Nat: Better?

Allie: Much better. *chuckles* Thank you.

Nat: You're welcome. *chuckles* Good to know you enjoyed the show.

Allie: *giggles and nudges him* Shut up.

Nat: *laughs a little*

Allie: *giggling* So, are you actually coming straight to lunch today?

Nat: I could. *chuckles* Why? Did you not appreciate my delayed entrance?

Allie: See, the word 'delayed', is where the discrepancy lies. *chuckles*

Nat: *laughs* OK.

Allie: *laughs a little*

Nat: *chuckles* So, I heard you're on with Ethan tonight? Lookin' forward to it?

Allie: I don't know. I kinda said yes by accident.

Nat: *chuckles* I heard that, also.

Allie: From who? *looks at him*

Nat: Kristina. *chuckles*

Allie: What else did she tell you?

Nat: Just that. Why? Something you don't want me to know? *chuckles*

Allie: *relieved* I mean, sort of. Its just..kind of embarrassing. I'll tell you about it another time, but not now.

Nat: *chuckles* OK?

Random Kid: Yo! Natty!

Nat: What's up, Ty! *chuckles*

Allie: *chuckles* I guess you're the man around here, huh?

Nat: *chuckles* Not really. I'm a student here, just like everyone else. A lot of people just know me.

Allie: He sounds quite modest, too. *slight smile*

Nat: Me modest? That's flattering, small town. Thank you. *chuckles*

Allie: *giggles* You're welcome.

Nat: *chuckles* I like modest, though. Its definitely keeping a low profile. Keeps the fakes away.

Allie: True. What? You don't like flashy?

Nat: Nah, not my style. *chuckles* I'm secretly on the shy side a little.

Allie: Big show, shy? *fake shock* Oh, wow. That can't be.

Nat: *laughs* You know, you're pretty funny. That was good.

Allie: *chuckles* I'm not funny.

Nat: *chuckles* Why would you say that?

Allie: *chuckles* Ask anyone. I'm not all that funny. I hardly crack jokes. I just laugh at what everyone else does.

Nat: Everyone's got a funny side. Even if they don't know it.

Allie: Well, maybe I have yet to find mines.

Nat: You will. It just takes the right thing to bring it out.

Allie: *chuckles* Now you? You're hilarious.

Nat: Thank you. I try. *chuckles* I actually think I'm just insanely snide and people find it funny.

Allie: Snide is funny. *chuckles* Especially when its used the right way.

Nat: True. *looks ahead* Oh, heads up. Your date is coming. I gotta roll, small town.

Allie: You don't have to go. Please.

Nat: No, I want to. *chuckles* I don't feel like dealing with him today. Thanks for the talk. See you around. *smiles and winks at her, then walks off*

Allie: *sighs* Damn it. (Ethan approaches her.)

Ethan: Hey! I was wondering if you felt like having lunch with me today? I thought it'd be nice.

Allie: I was gonna eat lunch with Kristina.

Ethan: Come on. *chuckles* You can at least have lunch with someone else one time. Please? I really wanna get to know you.

Allie: Uhhh… *nervous* OK. Fine.

Ethan: Awesome. Come with me. *takes her hand and leads her to the cafeteria*

Allie: *takes her hand back uncomfortably* Its OK. I got it.

Ethan: OK? *confused look* (Allie decides to sit with Ethan and his friends. Kristina wanted to argue, but she decided to drop it. Allie sits uncomfortably the whole time, with Ethan's friends drooling at her. Meanwhile, Nat and his friends were sitting at their table, talking and laughing, and goofing off. Allie wanted so badly to go sit with them. After lunch, Nat went to work like he normally did and everyone went to their last two classes, until school was out. Later that night, Allie went to the movie theater that Ethan told her to go to, after Kristina dropped her off. Ethan showed up 10 minutes late.)

Ethan: Hey! You made it!

Allie: Yeah, and you're late.

Ethan: Sorry. I had a interruption. I'm only 10 minutes late. Jeez. Relax, babe.

Allie: Don't call me that.

Ethan: You look hot. You ready?

Allie: As ever.

Ethan: Which movie? I'm paying for everything. Don't worry.

Allie: I don't care what we see. I just wanna sit and watch a movie. I've been standing long enough.

Ethan: Fine. We'll see The Purge. I heard its supposed to be badass.

Allie: Fine. (Thinking: Seriously? Ugh! Worst date ever!) (They go inside the theater and order popcorn. Allie only wanted a drink. They get their tickets and go in the theater room, and sit. The movie starts 15 minutes later. Through the movie, Ethan was being obnoxiously boyish and rowdy. He also kept trying to touch Allie and put his arm around her. Allie just leaned away every time, feeling really uncomfortable. Allie was texting Kristina every detail of the date and how she was feeling. When the movie finally ended, Allie quickly got up and headed out of the theater. Ethan followed, stuffing his face with popcorn. They go outside the theater and Allie waits for Kristina. Ethan walks up next to Allie and puts his arm around her shoulders.)

Ethan: So, how was the movie?

Allie: Disturbing.

Ethan: I thought it was pretty cool.

Allie: If you say so.

Ethan: Come on. It was fun.

Allie: I guess.

Ethan: So, how about you let me take you home?

Allie: Excuse me? No, I'm good. Kristina's picking me up.

Ethan: Why?

Allie: Because she wants to.

Ethan: OK. Well, I had fun.

Allie: *fake smile* Me too.

Ethan: We should do this again, sometime. I really like you. *grins*

Allie: *awkward chuckle*

Ethan: Can I get a hug or something? *chuckles* I mean, you don't gotta act shy around me. *pulls her closer to him*

Allie: *nervous chuckle* Uh..

Ethan: *chuckles at her* Come on. You like me, right?

Allie: I don't know you. We don't know each other.

Ethan: I don't think we need all that. I mean, we go to the same school. You could always get to know me as time goes on.

Allie: Call me old fashioned, but I'd prefer the proper way.

Ethan: *gently grabs her under her chin and chuckles at her* Come on, baby. Don't be like that. I'm trying to make something between us. I brought you out, showed you a good time. What more do you want?

Allie: Nothing. At the moment, I just wanna go home. *gently tries to move away*

Ethan: Hold on. *holds her tighter, grinning* Don't be like that. Come on. (Meanwhile, Nat was skateboarding by, across the street, heading home from work, listening to music. He sees Allie and Ethan, but continues skateboarding past them, shaking his head.)

Nat: P.O.V. OK, that was weird. I can't believe she actually went through with it. She definitely looked uncomfortable. Or maybe she didn't. But, then again, Ethan is a creep. I don't know. Ugh! Just don't get involved. Don't do it, Nat. Don't look back. Don't turn around. Just don't turn around. Don't. Don't. Don't do it. Don't go back. Ugh! Damn it! You're going back! End of P.O.V. (Nat turns around on his skateboard and sees Allie struggling to get away from Ethan, who's trying to kiss her. He heads towards them on his board. Meanwhile, Allie is shaking her head, leaning back from Ethan.)

Allie: Ethan, seriously, no. Stop. I don't want to. You're scaring me.

Ethan: I just want a little kiss. Come on. Don't be scared, babe. Just one little kiss. *leaning in, trying to kiss her*

Allie: I don't want to kiss you, Ethan. This is wrong. No. *trying to get away*

Ethan: Allie! Come on! What's your problem? (Suddenly, Nat appears behind Ethan, pries his hands off of Allie, and yanks him back away from her.)

Nat: DUDE! SHE SAID NO! *stands in front of Allie*

Ethan: *suddenly angry* What the hell are you doing here?

Nat: How about you don't worry about that? Take a hike.

Ethan: This isn't your fucking business! Step off, bitch!

Nat: Its my business now. Think about it, Ethan. Do you really wanna fight? 'Cause you know I will if I have to.

Ethan: THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH YOU!

Nat: Leave her alone! You're lucky I don't rat you out now! Creep! Get lost, Ethan! NOW!

Ethan: That's it! Watch your back, Wolff! I mean it! *storms off to his car, gets in it, and takes off*

Nat: Whatever. *turns around and looks at Allie* You OK?

Allie: Yeah. Just a little shook up. *rubs her arms* Sorry.

Nat: Its fine. I would be, too.

Allie: What were you doing over here?

Nat: I just got off work not too long ago. I was passing by on my board, heading home.

Allie: Oh. That was you on the skateboard.

Nat: Yeah. I was gonna keep going, but I guess my senses told me to turn around. You looked a little uncomfortable.

Allie: Yeah. Thanks. *continues rubbing her arms, trying to soothe herself*

Nat: Are you sure you're OK?

Allie: *nods, still rubbing her arms* Yeah.

Nat: Was someone coming to get you?

Allie: Kristina.

Nat: OK. Well, you should wait for her inside. Where its safer. I'm gonna head home now. See you around, small town. You be careful out here. *turns around, walks to his skateboard and starts to leave*

Allie: Wait!

Nat: *stops, hops off his board, picks it up, and turns around to face her* What's wrong?

Allie: Um… C-could you stay with me? Until Kristina gets here? I don't-I don't wanna be by myself right now. *scared and anxious look*

Nat: Are you sure? That wouldn't be too much to you?

Allie: *shakes her head* No. I like having you around.

Nat: *chuckles a bit* OK. Come on. Let's sit inside. Its a little chilly out right now. Here. *takes his hoodie off and puts it over her shoulders*

Allie: Thanks. *shy smile*

Nat: You were covered in goose bumps. No problem. *chuckles* (They go inside the theater and sit in the lobby.)

Nat: So, how- *His phone suddenly starts ringing* Sorry. One minute. (Nat looks at his smart watch and sees its his mother calling. He slides the answer button over and his mom comes on speaker.)

Nat: Sì, la mammá?

Polly: Oh mio dio! Baby, dove sei? La mamma è molto preoccupato! Dove sei?

Nat: Calm, mammá. I'm OK. *chuckles* I'm at a movie theater. A classmate of mine was in trouble and I was just comforting her, until her ride came to pick her up.

Polly: Oh. Is she OK?

Nat: She's OK.

Polly: That's good. I'm glad you were there to help to her. *exhales in relief* Good God, I was so worried. I was going half crazy wondering where you were. You know we agreed on late nights at work, only if you came straight home.

Nat: Sì, mammá. I know. I'm sorry. She didn't wanna be left alone.

Polly: I understand. Its just- oh goodness, I hate knowing you're out so late, coming so far from work, on that little board. It scares me half to death.

Nat: *chuckles* I know, Ma.

Polly: You know there are lunatics out there, too. I just want my baby home safe. I'd lose my mind if anything ever happened to you.

Nat: I know, Ma. *chuckles*

Polly: I'm gonna have to start picking you up from work now. Me or daddy. I hate letting you walk home. It terrifies me.

Nat: *chuckles* I know, mammá. But there's no need to bother you and dad, to come get me. I can get home myself.

Polly: You're not bothering us, Papì. You're our baby. Its our job to be there for you.

Nat: *chuckles* Sì, mammá.

Polly: What theater are you at? Do you need me to come get you and your friend?

Nat: She has a ride on the way already. I'm still a way from home, but I'll be headed straight there.

Polly: How far are you?

Nat: I'm still sort of downtown.

Polly: Oh no. No. Stay where you are. I'm coming to get you.

Nat: Mammá. You don't have to do that. I can make it home on my own. I promise.

Polly: No, baby. I'm scared enough as it is. It's almost 10 at night and you're still miles away from home. I'm heading out the door now. Plus, we're still waiting for you to have dinner. I have a hot plate waiting for my baby boy. I want you home, safe, and warm. Now. OK?

Nat: *chuckles a bit* Sì, mammá. I'll stay here and wait for you.

Polly: OK, I'm on my way now. Which theater?

Nat: AMC Empire.

Polly: Here I come. Don't move.

Nat: Yes ma'am. I'll see you when you get here.

Polly: OK. I love you.

Nat: I love you, more. (They hang up.)

Allie: Your mom sounds so sweet.

Nat: *chuckles a bit* She is. Sorry about that. She gets insanely paranoid about me comin' home alone so late.

Allie: Its fine. Parents can be like that sometimes. It happens. *chuckles*

Nat: *chuckles* Yeah. Are your parents that way?

Allie: Actually, I don't have parents. Its just my mom.

Nat: What about your dad? Where's he?

Allie: Dead. He died when I was two. I didn't really know him.

Nat: Oh. *blushes a bit and looks away* Um.. Sorry about that. I shouldn't have asked.

Allie: No no, its fine. You're not the only one who's asked. Plenty of people have. I mean, its not your fault. No one has a way of knowing.

Nat: Yeah. *looks down*

Allie: *looks at him* Thanks for turning around and helping me.

Nat: You're welcome.

Allie: So, I guess I saw for myself, with Ethan, huh?

Nat: Yep.

Allie: You could've warned me a little better about him. *a little upset*

Nat: *chuckles a bit* Look, I'm sorry. But, I just didn't wanna come on the wrong way.

Allie: What do you mean?

Nat: Well, if I said something like, "Oh, don't trust him! Don't go out with him! He's a creep!" You probably would've thought I was saying it, just to keep you from going out with him period. I didn't want you to think I was saying it for my benefit. Like I wanted you or something. Plus, I wanted you to see for yourself. Like I said, he could've turned out different with you. I don't know everything. But, I guess I was right anyway.

Allie: I wouldn't have taken it that way.

Nat: *gives her a skeptical look*

Allie: What? I wouldn't have! *blushes*

Nat: *chuckles at her* Yeah, you would have. You don't gotta lie to me, small town. Its not like I'm The Judge or something.

Allie: *blushes and looks down* Sorry.

Nat: Something about me you should know- I'd rather someone told me the truth, than lie to my face.

Allie: I don't really lie. I prefer honesty, too.

Nat: Good. 'Cause that's all you'll hear from me.

Allie: You hate lying?

Nat: I just think you'd be a bigger asshole for lying all the time, instead of telling the truth. Lying makes you look worse than you would for telling the truth. No matter how cold the truth can be. I don't think its hard to be honest, you know? Besides, I've been lied to enough in my life. I'm tired of it.

Allie: Oh. Yeah. *looks down*

Nat: Yeah. Do you like lying?

Allie: No, I hate dishonesty.

Nat: OK.

Allie: Any more creeps I should steer clear of?

Nat: *chuckles and looks over at her* I'll let you know. But, that all depends on what you're looking for.

Allie: What do you mean?

Nat: Are you looking for a relationship?

Allie: *shrugs* I don't know. I mean, I don't think I am right now.

Nat: You don't think or you don't know?

Allie: I- I- *voice trails off, blushing*

Nat: *chuckles* Are you always this articulate, small town?

Allie: *blushes and nudges him* Shut up.

Nat: *laughs a little*

Allie: I just don't know, OK? I'm mixed up right now.

Nat: Well, you wanna hear what I think?

Allie: *looks over at him* Yeah.

Nat: I think you do know, and you just don't know how to say it. And that happens. You just have to find the perfect way to get it out.

Allie: *looking at him* Yeah. God knows I just wanna scream right now. Relationships have been problematic for me, yet, I still favor the idea of being with someone.

Nat: Well, on my side, maybe she just knows-

Allie: Oh, she? *surprised grin*

Nat: Yes, I have a god and a goddess on my side. So SHE..!

Allie: *laughs*

Nat: *chuckles* She just knows that some assholes out there stole your smile and now you need to get it back.

Allie: *smile fades and she stares at Nat with a soft and serious expression*

Nat: *looks at her* And in my experience, there's nothing like taking some time for yourself, getting out, and having a crazy time with some friends, to get a smile back in.

Allie: *continues staring at him, looking into his deep, soft blue eyes*

Nat: *just smiles at her* (Just then, Kristina comes jogging up.)

Kristina: Hey! Allie! There you are! Omg, I thought you let Ethan take you home. Papì, what are you doing here?

Nat: I was just skating by, on my way home from work. Allie asked me to chill with her until you made it here. *gets up*

Kristina: Oh. Well, where's Ethan? He just left you?

Allie: Something like that.

Kristina: What do you mean? Nat, why are you really here?

Nat: Well, I was really skating by from work. But, I'm sure Allie will clue you in. I'm gonna go wait out front for my mom. Goodnight, ladies. *grabs his board and leaves*

Kristina: What was that about? What is he talking about?

Allie: Ethan tried to kiss me.

Kristina: What?

Allie: *nods* Yeah, like he wouldn't stop trying to kiss me. Even when I said no a million times. That's when he grabbed me and still kept trying. Only that time, I couldn't get away.

Kristina: That son of a bitch! Ugh! I told you he was creep!

Allie: Yeah, I got that. *shutters* Ugh, I was so creeped out. It was like Keli all over again.

Kristina: Don't think about that. I am gonna kick that bastard right in the nuts, when I see him tomorrow.

Allie: Please don't. I don't want you to get in trouble.

Kristina: I don't care about getting in trouble! That pervert could've hurt you!

Allie: I'm fine. Nat scared him off.

Kristina: God, do I love that boy.

Allie: *chuckles* I asked him to stay because I was scared.

Kristina: Makes sense. I'm glad he stayed.

Allie: Me too. Kris.. What can you tell me about him?

Kristina: What do you mean?

Allie: Look, I don't what or how, but.. There's something about him.

Kristina: Let me guess, you've finally accepted that you like him? *chuckles*

Allie: *nods* But it doesn't make sense. How can I like him? I don't even know him!

Kristina: *chuckles* Like I said, you don't have to know him to like him. And babe, you can get to know him.

Allie: *exhales, with a overwhelmed smile*

Kristina: *laughs* Its called Wolffie syndrome. Trust me, you get used to it.

Allie: Kris, the way that he talks to me. The way he talks period, its-

Kristina: Beautiful, right?

Allie: Yes. He just looked right through me.

Kristina: Yeah, he's good at that. *chuckles* Come on, lover girl. Let's get you home. We can talk about it in the car.

Allie: *follows Kristina to her car* (When they get outside, they see that Nat's already gone.)

Allie: Wow, that was quick.

Kristina: Oh yeah, his mom does not play about him. She is insanely overprotective.

Allie: I see. (They get in Kristina's car and continue to talk about Nat. When the get outside Allie's house, Kristina watches her go inside, then goes home herself. The next day, everyone wakes up for school and gets dressed, then heads there for classes. They go to homeroom. Nat, Christian, Stiles, Max, Mason, Major, Ryder, Dante, Brayden, Danny, Kristina, and Allie all have homeroom together. The teacher stepped out to run to the office, leaving the kids alone. Ethan storms into the class and glares at Nat.)