Through Pain We Survive

Chapter 15

Nate and Becca returned to the house in what seemed better spirits. Nate was still upset with what happened, but was trying not to let it get to him.

Gwen and AJ had finished recording her vocals and Gwen had gotten into her costume. Becca got changed and met them out in the garage.

"How are things?" Gwen asked Becca.

"Umm, better, I think."

Gwen gave Becca a look. She had a feeling something happened in the car, but not enough happened at the same time.

"I'm glad y'all are at least getting back on better terms. I was getting worried for y'all."

"Umm, yeah, we're better now."

"You seemed to calm Nate down at least, so that's good. I'm glad you have that affect on him."

Becca opened her mouth to interject, but AJ and Nate walked in at that time to start filming.

After wrapping the filming, Becca recorded her vocals. Gwen and AJ loved her voice. Only stopping a few times to have friendly banter, they had the recording done within an hour.

Nate had made some food while Becca was recording her vocals. They all went outside to eat since it was a nice sunny day.

"Thanks, Nate. This turned out really good." AJ complimented Nate on his cooking.

Nate had been cooking a little more than normal lately. It helped to get his mind off stressful situations.

"So, this will be released in two weeks?" Becca questioned.

"Hopefully. We will try for two weeks, but we can stretch it out to the third if needed," Nate answered.

"Well, if you guys need me to do any pick-ups, I'm available."

"Great! I know we like having you around, so that would be awesome." Gwen smiled at Becca.

They continued eating with a casual conversation drifting among the four of them. Catching up on life, telling how parents and siblings are, and any big updates.

"So, I told Momma Pink that we would have to go the next time she and your dad come here. I know she loves those little farmers markets." Gwen was telling AJ her latest conversation with his parents.

"I'll take care of these." Becca picked up the plates and started carrying them into the kitchen.

"I'll help!" Gwen grabbed some other items and headed inside.

Gwen looked at Becca concerned. "Hey, are you okay? You seemed quiet out there."

"Yeah, I just keep thinking of someone posting that picture to social media, and how if it were me how I would feel, and how well Nate is handling it. I mean, they totally invaded his privacy, and because we have no idea who it was or how it got there, they will have no consequences or repercussions."

"Honestly, that's been in the back of my mind too. This person can do this and get off free, but it hurts those who are in the picture. Did Nate talk to Sara about it?"

"Not that I know of. Either we were silent or talking, he wasn't on his phone. I'm not sure if he messaged her when he was getting ready or not."

Gwen thought a moment. She had an idea of the source of the photo, but didn't want to say it out loud without any proof.

"Well, I'm sure he'll bring it up to her next time he talks to her."

"Oh, how has your class been going?"Becca asked, wanting to change the subject.

"It's been going well. The teacher is a published author, but he's not a snooty 'buy my book' author. He's actually pretty cool. He's taken me out for cocoa after each class. He gets to tell me all about his published works, and I can pick his brain on how to get published."

"Oh, that's cool." Becca had a look on her face.

"What?" Gwen questioned Becca.

"It seems like he's in to you."

"Oh, please, that's not right. Besides, he knows I'm married. Nothing would ever come of it."

"Okay, just be careful out there. There are a lot of crazy creeps wandering around. I'd know, I seem to attract them." Becca smiled wearily.

"Trust me, I've had my own share of crazy creeps. Even with my shield!" She held up her left hand, showing her ring and laughing.

Becca laughed as well. "You're not giving me any hope for when I'm married!"

"No, unfortunately creeps will be creeps, no matter your marital status."

"Ain't that the truth," Becca said as AJ and Nate came inside.

"You ladies seem to be having a good time," Nate observed.

"Of course. Why wouldn't we? Us girls gotta stick together!" Becca looped her arm around Gwen's, causing Gwen to laugh.

"So, since we're wrapped for today, did we want to play a board game?" AJ asked.

"Sure. I can stay a little longer." Becca followed Nate to the dining room table. "What did y'all have in mind to play?"

They played a few different board games, then Becca decided to go home.

"Thank you for joining us on this musical! We had a lot of fun!" Gwen hugged Becca.

"Oh, it was my pleasure! I love doing this with y'all!"

"We'll see you around!" AJ waved to her.

Nate walked Becca out.

"Thank you for asking me to do this. I had a lot of fun."

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. I'm also glad we were able to get to a comfortable place again."

"Me too."  Becca looked at Nate, then down to her feet. "Well, I'd better go."

Nate opened her door for her. "Be careful going home. Text me when you're there."

"I will. Night!" Becca smiles at him.

"Night." Nate smiled back and closed her door. He backed away while she started the car and drove off.

Coming back inside the house, Nate went into his room. Closing his door, he leaned against it.

What am I doing? Why do I feel this way with Becca but not Sara? Do I even still like Sara? What should I do?

Nate walked over to his desk and sat down. Not being tired, he decided to edit the blooper video that would be out that Friday.

Getting to a stopping point when he got tired, Nate shut down his computer and went to bed. It'd been an emotionally draining day, and he was glad it was over.