Authors Note - I realize this chapter is incredibly short, therefore, I will post the next part later tonight. Enjoy ;)
Nathan walks around a stunned Kelsey and sits on the bed, leaning his elbows on his knees and pressing his face into his hands. Deep breaths; in and out. Jesus. He hadn't meant to do that. His lips are still burning from the too-brief contact and he hates himself for noticing that, among all his swirling thoughts and the gravity of the situation.
“I don't...wait...what?” Kelsey stutters in shock.
“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am.”
“I don't understand...”
Nathan exhales deeply, wishing with every fiber of his body that he didn't have to have this conversation with Kelsey. But, it's out now and there's no going back.
“I'm crazy about you, Kel. I'm not sure when exactly it started, but it's been...it's been a while.”
“Me? You're...with me?” It's almost cute, the surprise on Kelsey's face.
“Yeah, you. And I tried ignoring my feelings because we're friends and because I know you're happy with Brent and that this would change our friendship. I wish I didn't feel this way, you have to believe me! I would give anything to not feel this way.”
“Wait...why didn't you tell me?”
Nathan tips his face sideways with a questioning look and frowns.
“Come on, Kelsey. I know you. I know you don't feel that way about me. I don't need to have it spelled out.”
Then suddenly, tears start running down her cheeks―a waterfall, really. Nathan hangs his head in shame for making Kelsey cry again. He really doesn't know what he expects from Kelsey―he's never actually thought that far through this situation. But, he was pretty sure that Kelsey wasn't going to start screaming or being hysterical; Kelsey's not like that. So, he just waits for the click of the door, always expecting the worst. Instead though, he feels a hand against his cheeks. Kelsey kneels in front of the bed and tips Nathan's face so that she can see him. Her grip is strong; unyielding and full of comfort.
“Oh, Nathan. How long have you been keeping this in?”
See? Now this is why Kelsey Ann Carter is his soul mate. This, right here. Nathan feels like he's just been stroked from the inside out by Kelsey's love and it burns so good.
“A really long time.”
“And this is why you've been avoiding me?”
“Yeah.”
Kelsey nods. “Nathan Thomas Harvey.” They both seem to be in a full name kind of mood. “You should never have to keep something from me. Especially something like this! I can't believe you've been in pain for so long!”
He's always floored by the enormity of Kelsey's heart, by her ability to love. It's humbling to be her friend, to know that he's loved-in whatever way-by this incredible woman. Nathan doesn't have any words to offer Kelsey in return, so she goes on.
“I'm your person, okay?...I'm sorry that I can't...return...”
“No.” Nathan clenches his fists and jumps up. “No. We're not going to do this. Don't you see, Kel? This is exactly why I didn't want to tell you. I don't want you to feel sorry for me!”
The moment he says it, he realizes how true it is. There's never been any pity in their friendship. They're both talented and confident in their abilities; always equal, always moving forward. Nathan doesn't want this to interrupt that.
