I Adore You // Braeden Lemasters

Chapter 20: At The End Of The Day

They flew into Cleveland the following morning. Braeden had even paid for Natalie's flight, though Natalie insisted he didn't need to do that. Natalie was exhausted, not having slept much on the plane.  They picked up a rental car and headed to Natalie's home to unpack her things. Nobody was home.

"So this is your house?" Braeden asked as they walked inside.

"Yep." She said. "This is where I grew up."

"Very nice." He smiled.

She closed the door behind him and she showed him around. He examined the photos that hung on the walls.

"You were such a cute kid." He chuckled.

She rolled her eyes playfully.

"...Are a cute kid." He corrected himself.

She sat at the dinner table, reflecting for a moment. He sat across from her. Light came in from the kitchen window. It was gloomy outside for a Summer day.

"What are you thinking?" He asked.

She shrugged. "Just seems like so much happened so fast."

"Yeah," he nodded. "It definitely did. But you're gonna get through it. I know you."

She tried for a smile through her frown, "We should probably get going."

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Natalie entered the room alone. Her mother and sister sat on either said of Grandma. Her mother looked surprised to see her, getting up from her seat and going to Natalie. She engulfed Natalie in a hug, cheeks wet with tears.  She was a little startled to see the dark haired boy lingering near the doorway.

"Mom, this is Braeden."  Natalie said, turning to see Braeden standing bashfully near the door.

"Well, come in," her mother gestured for him to come in.

They shared a very brief hug and then Natalie and Braeden sat near Grandma.

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"Thanks for coming with me." Natalie said, as she drove.

"Of course," he said, as if she sounded ridiculous for thanking him.

It was odd for her to think that so suddenly they were spending time in Ohio. And so suddenly and briefly he had met her mom. Everything seemed to have done a 180 so quickly.

Later than night they sat in Natalie's bed, side by side, backs against the wall. Something random was playing on TV. The sound of the garage opening as her mother and sister arrived home pulled Natalie back into reality.

A scurrying of footsteps lead to the appearance of Natalie's sister, Ella, waiting in the doorway. She was a dainty and sweet girl, who bore big blue eyes and glasses.

"Hi," she said shyly, shedding a grin.

"Come in," Natalie said, happy to see her.

She coyly stepped toward the foot of the bed.

"I don't think I got to really introduce myself. I remember you came with Natalie to see me play at the amphitheater." Braeden said, extending his hand out in front of him. "I'm Braeden."

"I'm Ella," Ella said shaking his hand. "I actually already know who you are."

"Oh do you?" Braeden shot back with some friendly sass. "Well Ella who already knows who I am, would you like to sit with us?" He patted a spot on the bed for her.

Ella's eyes went to Natalie for approval, who was smiling happily at the sight of the two of them getting along already. Natalie made room for Ella between the two of them. Ella climbed up onto the bed and plopped down.

Braeden looked down at the girl, pleased to meet her. Natalie pulled her into a hug and gave her a big squeeze.

"Well Ella who knows everything, I'm glad to finally meet you. Your sister told me so much about you."

Her cheeks turned rosy.