p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Gaia!" They heard a voice call for her. She looked in the direction of the voice and saw Mckay calling her from a beer pong table. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);" She started to walk over to the table surrounded by drunk frat bros. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Hey, big head," Mckay greeted Gaia with a smile and a big hug, which was reprecipitated. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""You guys wanna play? I just smoked the last player," Mckay pointed at the beer pong game. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Sure! I'm gonna beat your ass." Gaia joked as she went to the other side of the table. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"All his frat brothers started to say ooooh and laugh, making McKay shake his head and laugh. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Let's make a bet! McKay vs. Catwoman" One frat guy laughed. They actually started making bets, most of them betting on McKay. The money was in the middle of the table. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Mckay, if you lose to sexy Catwoman, we're not letting this go," The older brother exclaimed as he patted him on the back. Mckay felt a slight pressure to win from his frat house, but he wasn't letting it show. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Nah, it's over for you, GG," Mckay replied. Gaia rolled her eyes playfully. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia and Mckay 3 games of beer pong. Gaia won the first, and McKay asked for a rematch, which he won, thus the reason for the third. It was down to the last cup on both sides. The whole party got invested in the game. Even Fez came over to his girlfriend's side to cheer her on. Most of the boys were on Mckay's side, while the girls were on Gaia's. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Mckay was up to throwing up his ball. He breathed slowly and focused on the cup. Mckay finally released the ball; It barely missed the cup. All of the frat guys sucked their teeth and groaned. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Cassie tried to rub his back in support, but he moved out of her grasp. Her face looked hurt. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Then it was Gaia's turn. The Frat house tried to yell and distract her but just sang a song in her head to focus on getting the ball in the cup. She took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and threw the ball. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"The party went silent, and it felt like everything went in slow motion. The ball went perfectly into the cup, slashing the beer. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"The whole house erupted in applause, celebrating her win. The fraternity was pissed because they lost their money. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Mckay huffed and cursed under his breath, unable to look at his friends in their eyes. Gaia turned and hugged Fez in celebration. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"They separated, so Gaia could collect the money from the table. As she went over to pick up the money, the frat house leader approached her, trying to strike up a conversation. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Sup! I'm Brad. Nice to see you" Brad looked at her body up and down, biting his lips slightly. Gaia cringed inside but kept it cute with a polite smile. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""I can't believe McKay lost to you. You look good, and you good at beer pong? I think im in love " Chad moved closer and tried to touch her hand. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. He kept sniffing, making her deduce he was also sniffing coke. she wasn't judging. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia laughed but didn't respond as she kept picking up the money. She could tell women flocked to him easily because he had no game. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Yeah, you're definitely my type." Chad moaned. He tried to put his hands on her waist, making Gaia jump back in response. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" I'm not interested, " Gaia said sternly. She went back to pick up the money. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"'She was finally done, picking up the money and about to walk away until Chad grabbed her ass and groaned. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia instantaneously turned around and punched him in the face. Everyone's faces went straight to the two, with everyone singing a chorus of ooohs. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Don't you grab my ass!" Gaia pointed in his face. He held his eye, embarrassed. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Nah, what the fuck just happened?" Fez came up pissed. He was distracted by talking to some people. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Mckay came over, trying to diffuse the situation. He was watching the whole situation but didn't want to piss off Chad" Nah, man. It was a misunderstanding." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" It wasn't this dude grabbed my ass after I said I wasn't interested," Gaia exclaimed. She felt violated and was getting angrier and angrier by the second. So, she started some breathing techniques to calm herself. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" It was a mistake," Chad said, still discombobulated. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Why the fuck you hittin her ass?" Fezco said, walking closer to the guy. Mckay got in the middle, trying to save his friend. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" I didn't know. She didn't say she had a man" Chad put his hands up; his eye was swollen from the punch. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Yo, that don't fucking matter! She said she wasn't interested. "Fez was inching towards the guy even more. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Yo, let's just let it go. Gaia, it wasn't a big deal. He's drunk, okay?" Mckay defended Chad. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia looked at Mckay like he was on crack " Really, Mckay? He slaps my ass, and it's no big deal? You know what? Fuck you!". She couldn't believe he was trying to downplay what his buddy did to save his ass. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia looked at Fez and nodded to the door " Let's go," Fez nodded in agreement. Fez took her hand and led her out. She told Cassie goodbye, to which Cassie returned with I'm sorry. They went outside and walked to the car. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"From her peripheral, she saw the creepy Michael Myers dude on the lawn, watching them leave. He had his hands in his pockets, staring at them but mainly at Gaia. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Fez opened the door for Gaia, and she got in. He closed the door and went to the driver's seat. Gaia put her seatbelt on and sighed, trying to calm her down. She looked up, and the Michael Myers guy was still watching them. She was honestly freaked out, so she diverted her gaze. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Fez got in the car, looked at Gaia with a concerned look, and asked, " you good?" /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia nodded yes, even though she wasn't. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Fez decided not to push but made a mental note about it and asked about the house. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"They pulled off, leaving the frat house behind and a mysterious Michael Myers watching them in the distance. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"- /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emAt first, Nate spent most of his days in bed. Then he decided to spend his days driving around aimlessly. Sometimes he'd check in on Maddy. Sometimes he'd check in on Jules. He would even check on Gaia. Or watch her house at night. He met Maddy every Friday night at the motel. He looked forward to it every week. Maddy always made him feel better./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emWhile Maddy made him feel better, Gaia made him feel worse. He followed Gaia the most since the expulsion because Nate has been cut off in Gaia's life. He tried to use his relationship with Maddy, but because of their fight, she would only have secondhand information from Cassie, BB, or Kat. /em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emMaddy cried to Nate about the whole thing, making him feel even worse. She refused to tell Nate what was said during the argument, knowing if he knew the secret, her relationship with Gaia would be unsalvageable./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emHe followed Gaia when she went out with her friends, boxing, and, unfortunately, Fez. He watched how happy and fulfilled her life was without him, which made his blood boil, especially with some low-life drug dealer. /em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emOne particular day, he followed them to an arcade, which was fine. But the drive toward the Italian restaurant was the most painful drive he had ever driven. She was going to their restaurant with HIM. He saw the two get out of the car, happy and smiling. He felt like killing something. The cherry on top was them coming outside the restaurant and Nate hearing Gaia call Fez...Fezzybear. That one word broke his heart. She used to call him Nateybear. /em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emNate's heartache turned into rage, and he put that rage into devising a plan. He needed to talk to her to ensure she kept her mouth shut./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate was parked outside the boxing gym at night, waiting for her to come out. He didn't particularly like that she had such a masculine hobby, but since it kept her in good shape, he couldn't complain. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia came out of the gym on her phone, not paying attention. Nate admires her body. Her perfect hourglass figure will never fail to make him hard just by a glance. When she finally looked up, Gaia saw the familiar truck parked. She sees Nate in the driver's seat, staring at her with an unreadable look on his face. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Fuck!" Gaia thought /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia booked it to her car, trying to avoid a run-in with Nate. However, as a football player, he quickly caught up with her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" GG, I need to talk to you!" Nate spoke. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Absolutely not!" She tried to open her door, but he slammed it close, almost crushing her hand. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"He was standing in front of her door, ensuring she couldn't get into her car. For this plan to work, he needed her on board. She was the missing piece of the puzzle. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Well, GG, we do. Especially about that carnival debacle." Nate leaned on the car, folding his arms. Gaia didn't notice before, but Nate had a vanilla folder in his hands. She looked at it suspiciously but didn't ask about it. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Listen, I'm not going to tell on you or your fucking punching bag, okay?" Gaia sneered harshly. She had utterly wiped her hands of Maddy and wanted to distance herself from them both. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate's jaw tightened at Gaia's cold demeanor when talking about her best friend. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know, I wish I could trust that. But I know you, GG. You and Maddy will probably be friends. However, you always have to get revenge. And how do I know retaliation isn't exposing this situation?" Nate expressed. He knew when Gaia felt betrayed by someone, she would dish out the evilest revenge. He did it to him, Maddy, and others. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" My revenge is knowing she's with you, and she will be miserable for the rest of her life. And while she's dealing with your ass, I will have moved on." She smirked evilly. Usually, she wouldn't be so disgusting, but Nate always brought the worst out of her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate clenched his fist, speaking to his teeth," Oh right! You moved on to a low-life drug dealer." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" And yet he's better than you!" Gaia laughed. It was true; Fez was a better man than Nate. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);" Nate steps closer, peering down at Gaia. He slightly licked his lips, feeling turned on by this nasty side of his ex" Yeah, keep telling yourself that, GG. Deep down inside, I know you missed what we had. You wish you were Maddy." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia laughed dryly at her ex, keeping the distance between them" what would I miss? Me being the emotional mule in the relationship because you have the emotional range of a 5th grader? And what was that about me wanting to be Maddy? Why would I want to be in a relationship where he's obsessed with another girl? Im not that pathetic." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);" Gaia grinned as she saw her words crack his stone face. They had circled each other to where Gaia's back was on her jeep. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know GG? You think too highly of yourself. You try to pass yourself off as this good person, but we both know you're not. Do you think you're better than Maddy? She's so pathetic? At least she's loyal. Weren't you the one lying about your feelings about Harvey in our relationship? Then breaking up our relationship in the hopes of getting into a relationship with Harvey? You can say it's because I cheated, but you were looking for an out just to get used like the whore you are," Nate snapped. He knew he was shitty, but Nate was tired of Gaia being seen as the saint. She lied to him about Harvey! /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia's face went from confident to shell shock. The mention of Harvey sent a chill down her spine, taking her back to the summer after freshman year at that party. Gaia's eyes glazed over as she was transported back to the night. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate noticed the spaced-out look in her eyes, which concerned him, but he was too angry to ask. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Enough about the past. I came over to give you the incentive to help me get out of this and keep your mouth shut" Nate held out the folder for Gaia to take with a sickening grin. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia grabbed the folder and opened it to see photos of her and Samantha behind the trailer. It was still shots of her confronting Sam and hitting her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Who the fuck gave this to you" Gaia spoke. Her voice was hushed, but it was filled with rage. As Nate moved forward, she unconsciously moved back toward her car, like a predator cornering his prey. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know who it is already. Our old friend Harvey!" Nate cocked his head and grinned. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emNate was contacted by Harvey, who gave this blackmail to him. At first, he didn't want anything to do with him, but he realized that Gaia was a loose string that needed to be taken care of. After finishing the carnival situation, Nate would steal the pictures and videos of Gaia from Harvey. He didn't want him to have that type of power over her. Nate only trusted himself./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia stayed quiet. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate " So if you don't want this sent to the police, keep your mouth closed and follow further instructions. Got it? " Nate whispered in her ear. He smelled her favorite perfume radiating off her body, and it took everything in him not to pin her against the car and kiss her. He was angry and hated her guts, but he still loved her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia nodded bitterly, knowing she was cornered. He pulled back and put his hands in his pockets with a face full of satisfaction. He moved a couple of steps back, so Gaia could open her car door and climb into her jeep. She looks at Nate's smug face and lets her anger take control. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know what I think? You love the feeling of hurting people because you hate yourself. You hate yourself because no matter how much you try, you'll end up like dad," Gaia yelled at Nate. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate's cocky face fell instantly into a death glare. Before he even registered what he was doing, he charged toward her, harshly closing the door of her car. What he didn't realize was he had accidentally slammed the door on her hand. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia screamed in pain instantly as she lost all feeling in her hand. Blood welled out from underneath the top of my nail and from the bottom part of the nail where it meets the skin. Bruises and signs of internal bleeding appeared almost instantly all over her injured thumb. Gaia started making high pitch whimpering noises as she clutched her left hand in pain. The weirdest thing was that Gaia didn't cry; she thrashed in pain. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Fuck! Fuck! I'm so sorry, GG, I didn't- " Nate got cut off by Gaia slapping the fuck out of him. He wasn't even mad because he knew he deserved it. Nate didn't want to hurt her, but he did, and he hated himself for that. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Get away from me, you fucking psycho!" Gaia screamed. She tried to open the door for her car, but Nate stopped her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Wait! Let me take you to the hospital! You can't drive with that broken hand. You're right-handed! " Nate pleaded with Gaia. He felt sick to his stomach that he had hurt one of the only people Nate loved in this world like this. He wished he were different. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia looked up at him with a look of murder in her eyes. If she had two functioning hands, she would have tried to kill him and probably succeeded. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Take me to the hospital, and don't talk to me," Gaia spit out. She really didn't want to get a ride from him, but she couldn't drive with her right hand. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate nodded and tried to hold her in support, but Gaia snatched her body away from him. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"They both walked towards Nate's car. He opens the door for Gaia, helping her get in and closing the door. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"As he speed walks to the driver's side, Nate holds his head in frustration at himself for this whole situation. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"He gets in and immediately starts the car, pulling out of the parking lot /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"After going to the hospital, she discovered internal bleeding and sprained fingers. After a couple of weeks, her hand would be healed. She lied and said she fucked it up in boxing. Nobody believed it, but nobody pushed the issue. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate had coached Gaia on what to say to the police. She was going to corroborate Maddy's story that she told Gaia that Tyler did it right after it happened. Gaia felt sick to her stomach at setting up an innocent person like that. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"After she left the police station, she called Jules. She felt like the only person she could confide in would be Jules since she could relate because of the catfish fiasco. When she told Jules, Jules broke down crying, confessing Nate had done the same thing to her. She even told her about how her mom came over and that debacle. The two stayed together in Jules's bed and comforted each other, happy that they had each other to talk to. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);" She started to walk over to the table surrounded by drunk frat bros. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Hey, big head," Mckay greeted Gaia with a smile and a big hug, which was reprecipitated. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""You guys wanna play? I just smoked the last player," Mckay pointed at the beer pong game. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Sure! I'm gonna beat your ass." Gaia joked as she went to the other side of the table. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"All his frat brothers started to say ooooh and laugh, making McKay shake his head and laugh. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Let's make a bet! McKay vs. Catwoman" One frat guy laughed. They actually started making bets, most of them betting on McKay. The money was in the middle of the table. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Mckay, if you lose to sexy Catwoman, we're not letting this go," The older brother exclaimed as he patted him on the back. Mckay felt a slight pressure to win from his frat house, but he wasn't letting it show. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Nah, it's over for you, GG," Mckay replied. Gaia rolled her eyes playfully. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia and Mckay 3 games of beer pong. Gaia won the first, and McKay asked for a rematch, which he won, thus the reason for the third. It was down to the last cup on both sides. The whole party got invested in the game. Even Fez came over to his girlfriend's side to cheer her on. Most of the boys were on Mckay's side, while the girls were on Gaia's. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Mckay was up to throwing up his ball. He breathed slowly and focused on the cup. Mckay finally released the ball; It barely missed the cup. All of the frat guys sucked their teeth and groaned. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Cassie tried to rub his back in support, but he moved out of her grasp. Her face looked hurt. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Then it was Gaia's turn. The Frat house tried to yell and distract her but just sang a song in her head to focus on getting the ball in the cup. She took a deep breath, opened her eyes, and threw the ball. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"The party went silent, and it felt like everything went in slow motion. The ball went perfectly into the cup, slashing the beer. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"The whole house erupted in applause, celebrating her win. The fraternity was pissed because they lost their money. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Mckay huffed and cursed under his breath, unable to look at his friends in their eyes. Gaia turned and hugged Fez in celebration. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"They separated, so Gaia could collect the money from the table. As she went over to pick up the money, the frat house leader approached her, trying to strike up a conversation. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Sup! I'm Brad. Nice to see you" Brad looked at her body up and down, biting his lips slightly. Gaia cringed inside but kept it cute with a polite smile. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""I can't believe McKay lost to you. You look good, and you good at beer pong? I think im in love " Chad moved closer and tried to touch her hand. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. He kept sniffing, making her deduce he was also sniffing coke. she wasn't judging. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia laughed but didn't respond as she kept picking up the money. She could tell women flocked to him easily because he had no game. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Yeah, you're definitely my type." Chad moaned. He tried to put his hands on her waist, making Gaia jump back in response. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" I'm not interested, " Gaia said sternly. She went back to pick up the money. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"'She was finally done, picking up the money and about to walk away until Chad grabbed her ass and groaned. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia instantaneously turned around and punched him in the face. Everyone's faces went straight to the two, with everyone singing a chorus of ooohs. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Don't you grab my ass!" Gaia pointed in his face. He held his eye, embarrassed. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Nah, what the fuck just happened?" Fez came up pissed. He was distracted by talking to some people. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Mckay came over, trying to diffuse the situation. He was watching the whole situation but didn't want to piss off Chad" Nah, man. It was a misunderstanding." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" It wasn't this dude grabbed my ass after I said I wasn't interested," Gaia exclaimed. She felt violated and was getting angrier and angrier by the second. So, she started some breathing techniques to calm herself. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" It was a mistake," Chad said, still discombobulated. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Why the fuck you hittin her ass?" Fezco said, walking closer to the guy. Mckay got in the middle, trying to save his friend. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" I didn't know. She didn't say she had a man" Chad put his hands up; his eye was swollen from the punch. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Yo, that don't fucking matter! She said she wasn't interested. "Fez was inching towards the guy even more. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Yo, let's just let it go. Gaia, it wasn't a big deal. He's drunk, okay?" Mckay defended Chad. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia looked at Mckay like he was on crack " Really, Mckay? He slaps my ass, and it's no big deal? You know what? Fuck you!". She couldn't believe he was trying to downplay what his buddy did to save his ass. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia looked at Fez and nodded to the door " Let's go," Fez nodded in agreement. Fez took her hand and led her out. She told Cassie goodbye, to which Cassie returned with I'm sorry. They went outside and walked to the car. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"From her peripheral, she saw the creepy Michael Myers dude on the lawn, watching them leave. He had his hands in his pockets, staring at them but mainly at Gaia. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Fez opened the door for Gaia, and she got in. He closed the door and went to the driver's seat. Gaia put her seatbelt on and sighed, trying to calm her down. She looked up, and the Michael Myers guy was still watching them. She was honestly freaked out, so she diverted her gaze. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Fez got in the car, looked at Gaia with a concerned look, and asked, " you good?" /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia nodded yes, even though she wasn't. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Fez decided not to push but made a mental note about it and asked about the house. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"They pulled off, leaving the frat house behind and a mysterious Michael Myers watching them in the distance. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"- /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emAt first, Nate spent most of his days in bed. Then he decided to spend his days driving around aimlessly. Sometimes he'd check in on Maddy. Sometimes he'd check in on Jules. He would even check on Gaia. Or watch her house at night. He met Maddy every Friday night at the motel. He looked forward to it every week. Maddy always made him feel better./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emWhile Maddy made him feel better, Gaia made him feel worse. He followed Gaia the most since the expulsion because Nate has been cut off in Gaia's life. He tried to use his relationship with Maddy, but because of their fight, she would only have secondhand information from Cassie, BB, or Kat. /em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emMaddy cried to Nate about the whole thing, making him feel even worse. She refused to tell Nate what was said during the argument, knowing if he knew the secret, her relationship with Gaia would be unsalvageable./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emHe followed Gaia when she went out with her friends, boxing, and, unfortunately, Fez. He watched how happy and fulfilled her life was without him, which made his blood boil, especially with some low-life drug dealer. /em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emOne particular day, he followed them to an arcade, which was fine. But the drive toward the Italian restaurant was the most painful drive he had ever driven. She was going to their restaurant with HIM. He saw the two get out of the car, happy and smiling. He felt like killing something. The cherry on top was them coming outside the restaurant and Nate hearing Gaia call Fez...Fezzybear. That one word broke his heart. She used to call him Nateybear. /em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emNate's heartache turned into rage, and he put that rage into devising a plan. He needed to talk to her to ensure she kept her mouth shut./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate was parked outside the boxing gym at night, waiting for her to come out. He didn't particularly like that she had such a masculine hobby, but since it kept her in good shape, he couldn't complain. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia came out of the gym on her phone, not paying attention. Nate admires her body. Her perfect hourglass figure will never fail to make him hard just by a glance. When she finally looked up, Gaia saw the familiar truck parked. She sees Nate in the driver's seat, staring at her with an unreadable look on his face. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Fuck!" Gaia thought /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia booked it to her car, trying to avoid a run-in with Nate. However, as a football player, he quickly caught up with her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" GG, I need to talk to you!" Nate spoke. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Absolutely not!" She tried to open her door, but he slammed it close, almost crushing her hand. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"He was standing in front of her door, ensuring she couldn't get into her car. For this plan to work, he needed her on board. She was the missing piece of the puzzle. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Well, GG, we do. Especially about that carnival debacle." Nate leaned on the car, folding his arms. Gaia didn't notice before, but Nate had a vanilla folder in his hands. She looked at it suspiciously but didn't ask about it. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Listen, I'm not going to tell on you or your fucking punching bag, okay?" Gaia sneered harshly. She had utterly wiped her hands of Maddy and wanted to distance herself from them both. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate's jaw tightened at Gaia's cold demeanor when talking about her best friend. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know, I wish I could trust that. But I know you, GG. You and Maddy will probably be friends. However, you always have to get revenge. And how do I know retaliation isn't exposing this situation?" Nate expressed. He knew when Gaia felt betrayed by someone, she would dish out the evilest revenge. He did it to him, Maddy, and others. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" My revenge is knowing she's with you, and she will be miserable for the rest of her life. And while she's dealing with your ass, I will have moved on." She smirked evilly. Usually, she wouldn't be so disgusting, but Nate always brought the worst out of her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate clenched his fist, speaking to his teeth," Oh right! You moved on to a low-life drug dealer." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" And yet he's better than you!" Gaia laughed. It was true; Fez was a better man than Nate. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);" Nate steps closer, peering down at Gaia. He slightly licked his lips, feeling turned on by this nasty side of his ex" Yeah, keep telling yourself that, GG. Deep down inside, I know you missed what we had. You wish you were Maddy." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia laughed dryly at her ex, keeping the distance between them" what would I miss? Me being the emotional mule in the relationship because you have the emotional range of a 5th grader? And what was that about me wanting to be Maddy? Why would I want to be in a relationship where he's obsessed with another girl? Im not that pathetic." /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);" Gaia grinned as she saw her words crack his stone face. They had circled each other to where Gaia's back was on her jeep. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know GG? You think too highly of yourself. You try to pass yourself off as this good person, but we both know you're not. Do you think you're better than Maddy? She's so pathetic? At least she's loyal. Weren't you the one lying about your feelings about Harvey in our relationship? Then breaking up our relationship in the hopes of getting into a relationship with Harvey? You can say it's because I cheated, but you were looking for an out just to get used like the whore you are," Nate snapped. He knew he was shitty, but Nate was tired of Gaia being seen as the saint. She lied to him about Harvey! /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia's face went from confident to shell shock. The mention of Harvey sent a chill down her spine, taking her back to the summer after freshman year at that party. Gaia's eyes glazed over as she was transported back to the night. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate noticed the spaced-out look in her eyes, which concerned him, but he was too angry to ask. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Enough about the past. I came over to give you the incentive to help me get out of this and keep your mouth shut" Nate held out the folder for Gaia to take with a sickening grin. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia grabbed the folder and opened it to see photos of her and Samantha behind the trailer. It was still shots of her confronting Sam and hitting her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Who the fuck gave this to you" Gaia spoke. Her voice was hushed, but it was filled with rage. As Nate moved forward, she unconsciously moved back toward her car, like a predator cornering his prey. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know who it is already. Our old friend Harvey!" Nate cocked his head and grinned. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"emNate was contacted by Harvey, who gave this blackmail to him. At first, he didn't want anything to do with him, but he realized that Gaia was a loose string that needed to be taken care of. After finishing the carnival situation, Nate would steal the pictures and videos of Gaia from Harvey. He didn't want him to have that type of power over her. Nate only trusted himself./em /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia stayed quiet. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate " So if you don't want this sent to the police, keep your mouth closed and follow further instructions. Got it? " Nate whispered in her ear. He smelled her favorite perfume radiating off her body, and it took everything in him not to pin her against the car and kiss her. He was angry and hated her guts, but he still loved her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia nodded bitterly, knowing she was cornered. He pulled back and put his hands in his pockets with a face full of satisfaction. He moved a couple of steps back, so Gaia could open her car door and climb into her jeep. She looks at Nate's smug face and lets her anger take control. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" You know what I think? You love the feeling of hurting people because you hate yourself. You hate yourself because no matter how much you try, you'll end up like dad," Gaia yelled at Nate. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate's cocky face fell instantly into a death glare. Before he even registered what he was doing, he charged toward her, harshly closing the door of her car. What he didn't realize was he had accidentally slammed the door on her hand. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia screamed in pain instantly as she lost all feeling in her hand. Blood welled out from underneath the top of my nail and from the bottom part of the nail where it meets the skin. Bruises and signs of internal bleeding appeared almost instantly all over her injured thumb. Gaia started making high pitch whimpering noises as she clutched her left hand in pain. The weirdest thing was that Gaia didn't cry; she thrashed in pain. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Fuck! Fuck! I'm so sorry, GG, I didn't- " Nate got cut off by Gaia slapping the fuck out of him. He wasn't even mad because he knew he deserved it. Nate didn't want to hurt her, but he did, and he hated himself for that. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Get away from me, you fucking psycho!" Gaia screamed. She tried to open the door for her car, but Nate stopped her. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);""Wait! Let me take you to the hospital! You can't drive with that broken hand. You're right-handed! " Nate pleaded with Gaia. He felt sick to his stomach that he had hurt one of the only people Nate loved in this world like this. He wished he were different. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Gaia looked up at him with a look of murder in her eyes. If she had two functioning hands, she would have tried to kill him and probably succeeded. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"" Take me to the hospital, and don't talk to me," Gaia spit out. She really didn't want to get a ride from him, but she couldn't drive with her right hand. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate nodded and tried to hold her in support, but Gaia snatched her body away from him. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"They both walked towards Nate's car. He opens the door for Gaia, helping her get in and closing the door. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"As he speed walks to the driver's side, Nate holds his head in frustration at himself for this whole situation. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"He gets in and immediately starts the car, pulling out of the parking lot /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"After going to the hospital, she discovered internal bleeding and sprained fingers. After a couple of weeks, her hand would be healed. She lied and said she fucked it up in boxing. Nobody believed it, but nobody pushed the issue. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"Nate had coached Gaia on what to say to the police. She was going to corroborate Maddy's story that she told Gaia that Tyler did it right after it happened. Gaia felt sick to her stomach at setting up an innocent person like that. /p
p style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 10.7px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.85);"After she left the police station, she called Jules. She felt like the only person she could confide in would be Jules since she could relate because of the catfish fiasco. When she told Jules, Jules broke down crying, confessing Nate had done the same thing to her. She even told her about how her mom came over and that debacle. The two stayed together in Jules's bed and comforted each other, happy that they had each other to talk to. /p
