Full Circle - A collection of drabbles

by StoriesOfTheHeartie

Join Nathan as he comes full circle, through time and emotion, with the four most influential people in his life.

Full Circle is a collection of drabbles (100 word micro stories) written in Nathan's POV. Nathan has had four main people affect his life, in both positive and negative ways. They are his father Archie, his sister Colleen, Allie, and Elizabeth. Each character has five drabbles detailing Nathan's personal journey to a full circle moment with them. They span both the course of time and emotion.

ARCHIE

"It's just a scratch, Nathan. Brush it off, son."

"I'm okay, daddy."

He wiped the tear from my eye and put a hand on my shoulder.

"Save your tears for when you really need them."

"How will I know when I need them?"

"Well, it's not so much about your eyes. Your heart will tell you when your eyes need to cry."

"My heart talks?"

"Oh yes, it talks. You just need to listen and see what it's really saying."

"I don't understand."

"It's not something I can explain. You'll just know. A man always does. Just trust me, son."

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"Son, ride into town with me, please."

"Sure, dad."

Minutes later, we were walking into the general store when an angry voice called out.

"Archie Grant," a man said from behind us.

"Take this list and get only what's on it, son. I'll be in shortly."

I quickly got everything but Mr. Clark said our account needed to be settled first, so I went outside.

"Dad, the account needs settling."

"Sounds familiar," the man said to dad. "One week, Archie."

"What'd he want?"

"He's just upset over a game of cards."

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, it's fine, Nathan. Trust me."

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"No, Dad. I didn't come here so you could ease your conscience. I came to say I'll be joining the Mounties as soon as I'm of age. I'm going to earn an honest living, do good in the world, and provide for mom. But first, I'm going to walk Colleen down the aisle to a man not worthy of her. A man I'm sure I'll meet on a professional basis one day. A man she'd never consider if we had enough money to live on. But we'll be much better off without you. You can trust me on that, dad."

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"Dear son,

Thank you for bringing Allie to visit me. I can't believe how much she's grown since we reconnected in Hope Valley. I received your letter this morning. I was so happy to hear that her adoption is official. She's a blessed little girl to have you as her dad, Nathan.

In regards to the little teacher, just be patient with her, son. I saw the way she looked at you. So much undeniable love and respect between you. One day her heart will be stronger than her fear, and then she'll choose you. Just trust me.

Love, dad

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"Would you like to meet your grandson, Archie?"

"I sure would."

I watched Elizabeth lay our newborn son in his arms, while Jack and Allie sat on either side of him.

"Is that a tear I see, Constable?" Wiping the evidence from my cheek she said, "you don't cry very often, honey."

"I save my tears for when I really need them. Until my heart talks and tells my eyes to cry."

Hearing me, dad looked up with tears in his eyes as we exchanged a warm smile.

"Was it good advice, son?"

"It was. No regrets, dad. Trust me."

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COLLEEN

"Fifty! Ready or not, here I come!"

I looked under the bed and in her closet.

"Colleen! Where are you? Come out, come out, wherever you are!"

But she didn't come out.

"I'm tired. I can't find you. I give up!"

"Are you sure you want to give up, Nate? You're really warm."

I turned to the sound of her voice and saw her toes peeking out from under her bedroom drapes. I ran over and pulled them back.

"Aha! Got you!"

She giggled.

"Were you there the whole time?"

"Yep! You just weren't looking close enough. I'm always nearby."

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"But why him? You don't have to do this."

"Nate, mom can barely afford to feed us both. I want you to finish school. Dylan loves me. He's got a job at the factory. We'll be alright."

"I don't like him and I don't trust him. He's not good enough for you, Colleen."

"You're biased, little brother. No one's good enough in your eyes."

"I may be biased, but I'm also right."

She stuck out her tongue and I had to laugh.

"Walk me down the aisle, Nate. It's my wedding day."

"Alright, sis. Just know, I'll always be nearby."

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"She's growing up so fast, Colleen. She's a lot like you. She's bubbly and kind. She loves to sing and dance. She's always making me laugh. She's so smart; the best in her class. She's inquisitive. She's thoughtful and brave.

I taught her to fish and she absolutely loves it. She usually catches the most. I used to let her. Now she's better than me."

Putting a hand on her stone, I smiled, seeing Allie running quickly towards me.

"How about these flowers for mama?"

"Forget Me Nots are perfect. We miss her, but she's in our hearts. Always nearby.

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"What do you think?" Elizabeth said, twirling for us.

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."

"You're biased, Constable."

"I may be biased, but I'm also right."

"Good answer, honey."

"Do I need to go blackberry picking?" Allie said, breaking us from our heated gaze.

I laughed.

"No...not yet." I grinned, winking at Elizabeth.

"Ugh, dad."

I laughed.

"Sorry. Go ahead, Allie."

"We picked these for you to carry. Could they be your something blue? They remind us of my mom. She'd be very happy to see us become a family and we'd like her to be nearby."

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"Why is it taking so long?"

"It's only been a couple of hours. Every delivery is different, but it's her third. I don't think it'll be much longer."

"I hope you're right."

Minutes later, Robert came around the corner wearing a proud smile.

"She's here. Allie wants to see you both."

Elizabeth pressed a kiss to Allie's forehead, as I held our first granddaughter.

"She's beautiful isn't she, sir?"

"She sure is, Robert."

Taking Elizabeth's hand, Allie said, "her name is Colleen and you can hold her any time. Robert's permanent post is Benson Hills, so she'll always be nearby."

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ALLIE

"Do you want to hold her?"

"I don't know. She's so little. I might break her."

"Rest easy, little brother. Your niece is half Grant, remember? She's resilient. Like us."

She laid the baby in my arms and I looked into her perfect, little face.

"What's her name?"

"Allison."

"Allison?"

"Yes, after grandma."

"But that's an adult name. She's tiny."

"She will be an adult someday, Nate."

I looked at her again.

"Hi, Allie."

"Allie?"

"Yeah. She can be Allison to you."

"You're bonded forever."

"Yep, we are. Do you hear that? You're stuck with me. I love you, Allie.

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"I'm running away!"

"Okay."

"Uncle Nathan!"

"Yeah?"

"Aren't you going to stop me?"

"No. I'm not."

"But what if somebody tries to get me?"

"They'd bring you back," I said, trying not to smile.

She huffed dramatically, stomping out the front door into the darkness.

I kept my eyes on her. She didn't get far.

I raced back to the table, just in time for her to walk back in.

"It's dark out there."

"Yep."

"If I eat my green beans and be thankful, can I please move back in?"

"You bet. You're stuck with me. I love you, Allie."

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"What did you mean by "the founders would be proud?"

"I have no idea. It just came out."

"Uncle Nathan, are you in love?"

"In love? Allie, no. I hardly know the woman! I couldn't possibly be. Why would you think that?"

"Anna says her brother gets really nervous and tells corny jokes when he likes a girl. But it's hard to tell with you. You act nervous around Mrs. Thornton, but all your jokes are corny."

"Thanks a lot."

"It's true."

"Well, it doesn't matter. You're my best girl."

"Really?"

"Really. You're stuck with me. I love you, Allie."

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"It's our last night. I can't believe tomorrow's finally the day. Are you excited dad?"

"I am. I've wanted us to be a family for a long time."

"Me too."

"Thanks for being my best girl."

"You're welcome. But is it strange?"

"I don't think so. Fiona was for Mike. But even if it is, I don't care. You've been my constant little shadow since the day you were born. We've been through everything together. I want you by my side. Let's share this special moment."

"I'll be at your side, dad. You're stuck with me."

"I love you, Allie."

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Tears welled, and laughter bubbled over, as we listened to vows only Allie could write.

"Dearest Robert, I remember the day I thought you'd never love me. It was during recess and I figured it was because I couldn't spit water through my front teeth. Then I let my inner beauty shine by throwing ice cream at you. That didn't work either. But years later, you asked me to dance at the Founders Day ball. You walked me home and kissed me. I knew I finally had your attention. I'm yours forever. You're stuck with me. I love you, Allie."

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ELIZABETH

"You're a fool, Nathan."

I was applying the final coat of stain now. Tomorrow I'd give it to her.

"She's going to see right through you," my inner dialogue continued. "Or did you forget you came here to protect her?"

I didn't forget. I just didn't count on her being so beautiful. I couldn't keep my eyes off her and I was secretly thrilled every time we needed to speak. But I would keep it together. After all, this was just a gift of appreciation.

But my inner dialogue wouldn't be silenced.

"Appreciation. Right. So that's what you're going with?"

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"Nathan, don't leave. Keep kissing me."

How could I say no?

I let my hands wander a bit, dipping dangerously low at the small of her back, as I took her lips again. She was mine now. She declared her love for me tonight. There was no more wondering, "should I kiss her? Would she want me to?"

She did. So I kept embracing her, reading cues from her contented sounds and the intensity of her lips, until the sensation was almost too desirous.

"I should go."

"Tired?" she asked, with a knowing grin.

"Yeah, we'll go with that, Lizbeth."

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"I cannot believe I let you talk me into this again."

"I seem to remember you being an enthusiastic participant, sweetheart."

"Yes—!"

"Yep," I interrupted. "That's what you said that night."

"Nathan!"

"That too. So you do remember?"

"You're impossible."

"Do you want my help or not?"

"In the interest of science, yes, please get this baby out of me."

"Challenge accepted."

Four hours later Faith said, "Elizabeth, you're almost fully dilated," before leaving the room.

I smiled broadly and winked.

"You look very proud of yourself."

"Well, you're highly agreeable to science, Lizbeth. We should always go with that."

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Laying in bed, I snuggled her from behind.

"I can't believe we're grandparents."

"We're still young."

"I don't feel young or sexy."

"You still light my fire," I said, reaching around to run my hand between her breasts.

"Nathan, those breasts sag after nursing. Don't you miss when they were round and firm?"

"Not a bit. Your body produced two little humans because of my insistent desire for you and those breasts. They tell the story of our love."

She took my hand, moving it to rest on one.

"Convince me."

"You want proof?"

"Yes, Nathan. Always go with that."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jack's first assignment would be Fort Clay. I received the news from headquarters and shared it with Elizabeth. Tears fell as I held her close.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"Honey, I'm crying because of how far we've come. Fort Clay is where our love story intertwined with my first love story. It's only fitting Jack serve where both his fathers did. Still, I couldn't feel this positive without you, Nathan."

"No fears?"

"Plenty. But we always do what we're afraid to do."

"It's been a good mantra for us, hasn't it?"

"Yes, we have everything because we always go with that."

Author's notes: I still owe you part two of Beautifully Broken. I promise it will be my next work of fanfiction. But I wrote my first drabble last week, on Instagram, and realized they come very easily to me. The creative process is sometimes very stressful. I must edit my stories at least ten to fifteen times before you ever see them. But drabbles don't seem to cause me the amount of stress I thought they would. I was just sure that a 100 word cap to tell a story would be out of my wheelhouse. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't. I'd like to thank NotAWriter for introducing them to me. They're a lot of fun! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this collection of drabbles on here, or on Instagram. As always, thank you for reading!