Anything For You

2: Night at the Museum

-Natalie's POV-

Larry wanted me in the kitchen by 9:30. It was currently 8:45. I set the black suitcase on the white bed, and unlatched the clasps. The brass pins holding the two ends together popped open. I glanced at the items inside.

A few bundles of clothing. I unfolded the first one. A ice green shirt, made of a soft material. A pair of dark skinny jeans. A black jacket. Three pairs of socks. I set the rest of the bundle inside of a drawer on the dresser.

The second bundle held much the same. Jeans. Two shirts, one purple and one sky blue with a note book and pencil silhouette on it. Another black jacket. A pair of tennis shoes. Socks.

The other ones were as boring.

I turned my attention to the last bundle. Inside was some things I never thought I would see again. My mother's silver necklace. An old watch my father had owned. A silver anklet I knew was my mother's. I had seen these things twice after my parents died.

I organized everything inside the dresser. When I looked up from my work, stowing a hairbrush at the vanity, I saw the time. 9:10. I rushed to get ready.

I slipped on my green shirt with the music notes, the dark skinny jeans, and the silver necklace. I kept my old boots on. They were more comfortable than the tennis shoes.

I brushed my long hair. The blonde hair and green eyes combination gave me a certain stereotype, but I tried to get rid of it tonight. I didn't attempt to style my hair, I let it hang loose.

The timer I had set inside my head went off. A quick twirl before the mirror confirmed what I thought: I was average. No one would consider me beautiful, I wasn't even pretty. I had a freckle near my left ear. My eyebrows didn't arch right. Apparently I glared. A lot.

I tried to smile. I looked ok, but there was sadness overflowing in my eyes. I looked away before I started to cry.

The seconds ticked down in my head. I rushed out the door. I crossed the threshold of the kitchen as the clock turned into 9:30. Larry and Nicky walked into the room a few seconds after me.

"Punctual," Nicky remarked. I smiled. Those were the first words I had heard him say since my arrival.

"Yeah, I like to be exact," I grinned. Larry watched the exchange silently.

"Please sit down, Natalie." I did as told.

"You said you were going to take me to the museum, sir?" Larry and Nicky sat down.

"Yes, I am. Nicky's coming, as he does frequently. You may see some odd things, so be prepared." I nodded.

"That's putting it lightly, Dad," Nicky muttered. Larry shot him a glance, and Nicky instantly fell silent.

I watched the exchange with interest. Why would they hide something?? Maybe there was a surprise for me at the museum. I waved the thought away. They wouldn't do that.

Maybe they had something else planned.

I rocked nervously in me chair. The chair was unsteady, and made a large BANG when I rocked forward. Larry and Nicky looked up and broke their private conversation. My face flushed, and I hung my head, untucking my hair form behind my ears. It swept down over my face, hiding my burning cheeks.

I coughed softly, and looked up. They were waiting. "Uh, sorry sir." I said. Nicky laughed. Larry glared at him.

"It's fine, Natalie. While you're here, could you call me...um... Dad?" Larry was obviously as uncomfortable asking as I was listening. I grinned.