An Encounter for a Lifetime

Chapter 18

Kanan realized the fickleness of human nature, how they believed what they wanted or what was convenient for them. As he listened to Nathaniel's recollection of the incident, Kanan's disdain for Nathaniel's family grew with each passing second. Reflecting on past interactions with Victoria, Nathaniel's brother, and Emily's parents, Kanan realized they lacked morals. They didn't hide their true colors, believing their polished exterior extended on a deeper level. They regard themselves as righteous in the things they do. It was no wonder why Nathaniel said what he said and did what he did. It showed Kanan that he could never know what a person was going through. He silently scolded himself for all the times he wished Nathaniel to open up to him. Kanan knew that no story was ever easy to tell. He knew that firsthand. The emotions and thoughts that came with it. The weight it placed on the heart.

"I saw Emily at the funeral," Nathaniel continued. Kanan had a lot he wanted to say, holding back his thoughts, allowing Nathaniel to speak without interruption. Kanan remembered during one of their dates how Nathaniel mentioned his admiration for his grandfather. He spoke of how his grandfather accepted and showered him in love when his parents didn't and would spoil him. Kanan could only imagine how Nathaniel felt after losing him during all that was happening. "We didn't say a word to each other. Looking back, I should've noticed how much pain she was in. I was preoccupied with my own emotions, but that is no excuse. I kept to myself for days until Emily called, asking for my help. It seemed that life was adamant in testing us." Nathaniel sighed.

"Her father kept her locked in her room. His excuse was teaching her a lesson for betraying him and making false accusations. Things got bad. When my mother stepped in, he stopped, claiming Emily had finally learned what he was teaching her. My attempts were fruitless, falling on deaf ears. My mother was the authority in our family, and I was powerless to change the situation. That was the beginning of the strife with my family."

"They hated me. I remembered the looks on their face whenever they saw me. The silence that would fill any room I went in. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hurt. It's hard being in a situation where you're betrayed and taken for a fool. What I didn't expect was my grandfather leaving me an inheritance. Why not add another layer to my already eventful life," Nathaniel attempted a joke, trying to lighten the solemn atmosphere. "Things got even more chaotic. They thought I didn't deserve what my grandfather gave me. Especially my brother, who got nothing. This house was a gift from him," Nathaniel explained, scrolling through his phone until he found what he was looking for. When he showed it to Kanan, he was surprised by what he saw. Nathaniel wasn't just wealthy; he was filthy rich. "And this. After everything settled, I moved here immediately. It took some time, but things between Emily and I got better. I would say we got closer."

"What about the store?" Kanan asked, remembering Nathaniel saying how it was related to Gina.

"That was something Gina wanted to do," Nathaniel explained. "After much convincing, we hoped we could both do the impossible. It wasn't open until after everything that happened. I still wanted to continue that dream. Emily secretly works there -though I don't know if it's a secret anymore- hoping to save up. She worked hard to persuade me to let her work there. She was a big help."

"Honestly, I'm disgusted by your family," Kanan said honestly. "I'm sorry that Gina and Emily had to go through that. And even you. Maybe that was why your grandfather left all of this for you; That he knew what you were going through, and this was his way of helping you when he was gone."

"That's why I'm thankful that I found you." Nathaniel chuckled. "I'm sorry that you got hit. That you had to see me like that."

"This is nothing," Kanan held his cheek. "You know what would make me feel even better?" Nathaniel shrugged. "A kiss,"