Nathan
Nate arrived at Hayley’s house shortly after he had phoned her. Mrs Bennett said that she had already hurried on out of the house. She offered for him to come inside but he politely refused and waited outside for Hayley. Nate leaned against the front door and hit his head back into it, feeling completely overwhelmed. He wondered why Lewis hadn’t just told him that his mother was sick. Nate wished that he could have been with him through the hardship. Nate sighed, giving in to his guilty feelings. Someone ran straight into his arms, it was Hayley. Nate breathed in, she smelt sweet. Nate couldn’t help but smile like an idiot whenever he saw her. A huge grin was glued to his face. She nuzzled her face down to his chest and she squeezed him tightly. Nate stroked her hair tenderly and held her in his arms.
“Did you find him?” Nate whispered into her hair. Hayley nodded her head against his chest.
“And? Is he alright?” Nate pressed. He needed to know if Lewis was alright.
“I don’t think so, Karla made me leave.” Nate was gobsmacked. He grabbed Hayley’s shoulders and moved her backwards and frowned.
“Wait, she did what?” Hayley shrugged her shoulders.
“She made me leave; I didn’t want to fight with her in front of Lewis, so I left.” Nate shook his head in disgust and pulled Hayley back into a tight hug.
“She is honestly such a, a...” He stammered, trying to find the right word to describe Karla.
“Bitch?” Hayley said loudly. Nate almost laughed out loud. He bit his lip and tucked a curl of Hayley’s hair behind her ear.
“I was going to say vile human being, but that works too.” He heard Hayley laugh softly. “But seriously, she made you leave? Did you even get to give him a hug?”
“Yeah I did, he needs support, more now than ever Nate.” Hayley’s voice croaked. Nate could tell she was upset.
“Got any idea who he’s staying with for the meantime?” Nate asked curiously, he thought of where his best friend would stay; he couldn’t possibly stay in his house alone... Hayley frowned and shook her head. Nate came to the conclusion:
“He’s coming to stay with me; there is no ways I am letting him stay in that house alone.” Nate was suddenly overtaken with a rush of rage. “And if Karla even tries anything with you or me again she better count her lucky stars if I don’t whack her.” Hayley gasped dramatically and smacked his shoulder playfully, for her small size, Hayley hit pretty hard.
“Gender violence, Nate, you won’t raise a hand to her, you will never see the light of day again.”
Nate smiled down at Hayley. He would never hurt a girl; his father did enough beating on his mother before she left. Nate shuddered at the awful memory of his mother crying in the corner whilst his father towered over her, drink in hand slurring the words,
“Stupid Slut,” over and over again and then pouring the entire can of beer over her head. He laughed dryly and then turned to Nate, standing in the doorway of the bathroom. His red and puffy face was repulsive.
“You try and fix err up and you will see what ell ‘appen.” His father said, pointing a shaking finger in his face. His stale breath hit his face as his father smacked his cheek in passing.
Nate could remember feeling so helpless, his mother sitting in a soaking heap on the floor in front of his eyes but he was too afraid to set a foot out of the door. Nate shook his head, getting rid of the dreadful memory.
“Wouldn’t even give it a second thought, but seriously, if she tries to pull something like that again, she will be sorry.” He couldn’t believe Karla would tell her to leave, not like it was unlike Karla.
“I feel like a damsel in distress and you’re my Nate in shining armour.” Hayley grinned, “See what I did there?” Nate laughed and bent down to kiss Hayley on the forehead, but instead he kissed her cheek. Time for a change of affection he thought.
|
“Hayley, you are so adorable.” He whispered and meant every word.
***
Nate drove past Karla’s car on the bridge and saw the two “lovebirds” sitting in each other’s arms. He turned around and stopped his bike next to the car, knocking loudly on the window. Karla wound down the window and frowned.
“Nate, what do you want?”
“Drop the attitude Karla; I’m not here to talk to you.” He was not going to put up with her nonsense after what she said to Hayley. Karla seemed to retreat somewhat and Lewis leaned over her to get to the window.
“Hey mate.” He chimed. Nate was surprised how happy Lewis seemed to be but shrugged it off. Everyone has their own way of grieving. He thought. Nate reached into the window and placed his hand on Lewis’ shoulder. Lewis looked at Nate’s hand and then back at Nate. His face was plastered with a questioning look. Nate smiled softly at him. Lewis returned the smile but it did not quite meet his eyes, Lewis opened the opposite door and stepped outside, he walked so slowly towards Nate, he was sure snails could go faster, he kept his eyes focussed on his feet, as if not to step on broken glass or egg shells.
“I am so sorry, Lewis. I want you to come and stay with me in the meantime, let’s go get your stuff?” Lewis’ eyes widened and he stammered,
“I, I can’t, I don’t want to be any trouble Nate. I’ll be fine at home; Mom will be coming home soon anyways.” Nate felt like crying, obviously the news hadn’t kicked in just yet.
“Lewis, please, you can’t stay home by yourself.” Nate pleaded, trying not to upset him. Lewis frowned and looked back at Karla and then back at Nate. His eyes filled with salty tears.
“She, she’s not coming home is she?” Nate’s own tears where threatening to fall. Nate shook his head slowly,
“No Lewis, she isn’t.” Lewis stumbled backwards and hit against the car and slowly slid down onto the floor. His face was stark white. He took in a few breaths. Nate bent down next to him and eventually sat next to him. Lewis laughed dryly and nodded his head; slowly he lifted his hand and wiped away a few tears, escaping his eyes. Nate slung his arm around Lewis’ shoulder and pulled him closer.
“You are coming to stay with me, okay?” It wasn’t really a question; it was more of a statement. Lewis pushed himself closer to Nate which Nate then took as a “yes.” Karla slammed her car door shut and walked round to their side of the car. Karla smiled down softly at Nate and mouthed the words, “I’m sorry.” Nate nodded and closed his eyes. Lewis had actually fallen asleep on Nate’s shoulder. Nate picked Lewis up and put him back into Karla’s car. Lewis sat up in the backseat but his head slouched to one side. Nate leaned against the bonnet of the car with his arms folded across his chest.
“I’m sorry too.” Karla frowned and leaned against the car next to Nate.
“Why are you sorry?” She questioned.
“That you had to look after him by yourself, but thank you for letting me know.”
“You’re welcome. It wasn’t too hard, I’ve been through it, and I knew how to handle it.”
“No excuse for me not to be here with you.” Nate realised what a jerk he had been, leaving Karla to handle Lewis by herself.
“I know you don’t owe me anything but I would really appreciate if you would help me pack Lewis’ things so he can just come straight to my house and not have to worry about going to get his things.”
“Sure, of course I’ll help.” Karla smiled shyly.
“Let’s go then.”
Nate rode to Lewis’ house on his bike and parked outside. Karla pulled up right behind him, Lewis was still fast asleep. The front door was left unlocked. Lewis was really careless sometimes. The smell of peppermint still lingered in the house. Nate felt all too overwhelmed and had to sit down for a while. He couldn’t imagine how hard it would have been for Lewis to come in here and pack his things. Karla headed up to Lewis’ bedroom and started to empty his cupboard. Nate strode into the room with a suitcase in his hand. Karla paused and turned from Lewis’ dressing table with a frame in her hand. She slowly sat down on the bed. Nate noticed something was wrong and he peered over Karla’s shoulder and spotted what she was looking at. Nate sighed loudly. In the frame on Karla’s lap was a picture of Lewis and his mother in a tight embrace, taken just a few years ago. Nate smiled weakly.
“You should put that in there, I’m sure he’ll like that.” Karla sniffed and wiped her eyes with the back of her hands.
Nate and Karla quickened the time by packing things together, it would have taken much longer if Nate had done it by himself. Karla placed the photo frame right on top of all of Lewis’s clothes and zipped up the case.
Nate loaded the suitcase into Karla’s boot and the two of them drove back to Nate’s house.
Josh came running out of the house and ran straight into Nate’s outstretched arms.
“Big bro!” he shouted.
“Hey, Mini Man! What are you doing here?”
“Mom and Derek came to visit Dad.”
“Derek too? He never comes with.” Josh shrugged his shoulders and smiled a big gap-toothed smile at Nate.
Josh was Nate’s younger brother, he was only seven. His mother left their father shortly after Josh was born. She didn’t want to subject her baby to such violent behaviour at home. When Josh turned five she married Derek, their stepfather. Derek was a great guy, he didn’t drink and he would never hurt a fly, let alone his wife and kids. Josh and Nate were both very fond of him. Nate stayed with his father but every once in a while his mother would bring Josh down to see the two of them. Most of the time it was just her, Derek almost never came with unless he needed to. Nate and Josh had a close bond, Josh knew everything about Nate, which is exactly what he wanted, an open relationship with his brother. Although he was only seven he was a lot smarter than he looked. Unlike Nate, Josh was short and had mousy-brown hair like their mother. Nate looked like his father.
“...A much more handsome version.” Said his mother, as she kissed him on the cheek. She looked over at Karla and Lewis. Karla had got out of the car but Lewis was still in the car, although he was awake.
“What is Karla doing here? I thought you ended it with her ages ago.” She whispered curiously.
“Lewis’ mother passed away this afternoon, I want him to stay with me in the meantime, until he can get back on track. Karla and him are sort of dating.” Nate filled her in quickly.
“Ohh,” She sighed walking over to the car and opened the door. Lewis slowly climbed out and she wrapped her arms around him securely. Lewis had to bend down slightly because she was so short. Nate smiled at the sight, just like the old days. Josh decided to make it a group effort and clung to Lewis’ leg. Eventually it was an all rounded group hug. Karla, Lewis, Nate, Josh and Nate’s mother all huddled into a tight circle. After that, Karla said her goodbyes and left them for the night, promising to call Lewis first thing in the morning. Lewis and Nate’s mother caught up for a while as they walked inside Nate’s house.
“Mr Roads, I really appreciate you letting me stay with you.” Lewis said softly while Nate’s dad was pulling together a bed for him on the couch.
“Don’t just stand there Boy, grab that corner.” Mr Roads grumbled. Lewis jumped at his orders and pulled the thin sheet over the couch.
“Mr Roads, Sir, I said thank...” Lewis began before being cut off.
“For Heaven’s sake Boy, the name is Markus, use it, and don’t give me all that Mr Roads crap.” He snapped. Lewis seemed taken aback.
“Sorry Si-, ah Markus.” Markus grunted in approval. Lewis eyed Nate, giving him a “What-do-I-do-now?” look. Nate shrugged his shoulders and clapped his hand on Lewis’ shoulder.
“There,” Markus sniffed and sighed heavily, “That oughtta do it.” Markus nodded at his handy work.
“Now, Dianne get your little ass in here.” He yelled to the door that leads downstairs to the rest of the house. Nate shook his head and could feel his temper rising already.
“Dad!” Nate scolded his father. Why does he have to belittle her like that?
Nate’s mother walked up the stairs into the room slowly and scanned it thoroughly, her gaze landing upon the poorly covered couch that looked more like a dog’s bed than a couch. Nate felt bad for Lewis; he would just let him sleep in his room.
“Yes Markus?” She said sweetly and smiled at Nate. Instantly Nate felt comforted that she was alright. Now that she had Derek in her life she was a lot more confident around him, instead of cowering away in a corner.
“Is Josh staying with me tonight?” Markus bellowed. Nate already knew the answer; his mother never let Josh stay over, maybe it was a fear of hers, that if he stayed he would never want to go back or Markus wouldn’t let him go back. Nate noticed Josh standing in the doorframe, smiling at Lewis. Lewis returned the smile and then pulled him into a headlock. Nate couldn’t help but smile, just thinking about how close the two of them were made him happy.
“No, he’s staying with Derek and I, that’s actually the reason I came over, We have some news.” Just then Derek walked into the room and there was a building tension between him and Markus. Markus glared in Derek’s direction and then lazily drifted his eyes back to Dianne with an extremely uninterested look on his puffy face.
“News... What news?” Nate spoke the words he knew were burning in his father’s mouth.
“The three of us have decided to move to Johannesburg, Derek got an amazing job offer over there and we already have a house waiting for us.” Nate felt his heart fall to his feet. This meant that he would hardly ever get to see his mother and Josh. This meant that he would have to sit, night after night waiting for his drunkard of a father to get home safely and worry for hours.
“Well, that’s great.” Markus spat, Nate could see the anger in his eyes. “Josh is MY son too Dianne, how am I supposed to see him?” Markus threw his hands in the air dramatically. Josh looked away and Lewis crouched down, pulling him into a hug.
“Now Markus, there’s no need to get violent, we have already sorted that out. We will fly Josh down every Easter and last weekend of every month.” Derek said, stepping forward and ushering Markus backwards with his hands, trying to calm him down.
“Violent? Ha! What’s that Slut been telling you about me then, hmm?” Markus gestured towards Dianne. Nate hung his head in shame, why do they have to always fight in the worst of times? Lewis covered Josh’s ears, hearing Markus’ vulgar language.
“Markus, that’s quite enough, come on Dianne, bring Josh. Sorry to cut our visit short boys. This is goodbye for now.” Derek said sternly. Josh clung to Lewis tightly. Nate walked over to his mother and enveloped her in a hug. He strained from letting his tears fall.
“I’ll miss you my Baby.” She whispered into his neck. Nate swallowed hard. A lump was forming in his throat and a hole was starting to burn into his heart.
“I’ll miss you too Mom.” She sniffed loudly and went over to hug Lewis. Josh shuffled over to Nate, Nate kneeled down and Josh threw his arms around his neck. Nate patted his back softly and smiled, trying his best to look strong for his little brother. Josh looked at him with watery eyes,
“Nate, please don’t grow up too fast, I want you to be this height forever.” Josh placed his small hands on Nate’s shoulders. Nate let out a half-hearted laugh, considering he was on his knees, surely his brother knew that.
“Little Man, I am going to miss you the most.” Josh smirked. “I Know. But, I’ll be home again soon. I swear.”
“Super swear?” Nate smiled and winked at Josh. His face lit up and he let out a giggle. Nate stood and ruffled his hair. Derek smiled and nodded courteously at Nate. Nate stuck out his hand and waited for Derek to shake his hand but instead he grabbed his hand and pulled him into a tight but brief hug. Nate heard his father scoff and his mother turned from Lewis and grabbed Josh’s hand, pulling him out the door.
“Goodbye Markus.”
Nate felt as if he had just lost a limb, an important one, one you always depend on, like your arm or leg, you are almost useless without them. Lewis slung his arm over Nate’s shoulder as they stared out of Nate’s bedroom window. Nate sighed loudly.
“What a day, huh?” Lewis looked at Nate with empty eyes.
“Yeah...What a day.”