Dear Nate {Dear #1}

-Chapter 13-

            Scott gives me an uneasy glare. “Alright. But we will celebrate!”

            I chuckle, “Knowing you, you’ll come up with something.”

            We throw our baseball stuff in the backseat of my car before getting in. I made sure to roll done the windows so we don’t suffocate from the stench.

            “Can you believe senior year is over in less than three weeks?” Scotts asks.

            My grip on the steering wheel tightens. “No.”

            “Eliza is excited about prom next weekend. Who are you going with?”

            I shrug, “I don’t know. I might not even go.”

            Scott’s head abruptly turns my way. “Nate! You have to go to prom. It’s what every senior looks forward to.”

            I turn to glare at him. “Every teenage girl,” I snap.

            “We’re going to go to a cabin afterwards. You have to come.”

            “Why?” I snap once again. “The girl I want to bring is in a coma. So why would I go alone and be miserable?”

            Scott sighs and looks away from me. “You’re being overdramatic.”

            Thankfully that is the moment I pull up to his house. My hands clench the steering wheel, my anger at its boiling point. Scott doesn’t understand how I feel and it pisses me off.

            “Just get out,” I say sternly.

            Scotts hesitates. “I don’t want to get in a fight Nate. I just think Alison is running your life at this point.”

            “You don’t understand how I’m feeling Scott,” I say, turning to him. “Don’t pretend like you do. Alison is not controlling my life. If I don’t want to go to prom, the world is not going to end. You’ll go with Eliza and enjoy yourself. It’s not a big deal if I go or not.” Before Scott can say anything else I say, “I’m don’t talking about this. See you tomorrow.”

            Scott gets the hint. He nods and gets out. He grabs his things out of the backseat before going into this house.

♣

            I drop my baseball equipment on the floor by the front door and walk to the couch where I collapse.

            “Are you okay honey?” Mom asks as she walks from the kitchen, no doubt preparing dinner.

            I sigh before rolling onto my back. “I just want this school year over with.”

            “Did something happen?” she asks, sitting on the edge of the couch beside me.

            “Scott brought up prom,” I mumble. “And it got me upset.”

            Mom brushes some hair off my forehead. “Because Alison can’t go?”

            I nod, “Yeah and that I wouldn’t want to bring anyone else or go alone. Scott says they’re renting a cabin for after prom, but if everyone has dates, I’ll be the odd one out. I’d rather not go.” I start playing with the bottom of my shirt before continuing. “And Scott said how Alison is running my life, which I don’t think is true. Do you?”

            “I don’t think so. If you truly think you’ll have a bad time at prom then it is your decision not to go. I just don’t want you to regret it.”

            “Can I tell you something?”

            Mom nods, “Anything.”

            I sit up straight, going into an Indian Style position. “I was thinking when Alison wakes up, which is hopefully soon; I’ll have our own prom. Just Alison and me.”

            Mom smiles and says, “When did you become the romantic type?”

            I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. “Mom,” I whine, causing her to laugh.  

            She leans forward and kisses my forehead. “I think that is so sweet of you Nate. I’m proud to be raising a gentleman.” She got to her feet and starts to walk to the kitchen. “Dinner is ready in five. Can you set the table please?”

            I get up as well and go to the table. I place two eating mats down before putting the plate on top of them. I finish setting the table and sit at the counter to watch my mom finish cooking.

            “Oh, I forgot to tell you, but the college wants me to play for them in the spring,” I say.

            Mom twirls around, her mouth agape in shock. “Oh my gosh! Nate!” She rounds the counter and hugs me tightly. “I’m so happy for you!”

            I chuckle. “Thanks Mom.”

            She has tears in her eyes when she pulls back from the hug. “I’m so proud of you,” she says, cupping my cheek. “I can’t wait to see your father’s reaction. He’ll be ecstatic.”

            “Just three weeks until he’s home,” I say. “I can’t believe it. He’s finally coming home.” The realization hit me suddenly—my dad is actually coming home. Tears spring up in my eyes.

            Mom hugs me again, rubbing my back in the process. “Everything is falling into place,” she mumbles.

            I can’t help but feel the same way. Everything is finally starting to fall into place.