They're at it once again. It's what they seem to do bed. Maybe this is the answer they need; to finally end this never ending fight. But they're both too stubborn to announce anything like this.
"Am I supposed to feel sorry for you?" Nattie yells.
"It would be nice to have some support," Randy growls.
"Support?" Nattie snorts as she shakes her head. "That's all I ever give you. Can you say the same for me?" Nattie stares up at Randy to see his eyes flash. "I have never met someone so selfish in my life."
Randy knows the tears falling are all too real, but that doesn't stop the next comment. "Funny seen as who your family is."
Nattie pushes Randy so she can get by. "Go to hell!"
Randy watches as she walks out of the room. Reaching up, he rubs the back of his neck. "Right back at you!" He storms out of the house, slamming the door behind him. Letting out a heavy breath, he takes a seat on the bench on the front porch. A cool breeze blows, sending a slight shiver down his spine. It doesn't stop him from lighting a cigarette.
Why do they continue this? Any of it; the fighting, the making up, the staying together. He knows exactly why. Of course he knows why. Nattie, his Nattie, is the love of his life. But why…?
"Fuck," Randy mutters. He shouldn't let it get to this. He lets himself say the things he knows will hurt her. But he just can't stop himself.
Randy puts his cigarette out before walking inside once again. He locks the door behind him before making his way into the living room where he knows he'll find Nattie.
"Nattie," he says softly when he sees her with her face buried in her hands.
Nattie drops her hands, but doesn't look up. "I can't do this anymore," she whispers.
"I'm sorry, Baby. I shouldn't…"
"You're always sorry." Nattie stands up, finally looking up to meet Randy's blue eyes. "I hate having to wonder which Randy I'm getting. I just…" Nattie shakes her head as more tears come.
Randy steps forward then. Reaching up, he rests his hands on Nattie's cheeks, wiping the tears carefully with his thumbs. "I love you."
Nattie falls then, putting her cheek to Randy's chest. "I wish you would tell me that more often."
Randy knows he should. The only time he seems to tell her, though, are in these moments. He does love her. He wouldn't be with her if he didn't, not after over a year together. Randy lifts Nattie's face so he can kiss her lips softly. "I'm sorry," he whispers. He sighs as he rests his forehead on hers. "I'm so sorry Baby."
Nattie reaches up and rests her hands on the sides of Randy's neck. "Can we just go to bed?"
"Of course."
Randy climbs into bed behind Nattie. He slides his arms around her waist and pulls her close. They shouldn't get to these points in their relationship. But it's where they always do end up. Randy knows exactly why. They're both stubborn. That's one of the reasons Randy fell in love with Nattie.
"Randy," Nattie says pulling Randy out of his thoughts.
"Hmm?"
"You're not selfish."
Randy smiles against Nattie's shoulder. "Don't worry about that Baby. I didn't meant what I said."
Nattie links her fingers through Randy's and lets out a soft breath. "I love you."
"Love you too."
"Then tell me more. I know I don't need every little thing like others. But I need to hear that."
"I know. And you will. I promise you will." Randy knows it's a promise he needs to keep. He can't let this one fall away. Nattie deserves this and so much more. He would do anything to keep her in his arms.
Randy listens as Nattie's breathing evens out and he knows she has fallen asleep. He loves how easily she can fall asleep, especially when she's curled against him like this. He presses his lips to the side of her head.
"Why do I do this to you?" he whispers. "I love you, so much."