I Adore You // Braeden Lemasters

Chapter 19: Pleaser

A/N: Hey guys! Sorry I haven't written in a bit. And are any of you seeing Wallows on tour? If so, where? ☺️
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Natalie and Braeden sat on Braeden's couch watching the Office. Natalie had a headache and lay in Braeden's lap, resting her head on his chest. Her phone rang. She let out a sigh and climbed off the couch to answer it, head throbbing.

"Hi," she said to her mother.

"What are you doing?" She asked.

"Just relaxing, I don't feel that well. Why, what's up?"

"I need to talk to you about something,"

"Alright," Natalie said, a bit confused. "About what?"

"Grandma had a stroke," she said calmly. "She's in hospice."

Natalie was at a loss for words. She covered her mouth, shocked, and held back tears. Braeden sat up, concerned.

"She's not doing so good. She probably only has a few days left."

Natalie wept. "Alright," she said. "I gotta figure stuff out, I will be home as soon as I can."

"Don't cry," her mom said. "She's had a great life. She will be in a better place. But right now she needs us. Let's just try to make things as comfortable as we can for her. Okay?"

"Okay," Natalie said sniffling.

After the phone call Braeden immediately went to her and wrapped her in his arms.

"I'm here." He said softly, holding her tightly. "I'm right here."

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The Next Morning

Natalie was chaotically packing her suitcase. Her face complimented with dark circles from not having slept and crying. Braeden stood by her bedroom door, unsure of what to do or say to make her okay.

"Let me go with you." He said.

"What?" She said, still digging through her closet. "Why?"

"Because," he gave a little shrug. "I'm here for you. I wanna help you however I can."

She looked at him sadly and frowned a little.

"What?" He questioned.

"I dunno... You really don't need to."

"I want to." He said throwing his arms around her shoulders and pulling her head into his chest.

She let out a loud sigh.

"My grandma and I were so close before I left for college. I should have been there for her."

"Hey," he said. "Nothing you could have done would have changed this. If she loves you the way you say she does then I'm sure she's proud of you."