From The Start

39

Nathan

I walked past my father reading the newspaper in his fancy leather recliner. From a distance, I can hear his voice make its way me.

"You're too good for a greeting now?" He quipped, eyes still on the paper. I rolled my eyes and turn back to head in the living room again.

"Hey dad," is said shortly and walked back to my spot in front of the swimming pool. Ugh, I need some fresh air, past all these people that resided in this house.

I walked around the pool and headed down the stairs at the far back that lead straight to the woods. I walked for a good five minutes until I found the regular path that consisted of a big old widowed tree. I made a right from it and continued walking until the cabin slowly emerged of into the distance. It was positioned right in front of the clear green lake, that possessed a small current due to the winds that swooshed through the grass and shook the leaves off of trees.

I walked around the cabin till I reached the front entrance and pulled out my array of other keys that I kept. My house keys, my car... I had too many.
I turned the key in the door and it opened freely with a soft creak, exposing all the warm and comfy wonders inside. Out of all my family members I'm the one who is usually in here, if not with my ex, Gail.

I usually played my guitar along the fireplace that crackled throughout the living room. I only used this place for a when I needed time to think and recuperate.

I walk into the small sitting area near the fireplace and towards the back was the tiny blocked off kitchen and upstairs was the bedroom and bathroom. I walked to the refrigerator that barely held any solid food. I peered in and at the first row, which was nearly empty, if it wasn't for the small containment of strawberries.

I looked down at the second shelve, to see three cases off beer that sat there.
I grabbed up one, no bothering to search the rest of the fridge. I closed the door lightly and spun on my heel to head for the bedroom.

It was simple, just the way I liked it. Fairly large mint green meshed weaved rug on top paneled hard wood, creamy white painted walls and photos of family decorate on high shelves about the walls.

My parents used to come here whenever they wanted to get away, but since their jobs took over most of their lives; they barely had time to sit and think. So they left it for me, Brandon and Julie.

I flopped on the large king sized bed and and the top remains of my opened beer spilt to the floor. I cursed under my breath and arose off the bed and went to the nightstand. Luckily I remembered that I had some tissue in a draw for whenever I got sick. The house also played for quarantine grounds.

I walked back over to the area where I spilt the beer and got down on one knee. I wiped away and followed the trail till it stopped under the bed's skirt. My hand hit some object that felt like paper or an envelope of some sort.

I reached for it and slid it from its place. It was in fact an envelope; a medium sized manila envelope. On the front, it read Julie's full name.

I shook my head at her carelessness. I curiously opened up the envelope and a line of photos were stacked on one another. I pulled them out further and took a look.

I felt disgusted and instantly regretted ever looking. There were a dozen photos of Charlie and different women sleeping with one another.

He was even in public places with them... eating dinner, walking out of buildings, but the naked sexual ones took the cake.

I felt like I was going to puke.

Was this why Julie had been over here more often now and her body language more... careful? Charlie was having his way around town and she was spying, collecting a spew of evidence. In the back of my mind, I wanted to scream at her but she was longing for something the complete opposite. She needed her family.

Later that day I drove to the movie store to picked up a few DVD's for me and Julie and Brandon to watch. I figured by now, we needed time to bond and talk to each other. To Catch up for old time sake and I just wanted Julie to admit what was up with her. To put a stop to the charade and confess.

I strolled through the isles, looking through each category carefully. My mind drifting on Candice and now I was beginning to miss her presence. I was tempted to call her but I thought it through and I decided I would give her some space.

I skimmed through the Action/Adventure and Thriller section and discovered a few good ones. I choose the best that I could find with an addition of a chick flick with Julie in mind. Approaching the checking out desk, I stood in line behind an older woman. My eyes drifted off to the entrance of store as a strongly built, tattooed male entered.

He was slightly taller than me by a couple inches and his light skin was barely visible with all the illustrations on his arms and neck, behind him was another strongly built male who was similar looking to him whom also beard tattoos but not as many.

He looked awfully familiar but He also gave off this bad vibe.

He had a narrow face and light skinned with a shaven head. His light brown beady eyes made their way to mine.
We shared a momentary glance and he proceeded to nod in a friendly gesture. I couldn't help but to nod back.

I checked out all the DVDs and paid with my card. I gathered up the plastic bag and made my way to the automatic sliding doors. I stopped at the front to feel for my car keys in my back pocket and continued to walk as I twirled them on my fingers until they slipped and fell out of my grip onto the concrete with a sharp *clink*, not too far from my car.

"Sweet ride," I heard behind me, once I the cool metal in my hands, ready to unlock my door. To my surprise, it was the two large men whom I encountered inside, standing side by side, a few feet away from me and the car car. Tattoo covered arms were folded as they surveyed my car intently.

"Thanks," Was all I said. The three of us stared at each other awkwardly; their eyes going back and forth from me to my car. I turned on my heels curtly to avoid their eyes only to be halted in my tracks at once.

"Nathan... right?" One of them said deeply, their voice beaming with the release of my name, like he knew me personally.

I turned again. "Yea," I answered, obviously confused, still reaching to opened my door cautiously. "Do I know you guys?"

"No." he responded in a, a matter of fact attitude. "But, I'm sure you're wondering how I know you?" I was drawing blanks.

His posture stiffened, followed by a discerning laugh. Seemingly a bit too controlled.

Who was this guy?

"Something I said?" I replied arrogantly.

"Not at all." he finished his laugh. "Anyways, I better get going, but it was nice seeing you again Nathan. Maybe we'll have the pleasure of conversing under better circumstances." He didn't bother to give me a chance to rebuttal. Instead, he strides of confidently with his friend, I assume, whom was quiet the whole time.

Not to far away he yells "Oh, and the names, Tristan by the way! It was great running into you." He stalked off and I was insanely taken aback.

He seemed a bit unbalanced, I thought, closing my car door behind me.

I tried not to minimize it as a slip in memory. Maybe we have met before and it slipped my mind... I tried not to overthink it.

Weird.