Breaking Her Cold Walls (completed)

Chapter nine

Nathan took the container and opened it. He saw a note attached to it and began to read it with curiousity. 

"Nathan,

I would like to thank you. For what, you are probably wondering. My life for the past eight years has been a rollercoaster. A few  circumstances led me to hiding behind invisible walls that I built. I forgot how to smile the moment I immersed in loneliness. You mentioned about yourself being an orphan and how you used to be homeless. I found it really inspiring, personally. It was something that I never thought about, that there were plenty of people who've been through hard times. I thought I was the only one in pain and I realized then that I was very selfish. In that moment, you broke the walls that I built. I understood that it was okay to let the past go. That it was okay to smile and be happy. This is why I want to thank you. 

From Sandra"

Nathan's eyes widened as he took in the contents. Was he living in a dream or was this really happening? Did he really play a part in...making her smile so much? Happiness bubbled in his chest as he thought about it.

He was unsure how his little outburst could have brought so much change in someone but everything happens for  a reason.

He was grateful that Sandra was much happier these days. He was even more grateful that they were, in her own words, starting over again.

With a grin, he cut a slice of the cheesecake and acknowledged that she was a great cook. For the first time in a week, he felt relieved and happy, and even inspired. With that in mind, he went to write the next chapter of his book in peace.

Sandra in the other house, was also feeling happy at the way things were going. This time, she acknowledged that she felt butterflies in her stomach when she saw a particular person with blue eyes that drove her crazy. For the first time in years, she has not thought about them and she was sincerely happy for once. Then, a knock came from the door. She walked over to the door and found Marianne standing there. 

"Hello there lovely.", Marianne grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. Sandra nodded at her astonished but still softly smiled at her.

Marianne let out an exaggerated gasp as she saw Sandra's smile. "My, my, what's been going on with you these few days, lovely? I can't believe you're smiling!", Marianne said and Sandra rolled her eyes. "Come over.", she walked and patted her hand to the seat beside her on the sofa.  Marianne sat down with a grin.

"You seem different. A good different, though.", she said. "Yeah, sure. I went plastic surgery to fix my messed up face. That's why I seem different.", Sandra replied sarcastically. Marianne let out a loud hearty laugh and Sandra glared at her with a scowl. "Why are you here, old woman?", she asked her.

"Ah, that, I came here to invite you to my house this Saturday.", Marianne said. Sandra raised her eyebrow. "For what?", she questioned. "We are celebrating Henry's birthday.", she said with a smile. "Even though I know you hardly go for any social gatherings but, I would really like you to come.", Marianne said with hope. Sandra groaned but agreed.

"Yeah, sure. I'm free anyways.", Marianne's eyes instantly lit up as she hugged the young woman in front of her. "Great! I'll get going then. Need to go and invtite the young man next door.", she said and left quickly after wiggling her eyebrows. Young man? God, Sandra hoped it wasn't Nathan. Not that she would mind seeing him, but she was a little shy from her little stunt earlier. She had no idea why she did that and it made her feel a little excited but awkward.

Saturday rolled by quickly. Sandra quickly had a shower and wore a nice, long red dress. With a pair of diamond earrings, a small pendant, and some makeup along with her signature red lipstick, she was great to go. Her usually wavy brown hair was flat ironed straight today. She wore matching red heels and left for Marianne's house.

She went in and took in the large house and beautiful pictures on the wall. The big chandelier in the middle of the living room lit up the room nicely and gave it a warm aura. "Oh, sweetie, you're here! Thanks for coming love", Marianne shouted across the room and dashed to hug Sandra tightly. "C'can't br-breathe!", Sandra mumbled.

Marianne let her and looked at her sheepishly. "You look beautiful by the way.", she said honestly. Sandra thanked her humbly as a blush spread across her face. She followed the old woman she escorted her to the other side of the room. Marianne introduced Sandra to her family and Sandra greeted them politely.

After that, the birthday party carried on and Sandra stood at a corner watching them, she felt a little awkward as some of the guests gave her a look as they were surprised to see her there and she hardly knew anyone then. "Glad to see you here.", a deep voice broke her out of her thoughts as she craned to see the man haunting her dreams. "Oh, hi", she said casually not to indicate that she was personally freaking out in the inside.

"damn hormones", she cursed silently. "What was that?", Nathan said and laughed heartily. "Damn hormones?", he said and mocked. "Am I making your hormones run wild?", he joked. Sandra rolled her eyes at that. "You are flattering yourself too much, now you can shut up.", she said and smiled even though her eyes were glaring daggers at him. "You look beautiful.", he whispered suddenly and Sandra felt her breath get caught in her throat. "Thanks.", she mumbled as she looked at the floor, shy. 

Nathan chuckled as he took in the blush that formed on her face. He was waiting to ask her this for so many days. He awkwardly cleared his throat as he began. "So, Sandra?", he called her. "Yeah?", she replied. "Will you go out on a date with me?", he asked her quietly.