An Arranged Marriage ❉ n.m

Sixty-Four

But I don't think I care.

-

"I'm sick of coco pops." I said as Sammy reached for a box on the shelf.

He looked wounded. "We'll get you oats then, Grandma."

I stuck my tongue out at him. We were stocking up on food. The one thing Sammy and I had in common was eating and we were open about it. But we agreed on getting healthier stuff this time round.

"Ice cream!" I nuged Sammy as we hit that isle.

"Oh god yesss." Sammy moaned.

I made a face. "Never make that sound again please."

"Turned on?" Sammy joked.

"More like off." I nodded.

"Well I don't know what sounds Nate makes so - " Sammy began with a laugh but cut off immediately realizing it wasn't a joke.

He winced. "Too soon?"

I nodded with a smile. "Too soon Samuel."

As we walked down the isle, our shopping cart hit someone else's.

"Oh geez sorry!" Sammy exclaimed. "This girl is so clumsy - Mama Maloley?"

My blood ran cold as I made eye contact with Nates mom. Oh shit.

"Tori?" She exclaimed. "Youre supposed to be in...England."

I was frozen. I didn't even know what to say to her. My mouth was dry as I was caught in this lie. I nudged Sammy who seemed to have been iced himself since he helped me lie.

"I uh..." I began but stopped.

"Nates on his way there." Kami said looking concerned. "But you're here in Cali..you've always been here? With Sammy?"

"We - no." I looked at him then back at Kami. "Its not like that at all."

"Then what is it?" She asked angrily. I figured she would be since she loves her son. She obviously didn't know the entire situation.

I sighed. "Things between Nate and I were bad and...god its a long story Kami and I can't explain in a grocery store."

"So you're just with his best friend!" She pointed at Sammy. "You've been lying to Nate."

"Woah!" Sammy held his hands up. "I was just helping Tori! Your son has been hurting her more than any of you know, when she's pregnant! He hasn't been concerned about her while he was in Barbados."

Kami looked at him.

"Tori doesn't need to explain shit to anyone right now." Sammy said with a note of finality. "Come on Tori."

With that, we walked away. I felt so guilty but so hurt at the same time.

-Nate POV-

I knocked on Tori's mothers with a smile on my face. Maybe they wouldn't hate me after what I did to their daughter. My heart spun just thinking of Tori behind the door.

The door swung open. Mrs Henderson smiled in surprise. "Nate? What a lovely surprise honey!"

"Mrs Henderson." I returned the smile and sighed in relief. No anger. "I'm sorry to just show up but - "

"Nonsense!" She waved away. "Youre welcome anytime! Is Tori with you?"

I frowned. "W-what do you mean? That's why I'm here now."

Mrs Henderson smiled in confusion. "I don't understand. You and Tori are here to visit, right?"

"But Tori is with you." I said under my breath, trying to piece shit together.

"With me? Tori hasn't even called in months." Mrs Henderson. "Why would you think she's in England?"

I clenched my fists. Anger washed over me instantly as I came to a very clear realization. "Because she lied to me."

Mrs Henderson said a few things. She blabbered on. But I didn't hear anything she said - rage just poured into my entire being. I wanted to punch something.

"What happened! Why don't you tell me what's going on." Mrs Henderson said as she pulled me inside. "I'll make tea."

"I can't stay. I have to get back home and sort - " I began.

She waved that away. "You can fly the next day! Stay the night, love."

I didn't even protest. I was too tired and for the first time in my life - I was trained of emotions. I know I deserved this but was it necessary? To make me a fool?

And the thoughts that came to mind. I know Tori wasn't alone. A few people were about to pay.

"Long story short. Tori put us on a kind of break, she needed space and I was messing up." I began. "She told me she's in England but she's been in Cali the whole time."

Mrs Henderson was shocked but she was supportive none the less. I felt at home which was surprising since she didn't bother to call Tori and I - not even once after the wedding. Not even when we found out Tori is pregnant.

"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about dear!" She said.

I shrugged. But there was a lot to worry about.