(A/N: Well, here's my first multi-chapter Next to Normal story. It's AU, because…well, for a bunch of reasons that I can't tell because it'll spoil it. Enjoy!)

He's Not Here

Natalie

"I hate her!" Natalie yells as she slams the door to her room shut. "All my mother wants is perfect grades, perfect piano recitals, perfect everything. Has she ever thought that maybe I don't want to be perfect?"

Henry walks over to Natalie and hugs her tightly. "It's okay," he whispers soothingly. "Who cares what your mom thinks? You're perfect for me, and that's all that matters."

Natalie pulls herself closer to her boyfriend. "She also says you don't exist. You exist. Of course you do. I mean, I wouldn't see you if you didn't exist. Right?" When she gets no answer, she repeats herself. "Right?"

"Right," Henry answers. "Of course."

Natalie never notices that Henry is lying.

(A/N: Reviews are love!)