I Adore You // Braeden Lemasters

Chapter 4: Uncomfortable

Mikey invited Natalie over for dinner the same Friday she flew back. She was happy to finally see him again after being away for a couple weeks.

Braeden had sent her a short list of upcoming shows that Wallows was scheduled to play. She thanked him for the message and that was all she heard from him for a couple days.

To Natalie's tacit approval, Mikey ordered pizza this time around. They watched movies and kissed for a while before dozing off. Natalie awoke happily in his arms, kissing him softly. He squeezed her gently and kissed her cheek.

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Sunday evening

"Soo," Aubrey pried. "How have things been with him? Seems like you spent basically the whole weekend at his place."

"I think things have been really good. He really missed me while I was gone."

"Well that's good. Is he clingy?"

"Maybe a little." Natalie shrugged it off. "But not in a bad way."

Later that night she got a message from Braeden. It was a link to an album by a band called Snail Mail.

"Thought you would like this" was all he said.

She lay in bed smiling at the thoughtful text message. Then she reached for her airpods and shut her eyes.

The next morning she woke up to a text from Mikey,

"Good morning beautiful girl. Come over tonight?"

This made her smile and she eagerly responded.

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Later that night

They sat on the couch having some beers, having a good time, laughing and chatting about whatever came up in conversation. After a bit, Mikey brought out some hard liquor and started mixing drinks together.

Natalie's head spun a little. Next thing she knew, Mikey was trying to tear off her pants.

"Hey, what are you doing?" She slurred.

"Let's just have some fun." He said drunkenly.

She immediately stumbled off the couch, gathering herself. Sobbing and angry, she ran out the door, shoes in hand.

Unsteadily, she found Aubrey's number and called her. But it went to voicemail. Natalie wept, walking barefoot down the sidewalk. She tried Hailey next, but there was no answer from her either.

She panicked, walking drunkenly down the street in the dark, as rain drizzled in the night. She tried to think of somebody else she trusted but nobody really came to mind. As a last resort she decided to call Braeden. It rang a couple times before he picked up.

"Hello?" She heard.

"Braeden? Hi-hi... this is Natalie,"

"Hey, what's up? How are ya?" He asked kindly.

"I'm so sorry to bother you. I really need help," she said, sniffling.

Fifteen minutes later Braeden pulled up beside her at the street corner. He leapt out of the car and went to her, slinging a jacket around her and helping her into the car.

"I'm so sorry." She said with embarrassment, half wiping the melted mascara, half hiding her face from him.

"Don't be sorry." He insisted. "Are you okay? What happened?" He asked gently.

"We were drinking..." she said. "He kept trying to do stuff. I told him no but he wasn't listening. I just ran out the door. I can't drive home, I can't even walk straight... I can barely think straight." She muttered. "I was so uncomfortable."

"I'm sorry that happened to you," he said frowning, unsure what to say. "That's horrible."

"I tried calling my friends but nobody picked up. I didn't know who else to call," she sighed. "I don't know a lot of people here,"

"I'm just glad I can get you home safe. Just tell me where to go and that's where I'll go."

They headed in the direction of Natalie's apartment.

"Shit," she exclaimed. "I just realized I don't even have my keys. I left them at Mikey's." She sighed. "Hopefully Aubrey can let me inside."

"She's your roommate?"

"Yeah. She's been my best friend since freshman year, here."

"What made you wanna come here for school?" he asked as they passed under the glowing street lamps.

"Same reason as any other kid I guess." She said softly. "I'd never really been away from home before. I just always wanted to come to California, I guess."

"What are you gonna do after school?"

"Well," she explained. "I'm hoping to become a civil engineer."

"Wow. Sounds... civil?" He chuckled. "That's really awesome."

"Yeah," she tried to smile a little. She wasn't really in the mood for heavy conversation. Her head was still spinning.

They pulled into the driveway of the small quadplex Natalie shared with Aubrey.

"Is it alright if I walk you to the door? I just wanna make sure you get inside okay."

"Okay," Natalie said tiredly.

Natalie rang the doorbell and Braeden stayed close behind. There was silence. She rang the doorbell again. The light flicked on inside and suddenly Aubrey appeared at the door. Natalie let out a sigh of relief.

"Natalie?" Aubrey rubbed her eyes, opening the door wide.

"Why don't you maybe try to get some rest. I can explain everything to your friend." Braeden said, putting a hand on Natalie's arm.