Because I'm a Nerd.

Chapter 26- "If she can walk after what happened tonight!"

Nathan: I'll be there.

Ricky: So will I.

Emmett: Lauren? Allie? Adrian? Scarlett? What about you guys? Anyone wanna join us?

Adrian: Uh-huh, count me in too!

Allie: Lauren and I will be there as well.

Ricky: Scarlett? What about you?

Allie: Well, she'll be there provided she can walk after what happened tonight! :D

Nathan: And what happened tonight? Did she fall and hurt herself?

Lauren: Aww, look at him being so concerned!

Emmett: She didn't fall, you dwerp! Allie's tryna suggest you and her did the deed you know!

Scarlett: EMMETT. MARTIN! We most definitely didn't have sex if that's what you're insinuating!

Evan: Whatever floats your boat, Scar! :P

Scarlett: God! You guys...! I have had it with you! Goodnight!

I punch in a bye and turn my phone off. I shoot the girls a death glare but they can't stop giggling, so the glare is pretty much useless. I roll my eyes, pull the bedspread over my head and go off to sleep.

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NATHAN POV

After coming back home from Starbucks a couple of hours ago, I had instant messaged Scar to let her know that Aunt Ellen was extremely serious about her invitation for dinner.

All Scarlett had replied with was an "Uh...sure" before rambling away about some work she had and logging off. Now, I'm extremely sure she lied, but, for once, I want to give her some space.

I know that she constantly undermines herself and has close to no self-respect. She probably freaked out at the mention of meeting my Aunt and instantly decided she wasn't good enough. I want to help her and maybe, not helping her is the best way to do that. I don't know. While I'm not going to talk to her about this anymore, I do have a little idea that might just help her through this dinner.

I run a hand through my hair as I make my way down the stairs, whistling to myself. Lauren is sitting cross-legged on the couch, watching a Friends rerun. As tempted as I am to join her, I make my way to the kitchen where Aunt Ellen is baking something. 

It's time to pay Lauren back for all the times she's embarrassed me.

"Aunt Ellen, uh, Scarlett, she accepted your invitation, and, uh, yeah that's it, I guess." I offer.

"That's good, then. I was really looking forward to meeting this girl who has you so happy, Nate." She replies, ruffling my hair in a rather maternal gesture.

"Um, I was thinking, uh, have you met Emmett yet?" I question.

"A couple of times, dear, yes. Why do you ask?" she says.

"And has Uncle Dave?" I ask again.

"Not really, no he hasn't. Why?" she asks me once more.

"I was hoping maybe you could call Emmett tomorrow as well, then maybe you and Uncle could get to know him too!" I suggest.

'Why, that's a marvelous idea, Nate!" she pauses, "Laurennn, in the kitchen right now!" she screams.

"Yes, Mom?" Lauren says in a bored voice. She looks at me questioningly and I just shrug and smirk in response.

"Emmett should be over at our place no later than 7 tomorrow evening. Is that clear?" she says firmly.

"But Mom," Lauren begins.

"No ifs and buts Lauren. Now you two, off you go!" she ushers us out of the kitchen.

Lauren shoots me a death glare and makes a futile attempt at trying to trip me.

"Better luck next time!" I say, before walking away.

"Oh, and sister dearest, if you do anything to embarrass me or my girlfriend tomorrow, you better watch out for the fireworks!" I shout across the hallway before ducking into my room and shutting the door.

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SCARLETT POV

I shut down my laptop and lie on my back, staring at the ceiling. My eyes switch focus from everything in the room in a matter of minutes. It's as if I want to look everywhere, but at the same time, not look anywhere.

A weight the size of a boulder starts to form in the pit of my stomach. Ever since Nathan told me that his Aunt called me over for dinner tomorrow, all I can do is freak out. It's hardly been an hour, but it seems so much more.

It's weird, I know, but I'm scared of meeting people, especially those that already matter to the people who are important to me. I want them to like me. It's not something that makes sense but that's just who I am. I am dead scared of rejection, more so when it comes from people who are important in the lives of those I love.

The very idea that someone might not like me is terrifying and that's probably because not many people do. I always have this gnawing feeling that anyone who has any sort of relation with me is settling for less. That horrible, sinking feeling of not being good enough for anyone. If I could measure the faith I have in myself, I doubt it would be bigger than the size of my clenched fist.

And I have really small hands. Just saying.

And, it's just... it's hard to feel good about myself. But I know it's high time I started to. Nathan's Aunt and Uncle may or may not like me, but I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

A/N:

Can I just say I'm so so so so sorry for the long wait!!

I've been sick. Real sick. Anyway, that's beside the point. I hope this chapter makes up for it!

It's long, it has their first kiss and a touch of meet the parents! Personally, I think it does make up for it.

Please bear with me!

And well, it does show a hint of Scar's insecurities and Nate's caring nature! :)

Also, let me know how you find it so far... Any feedback is encouraging!

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