A/N: Thank you guys for all of the reviews and your suggestions. I will definitely be incorporating them into the next few chapters! Just a warning, there is some adult content (honest, this time!) and some scenes of sexual reference in this chapter, so please don't read them it if it makes you uncomfortable.
Chapter Eleven: This Is My Now
A few weeks had passed and nothing much had gone on. To Natalie, it seemed that Keith was starting to feel more comfortable in her house, for which she was extremely grateful. Natalie had also turned in her resume to Hooked on Books, and had gotten an immediate call back to do an interview, which was scheduled in a few days time. She was really nervous, but Keith kept reassuring her that she was fretting over nothing.
It was a Sunday afternoon, and Natalie was in the living room reading, while Keith was over at Andy's, his friend who helped him with his truck. She hadn't been reading for long when she heard her parents start yelling. Quietly, she stood up, tip-toeing down the hallway towards their room. She poised her arm, ready to knock, but quickly lowered it, changing her mind about interrupting them; instead, she leaned close to the door, listening.
"Pete, we can go in two years, but I really don't think now isn't the right time," said Caroline, her voice full of determination.
"Honey, you've been dreaming of going to Italy since you were younger—we've had this vacation planned for years."
Caroline huffed. "Then another year or two won't make a difference," she argued.
There was movement and Natalie backed away a few inches from the door. "We have the money," he stated. "Just because we're—"
"You never know," Caroline cut him off. "What if something happens, I don't want to take any chances."
"That's not going to—"
"Pete, this is the end of the discussion. I'm not risking this; just imagine if we couldn't," she breathed deeply. "I can't bear to imagine, they'd be devastated. We'd be devastated. I—"
"We'll wait," Pete sighed, and started whispering something quietly enough that Natalie couldn't hear.
Natalie was going to stay and listen in more, to see if she could make sense of their words, but she heard the front door open, and her name being called.
"Partner? You home?" the voice called again.
Quickly, she walked down the hall, and back into the living room. "Hey," she smiled, catching sight of Keith.
"What's up?" he asked, walking over to hug her.
"Nothing much. I was just reading my book," she said, hoping she didn't sound too guilty.
He rolled his eyes. "What's new?"
Natalie swatted him on the arm playfully. "Shut up. How was Andy's?
"It was great," a huge grin spread across his face. "Do you wanna make some lunch? I'm starving."
"Sure," she smiled, following Keith into the kitchen. The conversation she had overheard from her parents, quickly escaping to the back of her mind.
A few days later, the morning of her interview, Natalie woke up nervous. After many outfit changes, she finally settled on black slacks and a black and white polka dot dress shirt. She curled her hair a little at the ends, making sure it didn't look too fancy.
When she walked into the kitchen after getting ready, she was surprised to see Keith awake, still in his pajamas, standing in front of the stove. "What are you doing?" she asked standing in the entryway to the kitchen.
He turned around, a huge grin plastered on his face. "Making you breakfast," he said, as if this was obvious. He walked up to her, wrapping his arms around her before bending down and kissing her on the lips. "Good morning," he said once they broke away.
"Morning," she said, smiling. "You really got up early to make me breakfast?"
He walked back over to the stove to check on the eggs and bacon. "Of course," he smiled. "You make me breakfast all the time. Plus, today is your big day. You're going to get a job," he exclaimed happily.
Natalie frowned as she took a sit at the kitchen table. "I'm not sure," she sighed. "I mean, I have no experience."
He grabbed two plates, placing some eggs and bacon on each, before handing one to Natalie. "Thanks," she grinned. "This looks really good."
He sat next to her, taking a bite of bacon before speaking. "I hope it tastes good."
Natalie tried the eggs. "It's great," she said.
Keith took a sip of coffee. "So, you ready?"
Natalie shook her head, glancing up to Keith. "I'm so nervous. I've never had an interview, I don't even know what to expect."
"They're not that bad," said Keith seriously. "You're worrying over nothing."
"You've had a job?"
Keith nodded. "Yeah, not for a long, though."
"Where at?" asked Natalie, curious.
"At Andy's shop, actually. That's where I met him," he said.
"When was that?" wondered Natalie.
"Just before junior year of high school, right after my mom died," mentioned Keith thoughtfully.
"Why'd you quit?"
Keith looked a bit upset at this question, but still answered. "Well, a few months after I got the job that's when I got sick. I mean, we didn't find out I had leukemia for a long time. I was just sick a lot, and I had to keep missing work. Andy was nice about it, though," he said wistfully. "But, once we found out what was wrong, I had to quit, since I had to go through chemo and still go to school. Working wasn't really an option."
"Wow, I'm sorry," said Natalie. "That must have been hard, to have just lost your mom, and then to find out…"
Keith shrugged, averting his gaze to his plate. "Well, yeah, it was. Harder for my dad though, I think." He looked back up to Natalie. "But, Andy still lets me come over whenever I want, so I still get to learn as much as I want about trucks," he smiled.
"Oh joy," joked Natalie
Keith rolled his eyes. "Anyways, Partner, you're going to do fine today, they'll love you."
She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. "You're too sweet."
"Well, it's true," he said, before a thought occurred to him. "Can you still take me today? To my treatment. You know, I shouldn't drive after them."
"Of course, I shouldn't be gone too long."
"Thanks," he said. "You look beautiful, you know that?" he added.
Natalie blushed. "Really?" she whispered, staring into his eyes.
"The most beautiful girl I've ever seen," he stated.
As soon as Natalie walked into Hooked on Books, a vibrant lady, who looked to be in her early forties, greeted her as she walked in.
"Natalie, it's so nice to meet you." They shook hands.
"Nice to meet you too, um?"
"It's Melanie, I'm the owner," she smiled. "My, my, you're all dressed up," she exclaimed, looking Natalie over.
"Yeah," said Natalie. "I mean, this is an interview," she smiled, sensing Melanie's laid back nature.
Melanie laughed as she led Natalie into the back. Melanie opened a small door to her office, and Natalie walked in behind her. The office was small, and cluttered. There were books, pictures, and pieces of paper everywhere. Natalie wondered how she could even get anything done. Maybe, it was just disorganized chaos.
Melanie sat down at her chair, indicating for Natalie to sit down across from her. Once Natalie was settled, Melanie began talking. "Interview? I hate the word. Sounds too formal. I much rather prefer these to be considered getting-to-know-you meetings," she mused.
"That's a nice way to put it," smiled Natalie hesitantly. She glanced around the tiny office, trailing her eyes over the many pictures that were hanging crooked on the wall.
"Anyways, I just wanted to meet the person I'm going to hire. I need make sure you're not like some psycho that's going to take all my money one night and run off to Vegas and elope or something."
Natalie laughed, taking her gaze away from the pictures to look at Melanie. "Well, I was planning more like Hawaii, or the Bahamas."
"In that case, you're hired," stated Melanie. Natalie gave her a wary look. "I'm serious," she added, noticing Natalie's expression.
"Really?" asked Natalie breathlessly. "I have this," she handed her a piece of paper. "It's just my school transcripts. I've-I've never had a job," she admitted weakly, hoping this didn't ruin her chances.
Melanie grabbed the paper, setting it on her desk without glancing at it. She then proceeded to open a drawer in her desk, and began shuffling around, looking for something. After a few seconds, a smile graced her face and she pulled out a big box of chocolates. "Want one?" asked Melanie, handing her the box.
Natalie nervously grabbed a piece of chocolate. "Thanks." Natalie stared at Melanie nervously, trying to determine if this was for real, or if they were just playing some strange prank on her.
"Don't give me that look," laughed Melanie. "Trust me, this is for real. I'm just kind of a spaz—too much coffee, sugar, or something."
"So," asked Natalie hesitantly. "I have the job?"
Melanie nodded. "Didn't I tell you that already?" she said, biting into a piece of chocolate.
"I was just making—"
She cut her off. "So, how many hours do you want to work a week?"
"Whatever you need," said Natalie.
"How about you just make your own hours? I hate making schedules, damn waste of time. Confusing as hell, too."
"Um, sure," said Natalie slowly. "What kind of stuff do you need help with?"
Melanie tapped her pencil on her desk for a few seconds, in deep thought. "We need help with inventory, unpacking shipments, and sometimes, if it's really busy, help with the customers," she finally stated. "I guess twenty-five hours a week would be good."
Natalie smiled. "That works perfectly. What time—"
The door to Melanie's office banged opened, cutting Natalie off, and two identical looking girls walked in. "Sorry," they whispered in unison, glancing at Natalie.
"Are you busy?" one the girls asked, looking over to Melanie.
"Na, we're just chatting. Girls, I'd like you to meet Natalie," she said, waving her hands over to Natalie. "Natalie, these are my daughters. They work here."
"Hi," said Natalie, giving them both a small nervous smile.
"Hey," said the girl, standing nearest to Natalie. "I'm April."
"And I'm Dawn," said the other girl. "You can tell us apart by this," she said indicating to a freckle on her cheek.
"If it weren't for that freckle," commented Melanie while shaking her head. "I'd probably have mixed them up countless times and Dawn would be April and April would be Dawn, and April could've…You get the point."
"Nice to meet you," said Natalie, once Melanie stopped rambling.
"You too," they said, moving to take the two empty seats next to Natalie.
"So, are you going to be working here?" asked Dawn, taking a chocolate from the box that was sitting on her mom's desk.
"I think so," said Natalie, glancing at Melanie for confirmation again.
"Yes, she is," said Melanie. "She's going to work about twenty-five hours a week. She'll be helping with inventory, sales, and unloading shipments."
"Are there other employees here?" wondered Natalie.
Melanie shook her head. "Na, just us three. Well, my husband helps out some days, but he has his own job."
Natalie's eyes widened. "Wow, that's impressive."
Melanie shrugged. "It's a small store. We didn't really need anyone else until now, but it's starting to get a bit busier. Plus, Dawn and April will be starting college in a few weeks, and won't be able to work as much. So, I just need someone to help me some days."
"Seems like a lot of work to me," admitted Natalie. "When do you want me to start?"
"Tomorrow?" supplied Melanie.
"Sounds good. What time?"
"Two till close, which will be about eight," Melanie asked.
"That's perfect," said Natalie. Melanie, then, picked up Natalie's transcripts and began trailing her eyes over them.
Since Melanie was busy reading, April turned to Natalie. "It's going to be fun working with you," said April. "Won't make it so boring."
Melanie looked up. "April, don't scare her away. We just got her." She glanced at Natalie. "It's not boring, Natalie, we have a blast!"
"Seems like it," smiled Natalie.
"Good grief, girl," said Melanie, glancing at the transcripts once more. "I don't want to get too personal, but with these grades, why aren't you going to college?"
"Oh, um," stuttered Natalie. "My boyfriend."
Melanie looked upset. "You're not going to college because of your boyfriend? Now, I know you're a bright girl, but Natalie—"
"It's not like that," interrupted Natalie. They all gave her curious looks, so she continued. "He," she swallowed. "He has cancer."
Melanie's face fell. "Oh, I had no idea. I didn't mean to bring it up," she said seriously.
"It's fine," said Natalie sincerely. "He's going through treatment, but I mean that's never one hundred percent you know—he could still…Anyway, I just want to be here, with him, in case. And with college, it just takes a lot of time, you know? Plus, I'd really like a break."
"No regrets," said Melanie wistfully.
"Exactly," smiled Natalie.
"Is he cute?" spoke Dawn.
"Yup," said Natalie, grinning.
"Handsome?" wondered April.
"Oh, yeah," said Natalie, her grin growing.
"Sexy?" wondered Melanie, causing her daughters to glare at her in embarrassment.
"Definitely," laughed Natalie. "Most definitely."
That afternoon, Natalie was found in the waiting room of the hospital. Currently, she was flipping through her fifth magazine. What was taking them so long? She had been sitting in the waiting room for over four hours. She had already gone up to the nurses' desk five times, asking them when Keith would be done.
The old nurse had replied in an irritating voice. "These things take time, dear."
So, doing the only thing she could, she sat there, staring at the wall in front of her, watching the hands on the clock move slowly. She tried to keep her mind on other things, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Keith.
About a half hour since she had last asked the receptionist about Keith, a quiet voice brought her out of her thoughts. "Natalie?" She turned to look next to her to see Dr. Normandy, and she let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
"Is he done?" she asked, standing up, anxious to go see Keith.
"Yes, he's all done," he said slowly, making sure not to meet her in the eyes.
Natalie furrowed her brows at Dr. Normandy strange behavior. "Is something wrong?" she asked her voice demanding.
Dr. Normandy placed a hand on Natalie's shoulder, in an attempt to comfort her, but it didn't help. "Don't worry," he started, finally looking her in her eyes. "I just need to talk to you and Keith."
"Okay," said Natalie, feeling dread spread through her.
"What's going on?" asked Natalie, as soon as she walked up to Keith.
"Nothing much," he whispered, and Natalie sensed that he had some idea on what was going on, but didn't want to say anything.
Natalie sat down in the chair next to Keith, while Dr. Normandy stood near them. "Keith, the reason we have to do a bigger dose of chemo today was—"
"Bigger dose? What do you mean?" asked Natalie worriedly, glancing over at Keith who just shrugged sadly.
Dr. Normandy sighed. "The chemo, it's not working as well, or as fast, as I had expected. Natalie covered her eyes with her hand, trying to prevent tears from building. She felt Keith grab her hand tightly. "But, don't worry, it's only been a month and it's still working."
"My chances," spoke up Keith. "Of beating this. They're still good, right?" he asked hesitantly.
Natalie lowered her hand from her face to glance at Dr. Normandy, awaiting his answer. "Yes, they're still good, great even," he sighed. "Just not as good as I'd like. I'm sorry to tell this news to you guys, when it's only been month. I just had to let you guys know why we are making the changes. Just, don't lose hope, okay? We're just going to increase his dosages, and everything should be fine. It's just…Hope is always good."
Natalie glanced over to Keith, who was playing with an invisible string on his shirt, as if he was trying to ignore what Dr. Normandy was saying. "Hope," she whispered, squeezing Keith's hand to get his attention, he looked up her.
Glancing into Natalie's eyes, he whispered. "Hope."
Natalie and Keith talked to Dr. Normandy for a while, going over the specifics on what was going to change in Keith's treatment, before they left the hospital. Their moods were considerably down, but Natalie was going to try and make sure that what they had just found out didn't bring their moods down too much. They were almost to Natalie's house, when Keith glanced over to her, and spoke.
"Do we have to go back now?" he whispered.
Natalie glanced nervously at him. "No," she said slowly. "We don't. I just thought you might be tired."
He shrugged. "Yeah, well. Can we go to our spot?" he asked, brightening up a little.
Natalie nodded, quickly turning around and driving to their spot. They didn't speak, until they were sitting against their rock at their spot.
"This sucks," whispered Keith, staring ahead.
"Yeah," agreed Natalie, turning to look at him. "But, Dr. Normandy says the chemo is still working, and your chances are still great. They just have to change your dosages a bit."
"He's lying," said Keith, anger growing on his face. "Nothing's working, I bet."
Natalie turned her body so she could look at him. "Keith, why would you think that?" He shrugged. "He's not lying, he's being honest—but these things, they happen," she said, trying to make him feel better. "Dr. Normandy, he's just a doctor. He can only guess how the chemo is going to work. He was just letting us know the progress."
"Yeah, well—"
"Please, don't let this bring you down, okay?" Silence. "Please?"
He licked his lips before glancing over to her. "Okay, I won't. It was just really unexpected," he sighed. "I'm sorry for acting like this."
Natalie grabbed his hand to stop him from nervously pulling at the bottom of his shirt. "Hey, I understand. It's scary to think about the fact that the treatment might not work, but let's just not worry about the future, okay? Let's live in the now."
He turned to look at her, a contemplate look adoring his face. "Live in the now?" he whispered.
Natalie nodded hesitantly. "Yeah, how's that sound?"
Thankfully, a huge lopsided grin appeared across his face. "I think that sounds pretty good," he admitted. Natalie leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Can you promise me something?" spoke up Keith, a few minutes later.
"What?" asked Natalie softly.
"Just, if this doesn't all work out, and I…Just promise me, you'll follow your dreams, okay? I just need to make sure that you—"
"I promise," she whispered. He wrapped his arms around her, and she leaned her head against his shoulder.
Right now, they were together, and that was enough.
They both sat there, Natalie resting her head against Keith's shoulder, for how long she didn't know. It had to have been at least an hour, when Keith began yawning and Natalie figured it was time to go. "You wanna go?" she asked, sitting up.
He looked over at her, yawning again. "Yeah," he said. "I'm kind of tired."
They both stood up, but before they made their way back to the car, Keith grabbed something out of his pocket, bringing it up to his mouth. Natalie had to squint her eyes in the darkness to figure out what it was.
Tic-tacs.
He poured all of them into his mouth, before Natalie could stop him. "Hey," said Natalie. "I wanted one."
He glanced at his empty tic-tac box, giving her a sheepish look. "Sorry," he said meekly.
Natalie rolled her eyes, making her way to her car. But, just when her hand was inches away from the handle, Keith caught up to her, grabbing her wrist gently and turning her around so her back was leaning up against her car, and she was facing him.
"Wha—"
He crashed his lips against hers, silencing her. Greedily he ran his tongue over her bottom lip, demanding entrance.
She allowed it.
And the first thing she tasted was mint. She went to deepen the kiss, but Keith did something that surprised her, causing her to pull away from him, shocked.
"Keith!" she admonished.
He backed up a bit, giving her an adorable smirk. "You said you wanted a tic-tac, so I gave you one."
She couldn't get over how incredibly adorable he looked, standing there, in front of her, his green eyes shining with excitement at what he had just done. She grabbed the end of his t-shirt, pulling him closer to her, so she could whisper into his ear.
"I've changed my mind," she whispered, her breath tickling his ear. "I don't want a tic-tac."
He moved, placing his hands on each side of her, trapping her. He stared into her eyes. He leaned his face close to hers. "Why not?" he breathed, his voice low and husky.
"Because," she whispered, kissing his lips softly. "I want you instead." She looped her fingers through his belt loops, and he stumbled into her, his lips crashing onto hers.
She let go of his belt loops and instead gripped the bottom of his shirt and lifted. She wanted it off him...Now. She wanted to see his smooth skin, feel his smooth skin. His shirt was thrown carelessly onto the dirty ground within seconds. "I want you," he growled.
Quickly, and gracefully, at the same time, he opened the back door of her car, gently lifting her up and laying her down on the seat. He climbed on top of her, and she wrapped her arms around his back. He bent down, kissing her with a vigor and intensity she had never known him to have. It was new to her. And she liked it.
She liked it a lot.
Breaking away from his lips, she began kissing his neck; she could feel goosebumps, rising on his back. Goosebumps appearing because of her. She kissed a tender spot on the side of his neck and he moaned in pleasure. "Now," she demanded.
He complied.
The next afternoon, Natalie arrived at Hooked on Books for her first day of work, exactly at two.
"Hey," said Natalie, glancing at the three of them as she walked in.
"Natalie," smiled Melamine. "How're you?"
"I'm good," she smiled. Melanie waved her over to where the three of them were standing.
"Would you like some coffee? We're just making some," asked Dawn, who was standing in the tiny coffee area.
"At two?" she asked. They nodded, all looking a little guilty.
"We're a bit addicted," admitted Dawn.
"Me too," whispered Natalie, as if this was some type of secret. "What would you like me to do?" she asked, looking around the bookstore.
"We got a shipment of books in today. Would you wanted place them on the display? April can show you how," asked Melanie.
Natalie nodded. "Sounds great."
April walked over to Natalie. "Ready?" she asked. Natalie nodded, and followed April to a small corner in the bookstore.
"Now," started April, "normally, in all those other bookstores, they prefer to put books in alphabetical order. We prefer to sort them by color to make them more aesthetically pleasing to the customers."
"That's kind of cool," mused Natalie, watching how April set up the display before mimicking her.
It took Natalie a few hours to get use to the new and interesting ways that they organized their store. For instance, it wasn't divided by genre, but like April had designed their display—everything was organized by color. When standing far enough back, the rows of bookcases almost looked like rainbows.
Just as they were closing up for the day, Natalie finally got brave enough to ask the question that had bugging her all day. "So, how exactly do customers find what they're looking for?"
"Oh, they don't," said Melanie happily. At Natalie's look she continued. "We like to think that it's more like a journey when coming into our store. Customers come in expecting to get something, but leave getting something else."
"I see," smiled Natalie. "It's really cool. Is this a new design, though? 'Cause I don't remember having trouble finding anything when I came in here."
Dawn butted in. "Yeah, we just came up with it a few months ago, and it kind of stuck. We haven't been getting too many complaints."
"Hey," shrugged Natalie, "it's different."
"Exactly," said Dawn. "Why follow the trends. Why not be original?"
"Why not?" questioned Natalie back, glancing over at the rows of books happily.
"Pizza time!" came April, walking into the room.
"Pizza?" asked Natalie. "What for?"
"For your first day," smiled Melanie. "Go on, take a piece."
"Thanks," said Natalie. "You guys are really nice for doing this."
April placed the pizza box on the floor and they all circled around it.
"So," started April, after taking a huge bite of pizza. "What's your boyfriend's name?"
"It's Keith."
"Ah," said Melanie. "Warrior descending."
"What?" sputtered Natalie, giving her a confused expression.
Melanie gave her a sheepish look. "Sorry, I love to know the meaning of names—I know hundreds of them. Natalie, for instance, means, To Be Born."
"Wow, that's really cool," said Natalie.
"So," broke in Dawn. "How'd you guys meet?"
"Chemistry class, actually," she smiled. "We were lab partners."
"That's so romantic," sighed Dawn. "Why can't I meet a boy like that?"
"You will," said Natalie. "You know, it normally happens when you aren't expecting it. You don't think to yourself. 'Oh, he's my lab partner. I'm going to fall in love with him.' But," she said slowly, "it just happens."
"That is the sweetest thing," they all sighed at the same time, causing Natalie to blush.
"How's he doing?" April asked hesitantly.
"He's doing well," said Natalie. "Really well."
Natalie last track of time, talking to the three of them about school, boys, and hobbies. It wasn't until she heard her cell phone ring that she realized how late it was. "Hello?"
"Natalie, are you still at work?" asked Caroline's worried voice.
"Yeah, I'm sorry. I lost track of time, what's up?" she asked, mouthing an 'I'm sorry' to everyone.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but it was getting late and Keith hasn't been feeling very well tonight and was thinking maybe you should come home and see what's up. If you can, that is."
"What's wrong?" she asked quickly.
Caroline sighed. "I don't really know. He won't talk to us much. He keeps telling us he's fine, but we don't believe it. He's shut himself up in the bathroom, I checked on him about an hour ago and he fell asleep in there. I'm just worried; I was hoping you could check on him, he'll probably talk to you."
"Of course, we were just talking. I'll leave right now." She hung up a few minutes later, and everyone was glancing at Natalie, worried.
"Is everything all right?" asked April.
"It's Keith, he's apparently not feeling well," she sighed.
"What's wrong?" asked April, concerned crossing her face.
"It's just probably from the chemo—he had another treatment yesterday, so…"
Dawn looked at Natalie curiously. "Is he living with you?" she asked hesitantly.
Natalie nodded. "Yeah, his dad has to be away from work for a while."
"That's sweet of your parents to watch him," said Dawn, picking up the pizza box and throwing it away.
"Yeah, it is," she smiled. "Look, I'm sorry, but I should probably get going," she said, pointing to the front door.
"Go!" said Melanie, waving her hand. "You've been here long enough."
Natalie stood up. "Thanks a lot for the pizza, and everything. Oh, when should I be in next? Tomorrow?"
Melanie smiled. "Sure, as long as Keith is feeling better. If he's not, be a good girlfriend and stay with him, okay?" she joked.
Natalie laughed. "If you say so. I'll be in at two, okay? Thanks for everything."
"It was our pleasure. Oh, and Natalie?" called Melanie.
She turned around. "Yeah?"
"Tell Keith, once he feels better, to get his sexy ass in here so we can meet him."
April and Dawn gave their mom and embarrassed look and April hissed. "Mom."
"I'll let him know," smiled Natalie, grinning. "See you guys tomorrow."
When Natalie arrived home, she found Keith exactly where her mom had told him he was—sleeping in the guest bathroom. Sighing, Natalie knelt down next to him, and gently shook him.
"Keith," she whispered, "wake up." He moaned irritated, but didn't wake. She shook him again. "Keith, wake up," she whispered. Finally, this time, he slowly opened his eyes.
Once he caught sight of Natalie, he quickly sat up. "Where," he looked at his surroundings and recognition crossed his face. "Oh," he whispered.
"Not feeling too well tonight?" stated Natalie, sadly. He shrugged. "What's wrong?" she asked slowly, hoping he'd tell her.
"I'm just really nauseous, and I hurt," he said quickly. "It's probably from the bigger dose…"
"You took your medication, right?" asked Natalie, making sure.
He nodded. "Yeah, it's just not working very well, I guess." He rubbed his forehead with the palm of his hand, and Natalie wondered if he had a headache as well.
"Have you been sick?" questioned Natalie. A blush rose on his cheeks. "Keith?"
"Maybe," he whispered, and Natalie knew that was his way of saying yes.
"You wanna get into bed now?"
He nodded, and she gently helped him into bed, opening his windows so he could get a slight breeze.
"You need anything?" she asked.
"No," he whispered.
Natalie pulled the comforter over him, and bent down to kiss him on the lips. "Sleep well."
At this, his eyes snapped open. "Where are you going? Are you leaving?" he asked, worried.
Natalie nodded. "Yeah, you can come get me if you need anything, okay?"
He didn't look too pleased at this. "Can't you stay?"
"Stay?" He nodded. "Oh, well, Keith, my parents wouldn't be very happy." He looked incredibly upset at her answer, and gave her one last pleading look before closing his eyes. Natalie knew she should have just left then, but she felt bad. So, regardless of how much trouble she knew she was going to be in tomorrow. She walked over to the other side of the bed, toed off her shoed, and crawled into the bed next to him. "Okay," she whispered, cuddling up next to him.
Just as Natalie closed her eyes, he spoke. "You're staying?" he asked, a hint of doubt laced in his voice.
Natalie opened her eyes. "Yes, I'm staying," she whispered.
"You're staying the whole night?" he clarified.
Natalie grabbed his hand under the covers. "Yes, the whole night."
"Natalie, what were you thinking," scolded Caroline as Natalie entered the kitchen.
Busted.
"What do you mean?" she asked innocently. She sat down next to her dad, who was busy reading the newspaper. Natalie suspected he tried to look busy so he wouldn't have to join in on what Natalie suspected was going to be a horrible and embarrassing conversation.
"You know exactly what I am talking about—I found you missing from your bed this morning, young lady. And where did I find you? I found you , with Keith, in the same bed!" she ranted.
"So?" There was no use denying it, she had been caught.
Caroline glanced over at Pete for help, but he kept his eyes firmly glued to the paper. "Natalie, just because Keith is living here does not mean it is acceptable for you to be sharing the same bed. That is only reserved for when you are married."
"But, Mom—"
"Natalie, you and Keith are still young adults. You guys are taking things way too fast."
Natalie huffed. "We just slept in the same bed, Mom. It's not a crime."
Caroline glared. "You're too young for this, Natalie," she said, shaking her head.
"For what?" she asked perturbed.
"Sex!"
Zach walked in as Caroline spoke this, and upon hearing the word, his face turned to a grimace and walked back out.
"Wait, Zach!" Pete called, getting up so quickly his chair almost fell over. "Weren't you going to show me that thing…" He said, following Zach out of the kitchen.
"Sex? You think Keith and I had sex last night?" asked Natalie, once her father was out of sight.
"What else would you guys be doing?" her mother exclaimed, clearly distressed.
"He didn't feel well, he asked me to stay with him." He mother only glared, and Natalie lowered her head into her hands. "Oh my god," she muttered. "I can't believe you think we had sex."
"What do you expect me to think?" said her mom. She was getting more hysterical as the conversation went.
She looked up. "Mom, you're not listening to me. He didn't feel well; he just wanted me to stay with him."
Suddenly, Caroline sat down across from Natalie, grabbing her hand. Caroline's face had changed from hysterical to concerned in a matter of seconds. "Honey, I'm not sure you know the risks you're taking when having sex."
"Mom," hissed Natalie embarrassed. She wouldn't be surprised if Keith could hear this conversation, and the thought made her blush. "Really, do we have to have this conversation right now?"
"Sweetie, I'm extremely worried. We haven't had this discussion yet, and it's long overdue—I mean you and Keith, had sex, under my roof, last night."
Natalie rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Mom. You're being ridiculous. Keith and I did not have sex last night."
"But you've had sex?"
"Good grief, Mom," said Natalie standing up. "I'm not going to have this conversation with you right now. You're not listening to anything I'm saying."
Caroline stood up quickly. "Natalie, I'm just worried at the level you and Keith have taken your relationship."
Natalie turned to leave, shaking her head in embarrassed. She was sure her face was bright red. "I think you, Keith, and I need to have a talk," called Caroline.
"No!" screamed Natalie, walking up the stairs.
Just as she reached the top stair, Caroline called out to her, at one last desperate attempt. "Just—Natalie— if you're going to—at-at least use protection!"
Natalie slammed the door shut to her room, and jumped when she saw Keith sitting on her bed. "What?" she asked clearly annoyed. She had just had the most embarrassing conversation with her mom, and he had just stayed up here, listening? Not coming to her rescue. She glared, crossing her arms across her chest. "You could have come saved me," she said.
Keith was laughing so much that it took him a good five minutes to be able to speak. "That was," he broke out laughing again, "the funniest thing I have ever heard." Tears were in his eyes he was laughing so hard.
"Funny?" started Natalie, "you found that funny?"
He nodded. "That," he choked out, "was hilarious."
Natalie glared. "Keith that was the most embarrassing conversation I've ever had with my mom in my entire life." He chuckled, irritating Natalie further. "You know what? Maybe, I will take my mother up on the offer," she stated.
"What offer?" asked Keith worried. His grin quickly fading.
"You know," started Natalie. "You were listening. She thinks she should talk to us. Maybe it is a good idea," pondered Natalie.
Keith eyes grew wide and fearful. "No way," he said, shaking his head back and forth adamantly. "I am not talking to your mom about sex."
"Oh, we'll see about that," said Natalie.
"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked warningly. Natalie just smirked at him before walking into her bathroom, closing the door and locking it. "Natalie, what are you saying?" he asked, his voice fearful.
"You'll see," she called through the door.
He sat there for a few seconds, before he spoke up again. "Hey," he called, smirking. "I guess, when we talk, I can at least tell her we follow her advice. She'll like that, won't she?" he asked, innocently.
"Keith," hissed Natalie, her voice muffled through the door, "just shut up."
He broke out into another fit of laughter.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed it, please review! My next update, unfortunately, may be a little longer than a week. I have to paint my entire room by the end of the week, so I might not have as much time to write/edit the next chapter. But, I will definitely post it as soon as I can!
By the way, just out of curiosity, what were your favorite scenes from Keith, the movie?