That's What You Get

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

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“Mom?”

Where could she be? Running up the stair I went to her room, only to find it empty. I ran back down, and went to the back yard, seeing her just putting the steaks on the grill.

“Mom!” I yelled. After putting the last patty on the grill, she turned around, spatula in hand.

“Yes?” I could hear the nervousness in her voice.

Walking down the steps from the porch slowly, I approached her. “So, ” I began. “ a little bird told me something.”

My mom nervously laughed. “Oh?” She turned back to season the burgers.

“Yeah.” I stood next to her.

“From?”

“My bird.”

“Oh.” She was keeping it simple.

“So.. Anything you’d like to tell me.”

She nervously chewed on her bottom lip. “I, um..”

I felt like the more mature person here, sighing, I went on. “Spit it out mom.”

“Might of invited someone else.” She slowly turned to me, as she flipped one patty.

“You didn‘t.” I groaned, and rubbed my temples. I already heard from Riley what she had did. I was just wondering why she didn’t tell me first.

“I‘m sorry, but you know she‘s Natalies grandma too.” She seasoned the patties again. “And see! This is exactly why I didn‘t tell you, because you would get like this.” She waved her spatula in front of my face.

She had a point there, I thought, as I chewed on the side of my cheek.

On another note, Everetts mom. She’s coming here. Today.

I felt like I was going to pass out, which is weird, because why am I so worried and nervous about it? You would think Everett, and I were still toget-

I shoved that thought quickly from my mind. “Natalie‘s with dad though.” I dropped her off a few hours ago. Even though my pops, and I don’t get along like we use to, we could always try to mend it someway. But to mend things with his wife? That’s a whole different thing.

“Do you think it was a good idea?”

Tilting my head, and arching an eyebrow, she finally got that I didn’t get it, and went on.

“Leaving Natalie over there.” she started flipping the rest of the patties, each making a sizzling reaction as it set back on the grill.

“Well..” I started thinking, was it? “I guess, I mean this is his first time seeing her.” I shrugged.

“That‘s not what I meant.” She placed a dozen corn on the cobs on the grill next. “I meant do you think he‘ll know how to take care of her?”

I was still puzzled. “Like changing diapers?”

“Yes.”

“Well..” I chewed on my bottom lip. “doesn‘t he know how?”

She let out a humorless laugh. “Please. I was the one always changing you. He never did it once.”

Shocking. I never knew that. You would think he would have done it once, to at least see what it was like, but to know he never changed me once? That was kind of sad. Your baby should be your world. Well, at least for me, my baby is.

“Well, do you think his wife does?” That was also kind of worrying too, she needs to be changed.

My mom shrugged. “Lets hope so.”

“Mom!” She wasn’t helping me.

She waved it off with her spatula, almost hitting me in the face in the process. “If they want Natalie in their life, they‘re going to have to learn Michelle.”

“But mom.” I felt myself chewing on my thumb.

“Michelle. Taking care of a baby isn‘t rocket science, but it seems like it. They‘ll learn. It take mistakes to learn.”

“Yeah, I guess mom.”

“Did you tell him about her upcoming surgery?” This time she lifted one of her eyebrows, and began turning over the corn.

“Yes, I informed him. I don‘t know if he‘s coming though.”

“That‘s your dad. Such a selfish bastar-”

“Hey! No need for that.” We both turned to see Riley, and Miles with bags of food in their hands.

“Hey boys.” my mom greeted, and turned back to the grill. Seems like bringing up my dad changed her mood. I wonder if I should say sorry, for bringing it up.

“Mom I-”

Before I could apologize, Riley cut in, I guess sensing my moms mood. “I hear Mrs. Thompson‘s coming. Is that true Ms. M?” He swung one of his arms around my moms shoulders.

“You would know Riley. You‘re the stupid bird.” She shrugged off his arm, spun around, and pointed the spatula at him. “I was planning on telling her my way.”

He held up his hands. “Busted.” Miles laughed, as he lifted himself up on the table we were going to eat at later.

“You.” my mom turned her spatula on Miles, who immediately stopped laughing. “Off the dinner table. We‘re eating there later, nasty.”

I tried to hold in my laugh, but the facial expression he had on his face was too funny. Priceless really. Eyes wide, mouth open slightly, as he slide off slowly from the table.

“And you.” She turned her spatula back to Riley, who put his hands back up. “Keep your mouth shut next time, big mouth.” and with that she turned back to her burger.

Both of them were stunned. Like a slap in the face. “Some people got told today.” I let out of my laugher finally.

“And you.” She turned to me. My laughter stopped, waiting for some harsh comment. I was ready for it. “Go change into something nice for Mrs. Thompson.” She began placing the hamburger patties on a plate since they were done.

That’s it? I shrugged it off, and immaturely pointed my finger at Riley and Miles, and laughed, as I passed them. I stopped when I felt myself being shoved forward by my butt. Turning I looked to see my mom grinning, and both Riley, and Miles, couldn’t contain their laughter anymore.

“Ha, ha.” I flipped them off once my mom had turned around, which caused them to laugh even more.

“The old Michelle‘s back.” Riley slapped Miles on the back, and was hunched over slightly. Lord have mercy. Was it that funny?

I shook my head, and couldn’t help the smile that slipped onto my lips. Running inside, and up the stairs to my room, I went straight to my closet.

I took a deep breath, and stared at it. What could I possible wear?

Mentally groaning, I scratched the back my head. Why does it matter?

“Because you want to make an impression.” I shrieked, and spun around, to see Miles leaning against the door frame.

“I said that out loud?” laughing sheepishly, I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Obviously.” he stated bluntly.

Uh oh. Did he hear about Luke already? “Miles?” I whispered.

He faced away from me. “What?” He forced out.

“Do you like me?” A blush creeped on my face, I felt so stupid, and embarrassed for asking.

He threw his head back, and started laughing. Geez, no need to be rude, I thought.

“Asshole.” I whispered, and turned back to my closet, and open, or more like threw the double doors open.

“No, no.” He gasped for breath. “Out of all the things you could have asked, you asked that Michelle.”

I turned around, and rolled my eyes. “Yeah, and you‘re the one that laughed.” And with that I turned back to my closet and began going through my clothes.

“It should be obvious though.” he leaned against the wall next one of the closet doors. “Of course I do.” I felt my eyes go wide. “But not like that.”

I sighed mentally. “Well.. What‘s wrong?” again, I started flipping through my dress in my closet.

“When were you going to tell us?” he crossed his arms in front of his chest.

“I planned-”

Shaking his head, he cut me off. “Planned? You should have told us the day that you met him. Not today.” A hint of anger in his voice.

“Miles, I-” I tried again, but was cut again short.

“No. No more excuses.” he pushed off the wall and started to walk away.

“Miles.” my voice cracked, and I hadn’t even noticed I was about to cry.

He stopped. “Please don‘t cry.” He whispered.

I couldn’t help it, the lump that had formed in my throat was hurting, my eyes that were only watering a few seconds ago, were threatening to spill over.

“Why is it important?” I sniffled.

He turned around slowly, and hung his head. “I just don‘t want some random guy around Natalie without..” He trailed off, and shifted his eyes from the floor to me.

I hiccupped, and wiped my tears with the back of my hand. “Without?”

Sighing, he rubbed his temple. “Without at least Riley, or me, or even both of us meeting him first.”

“That‘s it?” I rubbed my eyes, from any excess salty tears.

“Yes.” he gave me a small smile, and opened his arms, and I immediately walked into them.

I always felt safe in these arms, like the world could be crashing down, but in these arms, I felt completely safe.

“Michelle..” he whispered.

I closed my eyes, and answered with a simple. “Hmm?”

“Don‘t cry again,.. Okay?”

I snorted and pulled away. “You‘re asking that of me?”

He followed me a few steps as I walked towards the closet. “Yeah, because when you cry..” he trailed off, biting his lip.

“You think of Everett?” I finished for him.

“Well, yeah. Everett was famous for making you feel like shit, and crying.”

“Hey.” I held on to the ‘e’, such language, but I was one to talk. “It doesn‘t matter anymore Miles.” I tried to play it off, and push this whole subject aside, but he wasn’t having it.

“Come on Michelle.” He sighed aloud. “It‘s doesn‘t matter? You got to be fucking kidding me?”

I picked out a floral dress, and held it against me. Ignoring him, “How about this?” It was more of a sundress.

“Don‘t you have blue?” His nose wrinkled at the sight of the one I had picked. “And don‘t ignore me.”

Rolling my eyes I put the dress back in the closet, and started searching through my blue ones. “I‘m not ignoring you.”

“Then?”

“I just don‘t see why we need to bring it up. He moved on, and I think we should just get over what he did to me. Don‘t you think?”

“Sure, but..” He frowned slightly.

“No buts.”

“Miles!” My mom hollered from the bottom of the stairs. “Can you come help Riley cut up the fixings for the burgers? Because I‘m pretty sure he‘s going to end up stabbing himself.”

“Alright!” He yelled back.

“Better hurry, you know Riley.” I laughed.

“Right, but a blue dress, remember.” and with that he walked off.

Blue? Why blue? I shrugged, and pulled out a Hollister dress, it was navy blue, with big floral print. Placing it on my bed, I headed for my bathroom.

I plugged the bathtub, and turning on the water to a warm temperature, throwing in some bath beads after. I began stripping off my clothes.

I never really get time to myself nowadays, so I’m cherishing this moment until the last second. Dipping my foot in the water, I felt instant relief, and stepped in, slowly placing myself in the water

“Oh god.” This felt so good, opening my eyes, I noticed one of Natalies bath toys. I felt my heart ache, I miss my baby so much, and I wish she would come home soon.

Closing my eyes, I slid more into the water. The water touching my chin, and I did what I always did when I took a bath, I started thinking. Of everything.

~_~

I heard a knock at my door, and then my moms muffled voice. “Michelle? It‘s almost noon. Are you almost done?”

“Yeah!” I yelled back. I slipped on my brown sandals, and fastened on my mockingjay necklace that I had purchased on an online site. How I loved the hunger games. I became such a fanatic so fast.

I looked at my nightstand to see Catching Fire laying there, I pondering about, if I should bring it down with me or not. And I finally decided I should.

Grabbing it, and rushing to the door, I opened the door, I saw my mom about to walk down the stairs. I knew she heard my door, because she turned around. Smiling. “You look beautiful.”

I looked to see she had put on a long sleeve plaid button up shirt. The colors being dark pink, black and white. She had rolled up the sleeves to her elbows. And she was also sporting some white shorts, which looked like mine?

“My shorts look good on you?” it sounded more like a question.

Frowning she looked down. “I hate them, I‘m a forty year old, wearing teen shorts.”

Laughing, I forced out. “Where are yours?”

“Dirty laundry.” She sighed. My moms worst enemy, but she still does it, and sometimes she enjoys it, because it get her mind off things. “I wore this shirt, to cover that little seagull on the front pocket.”

“Good choice.” I nodded. “And thank you, you look lovely too.”

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders, and she did the same, and soon we descended the stairs. I stopped once I noticed talking, a familiar voice.. Luke?

I suddenly stopped in the middle of the stairs. “What‘s wrong?” my mom whispered in my ear.

“He‘s here.” I whispered back.

Being the nosy mom she is, she leaned over the stair rail to look at the front door, I heard her gasp slightly. She turned back towards me. “That‘s him?” Shock in her voice, eyes wide.

“What?” I asked concerned.

I leaned over the ramp, my mom doing the same. The corners of my book digging into my side, but I could care less right now.

“He‘s cute.” she whispered.

No. He wasn’t. He was beyond cute, .. Handsome was more the word.

He was wearing a white long sleeve button up, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and black fitted jeans. Not too tight, and not too loose, just perfect.

I never noticed how sculpted her looked, so fit, and muscular.

My gaze shifted to his face. I couldn’t see his eyes because of his sunglasses, but he soon took them off, leaving me mesmerized by his blue eyes. His hair was flicked back like it was the first time I saw him. It looked so good, I wish I could run my hands through it.

My mom nudged me in the side, causing my book to dig in more. “You picked another looker.”

“Shut up.” I nudged her back, and winced once the book stopping digging into my side.

“Let go, before Miles, or Riley-” She stopped. I looked at her confused. “Too late, let‘s see what happens.”

I turned my attention back to Luke to see Miles, and Riley standing before him. Oh no.

“So you‘re him?” I heard Miles snort. Luke kept a straight face.

“You must be one of Natalies uncles.” He extended one of his hands, and offered a bright smile. “I‘m Luke.”

Miles ignored it. “And you let yourself in?”

Dropping his arm, he answered. “I knocked for awhile, so I assumed no one heard me.” he said calmly.

“You could have waited awhile longer.” Miles huffed.

Riley, come on, hoping he would step in.

“I‘m sorry.” Luke apologized..

“Come on Miles.” Riley slapped his back. “Give this guy some slack.” He smiled, and extended his arm towards Luke. “I‘m Riley”

Shaking his hand Luke smiled. “Nice to meet you.”

 “And you‘re Michelle’s boyfriend too, right?”

Oh god Riley. A blush crept onto my face when I felt my mother give me a knowing smile. “Oh really?”

Looking at her from the corner of my eyes, I fumbled with something to say. “I, um..”

Good thing I didn‘t have to explain, since Luke did. “It‘s not official, or anything.” He hung his sunglasses in the front of his open shirt, as he scratched the back of his head.

“Look bro,” Riley nudged Miles. “he‘s blushing. Now, does a kid like this,” He stood next to Luke, and wrapped one of his arms around his shoulders. “look like a delinquent of any sort?”

Sighing Miles finally gave in. “Whatever.” He extended his arm, and introduced himself. “I‘m Miles.”

Luke shook his hand, another dazzling smile coming into play. “Nice to meet you.”

“Come on, you can help us in the kitchen.” Riley removed his arm, and began to walk.

Miles shook his head. “Before that, one important question.”

“Interrogation.” Riley sighed.

Luke, stood his ground. “And what‘s that?”

“What exactly do you do? And how old are you?”

Riley laughed. “Aw come on, I‘m pretty sure Michelle was smart enough to-”

“No.” Miles shook his head. “If someone like this came walking to her, She wouldn‘t go asking questions, she‘d gawk like a school girl.”

I was about to protest, when my mom covered my mouth. I could tell she wanted to laugh.

“I‘m a photographer. And I‘m twenty.” Luke smiled, hoping that was a satisfying answer.

“Twenty? Michelle‘s barely going to turn nineteen.”

“Doesn‘t matter. Drop it, and I‘m pretty sure, Ms. M, will handle the interrogation question later, during lunch.” and with that they all walked off.

Sighing, That didn’t go so bad. I shoved my moms hand off, and stood up, smoothing out my dress. “I guess we better go down.”

“Yes we should, but that was quite entertaining, don’t you think?” She smiled.

Ignoring her, I went on. “Mom, when Mrs. Thompson getting here?”

“Last time I checked, she said around noon. So, she‘ll be here soon.”

“Alright, and Natalie?”

“Coming around that time too, or sooner hopefully.” She went on. “I have to set up the plates on the patio table, go say hi to Luke, before they eat him alive.”

Laughing, I started to walk off.

Turning the corner, I peeked in, to see all three of them chopping lettuce, tomatoes, and setting some pickle slices in a bowl. Sighing, I shoved down the butterflies that were building up, and walked in, my hands behind my back, which were clutching my books.

“Hey guys.” I said brightly.

“Well, look at you?” Riley started. “Always looking so beautiful.” He grinned, and gave me a wink.

Miles laughed. “Glad you listened to me about something.”

I looked down and smiled, seems like he was right, it looked good with my light complexion.

Lukes shoes had came into my view. “You do look beautiful.” he whispered against my cheek, soon after placing a soft kiss there. A blush creeping on my cheeks.

I remember the day after I met him at the park, we would always talk. Each and everyday. Text messages during the day, and phone calls late at night. Unless we were free during the day, then we’d have a phone call then.

“Thanks.” I smiled, and directed my gaze from the floor to his face, so beautifully sculpted to perfection. Not a blemish on his face. You could get lost in his blue eyes.

“It turns out, Luke works at the bookstore, where I do.”

I turned to Miles, an then back to Luke. “Really?”

“Yeah,” he laughed. “ I work the morning shift though.”

“And why is that?” I sat on the stood that was by the island counter that they were working at, Luke stood next to me, slicing another tomato.

“So I can have time for photography sessions.”  he smiled.

“You really like photography don‘t you.” I grinned.

Smirking, but still focusing on the tomato, he answered. “Not as much as I like you.”

Riley snorted. “Cheesy.”

“It was cute!” I frowned at him, picking up a tomato slice that Luke had just sliced, and threw it at him.

The tomato landed right on his cheek. I tried to hold it in, I really did, but Miles started laughing, and them Luke joined him, and let’s face it, I never really did something like that before, I literally laughed my ass off. Not too literally though.

I grabbed onto Lukes arm, when I found myself slipping out of the stool, I couldn‘t help but admired how muscular his arm was. “Oh my gosh.” I breathed. “Your face.” I pointed out.

“My face is going to smell like tomato now.” Riley mumbled as he peeled it off.

My mom walked it just as he peeled it off. “Let me guess,” He turned to me with a pointed look. “ You threw it?” She asked rolling her eyes.

“Sorry.” I bit my lower lip to keep for laughing more.

“And you must be Luke.” my mom smiled brightly.

“Yes, sorry, ” he wiped his hands on the towel hanging from his shoulder, and flashed her a bright smile. “Luke.” he said shaking her hand.

“Right, Luke.” She smiled.  “Well, I got this here.” She grabbed the towel off his shoulder. “Why don’t you two go take a walk or something?”

“Uh.” I fumbled with my words again.

“Actually, could you go to the store, and buy a cake.” Frowning, she started again. “That‘s the one thing I forgot to buy. So could you two go for me?”

I look at Luke for the answer. “Of course Ms. Martinez. Anything else?” he asked as he walked over to the sink to wash his hands.

“Chips maybe? And whatever else you two want.”

“Alright,” Luke wiped his hands, and grabbed one of mine, entwining our fingers. “we‘ll be back soon.” He smiled, and began to walk off with me in tow.

“Be safe!” my mom yelled, as soon as we reached the front door.

“Always.” I yelled back, and we went through the door, and towards Lukes car, which was a Kia Optima.

I soon noticed he was about to open the door for me. “It‘s okay.” I laughed. “I can do it, but thank you.” I smiled as I reached the door handle.

“Strong girl are we?” He laughed.

“Super.” This time it was my turn to smirk.

We reversed, and set on our way to the store. “Michelle..” he sighed.

“Hmm?” I turned my attention from the wild flowers we were passing to him, he reached for my hand in my lap, and pulled it in between the gear shift.

“Do you like me?”

The question caught me off guard, and I felt my heart pick up. “I do.” I whispered. For the first time since last year, I felt like I could trust him.

“Are you sure?” he smirked.

We were pulling up to the store. “Very.” I laughed.

“Mmkay then.” We parked but he didn’t turn off the car, or let go of my hands. I looked at him to see him.. In deep thought? Finally sighing, he started. “Will you be my girlfriend?” he whispered, as he turned to look me in the eye.

I could tell he was nervous. You could see it. His hand squeezed mine the slightest. But then his question sank in. Do I?

“I-” I guess I took too long.

He butted in. “It‘s okay you know.” He let go of my hand. “It was too sudden.”

My hand felt bare. I missed the warmth of his hand.

He climbed out of the car, and I quickly followed. He waited for me in the front end of his car, and as soon as I reached a foot from him to grab his hand, he walked away.

I realized I never gave him an answer.

He must be hurting.. And bad.

I felt like Katniss, and he was Peeta.

Except he didn’t confess his love for me. Or did he?

I know I cried at the end of the Hunger Games book. I felt horrible whenever Peeta had found out about what Katniss had did. His love was real, and she wasn’t sure.

But here. I know my feelings were real, he made me happy. The happiest I’ve been since last year. Since Everett. I could laugh, be myself, and tell him anything, and everything. I could go on and on about my day with Natalie, and he wouldn’t mind. He would actually sit there on the couch, or be on the other side of  the phone, listening to everything.

Even with Natalie.. He was a huge help. He would even change her diaper, and she’s not even his kid.

He was so active with her. Helping her walk, feeding her, rocking her to sleep, and talking to her, even though we both know she can hear. But I knew somehow, or I should she we both know, she understands us in someway.

He was the definition of, ‘one of a kind’.

Finally realizing that, I didn’t want to lose him. I wanted him here, … with me.

“Luke!” I called out, he got a huge head start. He was a few feet in front of me.

Hurt crossed his eyes, his hands were shoved in his pockets. I saw him swallow hard.

“Do you like me?” I repeated his question.

“Yes.” he whispered.

Smiling softly. “Then yes. I will.” I knew he was still hurting, so I wasn’t sure what he would say.

His blue eyes brighten. “Really?”

Laughing, my smile was brighter than ever. “Really, really.”

He quickly made his way over to me, and wrapped his arms around me, lifting me up, and turning me around. All I could do was throw my arms around his neck, and laugh.

Placing me back on the ground, safe and sound, he whispered in my ear. “You just made me the luckiest guy ever.” I could feel his smile against my neck.

“And you made me the luckiest girl ever.” I giggled, when he kissed my sensitive spot.

~_~

We walked back into the kitchen, I was carrying a strawberry cake, while Luke had the chips, and other snacks for later.

“Mom?” I looked in the kitchen, and nothing.

“They must be outside.” Luke placed the bags on the table, and nodded towards the back. “Ready?”

I took a deep breath. “Yeah.” I grabbed his hand for comfort, and we headed through the back door.

Soon, I heard Natalies cry, and someone sitting next to her that I didn’t recognize. “Oh Michelle, look who‘s home!” She sang out the last part.

I turned my attention to Natalie who was crying because she saw me, holding her hands up in a gesture for me to pick her up from her high chair.

“Hi mama.” I smiled her way.

She just continued to cry. It was somewhat cute, but I felt bad, so I made my way over to go pick her up, and as soon as I did, she stopped, and smiled. Such a brat, I thought to myself, smiling.

“Mama‘s home.” Riley laughed.

“She missed you so much.” Miles smirked.

“My, my.” A musical voice started, and I knew it was Everetts mom. “She looks exactly like you.”

Looking up I saw the second most beautiful women. The first being my mom.

She had shoulder length hair, that was curled so perfectly. She stood up, and they bounced, I wish I could do curls like that.

She had brown eyes, and was a little taller than my mom, maybe 5’7”.

She wore straight jeans, and a purple floral blouse, close to mine, but her floral print was tiny compared to my dress.

She looked around my moms age too. And friendly also.

“Michelle?” I looked at my mom to see her mouthing, answer her.

“Oh, um.. Yes, she kind of does.” I smiled.  “I‘m Michelle.” I held my hand out for her to take.

“Nonsense hun, you’re the mother of my grandbaby.” And she wrapped me in a hug, I awkwardly hugged her back.

“Mmm.” Natalie was sort of squished between us.

“Sorry baby.” Mrs. Thompson pulled back.

“Mm!” She pointed next to me, to Luke, she wanted him to carry her.

Laughing he grabbed her. “Mrs. Thompson, This is Luke, my … boyfriend.” I said the last bit shyly. I didn’t dare look at my mom, Riley, or Miles. Not yet at least/

“Oh?” She smiled knowingly at me. “Well, it‘s nice to meet you, sweetie. Hopefully you can make her happy unlike my stupid son.”

Oh my gosh. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud, causing Natalie to laugh a little also.

“She deserves to be the happiest. ” Luke chuckled.

We all took our seats, even Natalie. “So, how is your son?” my mom asked.

Mrs. Thompson sighed. “He‘s getting married to… ” shaking her head. “I don‘t know, the wicked witch?”

“She can‘t be that bad.” my mom smiled.

I looked at Natalie eating her tiny cut up burgers. “Oh, she‘s bad. Everything isn‘t perfect. That‘s why they‘re waiting until, October, or November to get married. Jackie just had to have a fall wedding.” She rolled her eyes. “On another note, you guys should come down to visit!” She beamed. “We could take Natalie to the beach, and I know for a fact my husband would love to meet you. You‘re such a beautiful, and sweet girl!” She touch my knee, and smiled.

“Oh, well.. I don‘t know.” I thought, it sounds like fun. “Mom?” I turned towards her.

“Sound good to me.” She laughed.

“We just have to get vacation at the same time. ” Miles stated.

“Right.” Riley sighed.

“I‘m pretty sure our boss would give it to us.” Luke put in.

Miles nodded. “I‘m pretty sure too.”

Clapping her hands. “So it‘s settled! You‘ll all come, and stay with me at my house. Hotel rooms are not allowed!”

I nodded. “After Natalies surgery would be best mom.”  which she nodded in agreement.

Mrs. Thompson gasped in shock. “Surgery? Oh no.”

My mom and I began to explain Natalies situation and her syndrome. Each and every detail. Not leaving anything out.

After that was through we, everyone served themselves.

Sitting back next to Natalie, I just thought of how today turned out to be a fantastic day.

But the thought of me going down to Corpus, it made me nervous. Meaning I would have to face Everett again, sooner or later, with Natalie in tow.

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A/N: Hope everyone had a good Easter!
And since I’m kind of late, I made it extra long, or so I think I did, haha.