Kari ran faster and my hand slipped from hers. We ran past more windows, staying close to the opposite wall. Kari got farther head of me and as I sped up a window shattered in front of me. I stopped so hard I tripped and fell, cutting my arm on glass. Before I could get up I saw what broke the window, Another firework. I scrambled backwards, trying to find my footing. I barely got to my feet before it went off. I covered my face and felt the smoke surround me. Popping and sizzling and the choking smell of smoke invaded my senses. The ringing in my ears got higher in pitch and I couldn’t heard much. The smoke was clearing but my chest forced coughs up my throat. Someone grabbed my arm and I turned to see Kari. She sounded muffled, but she was telling me to follow her so I clutched her arm for dear life and she took me to the room we were looking for. She slammed the door shut and locked it. I had to sit down, I found some folding chairs and got one.
“Nina? Are you okay?” Kari turned to me. “Oh my god, your arm.” She walked to me and pushed my ripped sleeve up. The cut was bleeding and pretty big. I couldn’t really feel it yet, but I knew it hit me sooner or later. “I think you need stitches.” I leaned back and she found a rag. “Put pressure on it.” She chewed on her lip as she look at me.
“Kari, it’s okay.”
“No it’s not! Those assholes hurt you. God, you wouldn’t even be here if I hadn’t begged you to go to lunch.” I shook my head.
“I agreed to be here, Kari. This is not your fault. It’s those crazies.” Suddenly we heard voices and running outside. I pressed my lips together and Kari pressed her ear on the door. I jumped when my phone rang and I scrambled to turn it off. It was Irene, but I couldn’t talk. I tried texting her but I heard a voice clear as day outside the door.
“Dude, the cops are here.”
“Fuck, let’s go.” More footsteps fading away and I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Irene called me again and I answered.
“Nina! What the fuck is going on? There’s smoke coming from windows and there’s protesters running everywhere.” She was crying, I could hear it in her voice. “Please tell me you’re okay.”
“I’m okay. I’m locked in a janitors closet, but I’m okay.” I tried not to stare at the white rag turning red on my arm. “You need to get back home. It’s not safe.”
“No way. I’m coming to get you.” I felt a lump in my throat form.
“Irene, no.” If she got hurt here, I’d never forgive myself.
“I can’t just leave you there. Like you said it’s not safe.” My eyes welled up.
“I know, but if you try and help me we’ll both be stuck here. Or worse.” I shuddered. “I’ll try to text you when I can, but I gotta go.”
“Nina are you sure-“
“Go home. I’ll be okay.” I hung up before I started crying. “Please go home Irene.” Kari had been texting someone as I spoke, she was shaking a little so I got her a chair, my arm beginning to throb. “Sit.” I told her and she did.
“Cops are outside, I texted security where we are, they’ll be here soon.” I shut my eyes and leaned back. “How’s your arm?”
“It’s fine. I probably need to get it looked at though.” My phone buzzed again and I saw notifications from news websites I follow. I clicked one and saw a live video of outside the building. Protesters were running off as police filled the area. The street had been blocked off, and police were detaining whoever they could. I closed the video and shut my eyes.
“LA PD, anyone in here?” We had been completely silent as we waited for the police. Kari ran over to the door and unlocked it.
“Yes, we’re here.” She opened the door. “My friend, she’s hurt.” Two cops were on the other side.
“There are EMTs downstairs.” The cops took us downstairs and EMTs had set up in the donations lab. Kari sat with me as they cleaned my arm and thankfully just stitched it there. It hurt bad now that the adrenaline was gone. No one was majorly injured. A donor did have to go get some burns looked at but she was going to be okay.
“You guys can wait here. I think the police need to ask you guys some questions.” I huffed.
“I just want to go back home.” I mumbled. I’ve also had the urge to call Henry since the cops found us, but I didn’t want to worry him. It seems like I’d be busy for a bit anyways.
“Hello, ladies.” One of the cops from before walked to us. “If you don’t mind answering some questions for us. I can take one of you over to my partner.” Kari stood.
“I’ll go first. Nina, I can get you home after all this okay? We’ll leave as soon as we’re done.” I nodded and she let the man lead her away. I started a message to Irene, but Henry’s contact lighting up my screen interrupted me.
“Henry?” I answered it immediately.
“Nina, oh my god. I just saw the news. We’re you in the building today?” I sighed.
“Yeah, I’m still there now.” I heard movement on the other end.
“What? Are you alright? What’s going on?” I looked down at my bandaged forearm.
“I’m okay. The cops are here and it’s settling down.” I scratched at some soot on my jeans. “I’ve been wanting to call you.”
“I’m so glad your okay. I needed to make sure. Do you want to tell me what happened?” I swallowed, but explained everything. He sighed as I finished.
“God, I could fly over there right now if I didn’t-“
“No it’s okay. I’m fine. I’ll be back soon. Fortunately a little cut doesn’t ruin a vacation.” The bandage covered half my arm, but he didn’t know that.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” I took a deep breath, seeing Kari and cop walking back.
“Yeah. I’m okay, Henry. I think I need to talk to the police now. I’ll talk to you soon.
“Alright. If you need to talk, just call me, okay?” We said goodbye and I answered the questions from the police. It didn’t take long and I couldn’t wait to get out of there.
“Come on, Nina. I can take you home.” The cops took us to the back where they were sending everybody home through. Kari lead me to her car and we drove mostly in silence.
“Are you okay, Kari?” I asked her as we turned on Irene’s street.
“I should be okay soon. Are you?” I nodded and she pulled into Irene’s driveway. Irene was standing on the porch with Mom. “Have a good Thanksgiving. Hopefully that’ll keep our minds off things.” I pulled her into a big hug and got out.
The two women on the porch hugged me as soon as I was in reach. I squeezed them tightly as I tried not to cry. “Come on, sweetie, let’s get you cleaned up.” Mom pulled me inside, arm around my shoulder. Irene held my hand and followed us inside. I let them bring me upstairs, the cousins and aunts in the living room staring at me as we went. I told them I just needed to shower and lay down. Mom squeezed my hands and left. Irene lingered and hugged my neck.
“I’m glad you’re okay.” She let go and walked off.” I swallowed down tears and went to the bathroom. After my shower I shut Irene’s lights off and got in bed. I dialed Henry’s number and pressed my phone to my ear.
“Hey Nina. You home?”
“Yep, finally.” He chuckled.
“How are you? I mean-you don’t have to answer that.” His sudden stutter made me giggle.
“Well I feel better after getting all that soot off me. Kari and I probably stunk up her car.” I pulled my phone away and put it on speaker. “Speaking of her, I should make sure she got home.” I sent her a message as Henry spoke.
“That’s a good thing at least.”
“I’m just sitting in the dark now. I need the quiet.” I shut my eyes.
“By the way, try to avoid social media. It’s everywhere right now.” I huffed.
“Thank you, and thanks for answering.”
“Of course, it’s good to hear your voice.” I couldn’t help but smile.
“Yours too.” I whispered.
“When do you get back to London?” He huffed.
“Saturday, I think.” I couldn’t think of the time difference right now. “I’ll be back and complaining about jet lag in no time.”
“I can’t wait.” We talked for a little while and I had to hang up before I fell asleep on the phone. I shut my eyes and it didn’t take long.
“Nina,” Irene was shaking my shoulder as I opened my eyes. “it’s time to eat.” I got up and followed her downstairs. I really hoped everyone would act normal tonight.
“Nina, can I see your stitches?” Lucas came from the kitchen holding a bowl of spaghetti.
“Jesus Lucas!” Irene punched him and I laughed.
“It’s fine, I’ll have to change the bandages eventually so you can see them then.” He grinned and walked off to the living room.
“Sorry,”
“It’s fine. He’s a kid. I’m just glad he’s not being weird.” She furrowed her brows.
“He just asked to see your stitches.” I shook my head and pulled her to the kitchen where the pot of noodles sat on the stove. Irene and I got our bowls and went to the table.
“You better eat that entire bowl, Nina.” Aunt Jess poked my arm. “We won’t have that arm ruin thanksgiving.” I shook my head.
“It won’t. It’s not that bad anyways.” Well it did hurt quite a bit, but I’d take some painkillers soon. “They told me to go to the hospital until the stitches need to come out.”
“I think we’re all just glad you’re okay. That everyone’s okay.” Mom came in last, and we all ate.
“Next time I see one of those stupid signs, I’ll beat the crap out of the son of-“ Irene’s dad started
“Honey, not at the table. Let’s just eat, Nina’s had enough of protests for the day.” I smiled at mom and she happily changed the subject to Black Friday shopping. We ate and the packed table of people made me feel a lot lighter than when I first got back.
I tried focusing on Thanksgiving a lot more, wanting to get my mind off of everything else. I spent the next day grocery shopping for Thanksgiving with Irene and her mom. Irene decided to let me help her with desserts and by seven that evening I was elbow deep in flour. Irene was rolling out another pie crust while I poured the last of the wine in our cups, adding another floury handprint to the mix of them on the bottle.
“Have you heard anything about the article?” Irene had a splotch of flour on her cheek. I set her glass down next to her and went back to the dishes I was washing.
“No, my editor emailed me and I thought maybe there’d be something but she was just checking in after everything.” I sighed. “Which was nice, but I want to know what she thinks of everything.” I wore gloves so my bandages stayed dry. “This is the worst part. I hate not knowing what she thinks. Waiting for her response.” I shook my head.
“Well, I know I’ve only read snippets, but I love it. And Abbey seems so cool. I can’t wait to meet her eventually.” I smiled.
“You’ll love her. She wants to meet you too. And we have to go out when you two meet.” Irene turned around.
“Oh my god, it’s been so long since we went to the bars.” She pouted.
“I know! Look we’re wine drunk let me just buy you plan tickets right now and you come back to London with me.” She burst out laughing.
“I wish!” She rolled her eyes. “But we should plan something maybe I could get some time off in January?” I nodded, grinning at her.
“Yes! Just say the word and I’m buying the tickets.” By the time we finished the baking and cleaned up most of the house had gone to bed. We snuck up to Irene’s room and got ready for bed.
“How crowded is the house going to be tomorrow?” I asked Irene as she got under the covers.
“Very, why do you think we made so much dessert?” She rattled off a few relatives and I sighed. “You’re really okay right?” It was dark and I couldn’t make out her face.
“Yeah, I think so.” I sighed. “I’m just glad it’s over and that’s it’s almost Thanksgiving.” She chuckled.
“Me too. I’m glad you’re okay too.”
I woke up on Thanksgiving to Irene getting shoved out of bed by Lucas. I laughed with him as she grumbled, running her hands through her messy hair. “Your mom says to get up.” Lucas ran out of the room and I helped Irene off the floor.
“He’s the worst part of Thanksgiving.” She stated.
“Shut up you love him.” I patted her back. “Come on, we gotta get ready before everyone gets here.” We got dressed and ended up sharing a bathroom to do our makeup. I was focusing on my eyeliner as Irene danced to some song in the mirror. Suddenly my phone buzzed, almost falling off the toilet, where it had to go to make room for our makeup. Irene was closer so she grabbed it.
“I think its your editor.” She handed it to me, and I furrowed my brows. I took it from her and answered.
“Hello?” I stepped out of the bathroom with only one eye done.
“Nina! I’m sorry to call you today, but with everything going on I just thought I’d let you know early. Your article was amazing and it’s most definitely going on the site.” I broke out into a grin. “I love this Abbey girl; she’s going to kick the series off wonderfully. I see why you picked her.”
“Thank you so much. I’m so happy you liked it.” I jumped a little, already wanting to tell Irene.
“I want to talk everything through once were back and settled after this week.”
“Yes, just let me know.”
“Happy Thanksgiving, Nina.”
“Happy Thanksgiving!” I hung up and went right back in to tell Irene.
“Well what did she say?” She set her curling iron down.
“She likes the piece, and she wants to make it a series!” Irene cheered and hugged me. “Irene! This is great!”
“It is! Congrats, Nina!” She rubbed my back. “I think this deserves a celebratory shot.” I laughed and Irene ran out of the bathroom. I shook my head and went to my phone to text Henry. Call me if you can. I want to tell you something. I sent and went back to my makeup. Irene came back up with two shot glasses filled with clear liquid. “Vodka okay?” I cringed, but nodded, taking one from her. We clinked our glasses together and swallowed it down.
“Yay!” I set my glass down.
“I say we get hammered today.” Irene began pouring another.
“Irene, your family is about to be crawling over every inch of this house. I can’t be slurring my words by three p.m.” She only shrugged. “Whatever, I’m not taking care of you later.” We finished getting ready and when I went downstairs, I told everyone the good news. I got a big hug from Mom and a kiss on the cheek from the aunts. I tried not to think about a reply from Henry. He probably was sleeping. I hated different time zones and busy schedules. Turns out that the booze helped keep my mind off it and I was tipsy as I heaped food on my plate. Irene giggled as she handed me the spoon for corn.
“Someone’s buzzed.”
“So are you.” I nudged her elbow. We sat together and tried to eat a little of our buzz away. It turned into eating ourselves into food comas, falling asleep on the couch. I slept through my phone ringing, but when I woke up and saw it was Henry I groaned. I tried calling him again, but he didn’t answer. I huffed and rolled my eyes.
“You’ll talk to him soon don’t worry.” Irene had rolled over in her spot on the couch. “Just go back to sleep.” I put my phone down and pulled a blanket over me.
~~~
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