Tripping

Chapter 25: Nathan's POV

Nathan

I don't know why I let a materialistic item dictate the events that occur in my life. I keep trying to convince myself to get over the fact that I was obviously stupid and not thinking properly that I misplaced my chain and ended up loosing it. And that it shouldn't matter this much. There are so many bigger problems in life than my chain.

But when my mom was laying there in the hospital a day before she died and pulled that chain off her neck and put it around mine I knew it meant everything to me. Mason was a bit younger so I had to be strong for him. That's why Mia was there for me when I couldn't handle the pain anymore. She knew how much the chain meant to me. It made me feel like my mom was with me during the most important times of my life. Draft day, my first NHL goal, when I proposed to Mia. I had my chain on. And I know I put it right on top of the dresser in the closet like I always do. I would never misplace something that important. And now it's just gone.

The worst part was I took it out on Mia. She was only trying to help me and I fucked up. I still feel lost and at the same time guilty. I can't stop but think I failed my mom by losing what she gave me to hold and protect. I also know she would kick my ass if she knew I took my anger out on the girl I love the most. But after we pulled through a pretty decent game last week and I got the goal that won us the game I didn't feel like a winner. Because I hurt the one and most important thing in my life. Fucking dumbass.

Thank God my girl is so forgiving and understood my anger but it doesn't excuse how I treated her. Yelling at her? Accusing her? What the fuck was I thinking? The few days following I couldn't let her out of my sight. I always had to be holding onto her. She forgave me but doesn't mean I let up. She told me if I bought her any more flowers she was going to start reselling them. Crazy girl.

I'm still moping around like a fucking child when Mia isn't around. I'm trying to get over losing the chain but it's so much easier said than done. No one knows what it meant to me.

I'm laying in bed with Theo beside me watching some game highlights. Mia left for work not too long ago so I was up here seeing her off to work like I do every morning if I don't have to be at the arena. Theo lifts his head with a curious look just before I hear the alarm beep signalling the one of the house doors opening.

"Honey I'm home!" Mason.

I really need to reconsider who I give the door code to. First person to reconsider on that list is Mason. It's too fucking early to be dealing with his bullshit right now. Doesn't this kid have school?

He bursts right into my room instantly covering his eyes.

"Oh what the fuck dude have some fucking decency and cover up," he says still covering his eyes.

"Thank you for your unwanted opinion. Last time I checked this was my house and my room. So fuck off," I tell him continuing to lay here naked.

"Bro, Theo doesn't wanna see your small dick just as much as I don't," I tilt my head back in laughter.

"Small? What's small about this?" I ask him pointing right at my crotch.

"Holy fuck cover that shit and come downstairs dads here so unless you want to give him a show too then be my guest," he says finally exiting my room. With a groan I get up and throw on some shorts and head downstairs with Theo following behind me.

Mason disappears into the kitchen, no doubt raiding our fridge. I stop when I see my dad in the family room watching the same highlights I was just watching with a cup of coffee in his hand.

"Hey dad, are you good?" I ask him slumping down on the other end of the couch beside him.

"I'm always good. I should be asking you that," he gives me a side eye.