NATE
Tuesday 25, December
I woke up Christmas morning to three of my favorite girls hovering over me, with mischievous grins upon their faces.
"Oh good he's up!" Arianna chirped, stepping away from the bed.
"C'mon Natie, we're all waiting for you!" Mom sang before turning on her heel and following Arianna out the door.
Alexa's grin grew wider as she chose to sit next to me in bed, "You heard Cindy, we're waiting for you Natie."
"Ugh, don't call me that," I groaned. I I rolled out of my sheets and threw my feet over the edge of the bed so that I was sitting next to her.
"Merry Christmas Lex," I said, leaning in for a kiss.
She held out a hand, restraining me from doing so, "I'm not one for morning breath kisses, let's talk when you brush your teeth."
"Ouch," I whined, clutching my chest, "You wound me."
She shook her head but all the while there was a small smile upon her face, "C'mon. Everyone's waiting."
~
"Yes! I wanted new headphones!" Arianna squealed as she placed the black headset around her neck.
"You're welcome," Isaac said with a chuckle, "This way, you can listen to your music... very quietly."
Arianna rolled her eyes and threw a pillow at him, which to no surprise, he caught effortlessly.
"Nate, it's your turn. Open up this bad boy," Isaac sang, tossing my gift in my direction.
It was a small parcel, and whatever was inside was definitely made of soft material.
"Hurry up and open it!" Alexa whined, crossing her arms.
"Okay, okay."
I tore the gift paper away, revealing a folded white T-shirt. I rose a brow at Isaac and he made a gesture for me to continue.
I unfolded the T-shirt, revealing it to be a The 1975 band tee shirt.
"But wait," Isaac said, lowering his voice dramatically, "There's more."
"Their new album?" I asked hopefully, "Because I've been trying pretty hard to get it."
Isaac simply smiled as he slid an envelope across the floor towards me.
It wasn't one of his mischievous, impish grins, but one of his angelic ones.
I skeptically picked the envelope off of the floor, and opened it slowly.
My jaw dropped when my eyes fell upon the glorious gift.
"A season ticket? Holy shit. "
"They're touring all over Europe next year, it'd be a good idea for you to see them. Be at all the concerts," Alexa suggested.
"Wait, you were in on this?"
The two culprits shared a mischievous look before turning to me with sheepish expressions.
"It was Isaac's idea and his money, I just simply had the connections." Alexa admitted.
Traveling across Europe while I saw my favourite band live, that has always been one of my dreams.
Thanks to Alexa, it's finally possible considering that us Hartleys are better off financially. The fact that Isaac spent his hard earned money on making one of dreams come true, meant a lot to me.
I stood up from the seat and crossed the room to where he was lounging across the couch.
He stood up as well when I approached him and outstretched his arms for a hug, "You're welcome bro. I just want you to start living your life."
I pulled him in for a bear hug, and I distinctly heard Arianna sniffling dramatically behind us, and Moms's camera going off.
We both stepped back from our embrace to glare at our mother, who sheepishly smiled at us.
"What? It was a perfect picture opportunity!"
I shook my head and settled into the couch beside Issac, "You should have been a photographer instead mom."
Alexa sprung up from her seat suddenly and rushed down the hallway, her ponytail swishing and bare feet padding against the tiles.
Everyone else turned to me expectantly with curious gazes, and I simply shrugged.
"Maybe she needed to pee?"
A few seconds later, she returned with her duffel bag in hand and a blinding grin.
"My turn!" She announced, as she plopped onto the couch beside Arianna.
"Alexa dear, you shouldn't have," Mom tsked, "You already provided us with so much."
"Yeah! Besides, now I feel bad because I didn't know you were coming over so I didn't get you anything!"Isaac whined with a pout.
Alexa waved them both off and proceeded to unzip her duffel bag.
I understood everyone else's discomfort with Alexa providing gifts, considering they wouldn't be able to return the favour.
Alexa visiting was supposed to be a surprise, and even I didn't know that she'd act the role of Santa Clause and bestow gifts to everyone.
She distributed gifts to everyone with a sheepish smile, and returned to her seat, looking on expectantly as everyone began to open their gifts.
"A signed tee-shirt? Oh my gosh! All five of the boys signed this!"
"Oh my God, you got me a programmable drone?"
"Alexa, I can't accept this, we've already received a lot of money."
They were exclaiming their protests and excitement at the same time, that I didn't even get around to opening my own gift.
"Whoa whoa, one at a time guys," She laughed, gesturing for everyone to calm down.
Arianna was still beaming while she clutched onto her signed tee-shirt and Isaac's jaw remained slightly ajar as he combed through the box, sifting through the pieces of the drone.
Mom was crying.
"Sweetheart, you already gave us so much with that reward," She sniffled, outstretching her hand to return the envelope.
Alexa shook her head, swatting the envelope away, "That was my father's money. I wanted to personally show you my appreciation for all you've done for me."
Mom sniffled once again and wiped her eyes as she read the cheque once again.
"So much money," I saw her mouth to herself. She wiped her cheeks and outstretched her hand for Alexa to hold.
"You're such an angel. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome Cindy."
She scanned the room, her smile growing wider as she saw each person's excitement over her gift.
Her gaze landed on me, and her brows rose when she saw my small gift box still wrapped.
I didn't want to open it just yet. I wanted it to be special when we opened each other's presents.
"Later," I mouthed to her. She nodded and returned her attention to Arianna who was beyond ecstatic and was currently throwing her arms around Alexa.
She fused so perfectly with our family, it was almost as if she had never left us.
"Now! Who's going to help me with lunch?" Mom asked, scanning the room for any offers.
"I will!" Alexa chirped as expected.
Mom narrowed her eyes at us remaining children, awaiting a response.
"Fine," Isaac grumbled after a few seconds of mom's intimidating glare.
"How about we all make lunch? As a family?" She suggested.
I didn't miss the way Alexa's eyes twinkled at her inclusion of the Hartleys.
"Fine," Isaac repeated, repacking the box of drone parts.
"The quicker we finish, the quicker I can return to making this beauty."
"Let's go!" Alexa chirped, shooting off the seat and skipping to the kitchen.
Isaac rose from his seat and shook his head at Alexa's retreating back.
"I sure missed her."
<< >>
It was after lunch and Alexa and I were back in my room. We were on the twin-sized bed, under the sheets as my special playlist played in the background.
"I look like a rapper," I joked, running my fingertips along the chain Alexa had given me.
She rolled her eyes while trying to stifle a snicker, "You idiot, I told you it's called a Knight's chain."
"How symbolic." I murmured, swiping a wisp of hair away from her eyes.
"Yeah?"
I nodded, "You giving me this is a sign. Lex, I promise that you'd get out of there. I've seen how comfortable you are here, how comfortable you are whenever you're not in that hell-hole. As your honorary knight, I promise to save you from that palace."
She stayed silent, just staring up at me with her beautiful doe-eyed green irises.
She was probably wondering if I'd be able to fulfill my promise. I didn't blame her. It was a far-fetched promise.
"I really hope so," She whispered.
She sat up, her freshly washed hair swaying in my face, and filling my nostrils with a tropical aroma.
She reached for my gift to her and pointed to it, "I really hope so because I want more moments like this Nate."
I took the picture frame from her and ran my fingers along the glass.
It was a picture from my birthday. Alexa and I were about to feed each other slices of cake, and someone had caught the perfect snapshot of us smiling at each other.
She swiped her hair to behind her ears and sighed, "You have to promise me that you get to live your life too. Isaac's right. That's why I helped him to get your tickets. Go out and live your life,"
She paused and she smiled, although I saw her chin trembling.
"Without anything in your way." She added, lowering her voice.
I sat up and grabbed her arms in mine, "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying... with the possibility of me not being able to leave the palace, you need to live your life Nate. You need to go out and experience things and pursue your future. I feel like I'm keeping you back with the false hope-"
"Stop. Just stop. My future? My future is with you okay?"
She simply smiled, her chin wobbling even more.
Then she laughed and shook her head, "Look at you, you're suddenly an optimist. You changed."
"Because I have to be. I want us to have a happy ending," I swiped a wisp of hair away from her eyes so that I could stare into them as I added, "Far away from the palace."
I thought I imagined it, but I swore I saw her shoulders slump at my addition.
Her mood was off, and I felt like there was something she wasn't telling me.
"Can we please not talk about this now? I wanna be as carefree as we were in Durlia. Live in the moment," She whispered, placing a finger over my lips.
"Fine," I grumbled as I pushed away her finger. In the same movement, I yanked on the same arm, so that she fell against the pillow beside me.
"Lay here with me?" I murmured in her ear. I saw the way she shivered and I got the satisfaction of making her feel that way.
She snuggled into me, tucking her head into the crevice of my neck. I wasn't the least bit surprised when I got a whiff of lavender as she came closer.
The mood was a complete contrast to the day before's but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. We were comfortable in each other's arms and even though Alexa made me promise to live in the moment, I couldn't help but wish that there were more moments like this to look forward to in the future.
<< >>
It was Boxing Day morning and everyone's cheery mood had dissipated.
Deja vu had decided to play a sick twisted game and had us back into a situation where we had to say goodbye again.
"Here you go sweetie," Mom cooed, placing another container of cookies into Alexa's duffel bag.
"Mom! Leave some for us won't you?" I whined, scooping the container out of the bag.
Mom shook her head at me and ducked her head to whisper something into Alexa's ear.
She giggled and nodded enthusiastically, obviously agreeing whole-heartedly with whatever mom had said.
"Alright, we should get going now," I said, motioning to my watch-less arm.
"Okay," Mom sighed, pushing Alexa in my direction.
I took her hand in mine and was about to lead her out of the door when mom called out, stopping us in our tracks.
When we peered over our shoulders, her camera was in hand.
"Mom!" I cried, throwing back my head dramatically.
Alexa giggled from beside me and elbowed my side, "Be nice, we can always use more pictures of us."
"Fine," I grumbled as I consciously stood up straighter, and straightened my crooked smile.
Mom lowered her camera and wrinkled her nose at me.
"I liked the other smile, this one seems too forced."
Alexa squeezed my hand as if encouraging me to smile and I immediately relaxed.
My shoulders relaxed, the muscles in my face relaxed as well, allowing me to smile naturally.
The flash went off, and mom squinted as she reviewed the picture.
"Beautiful!" She exclaimed, placing a hand over her chest.
She then waggled a finger in my direction, "Now you get her home safe, and stay out of trouble. Alexa told me that you're on watch."
"Aye aye!" I yelled, giving a salute.
She made a shooing gesture and I took the opportunity to leave before she held us in another long conversation.
On the way out of the house and towards my motorcycle, Alexa sighed three times.
"Babe?"
"Hm?" She looked up at me, and gave her best attempt of a smile.
I stopped a foot away from the motorcycle and took her duffel bag from her grasp while I cupped her face with my free hand.
"What's wrong?"
She lifted a shoulder and pouted in an adorable way of hers.
"Just deja vu I guess, I'm leaving you guys again. Who knows when would be the next time I'd be able to do this."
"Uh uh," I tsked, shaking my head at her, "Remember what we said? No worrying for these three days. We're living in the moment and enjoying the present." I reminded her.
"Fine," She grumbled, rolling her eyes .
She looked so adorable with her childish pout and wide eyes, that I couldn't help but to kiss her.
I helped her onto the back of the motorcycle and placed the helmet onto her head. As soon as I hopped on, and secured her duffel bag onto her lap, she wrapped her arms around my torso and I felt contented that she I made her feel safe.
"Hold on right Princess,"
After starting the motorcycle, I revved the engine a final time before zooming off.
~
We were a few minutes away from the palace and Alexa still hadn't spoken for the entire ride.
"Is it bad that I don't want to go back at the palace as yet?"
I maneuvered our way through two cars, before answering her, "No, it's completely understandable."
She fell silent again and I felt her rest her head against my back.
"Hey! Cheer up! You're acting like we won't see each other again!"
I was completely aware of the fact that the palace guards were monitoring me, but I was trying to be positive for Alexa's sake.
She was always the positive one between us and lately all her positivity seemed to be seeping away.
Soon we were a few feet away from the Palace.
I parked the motorcycle, and hopped off to face her. Her hoodie and shades were already on, shielding her from any nearby sneaking eyes.
I wrapped my arms around her waist and lifted her off the bike and onto the pavement.
"I'm not a little girl!" She protested, although there was a huge grin forming on her face.
All was right once again, She was smiling.
"I can't go any further or they'd come flogging me to throw me into your torture chamber or whatever it's called." I joked, jerking my head in the direction of the palace.
"It's called a dungeon you dummy," She said, snickering, "Besides. I highly doubt that they told father anything."
I crossed my fingers and she did the same.
A lady walked passed us, staring at our interaction intently.
Only when I frowned at her and narrowed my eyes, did she shift her gaze and continued walking along the path.
"Nosy," Alexa grumbled, casting the lady's retreating back another dark look.
"Maybe you should get inside." I suggested. I scanned the area for any suspicious pedestrians, luckily the street was empty.
Everyone was probably inside with their families, it was Boxing Day after all.
"Yeah," She nodded, and smile tight-lipped.
I bent down to kiss her and I felt her body relax before she returned the action.
"I love you."
I cupped her face, running a finger along her cheek, "I love you more."
Her smile came naturally now, and she grinned one last time before she turned on her heel and skipped her way towards the palace.
I waited until the gates opened and one of the guards escorted her inside before I drove off.
I laughed at the irony of it all. I remembered walking along the palace at the age of sixteen, while on an errand with Isaac and scorning the compound and everyone within it.
Now, things were different.
Although it pained me, I was seeing the palace much more times than I wanted to, and it was all because the special girl in my life.
The things we do for love.
<< >>
A/N: I have nothing more to say other than I love you guys!❤️❤️