A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, they really mean a lot to me. I can't thank you guys enough!Just a warning, there is a scene with adult content in the end, so please don't read it if you find it uncomfortable. Thanks!
Chapter Ten: Love Like This
July was drawing to a close and the warm summer nights were now becoming increasingly chilly. It had been two weeks since Keith had found out about his dad having to leave, and Natalie was glad that he finally seemed to understand the position that his dad had been placed in. Even, if it had taken Henry some serious talks with Keith before he understood exactly why he was leaving. Understanding, of course didn't mean that Keith was any happier about him leaving, but at least now, he accepted it.
Natalie hadn't seen Keith for a few days since Henry wanted to spend as much time with Keith as possible. Even though Natalie knew she would see Keith soon, it still didn't stop her from missing him. They talked on the phone every night, but, sometimes it wasn't enough; she simply missed his presence. She missed the warmth she got when she was around him, the fact that he made her laugh without even trying, and the fact that she could be herself around him.
On the morning of the day that Keith was arriving, Natalie got up early. Keith was planning on coming over right after he dropped his dad off at the airport, which gave Natalie only a few hours to get some errands done.
Last night, after much persisting on Natalie's part, Keith had finally relented and told her a list of foods that he normally ate when he didn't feel well. He had told her he would buy them himself, but she had insisted—she wanted to do this for him. She wanted him to feel as welcome and as comfortable in her house as possible.
She arrived home with just enough time to unload the groceries before Keith was due to arrive. As she was putting away the food that she had bought, her mom walked into the kitchen.
"Hey," smiled Caroline, glancing around at the few bags of food that were on the counter. "Did you go shopping?" she asked, a little shocked.
Natalie nodded. "Yeah, I got some stuff for Keith," she said. "For when he doesn't feel well," she added, placing some fruit in the fridge.
Caroline nodded. "Oh, what kinds of food did you get?"
"Just ice cream, fruit, soup…"
Caroline opened up a cabinet for Natalie to place the few cans of soup she had bought on a shelf. "That was sweet of you," smiled Caroline, glancing at the clock. "When is Keith suppose to get here, again?" she wondered.
Natalie closed the cabinet, glancing at her watch. "He should be here, like now. Why?" She bundled up the empty plastic bags and threw them in the trash.
"Your father was thinking it would be fun to go out to eat tonight. Get to know Keith more. Plus, Zach is actually here and I don't think they've really met," mused Caroline. "You don't think it's a bad idea, do you?"
Natalie shook her head. "No," she smiled. The doorbell rang, and Natalie hurriedly added. "Not at all. It'll be fun. That's him now."
Once Natalie opened the door, and Keith caught sight of Natalie, a huge grin grew on his face. "Finally," said Natalie, hugging him before he could even walk into the house.
He wrapped his free hand around her. "Finally?" he chuckled. "I'm only a few minutes late."
Natalie glanced up at him. "I missed you is all," she smiled. He bent down to kiss her, before she pulled away.
"I missed you too, Partner." He closed the door behind him. He went to place his bag on the floor, but changed his mind. "Where should I put this?" he asked.
"You can just set it down there," she pointed next to the door. "Is that all you packed?" she asked aghast, noticing how small his bag was.
He placed his bag down, glanced at it, before giving Natalie a confused expression. " Yeah. Is that bad?"
She shrugged. "No, but it's so small," she commented.
Keith grinned at her. "I'm a guy, how much stuff do I really need?"
"I guess you're right," admitted Natalie.
"Hey, Keith," said Caroline, walking out of the kitchen. "How are you?"
Keith looked a bit uncomfortable. "I'm fine, thanks. You?" He scratched the back of his neck in nervousness.
Caroline smiled. "I'm doing great, thanks for asking. Are you hungry?" she asked.
Keith nodded. "Yes," he replied slowly, a small smile beginning to appear on his face.
"Great. We're going out to eat. I'm just going to get everyone," she pointed upstairs. "You guys should think of a place you want to eat at, okay? Keith gets to pick."
"I don't know," started Keith, but Natalie interrupted him.
"Sounds good, Mom. We'll just go wait in the living room," said Natalie, dragging Keith with her.
He sat next to her, before turning to look at her. "You don't think they're mad, do you?" he asked seriously.
Natalie narrowed her eyebrows. "Mad, who?"
"Your parents," he stated, as if it was obvious. He lowered his voice. "I said bullshit in front of them."
Natalie smirked and rolled her eyes. "Keith, how many times have you apologized in the past two weeks? They weren't even mad in the first place."
"But—"
Natalie placed her finger on his lips, silencing him. "Shhh. They aren't mad, okay."
He smiled against her fingertips. "Okay."
She brought her hand down, and laid on her back, head resting on his lap. "So, what do you feel like eating?"
"Anything," he smirked. "I'm starving."
Natalie stared into his eyes. "I missed you so much," she stated.
Keith bent down and kissed her on the forehead. "I saw you three days ago," he smiled.
"That was so long ago," she laughed.
Keith grinned. "I know, I know." He bent down to kiss her on the lips, but jumped up when he heard a scream. "Cynthia, hi," he smiled.
"Kissing's gross," she commented. "Why do you do it?"
"Because," he replied, as if this answered everything.
Cynthia was silent for a while. "Oh, okay. I get it." She smiled, nodding. "Can I show you some stuff?"
"What stuff?" asked Keith.
"My Hannah Montana stuff," she replied in one excited breath.
Keith glanced down at Natalie, who was trying hard not to laugh. Keith looked back at Cynthia. "Hannah Montana?" he questioned. "What is a Hannah Montana?"
"Excuse me?" she gasped, placing her hands on her hips.
Keith looked at Natalie for help. "Did I say something wrong?"
"'What is a Hannah Montana'?" quoted Cynthia, rolling her eyes. "She is a singer! An amazing singer."
"I've never heard of her," he admitted. Cynthia glared at him, and Keith backed up as far into the couch as he could. "Is that bad?" he asked, already knowing the answer.
Cynthia shook her head. "This is horrible. We have some serious work to do."
"Serious work?" asked Keith. "Like what?"
"I have to show you everything. I especially need to show you all her T.V. episodes. Come on; let's go upstairs to my room now," she said, grabbing Keith and trying to pull him up, even though Natalie was still lying on his lap.
"We're going out to eat Cynthia," said Caroline as she walked down the stairs. "You can show Keith your stuff tomorrow."
Cynthia let go of Keith's hand and turned around. "But, Mom," she whined, "he doesn't know who Hannah Montana is."
Caroline laughed, glancing at Keith. "You're in big trouble," she laughed.
"I can tell," said Keith. Both Natalie and Keith stood up.
"So, have you decided where you want to eat?" asked Caroline just as Pete and Zach walked down the stairs.
"Hey, man," said Zach, nodding towards Keith.
"Hey," said Keith nodding to both Zach and Pete.
"So, Keith?" asked Caroline, glancing at him and waiting for an answer.
Keith glanced at Natalie for help, but she shrugged, making sure that he chose a place he wanted to go to. "Um, how about pizza?"
"Yes!" exclaimed Cynthia.
Pete laughed. "I think someone agrees with you."
They had all decided to go to Fargo's Pizza. It was a huge pizza restaurant, but more fancy than a Pizza Hut or Domino's. Natalie also loved this particular pizza restaurant because if you were lucky, at the top floor there were two seats that had windows where you could look down to the kitchen and watch the chefs cooking.
Cynthia must have been reading Natalie's mind because as soon as they walked into the restaurant she ran up the flight of stairs leading to those particular seats.
"Where is she going?" asked Keith, following behind Natalie.
"To our special seats," smiled Natalie, grabbing Keith's hand and following her parents and brother up the stairs.
"Special seat?" he asked. "What do you mean?"
"You'll see. Patience, my dear," she laughed. They reached the top, and Natalie was excited to see that Cynthia had been able to get their spot.
"Keith," Cynthia called. "Sit here, by me. Then, you can look through this window and watch them make pizzas."
"Really?" asked Keith, childish excitement echoing through his voice as he took the seat next to Cynthia.
She turned around, nodding her head so quickly that her ponytail was bouncing up and down. "Look," pointed Cynthia, backing up in her chair so Keith could lean over and glance through the window.
"Wow," he said, "that's really cool." He watched the chefs for a few minutes before he sat back down in his seat, and Cynthia resumed looking through the window.
"My sister seems to like you more than me," surmised Zach.
Cynthia turned to Zach, sticking out her tongue. "Well, it's true. 'Cause he's nice me to and you aren't!"
Zach looked thoughtful for a minute, before nodding slowly. "That's probably true. But just wait, he's going to get annoyed with you soon enough," he argued.
Cynthia looked incredibly upset and this declaration. "No, he won't," she whispered, shaking her head as if she was in denial. She glanced over at Keith. "Will you?"
"'Course not," smiled Keith.
"Cool!" said Cynthia, happy at his answer. She stuck her tongue at Zach once more before returning to her previous position of looking through the tiny window.
A young waitress came over, dressed in Victorian clothing and took their drink orders. Once she left everyone glanced down at their menus, and they began debating what kinds of pizzas to get. After much arguing, they finally decided to get one extra large pepperoni and one small pineapple and ham pizza for Natalie and her mom to share. Natalie didn't understand why everyone but her mom thought pineapple and ham pizza was gross, she thought it was the best pizza ever made.
"So, Mom, Dad," started Natalie. "I've been thinking."
"Wow," said Zach, "now that's something new."
"Shut up," hissed Natalie, throwing her empty straw wrapper at Zach and hitting him in the eye.
"Yes, dear?" asked Caroline, not seeming at all fazed at their behavior.
Natalie cleared her throat before she spoke. "I was thinking that I'd try and get a job this year? What do you think?"
Caroline smiled. "I think that's a great idea." Natalie glanced over at her dad who smiled in approval. "Where are you thinking of applying?"
"Well, Hooked on Books is actually applying for part-time shifts so I was thinking of going over there. I just have to fill out their application form."
"Hooked on Books, is that the bookstore that you always go to?" asked Pete.
Natalie took a sip of her Coke before answering. "Yeah, it's that really small bookstore, a few miles away. It has a tiny coffee place in it as well," mentioned Natalie. This was why she liked this bookstore more than the big chains. It was small, and simple. She could always go there and read, and drink coffee without getting interrupted; she had always found the place to be really relaxing.
"Books?" spoke up Keith. "Why would you want to work at a book store?" he joked.
Natalie rolled her eyes. "Hey, maybe you should go there sometime. You could learn something."
"Learn something, how?" he asked, grinning.
Natalie giggled. "You could, oh, I dunno, read."
"Read?" said Keith, as if the idea was foreign to him. "No, way," he shook his head. "I'd rather play video games."
"You're hopeless," said Natalie.
"Video games," piped up Zach. "You play?"
Keith nodded. "Oh yeah, man, all the time."
"Sweet, man," grinned Zach. "We should play some when we get home. You down?"
Keith grinned. "Definitely."
Natalie rolled her eyes as Zach and Keith began to go into more detail about their favorite video games—this was talk Natalie could not understand. She was lucky that it wasn't busy tonight, and the pizza came quickly, shutting up Zach and Keith after a few minutes.
As they finished eating, Caroline started conversation with Keith. "So, Keith, you have everything you need at our house, right?"
He nodded. "Yup, I brought over my stuff today."
Caroline smiled. "Great. Now, I want you to feel as welcome and comfortable at our house as possible. So, if you need anything, you just let any of us know, okay?"
Natalie saw a tiny blush rise on Keith face. "Um, yeah, thanks, but I think I have everything I'll need."
"Keith," said Cynthia, poking him in the arm until he looked over at her. "Watch this." She placed her lips on her straw and started making bubbles. After a few seconds, she looked at him. "Isn't it cool?" she asked. "You should try it."
Keith eyes shined, before he imitated Cynthia, blowing bubbles into his drink. "Sometimes," said Natalie, as both of them continued to blow bubbles. "I think you're twelve and not eighteen."
This caused Keith to laugh, causing his bubbles to get really big and explode. Cynthia thought this was hilarious and starting laughing uncontrollably. Keith stopped blowing bubbles, leaning near Natalie. "You still love me though, right?" he whispered, his voice quiet enough for only her to hear.
"Why," laughed Natalie, "I don't know."
The waitress gave them some empty boxes for their remaining pizza, as she dropped of their check. "How much do I owe you?" asked Keith, pulling out his wallet, and glancing at Natalie's parents.
Caroline looked shocked. "Don't be silly. You're not paying."
"Why not?" asked Keith, genuinely confused.
"There's no need," stated Caroline simply. "But, that was sweet of you to offer," she added.
Ten minutes later, once they paid their bill, they were making their way out of the restaurant when Cynthia caught sight of the arcade area, and ran into it. "Dad, Dad," she called. Pete followed her voice, before he found her in front of a machine with stuffed animals in it. "Please, can I do this," she begged.
Pete chuckled, shaking his head. "Honey, every time we come here, we try it. Zach and I have never been able to win. It's a waste of money."
"But," she whined, turning to look at Keith. "Can Keith try?"
Natalie laughed at the excited expression that crossed Keith's face, tightening her grip on his hand. He glanced at Natalie. "You think I can't do it?" he asked, pulling out his wallet from his jeans.
"Keith," said Caroline. "Don't waste your money. Cynthia has plenty of stuffed animals."
He didn't listen to them, and walked over to the machine, placing a five dollar bill in the slot. "Okay," he asked Cynthia. "Which one do you want?"
"That one," she said, pointing to a white stuffed unicorn.
"The unicorn?" asked Keith. Cynthia nodded, excited. Natalie walked up next to Keith, ready to watch him attempt to catch the unicorn with the claw.
Natalie didn't know how he did it, but on the first attempt, the claw grabbed the unicorn, lifted it, and deposited it in the bucket. He had made it look so easy; Natalie couldn't remember how many times her Dad and brother had tried to attempt to win something for Cynthia.
"Oh my god," said Cynthia, grabbing the unicorn from the opening and hugging it to her chest, before giving Keith a quick hug. "Mom, Dad, look," she exclaimed, running over to her parents to show them her unicorn.
"She has you wrapped around her finger, you know that," said Natalie, kissing him on the lips, before grabbing his hand as they followed everyone out to the car.
Keith looked over to her. "Jealous?" he joked.
"Maybe," laughed Natalie. They stopped at the van, waiting for Zach and Cynthia to get in.
While waiting, he leaned close to Natalie, touching his forehead against hers. "Love you," he whispered, before getting into the car.
"Love you, too," whispered Natalie.
How was it possible that she could love him so much? There was no way to describe the love she had for him, felt for him. It was too simple, and too much at the same time.
Maybe, thought Natalie, this was just how love was.
Just like this.
If that was the case, Natalie never wanted it to change.
That night, just before Natalie went to bed, she snuck a peak into Zach's room, where both Keith and he had disappeared once they had gotten home. Smirking, she saw Keith and Zach intensely looking at the television as they played a video game, surrounded by junk food.
She closed Zach's door softly, careful not to make her presence known. Once the door was closed, she leaned against it and sighed. This was how she wanted life to be. Filled with so much love and happiness. If life could stay like this, just like this, she'd be happy.
She didn't need anything else. As long as she had her family and this love surrounding her.
The next morning when Natalie awoke, she was excited that she could just walk down the hall and see Keith. But, even though she wanted to see him, wanted to lie next to him and just be with him, she decided to let him sleep in. She wasn't sure how long he and Zach had played video games, and wanted him to get as much sleep as possible.
To make time pass before she felt it late enough to wake Keith up, she took a shower, and got ready. By the time she was finished and ready to go down for breakfast it was already ten in the morning.
Late enough to wake Keith up.
When she was on her way to Keith's room, she heard Keith's voice coming from Zach's room. So, not bothering to knock, she opened the door and stepped in.
Natalie stood in the entryway of Zach's room, for a few seconds, shocked. There they were, still playing the Playstation. "Have you guys been sitting around here, playing video games the whole night?" asked Natalie. The shock had worn off so she went to sit on Zach's bed.
Zach paused the game, and both of them turned to look at her. "It's morning?" asked Keith. At the sight of him, Natalie knew they had stayed up the entire night. His eyes were bloodshot from tiredness, and he kept yawning.
Natalie rolled her eyes. "Yes, it's morning. How can you guys play that thing all night?"
"It's fun," smiled Keith, as if this explained it.
"He's good," said Zach, giving him a brotherly slap on the back. "He got me past some levels I've been stuck on," he admitted.
Natalie couldn't comprehend why that was so cool. She just didn't understand boys and their hobbies. "You guys have too much time on your hands," she stated.
Zach and Keith looked at each other before nodding. "Pretty much," mused Zach.
"How did you manage to stay up the whole night?" she wondered.
"Junk food," said Zach, stuffing a piece of cold pizza in his mouth.
Natalie grimaced. "Junk food?"
"And coffee," smiled Keith, lifting up the coffee cup that was sitting next to him.
"Coffee?"
"It does wonders," said Keith. "What time is it anyway?"
"Like ten, why?" wondered Natalie.
"Shit," said Keith, standing up quickly.
"What?" asked Natalie, wondering why Keith looked suddenly worried.
"I forgot. I need to take my pills today." Natalie followed him into his room where he quickly opened up his bag, and began taking out bottles of pills. He set the bottles on the dresser, and took one pill out of each.
"What are those pills for?" asked Natalie hesitantly.
He turned to look at her, screwing the lids on the bottles. "These are just my oral medications, for the chemo, I mean. I'm supposed to start the oral treatment today. The rest, they're just some anti-nausea pills, anti-pain and others…"
"Oh," said Natalie. "Do you get similar symptoms from the oral treatment as well?"
He nodded regretfully. "Most likely, yes. I mean, they aren't much different, it's just not as strong as when I do the IV drip."
"That makes since. You need some water?" she asked, figuring that was the reason he hadn't take the pills yet.
"Yeah." He glanced at the pills in the palm of his hand. "Um, I should also probably eat something, with these," he said, glancing up at her. "They shouldn't be taken on an empty stomach."
"Doesn't all that junk food you ate last night count?" joked Natalie, causing Keith to glare at her. "I'll make eggs and bacon. Sound good?" She stood up.
"Perfect," he smiled. They made their way into the kitchen. Keith sat at the table and took his pills, while Natalie started cooking breakfast. Natalie didn't hear anything from Keith while she was cooking. Once the eggs finished, and the bacon was done frying, she divided them onto two plates, bringing them into the kitchen. When she caught sight of Keith, Natalie had to bite her lip from laughing. He had his head rested on his arms on the table, and was sound asleep. Natalie set the dish in front of Keith, and sat down next to him.
"Keith," she shook him. "I know you're tired, but you have to eat."
He didn't move, and Natalie wondered if she'd even be able to wake him up. She shook him again, and he finally moaned and opened his eyes. He lifted his head up, rubbing his eyes as if it would help him stay awake. "Sorry," he grinned, pulling the plate towards him. "I think I need more coffee." He took a bite of eggs.
"I'm making some now," she said, taking a bite of bacon. "It should be done in a few minutes."
"I can't believe you stayed up all night," said Natalie. "I don't think I've done that since middle school."
He smiled. "It was fun. Your brother is a pretty cool guy."
Natalie laughed. "If you say so." They ate their food for a few minutes, and then Natalie got up and poured two cups of coffee, adding cream and sugar to hers, leaving Keith's black.
"Thanks, Partner," smiled Keith, as she handed him his cup. Just as they were finishing up their breakfast, Cynthia walked in carrying a DVD.
"Keith," she said. "Will you watch this with me?" she asked, handing him the DVD which he took from her to look at.
"Is this Hannah Montana?" he guessed, turning the DVD over.
She nodded, grinning. "Yup, it is. Can we watch my favorite episode?"
"Sure. What's that?"
Cynthia took the DVD from him. "It's 'When You Wish You Were the Star,'" she stated. "It has Jesse McCartney in it."
Keith ate the rest of his food in a hurry, and stood up. "Okay, let's go," he said, with excitement that made Cynthia smile. "Come on, Partner. You're going to watch this too," Keith called, grabbing his cup of coffee and following Cynthia into the living room.
When Natalie sat down on the couch, Keith leaned up against her, waiting for Cynthia to start the episode. "You going to be able to stay awake?" she asked, as he yawned.
He yawned again before speaking. "I better, or she'll yell at me," he joked, glancing over at Cynthia who was sitting in the chair next to them.
They started the episode and halfway through it, Cynthia glanced over at Keith, then back to the T.V. "You know," she stated, pausing the episode. "Jesse McCartney, he looks a lot like you. Doesn't he, Natalie?"
Natalie glanced at Keith and back at the T.V. "You're right. He does."
"Jesse who?" asked Keith.
"McCartney, duh," said Cynthia, as if this was the most obvious thing in the world. "The singer."
"Oh, right," said Keith. "Him."
"You have no idea who he is, do you?" asked Natalie.
Keith looked guilty. "Um, no, not at all."
"Natalie, your boyfriend's hopeless," said Cynthia.
"I know," laughed Natalie.
Cynthia went to start the episode, but turned to look back at Keith. "Can you sing?" she wondered seriously.
Keith chuckled. "Me, sing?" he asked. "No way," he shook his head.
"Darn," said Cynthia. "That would have been really cool. But, you could still go as Jesse McCartney for Halloween. You just wouldn't be able to do the singing part. "
"I have the wrong hair color," said Keith, hoping to get out of this.
"We can get you a wig, or dye it," said Cynthia. "Don't worry, we have a few months to figure this out," she declared, starting the episode again.
"I'm in big trouble," whispered Keith, glancing over at Natalie.
"Don't look at me," smiled Natalie. "You're going to have to get out of that one yourself."
They watched another episode straight after, and Natalie was shocked that Keith was able to stay awake. However, halfway during the third episode, Keith got up, telling them he'd be right back.
But he never returned.
Once the episode ended, Natalie was a bit worried as to where he went. "Where's Keith?" asked Cynthia, taking the DVD out. Realizing for the first time, Keith was gone.
"I don't know," replied Natalie. "Maybe he fell asleep or something," she surmised. Natalie got up from the couch, and walked upstairs, checking his room to see if he had fallen asleep but he wasn't there. She checked Zach's room, but he wasn't there either.
The only other place he could be was her room, so she went in to check. When she walked in she saw her bathroom light on, she walked up to it knocking hesitantly. "Keith?" she called before opening the door.
He was leaning up against the wall, and gave her a small forced smile when she walked in. "Hey," he said softly.
Natalie knelt down next to him. "You okay?" she asked, glancing in his eyes, making sure he was telling the truth.
He shrugged, looking embarrassed. "I'm just feeling a little nauseous."
"Do you need anything?" she asked.
He leaned his head against the wall. "Do you think I could get some water?"
Natalie smiled. "Sure. I'll be right—"
"I'll go get it." Cynthia cut her off, surprising Natalie who hadn't realized Cynthia had followed her.
"Okay," smiled Natalie. Cynthia ran out of the room, a smile on her face, excited to be helpful.
Natalie glanced over to Keith, just as he was yawning. "Do you want to take a nap?" she asked.
He looked over at her and nodded. "Yeah, I think sleep is the only thing that will help, honestly."
"Okay," said Natalie, standing up. She grabbed Keith's hand to help him up.
Once they walked out of Natalie's bathroom, Keith walked over to Natalie's bed and fell on top of it. He grabbed her pillows and pilled them on top of each other, before leaning his head on them. "You wanna sleep here?" guessed Natalie.
"Please?" he asked, trying giving her his cutest look.
Natalie looked thoughtful. "Well, I dunno," she joked, causing him to pout. "Well, I guess you can," laughed Natalie. "You want me to close my curtains?" He nodded.
Cynthia walked back in just as Natalie finished closing her curtains. "Here, Keith," she said handing him a cup of water, which she had even placed a straw in it.
He sat up, taking the cup from her. "Thanks, Cynthia." He took a few sips before setting it on Natalie's nightstand. He laid back down.
"I also brought you this," said Cynthia, covering him with a blanket that had Hannah Montana on it. "It's my favorite blanket, but I thought you might need it."
Keith looked genuinely thankful at Cynthia's thoughtfulness "Thanks a lot, Cynthia," he said sincerely.
"Feel better," she said, before running out of the room.
Natalie sat down on the bed, and Keith opened his eyes. "I'm sorry," he said, still looking embarrassed. Natalie hoped that one day, he wouldn't be embarrassed at appearing weak in front of her.
"It's fine," said Natalie, bending down and kissing him on the forehead. "This is normal though, right?"
"What do you mean?"
"Getting nauseous like this. You only took the pills a few hours ago."
He mumbled something that Natalie couldn't understand. "What was that?" asked Natalie.
"Yeah, it's normal. I just," he stopped. "I probably shouldn't have eaten all that junk food, and greasy food, like pizza can make it worse. The symptoms, I mean."
"Keith, you need to tell me and my family that stuff, okay?" said Natalie, upset that he had left these important facts out.
He gave her a small nod. "I know, I will."
"Promise?"
"Promise."
"Get some sleep, okay?" she kissed him again, and his eyes drifted closed. Natalie stayed there until his breathing evened out and she knew he was asleep.
"Now, you can't tell Keith about any of this, okay?" whispered Natalie, as both she and Cynthia quietly got out of Keith's truck.
"I won't," said Cynthia. "But, what do you need all this stuff for, anyway?"
"That's not something you need to know, okay?" she said seriously.
Cynthia glared at her. "Fine," she said, taking off her shoes before she walked into the kitchen where they could hear Caroline making dinner.
Natalie quietly walked into her room, gently closing the door behind her as she carefully got onto her bed and laid next to Keith. He was still deep asleep, so she gently starting running her fingers over his arm, to wake him up slowly.
A few minutes later, he rolled over to face her, opening his eyes. "Hey," he said, his voice thick with sleep.
"How you feeling?" she asked.
"Better, I guess," he admitted. "What time is it?"
"Almost five."
"I slept that long?" he asked, looking a bit shocked. "I'm sorry."
Natalie nodded. "It's okay. You want some dinner?"
He looked skeptical. "Um, what is your Mom cooking?"
"I think lasagna," said Natalie. She could tell by the look on Keith's face that it didn't sound appetizing to him.
"Do you think I could have something else?" he asked hesitantly.
"Of course," said Natalie. "What would you like?"
He sat up; the blanket Cynthia let him borrow falling off of him and onto the floor. "Something kind of bland."
"Well, I bought some stuff for you. I got mashed potatoes and soup. Would any of that do? I'm sorry, I didn't get too much. I thought I'd wait…"
"Soup sounds good," he smiled.
"Great," she said, leaning her head against him. He wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.
"Thanks," he whispered, almost so quietly that Natalie could barely hear him. He rested his chin on her head.
"I have a surprise for you, later, if you feel okay to go out."
"A surprise?" he repeated, excitement filling his voice. She nodded, moving her head so she could get a good look at his face. "What is it?" he asked.
Natalie giggled. "I can't tell you. It wouldn't be a surprise then, would it?"
Natalie was worried since Keith had barely eaten half of the soup she made him, but he had still insisted that he felt good enough to go out on their surprise.
"So, where are we going?" asked Keith, zipping up his black hoodie. "Hey," he said, recognition crossing his face. "That jacket looks familiar."
"Really?" asked Natalie innocently, glancing down at her jacket—Keith's jacket—that she was wearing. "That's strange. I just found it in my room," she said, feigning ignorance.
"Imagine that," smiled Keith. "So, what are we doing?"
"You'll find out," she said.
Natalie grabbed a set of keys from her pocket, handing them to Keith. "Hey, these are mine," he said.
"I know," she smiled. "You're driving."
As soon as they left Natalie's neighborhood, she began giving Keith random directions. "Turn here," Natalie pointed to a side street. Keith complied, giving her a curious look while doing so.
Once he turned on the street, he looked over to her. "I have no idea where we are."
She smiled, excited. "That's the plan. Stop, here," she said, picking a random house to stop at.
He slammed on the brakes, causing Natalie to almost hit the dashboard, he chucked. "What?' he said innocently. "You told me to stop."
Natalie glared at him. "Not like that. Geez, you're going to give me whiplash."
He smiled, and then glanced outside. The sun was setting casting an eerie orange and yellow glow. "So, why are we here of all places?"
Natalie bent down and grabbed a bag that was sitting at her feet. Keith watched her with curious eyes as she unzipped it. Inside the bag were two bowling balls.
"Bowling balls?" he asked, smirking. "Now, where did you get this idea from?"
"Oh someone, you don't know him," she stated, eyes shining.
He glanced more closely at the bowling balls. "Are these the ones that we had last time?"
"Yup. They were back at The Salvation Army. I remembered seeing them when we got the suitcase so Cynthia and I went back and go them today."
He turned to look at the house that he had parked at, he pointed at it. "So, who exactly are we going to be leaving a bowling ball for?" he asked excited to take part in one of his favorite activities.
Natalie shrugged. "No one in particular."
"Even better," he smiled. "You go first. It was your idea anyway."
She unbuckled her seatbelt, holding the bowling ball close to her chest. "Okay, I'll be back."
He watched her cross the newly cut grass on the front yard and place the bowling ball right in the middle of the yard. She ran back, throwing herself into the truck. "Keith—GO! I think someone saw me," she said hysterically. She had sworn she had seen someone from the corner of her eye watching her place the bowling ball on the grass.
He started the truck slowly—painstakingly slow—to Natalie. He fixed his mirror, but when he glanced out of his rear view mirror, his smile turned down to a frown. "Oh shit," he cursed.
"What?" Natalie glanced over her shoulder. At the sight of someone walking towards them, her heart started racing. "Oh no," she whispered. An old lady had walked out of her house, picked up the bowling ball, holding it rather difficulty to her chest, and was making her way over to the truck.
As she got closer to them, Keith lowered his window, giving the old lady a huge lopsided grin. "Hello, Miss," he introduced. "Is there something you need?" he asked, trying to be charming.
She walked close the side of the truck; she was barely tall enough to see inside. She glanced up at Keith. "Yes, that young girl just dropped this bowling ball off in my yard." She still held onto the bowling ball, tightly as if she didn't want to let go of it. "Oh?" Keith said. The old lady nodded her head. "We don't have any bowling balls."
"Yes you do. There is one, right there." She moved her head to indicate the bowling ball that was sitting between Natalie and Keith.
Keith looked to where she had indicated. "Oh, you're right," he bent lower so he could whisper into her ear. "You see, Miss. We're, that is, Natalie and I, are part of a Bowling Ball Giving Ring."
She perked up at this. "Like a secret group?"
Keith and Natalie nodded. "Yes, a secret group, but you have to be very quiet about it because if word gets out," he shook his head, looking sullen. "I don't even want to think about what will happen."
"What does this secret Bowling Ball Giving Ring group do?"
Natalie spoke up. "Oh, well you, see, bowling is the most popular sport in America and we think that more people should join in, so we help people out by dropping bowling balls off on their front lawns."
The old lady nodded in understanding. "That is so nice of you two. Thinking of others. Well, I think I may just try bowling out," she smiled at them, glancing down at her bowling ball. "Would you look at that," she exclaimed. "Pasty, engraved in the bowling ball. That was my nickname my hubby use to call me."
"Then, that's the perfect bowling ball for you," smiled Keith. "It's lucky already."
The old lady's eyes shined. "Indeed it is. You two have a nice evening." She trotted off, in her pink slippers; the rollers in her hair were falling out from the slight breeze, but she was still holding her new bowling ball tight to her chest, almost afraid as if someone was going to come by and take it from her. They both watched her until she walked into her house, then they started laughing.
"I can't believe," Natalie had to stop to catch her breath, "she actually bought that."
Keith was laughing so hard he couldn't speak for a few seconds, finally he choked out. "I thought we were totally busted."
"You weren't scared, though," commented Natalie.
He turned to look at her. "Me? Nah."
"Why, though?" she asked curious. "We could have gotten into some serious trouble."
"Serious trouble? Probably not, trust me there are a lot worse things to be scared about than dropping a bowling ball off on someone's lawn and getting caught."
Seconds passed before she responded. "I'm beginning to realize that, thanks to you." And she was. Ever since she had met him he had allowed to her to actually live her life instead of following what other people wanted and expected of her. Sometimes it was fun to break the rules, to be a little spontaneous, like she was tonight. "To be silly, careless, adventuresome, brave—it's kind of fun," she added.
Keith started his truck and began driving a random direction to the next house. They dropped off the last bowling ball a couple blocks away, and luckily didn't get caught again.
"Where are you going?" asked Natalie, as Keith began driving in the direction of her house.
Keith glanced over at her. "Um, your house," he said, looking at her curiously.
"You don't think we're done, do you?" asked Natalie, smirking.
"There were only two bowling balls, Partner," he replied, rolling his eyes.
Natalie nodded. "Yes," she said slowly. "But, we haven't gotten to the stuff in the back yet."
"What stuff?" asked Keith.
"Don't ask questions," said Natalie. "Turn over here."
Keith looked beyond confused, but excited as well. He turned where Natalie pointed and continued to follow her directions until she told him to stop. "What are we doing?" asked Keith.
Natalie unbuckled her seatbelt. "Just watch and learn," she smiled. Keith watched as Natalie got out of the truck, and took off a tarp that was covering a bunch of white metal reindeer. The reindeers that were normally found in the front yard during Christmastime.
She grabbed two of them from the back of the truck and quietly carried them to the front yard of the house. Quickly, she arranged the two reindeer and admired her work. She glanced back at Keith, and laughed at his dumbfounded expression. Looking back at the display, she let out a laugh again, upon seeing the buck which was straddling the other reindeer in a suggestive position. When she got back into the truck, Keith was giving her a look of astonishment mixed with pride. "Seems like the student has become the master," he winked, pride overflowing in his voice.
"We still have three reindeer left. It's your turn next." She gave him the directions to the next house, and when he parked he turned to give her a curious look.
"Raff's house?" he asked, curious.
"Yup," she nodded.
"I love you," he whispered, an excited glint in his eyes.
Keith got out of the truck, and carefully grabbed the three reindeer from the back of the truck. He arranged the three into a position that made even Natalie blush. Just as he was finishing up the arrangement, the front door of the house opened and Raff came running out.
Running, Keith jumped into his truck. Raff had stopped running, glanced at the display, before glancing at Keith.
"Payback's a bitch," yelled Keith, flipping off Raff as he drove away, laughing.
"Did you see his face?" laughed Natalie.
Keith, continuing to laugh, looked into Natalie's eyes. "I really love you."
A/N: Hey, guys. Even though I did mention that this story is already completed. I've been rewriting a lot of what I've written. What I would really love is some feedback from my readers on what your favorite types of scenes are, and what you'd like to see more of. Would you like more angst? Drama? Romance? Humor? Please let me know! I'd really appreciate it. Thanks so much for reading; I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
By the way, I know that this story is set in 2006 and that Jesse McCartney didn't film the Hannah Montana episode until 2007, but for the sake of this chapter, let's just pretend it was already on DVD in 2006…