About One Week Later...
Naia's POV
Nate and I had gotten even closer, if that was even possible. Olivia constantly said things about my parents and me and eventually, she started pulling Nate into it. To my surprise though, Nate stayed my friend, never leaving my side.
It was getting late but Nate and I laid next to each other on the roof of the apartment complex I lived in. It had been a nice day, not too cold and no snow. From next to me, I felt Nate grab my hand. It was unexpected but I didn't let go.
"Nate." I whispered and I felt Nate move his hand.
"No," I said and took hold of his hand again. "It's not that. Nate, you deserve to know what really happened to me."
We were laying down so I couldn't see Nate's face but maybe it would be easier that way.
"You don't have to. It doesn't really change anything." Nate said but I shook my head.
"No, you deserve the truth." I insisted and Nate stayed silent so I decided to go on. "My parents. No, my biological parents, they put in the foster care system because I was a girl. They didn't want a girl, the doctors told them I was a boy. I ended up growing up with a couple who were really mean to us. We weren't allowed to do anything like other kids and were beaten every single day."
I paused for a moment, feeling that familiar dizzy sensation whenever I started to panic but when Nate gave my hand a little squeeze, I continued.
"Then one morning, I was making breakfast for them as usual and I burnt the toast. Mr. Samual, he was drunk and got angry at me so he pushed me into the coffee table. I was knocked out and I guess he freaked out so he kind of booked it and left an unconscious me and three other kids. Ellie..." I trailed off, thinking of my best friend. Well, she was more of a sister.
"You don't have to keep going if you don't want to." Nate said but I shook my head.
"No, no, it's okay. Ellie called 911 and Gabby who's a paramedic showed up with her ambo partner. I guess Ellie spilled what happened because Gabby ended up getting involved with what was happening. Then-" I stopped talking when I realized what was next in my story. They were killed. Shot. Dead. They were dead.
"It's okay." Nate said and sat up. I sat up as well and saw that he was smiling gently at me. A gust of wind blew my hair into my eyes and Nate reached out and tucked it behind my ear. "You don't have to keep going."
This time, I nodded and stopped talking. We sat there for a moment, looking at the dark skyline of Chicago. It was silent.
"We better head back in. My mom's probably going to be here soon to pick me up." Nate said, breaking the silence. I agreed and we went back into the apartment complex.
"There you two are! How was the roof?" Matt asked us as we walked back in.
Nate nodded, "It was really cool. Thanks for telling us about it."
"No problem kid. I used to take Gabby up there all the time." Matt said and winked. I immediately blushed and scowled at Matt. There was a knock on the door and Matt got up to answer it. On his way to the door, he gave me a noogie, making Nate laugh and me pout.
"Hi Celine!" Matt said and opened the door so she could come in.
The adults talked while Nate got his coat on and once we exchanged our good byes, they left and I went over and flopped down on the couch.
"Munchkin, you gotta get ready for bed soon." Matt said, looking at the clock.
It was almost 9:30 and I had school tomorrow so I definitely agreed with Matt but I wanted to stay up just a little bit longer.
"10 more minutes?" I asked, trying to use my best puppy eyes. I think it worked because Matt caved in.
"Alright, but you have to have your teeth brushed and be in you PJs before you can stay out here with Gabby and I." Matt said.
I nodded, "Deal." I hopped off the couch and went to get ready. Once I had my end of the deal done, I went back to the living room and jumped onto the couch. I snuggled in between Matt and Gabby.
Before I could stop myself, my eyes started to droop and I fell asleep leaning on Matt and holding Gabby's hand.