Part 3: Fond Farewells
See Part 1 for disclaimers
Okay, so this is the last chapter I have to revise, and then I'm going to start working on chapter 4 again. But don't expect it to be up for a bit because I still have to decide where she's going to move off to… I do have a few ideas, but none of them seem quite right. If you have an idea please put it in your review or email it to me!
When Natalie reached Llanfair, she was surprised and a little worried to see the house totally dark. With the Killing Club killings still fresh on her mind she entered the house with more than a little trepidation. "Mom?" she called as she walked into the library. Suddenly all the lights came on and the entire Llanview-dwelling clan yelled, "Surprise!"
Natalie was definitely surprised, and incredibly touched. "Oh my gosh, you guys! Who planned this?" Viki and Jessica laughed, looking extremely proud of themselves as they pointed to the other and said simultaneously, "It was all her idea." Natalie laughed and hugged them both. "It doesn't matter, thank you guys so much! This is just what I needed."
After a few people had come up to wish her luck, Todd walked over to Natalie. "Hey, I know you know I never liked you—and I still don't—but I just came to say I hope you have fun making a new start in a town far, far away from here." He walked over to the snack table and Natalie blinked. "Uh, thanks?" She and Jessica laughed. "Don't let Todd get to you." She shrugged. "I never do."
Blair was the next to come up to her. "I'm sorry about what Todd said. I hope you have a good time getting away from this town. It's really nothing but trouble." Natalie smiled. "Then why do you stay?" Blair sighed and looked over at Todd, who was currently impressing Starr and Jack by putting straws in his nose and doing his walrus impersonation. "Todd doesn't want to move away from his family, and I love him." Natalie giggled. "Good luck with that." Blair laughed right along with her, "Thank you, I think I'll need it." She hugged Nat and walked over to Todd.
Half an hour later, Natalie was eating a piece of cake while sitting at the table with Jessica, Viki, Roxanne, Starr, and Kelly. "You squirted shampoo into his eyes?" "Well I didn't know it was him, I just knew somebody was getting into the shower with me. What would you have done?" Jessica looked at Starr. "Okay, I think this conversation is getting a little too adult for you, Starr." She looked at Jessica. "You've got to be kidding me." Starr stalked off.
Suddenly, Natalie's eyes widened and she stood up. "Ex—excuse me." She walked quickly out of the library doors. "What are you doing here?" John stopped dead in his tracks where he had been trying to slip away unnoticed and turned around. "I was coming to clear some things up with you. Didn't know there was a party going on tonight." She folded her arms across her chest, determined not to let him get to her. "It's my last night in Llanview, some people actually care that I'm leaving town and wanted to tell me good-bye. And I think we've said all we need to say to one another." She turned to walk back into the house.
"Natalie, wait." She stopped and looked at him over her shoulder. "This had better be damn important, John." He looked at her seriously. "It is." She waited, but he said nothing. "Well?" she asked, impatient. He walked over, took her into his arms and kissed her passionately. She returned his kiss for a moment, unable to stop herself.
Then Viki's words entered her mind again: "And as for John… If he is not ready to commit to you, why should you keep waiting? Find a way to put closure on this thing with him and until then don't invite contact with him. And, more importantly than anything, make sure that you are true to yourself no matter what course of action you take."
She broke away, glaring at him. "No, I'm not gonna let you do this to me again, John. I can't keep disappointing myself because of you. Do you have anything to say to me?" Her eyes held the faintest trace of hope but it slowly faded as he remained silent and stared at the ground.
"I didn't think so. I mean, I had hoped, but—" She shook the thoughts away and gave him one last look. "Good-bye, John," she whispered, walking back into the house. John broke down, knowing that he had lost his last chance. He'd never felt worse in his life, while Natalie had never been prouder of herself.
TO BE CONTINUED
So, what did you think of the revision? Click 'review' and let me know! And don't forget to give me an idea for where she can move to if you really want an update. Manda