Chapter Eleven: Leftovers for a Month

Finals had just ended and Nathan had the weekend off to do nothing but relax. He was giddy about receiving Haley's next letter. She left him hanging! He promised himself that he would leave her hanging in his next letter as well, just to pay her back. As Nathan continued to think about Haley, his computer lit up and an IM popped up on the screen. He decided to go over to his desk and see who was wanting to talk.

BBallLuke3: Nate you there?

NScott23: Hey Luke, what's up?

BBallLuke3: I was wondering if you maybe wanted to come over for dinner tonight. My moms cafe has been running slow because of the colder weather so we have a ton of extra food. I figured I would save you from your parents fighting. What do you say?

NScott23: I say it sounds like a definite plan. Let me just run it by my mom quick. I'm sure it will be fine though. Can you hold on a sec?

BBallLuke3: Yup, I'll wait here. Hurry up slow poke!

NScott23: Ha...I'll be right back.

Nathan ran down the stairs to the den where his mom was reading.

"Hey Mom."

"Nathan, you're out of breath. Is something the matter?"

"Oh no Mom, I'm fine. I was just wondering if I could go over to Luke's for dinner. Karen's Cafe has been having some slow business so they have tons of food left over and Luke thought maybe I would want to come over. Is that okay?"

"Oh" Deb Scott said as she put down her book. She was looking forward to talking with her son at dinner but she decided to just let him go. "Sure sweetie, go ahead and go. Just don't get home too late, okay?"

"Thanks Mom!" Nathan said as he ran back up the stairs to his bedroom.

NScott23: Okay, I'm back and I have an answer for you.

BBallLuke3: And the answer is...

NScott23: I'll be there at 7

BBallLuke3: Sounds good to me. My mom will be happy. I know she doesn't want to have to eat leftovers for a month and you coming over will definitely help solve that problem.

NScott23: Ha, anyway I can help!

BBallLuke3: So what are you up to?

NScott23: Actually, I'm kind of thinking of Haley.

BBallLuke3: Dude, you are so falling for her and you have never even met her.

NScott23: I know, isn't it terrible? It's just...she left me hanging in her last letter about how she had to tell me something really important. Plus, she seems like such a wholesome girl. I love the fact that a girl like her sees something in a guy like me. I mean look at me, I may be good to look at but it's not like I'm a good student and I have an awful home life. It's kind of nice, knowing that a smart girl like her at least likes talking to me.

BBallLuke3: Way to be cocky about your looks, Nate!

NScott23: Ha

BBallLuke3: Nate, you don't give yourself enough credit. You are a smart kid and you make pretty good decisions. Unfortunately, you don't have the best set of parents.

NScott23: Thanks Luke.

BBallLuke3: No problem! I better go help my mom set the table for dinner. See you in an hour!

NScott23: Good deal! See you later!

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"Ms. Roe, that was an incredible dinner. Thank you so much for allowing me to share it with you and Luke."

"Oh Nathan, you are always welcome to come over her for dinner and I'm glad you liked it!"

"So are you glad finals are over Nathan? I know Lucas here is glad that they are all done with."

"Yeah, finals are always like the dreaded time of the year for me. Considering I'm not the best student in the world and with my awful test taking skills, finals are beyond awful for me" Nathan said with a little anger in his voice. He really did hate finals. How could they judge how smart you were for one semester by one stupid test?

"I'm sorry, Nathan" Karen said with a small smile on her face. She always made sure that she treated Nathan as if he were his own son. She knew how Dan treated him at home. She felt bad for Nathan and Deb, as she knew how controlling Dan had become. She felt lucky that she was able to get away from him before Lucas was born. Since Dan had left her before Lucas was born, she had to take care of Lucas all by her lonesome. Fortunately for her, she had one of the best relationships with her son. They were best friends, something a mother would only wish for with their teenage son. Karen finally snapped out of her thoughts when she heard Lucas calling her name.

"Mom, are you still with us?"

"Yeah, I'm still here" Karen said with a grin on her face. "I was just thinking of how lucky I am to have you in my life, Luke and you as well Nathan."

"Thanks Ms. Roe."

"I sure am a great son, aren't I Mom?

"Way to be modest Luke" Nathan said with a laugh.

"Yeah, you are a great son with a big ego!" Karen said while laughing.

The rest of the dinner included them discussing what was going on with them in the coming weeks with basketball and school. By the end of the dinner, they all had huge smiles on their faces. Nathan loved coming over to Karen's Cafe for dinner and Karen definitely made him feel right at home.

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As Nathan walked home from the cafe, he noticed that it was still bright enough for a little basketball at the rivercourt. Even though it was almost the end of January and he could see every single exhale he made, he still wanted to play a little bit. He went over to the bush, by the river, where he and Luke hid their basketball that they played with. He pulled it out from underneath the bush and put in his earphones, connected to his iPod. For the next hour and a half, he played basketball underneath the stars and while he was playing, he wondered if Haley was doing the exact same thing.