Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with ABC, OLTL, or the characters.
Chapter TwoJohn watched as Natalie spun back around and angrily strode behind the bar, and began forcefully wiping down the counters in what he could only assume was an unsuccessful attempt at cooling down. John didn't hesitate, knowing her temper would only get worse if he let her stay up there and simmer.
"What part of stay the hell out of my life didn't you understand?" she snapped icily, as he took a seat at the bar.
"I really need to talk to you."
Natalie stopped what she was doing and glared at him. "I don't care what you really need, I want nothing to do with you." Natalie started to walk away but was stopped by Johns hand grabbing hers.
"I'm serious Natalie, this is really important."
Natalie stared at John, and noticed how grim and serious he looked. "Fine," she relented figuring that since he drove all the way to Atlantic City she may as well give him five minutes. "I get off in ten minutes. I'll meet you at your car, if you need to talk to me so badly you can do it driving me home."
With that, Natalie turned and walked into the back room without another look at John.
Once safely away from the eyes of John McBain, Natalie leaned against the storage room wall trying to get control of her emotions. Feelings of anger, fear, and hurt were pouring through her as the tears threatened to fall.
After all that had happened, all that had been said and done, she couldn't forgive him let alone let him back in her life.
Flashback
Two weeks.
Two weeks had passed since John had chosen to save Evangeline, leaving her behind to be finished off by a serial killer. First he broke her heart, then left her to die, not exactly the happy ending Natalie had hoped for. But, she was alive. Once again she had managed to escape the clutches of the homicidal maniac who had kidnapped her. Ron had been caught, and admitted to all the Killing Club murders, including the kidnapping of Natalie and Evangeline.
The shrill whistle of the kettle stirred Natalie from her thoughts and she made her way toward the stove not wanting to wake anyone. It was nearly three in the morning and Natalie couldn't sleep. It had been a week since she had been rescued… a week since her life had almost ended. However, it was thanks to Marcie that it hadn't.
After the fire at the community center, Ron had taken Natalie to an abandoned theater on the outskirts of town, and left her secured in the building. During the time she was there, Ron had been picked up by the police, leaving Natalie alone in the cold, dark theater for nearly a week. Ron had refused to cooperate with the police; taunting them that Natalie would be dead by the time they found her. But, after days of pleading with her brother, Marcie had finally managed to get through to him and he had given her directions to the theater.
By the time Bo and John had gotten there, Natalie was nearly dead, as a result of not having eaten in almost a week. She had spent the next week in the hospital being treated for malnourishment, dehydration and a sprained ankle.
But, she had survived.
Natalie poured the hot water in to a mug added a tea bag and slightly limping, made her way back to the kitchen table, once again lost in her thoughts. Even though she had spent the last week convincing everyone around her she was fine, the truth was she wasn't. Being alone in that theater had brought back memories of her childhood… memories she had spent years trying to repress. Shivering, Natalie took a sip of her tea and looked around the kitchen.
Although it had been nearly four years since being accepted by her family, she couldn't help still wishing things had been different. That she could have lived the sheltered life Jessica had, always being loved and taken care of.
Sighing, Natalie stood up, just needing to escape the mansion and her thoughts. Not bothering to change, Natalie grabbed her keys and quietly exited into the darkness.
After wandering around Llanview slowly and aimlessly, Natalie found herself at the Angel Square Hotel. Natalie shook her head hating the fact that she always found herself running to him, even subconsciously.
"I won't do it. I won't let myself get hurt again," she whispered to herself knowing that John had made his choice that night at the Community Center. Still silent, she entered the hotel, her ankle now bothering her, and slowly climbed the stairs to the roof. She just wanted to be alone, but someplace where she could still see Cristians statue. Even after all this time it still made her feel close to him.
Opening the door to the roof Natalie froze in shock realizing that she wasn't alone. Directly in front of her, with an equally shocked expression, was John.
"I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone else was up here." Natalie said once she was able to find her voice. "I'll go." Natalie started to turn around when she heard him.
"Wait."
Natalie paused and slowly turned around to face him. He was sitting against the wall, looking at her – his expression curious. Natalie looked down and her face flamed, as she realized that she was still in her blue pajama pants, and tight white tee shirt. Instinctively, her hands flew to her hair, which was still pilled high on her head in a messy ponytail.
"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked, after staring at her for a few seconds.
Natalie shook her head, and once again moved toward the door, desperately needing to get away from him.
"Please don't go."
Natalie sighed and closed the door, moving back toward him. "Why not? You made your feelings perfectly clear that night at the Community Center."
John looked up at her, his face stricken, but she continued. "It's fine John… you can't help who you love."
With this, Natalie turned once again intending to leave, but John was too fast. Within seconds he was on his feet and gently grabbing Natalie's arm. Taking a deep breath he finally said the words which she had been dreaming about hearing for months.
"I love you."
End Flashback
No, she couldn't go through that pain again. Pulling herself together Natalie grabbed her purse and jacket, ready to close that chapter in her life.