Catch Me If You Can

Chapter 17: When You're Not Around

After the last class, I went to the cafeteria to have some break before Nate's practice. As I was sitting alone, I couldn't help but I started overthinking our last fight. "Remember that as soon as I walk out of this house, the real hell will just begin."  What was that supposed to mean? He already showed me so many dark sides of him, that I didn't know what to expect this time. If he was planning on showing me the real hell, what the fuck was all the shit he did before? And he told me all of this before I got involved with McKay. Does that mean he will go even further? Oh my fuckin god, stop thinking about it. Stop. 

"Ver? Veronica? Are you okay?" As I was driving myself crazy and slowly scratching the skin on my crossed arms, Rue stopped by and sat at my table.

"I'm sorry.. yeah, I'm okay. What about you? I haven't seen you at Fez's shop for a while."

"I was spending more time with Jules, so.. you know.. I was gone most of the time."

"Yeah.. right.. And how is it going?"

"I mean... we're pretty good.. friends. But we're moving slowly, you know."

"Yeah, I get that."

The whole convo was so awkward but I wasn't able to function properly and fully lead a discussion. I felt pretty guilty, but I kinda knew that Rue gets it.

"Are you sure you're okay? You're literally shaking... I have some xannies on me if you want one." Rue smiled and pulled a little red plastic box out of her pocket.

"No, I can't.. I really appreciate your help but.. I don't think those will help right now."

"Is it about Nate, isn't it?"

I looked down in shame, but I really wanted to talk to her about it. 

"Can you please promise me.. that you will not tell Jules and Fez? I really don't wanna let them down again."

"I got you. What's going on?"

"I really don't know what to do anymore. Every time I push him away, he finds a way to somehow get back at me even worse. Last time, he followed me into library and when I completely tried to cut him off after, he broke into my house. He was physically abusive and uncontrollable. I really don't know how to get rid of him, but I know I can't tell my parents or the principal, cuz I don't want to cause any problems to my American family or even myself. I just don't wanna go home. Besides him harassing me, I really love it here and I love you guys too. I don't wanna throw it all away cuz of some sociopathic piece of shit." 

"Listen, I totally get your point, but this isn't fuckin okay. Like you can't let him get away with this shit. I know he's Nate-Mofuckin-Jacobs, but this needs to stop. And I'm pretty sure his daddy would love to rearrange his face for doing shit like this. Maybe try to reach out to his family or I don't know.. McKay." 

"That's another part of the problem. I talked to him on that party and when Nate found us in the bathroom together, he was furious. Nothing really happened, but I know he's mad suspicious now and I feel like I'm also putting McKay in danger when I'm talking to him. I just really don't want more people to be involved in this mess."

"But didn't McKay gave you a ride today? I though you three were cool with each other."

"Yeah, he did. We met at Fez's in the morning and he offered me a ride, but we were trying to keep it low-key in front of Nate. He doesn't have a clue."

"Oh.. riiight... Then I really don't have any more solutions for you. But I hope you will figure it out soon."

"Thanks Rue, I'm glad I could talk to you. I have to go now, but I hope I will catch you later."