A/N: Thanks to you wonderful people that continue to read the story, AKA Marcus, Cassie, Rachel, Elle, and Amy. Special thanks to Cassie for recommending it to Elle :D Also, is anyone here a Nate fan besides me? I feel alone on this topic XD
Next week [At Twin Branches Auditorium]
The time for the play is drawing near. Since the parade, our class has been doing nothing but prepping for the show. It was still summer when we started. When I got here, it was originally because I came for some extra courses to catch up on what I missed when my parents pulled me out of school. Now, it's two months since I've been here and have actually gotten the hang of things.
"Nate? Where are you?" Jacob says pacing through the corridor in the drama hall. He came up to me as I was painting the background for the set with Lindsay. "Have you seen where Nate ran off to?"
I place my paintbrush and palette on the stand. "Oh, Nate? I think he was around here earlier. I'll just take a look around really quick. Maybe he's still around this area." I leave Lindsay to work with Jacob and head out of the auditorium.
Hallway
I spent about fifteen minutes looking for him in his usual spots, but he wasn't around. I thought maybe he'd gone home or something and skipped preparation for the play. Sure enough, on the way out, I spotted him talking with his friends near a drinking fountain. If there's one skill I have, it's finding Nate whenever or wherever he may be.
"Nate?" I call over to him from the top of the staircase. Maybe it's because he's special to me.
He turns around to see me, "What?"
"Jacob needs your help preparing the stage lights." I say as he walks up past me. I follow in silence for only a moment.
"So, do you have your lines memorized?" I ask as he continues to walk ahead.
"Sure. I think so." He says unenthusiastically. Is it just me or does he seem more distant recently? He's been this way since we had brownies together last week.
Flashback
"A happy dream?" He says thinking back to what he had been dreaming about.
"Yeah." I gave him a short answer.
He looks at me and stops moving his hand behind his head atop his neck, "What does it mean to be happy?"
"Hm? I wonder what it is too." I think for an explanation. "That's a tough one to explain. Hmm…It's…that's…Um…Oh! It's something that makes you feel warm inside!"
"Makes you feel warm inside?" He repeats.
"Yeah, like…Brownies or homemade meals. Something that makes you warm inside even though you were cold. It's a soothing feeling."
"So it's food?" He grins.
"Not exactly. It can be, but it can also be your hobbies like football, hanging out with friends, listening to music, or…someone you like." I say blushing at the end.
He places his palm on his cheekbone for a moment to contemplate my words and then he abruptly gets up, "Let's go make some brownies then." He mutters to himself as he heads out the door, "I don't think I've ever made brownies before."
Currently [In the auditorium]
Sam came by to assist us with our set prep since she was still gaining experience for theater out of college. During her weekends, she'd hang out with me or a few friends from Twin Branches, but rarely did I see her interact with people.
I sat with Candace continuing to sew up the remaining costume hems. She looks down at my hands and notices the necklace I'm wearing from my parents. I've had it since I was a child. It's a small golden ornate heart with a stone embedded into it.
"Cute necklace." Candace says leaning over to look at it.
I pick it up between my thumb and index finger, "Oh, this?"
"It's totes cute." She says as I hold it out to her.
"It's just a cubic zirconium though." I say since the stone has not much value.
Veronica laughs when she overhears us, "Did you force your boyfriend to buy it for you?"
"Hm?" I perk up for a second and gesture that is not the case at all, "No, no! My parents bought me this on my first birthday."
A sigh of exasperation comes out of their mouths as they walk away whispering, "She could have at least lied about it."
"Not getting a gift from her boyfriend must be pretty sad. Does she even have one?"
As I place my necklace in my shirt to tuck it away again, I hear a scream from behind me. "AHH!"
I faintly hear a bucket fall over. Lindsay coerces someone, "Hey, couldn't you watch where you're going? I can't believe this!" She holds up the background we were painting for the play from earlier. I can see it's drenched with water now. "The paint is running now. We don't have much time. What're we gonna do about this?"
"Man, this really sucks! We're gonna have to redo it all over again!" Jacob yells as he tosses aside his smock.
"Seriously, watch where you're going next time!" Lindsay yells as Lee. She then frowns seeing the mess on the soaked backdrop. "It was looking really good too."
I set my sewing needle back into the pin cushion and knelt down beside them. Seeing that the damages couldn't be repaired, I suggested, "We'll need to buy new paper, or if there's any extra, use that."
From behind me, I heard a familiar voice, "Need an extra hand?" It was Nate again.
"Sure." I said as a few students resumed their duties. "Grab a paintbrush."
As Nate was about to pick one up near Sam, she sneered at him, "You're always slacking off and now, of all times, you choose to be helpful. You're unbelievable…But you're good at that, aren't you?" She shoved a large paintbrush to his chest.
He didn't even want to entertain her response as he sat down near the window and painted quietly.
Before Sam even stepped foot of the room, I called out. "It's true that Nate skips out on rehearsals a lot, but he memorized his lines quickly. He's doing his best to do what needs to be done and – "
She interrupted me with a quiet scowl, "You're going to easy on him, Olivia." She then trudged out of the set.
3 hours later [Backstage]
"This is getting weird. Anytime someone reprimands Nate, he just avoids answering them or he leaves. It's either one or the other, but when Sam called him out, he just took it! Isn't that weird?"
"Do you think it's because she's Zoe's cousin?" Taylor keeps sewing, "There must be some history between them."
Unable to concentrate, I just stared at the thread and needle in my hand. Zoe…She's the girl Nate dated for a while last year. She also was the one to break up with him.
"I just don't get it." Lindsay says cutting up some paper next to me. "It wasn't his fault Zoe left to Kingston to be with her ex. He should be the one blaming other people!" She continues to snip at the air as she grew more furious, "Not only did she decide to go back to her ex, but she had the nerve to humiliate him in front of everyone at the dance! If anything, Nate should be the one holding a grudge, not Sam!"
"Calm down Lindsay!" Taylor stopped her random cuts to the air before she could hurt someone. "There, there. It has nothing to do with us anyway."
Thinking out loud, I hushed, "I wonder if…I really am being too easy with Nate."
Hearing me talk to myself, Taylor said, "Huh? What do you mean 'too easy'? Aren't you just treating him the same way everyone else does? Sam's the only one being difficult."
"You know, do you think it's possible that maybe…Sam may have…I dunno…liked Nate?" Lindsay suggests.
I widened my eyes hearing her say that to my surprise. I hadn't thought of it but why would.. "Hmm, it's a possibility I guess." Taylor tunes in. "I could see it. She could be mad that he turned her down?"
Sam entered back in the room quietly. She was far enough away not to hear us, but I could still see a sad expression on her face. "I don't think that Sam is like that."
"Maybe not. She does seem a bit more complicated than that." Lindsay says as she sets aside her paper cutouts. "I mean I'm totes not a big fan of hers, but I still think she's a pretty reasonable person. That's why I think Nate restrains himself around her." I pick up the scissors from Lindsay to cut off the excess fabric from the costumes. She continues, "It's like there's some other reason that he feels guilty about."
I don't know if it was her saying what she said or if it was because I was worried about if it was true, but at that moment, I lost conscious thought of what I was doing and just…
"OW!"
"Someone, get her to the nurse's office quick! She's just cut into her finger!"
Health Room
Nate walked me to the Nurse's office and helped me onto a bed while I held my finger with some gauze from the props. He didn't talk to me on the way over here, but as he was about to leave, I called his name, "Nate. I'm…sorry about earlier."
By now, I knew that Nate liked to fight his own battles and sticking my nose where it didn't belong with him meant trouble. He left the room as Cameron came by. After putting my bandage on for me while the nurse was gone, Nate got up to leave and said, "You don't have to be so protective of me. I can take care of myself."
I tried to smile even though his words cut like daggers. It was like someone put a knife in me and twisted it. "I guess not…I thought you were really working hard though."
"And that…" He pointed out while seemingly being perplexed by me, "You don't have to keep saying things like that."
I looked at the ceiling. I could feel my tears forming. Why does he have to be so cruel sometimes? I turned away from him. "You're…You're right. I stuck my nose in your business again. Sorry." Before he could see my tears fall, I shut my eyes and ran down the hallway as fast as I could.
As Olivia progressed down the hall, out of view, Cameron and Nate were still rooted to the spot. "Why do you have to be such a bully to her?" Cameron frowns at Nate's behavior.
Nate sighs, "I didn't think I was. I was just being…myself."
They walk down the opposite hall and Cameron scolds him, "Then why not try to be a bit nicer?"
Nate shrugs and murmurs to himself , "Why do I have to? Every time she's nearby, I can't focus on anything. "
"What was that?" Cameron catches up to him.
"Forget it."
Five Days later [Back in the auditorium]
Andrew had come back from college to help produce the play for a scholarship. Since he had lost his to Sam previously, he figured this was the best way possible.
"Alright philistines, I'm here today to direct the school-approved short play you guys are performing, 'Endless Story'! It'll be a play that will make anyone happy and everyone cry." Andrew lifted his glasses closer to the bridge of his nose, "'Now, Andrew we've done enough practicing.' 'We've already memorized our parts!' Those are the things I should be hearing that I'm NOT and you know why?" He frowns and points at Nate, "It's because of you! I heard you have skipped too many rehearsals." Nate laughs to Andrew's sentiment, "This ISN'T a laughing matter, Nate!" As the crowd heads over to pick up their scripts, Taylor, Lindsay, and I observe from the sidelines.
"Will Nate really be okay to do this?" Lindsay says unsure of how well he'll perform.
Taylor whispers to us, "It doesn't look like he has an ounce of motivation in him. Didn't you say he'd do what needs to be done?"
"We're just going in blind, aren't we?" Lindsay huffs.
"Y…Yeah." I respond timidly. I shouldn't get involved or say anything. What Nate had said the other day really did affect me.
"Alright places everyone!" Andrew bellowed.
Nate read directly from his script. Some students laughed while other groaned knowing that we would be here for awhile or until he got his lines right. The way he spoke was so dry though, Andrew had to cut him off.
"More feeling! There should be more emotion in your lines! Umm, I don't want to ask, but don't you already have your lines memorized?" Andrew questioned him.
"Well, there are so many long lines and – "
"BUT NOTHING! You do know that your short skit is tomorrow, right?" Andrew hit him on the head with a rolled up script.
"Then, get someone to whisper my lines in the headset for me?" Nate tried to persuade him with a smile.
"NO WAY! That won't be possible!"
"It's not?"
"DEFINITELY NOT!"
He really can't get things done when needed can he…
"Will we really have time before the show?" Lindsay pouted.
"Olivia, say something to him!" Taylor demanded. "Aren't you the class representative? We won't get credit unless this goes smoothly!"
"Um, but this is one of those things that I don't have jurisdiction over." I said as I tried to avoid eye contact with Taylor. "I'm also busy with my own role." I had to act the part of a servant girl.
"Nate please! Please remember your lines by tomorrow. Cram as many lines as you can into that thick skull of yours!" Andrew started to want to throttle him.
"I'll have them perfected. Absolutely perfect." Nate smiled.
"This is serious, Nate!" Andrew clutched at his stomach, "All this stress is getting to me." He then rushes to the bathroom. As I look over at Nate watching Andrew leave, he takes only a moment to look at me. Completely expressionless, hm?
I furrow my brows as he gives me the cold shoulder. He turned his back to me? Remembering all the times where we were close…
'You don't have to be so protective over me.'
'Let's go make some brownies.'
'Let me borrow you.'
After School [On a bench near the parking lot]
I don't understand. I don't understand…Nate. I manage to see a glimpse of him before he and Cameron turn the other way to walk home. I just don't understand. I wonder if we won't…be able to talk like we used to.
The next day [Rehearsal before the show]
Nate managed to get every line down perfectly. In his eyes and voice, I could feel the determination, the perseverance, the devotion he made to remember them.
"Excellent Nate! That's was fantastic! Your acting is spectacular!" The crowd of students cheered for him. Sometimes, he really does pull through.
"Don't cry over it, Andrew." Nate said smugly.
"Thank you! THANK YOU!" Andrew hugged him.
'You're amazing!' I want to say those words to Nate, but…
"SHOOT! I need to memorize my lines!" I run to the hallway for peace and quiet. "Just three. I need to memorize all three!"
"Olivia…" Lindsay sighed exasperated.
"You're just as worked up as ever." Taylor concluded.
The Play [Right before the show]
Andrew peeks through the curtains looking at the large crowd that heard Nate would be performing. Some of the students in the play were just as surprised to see so many people here because of him. Where was Olivia? She was still reading her script!
During the last minutes before curtain call, Nate managed to put on his costume.
"Everything last minute with that guy?" Jacob joked.
"I'm not sure if it's air headedness or arrogance." Taylor scoffed.
Even though I was just a slave girl and had three lines, I was still weary because of stage fright and I wished I had some of the courage Nate had to perform on stage.
"Nate, you're up!" Candace called. I looked up from my script to see him staring back at me, but then I quickly averted my eyes. I'm not going to say anything…
"Why are there so many people here?" Nate asked tugging at his neckline.
"Why? They're all here to see you!" Veronica spouted.
"Now, Nate, we're all counting on you. No pressure!" Andrew goaded.
Nate stood stiffly, "What was my first line again?" Everyone around him grew stiff as well. "Crap, I think I've forgotten all of them."
"Fir-First calm down!" Andrew stuttered.
"Take deep breaths. Breath!" Taylor ushered him.
"Picture yourself doing it right!"
"Drink some water!"
"Read the script! The script!"
Right as everyone was tense and suggesting things to him, I raised my voice, "Don't do it! He doesn't need the script. He can do it on his own, I know he can! Right, Nate?"
He nods. "Yeah."
"Good!" Andrew relaxed, "Okay Nate, on standby…GO!" He and Taylor opened the curtains for Nate to step out. I said something I shouldn't have.
As he walked toward the stage, I whispered, "Break a leg."
He turned slowly, but I could see he was smiling. With that, the crowd applauded his entrance and the performance started.
There were a few forgotten lines on his part here and there. Actually his lines were pretty random and adlibbed, but the crowd loved it. I watched from the curtain with a few others. He has such a nice presence and that complete lack of stage fright. He truly is strong in these serious kinds of events.
Watching him, it made me think back to all the things he's told me.
'You don't need to be so protective.'
'It made me happy.'
'…It wasn't the mistake you're making it out to be.'
I don't know which side of him is the real him. I see him onstage looking at me mouthing something.
It looks like 'Get on dears?' I watch him repeat it a few more times. I look at him puzzled unable to make out what he's saying. "Get over here. You're on!"
As soon as I can tell what he said, I scurry over and end up tripping on my costume. The audience laughed. Even though we weren't doing a comedic play, it turned out for the best that everything had ended up strangely done.
At the end we all got on stage and bowed. I glanced over at Nate as he waved to everyone with a smile. Maybe all of those sides are the real him.
After-party
When we were done with set clean up, all of the classes went out for a party at the local diner. We all walked over to it talking to each other, laughing about our experiences, and having a good time.
"It turned out successful didn't it?" Taylor put her arm around me smiling. The crowd was so loud I could barely hear her.
I turn around to spot Nate behind me and a few others in the crowd. Is this how it'll end between us? It was over before it even began.
"Watch out, coming through!" Jacob, Lee, Andrew, and Andy were carrying our class trophy. I tried to move out of the way, but I felt a slight tug on my neck.
I look at the ground while still walking forwards. Taylor could tell something was off, "What's wrong Olivia?"
"My…My necklace! The stone on it…It came off!" I said as I frantically searched for the missing piece.
"You mean the one your parents bought you?" Taylor tried to help me look for a second, but it was no use. The crowd was like a tidal wave pushing us forwards. "Olivia, just give up on it. It'll be impossible to find."
While Olivia and Taylor trekked forward, Nate had stopped for a moment as he noticed something hit the bottom of his shoe.
Darn, I really liked this necklace too. "Ouch!" I was suddenly tapped on the head by a toy hammer. Well, I found Nate again… "Why'd you do that?" I rubbed my head where he hit me.
"That's a strange necklace you've got there." He held the toy over his shoulder. He scared the bejeezus out of me.
"Leave me alone, jerk!" I say as I walk away from him.
"A person shouldn't go telling people to 'leave' whenever they feel like it." He said catching up to me.
"Why not?" I replied refusing to face him.
"Well, if I left and never came back or something, you'd feel bad even though it wasn't your fault, right?" He grinned. He's so smug.
"As if something as convenient as that would actually hap - "I had my hands balled into fists, but shortly unclenched them when I realized. "Is that what happened to you and Zoe?"
"Huh?" He looked at me confused. "I'm not you. So, I don't say things like that to people. Besides saying things like, 'Leave me alone, jerk' are so generic and boring."
"Generic and boring?" I repeated. "Then how about, 'Get lost, asshole'?"
Nate yelled out, "Olivia is a degenerate!" I grabbed onto his sleeve to signal him to stop mocking me. Before I knew it, we were back how we used to be.
"Don't you think abandoning someone is just an easy way out?" He said as we walked together to the diner.
"Oh, then what would you do?" I teased.
He looked down at his free hand, "To keep them from leaving? Firstly, I'd start by breaking all their fingers one by one. Then, I'd pull out their teeth…"
Seeing where he was going, I down casted, "Please stop there… Let's just agree that you're a sadist."
"That's not what I meant. It's not as simple as that. It's just that if you leave someone in a difficult situation, it's hard to gain trust again. Wouldn't that be boring life to live?" Whenever I feel like I understand where he's coming from, he says something like that to throw me off.
At the diner
"COUPLES TIME!" In the diner there was a dance floor and some students who were already dating so they danced together.
"I wonder if someone's confessing their love for Nate or Cameron right now." Taylor teased.
I laughed it off as I looked around to find him. If there's anything I'm good at, it's finding…I turn slowly to look around. Where are you?
"Olivia." He calls out to me from behind again. "I have a present for you." He reaches into his pocket and takes out a button. Under his breath, he mutters, "Crap, wrong thing." Then the reaches into his other pocket to pull out…My rhinestone. "It's yours, right? Even though it's a strange piece of jewelry to wear around, I do feel kind of bad for it."
Using the glue as an adhesive, he fixes my necklace. He looks really cute when he's serious about doing something. "Let me put it on for you." He gets behind me to fasten my necklace around my neck. "It doesn't fit? Have you put on weight?" He jokes.
"It doesn't close on that ring, dummy." I say as he tries to turn my necklace into a choker. He finally secures it. It feels like we're dating.
"The things couples do, sure are cute, aren't they?" He says so casually while whispering in my ear. "The boyfriend puts things on his girlfriend to claim her as his. They say 'I love you' occasionally. They even get married, possibly."
I blush and blurt out, "I do!"
He laughs, "Hahaha, are we getting married in this diner?"
I blush even more, "It…It just slipped out. Don't judge me." I look up into his eyes with determination, "Words aren't enough though, if I were in that situation I'd probably say something along the lines of…" I place my hands in his, "…'Please break my fingers'."
He chuckles, "What are you trying to say? You're nuts, you know that?"
Even though I didn't mean for my words to be serious, in my heart I did mean it. I didn't want him to leave me, or to let me leave him. I left my lids half drawn and retracted my hands silently.
"Olivia…" He paused, dragging me outside the diner. "I'm only going to say this once, so listen carefully." He laces his fingers with mine, "I love you."
I cover my gaping mouth from surprise, "No…no way…" I close my eyes after looking at his. He's sincere. I can tell he is. Tears start emerging.
"Olivia." He places his hands at first on my arm to pull me in, and then around my waist to hold me there. Before I knew it, in the rosy sunset, Nate had just kissed me.
Far in the distance, I heard music playing. The couples music from the dance floor…
A/N: Hopefully this satiates you guys for a bit while I try to work…3 jobs? Yeah 3. It may be awhile before the next chapter, but thanks so much again for all of your support and feedback. Reviews, follows, and favorites are always much appreciated!~