Natalie's P.O.V.
"Natalie, is that you?" I heard someone ask me as my shoulder was gently shook, waking me from an uneasy sleep.
"Five more minutes mom," I mumbled reaching for my comforter, but it wasn't there. I squinted one eye open. Bright light surged into my eye blinding me. I immediately closed it shut again. Moaning, I sat up slowly thinking I would sink into my bed. For the second time already this morning I was wrong. Cold, dewy grass soaked through yesterday’s jean shorts, alerting me that I wasn't at home. So then who woke me up? Daring to open my eyes again I saw that it was Alessandra, my cousin, after the bright light had faded into the background.
"Alessandra, what are you doing here?" I asked groggily, running a hand through my tangled hair.
"I'll tell you that once you tell me what the hell you're doing sleeping in a cemetery!" she yelled at me.
"What are you talking about?" I asked confused.
"Take a look around Natalie! You were sleeping next to his grave," she said avoiding using his name.
I did as she said and took a look around. The early morning sun glittered in the minuscule water drops on the blades of grass that surrounded the headstones. All around me stood marble carvings marking each of the gravesites. Biting my lip gently, I turned my head to my left and saw the small marble headstone.
Jacob Benjamin Oakland
Beloved son and brother
1991-2009
"I miss the way the sunshine would light up your face..." I whispered as a tear slipped down my cheek.
"Nat, are you okay?" Alessandra asked kneeling down in front me, carefully touching my arm as a way of comfort.
"I will be," I say giving her a weak half smile.
"Okay, let's get you home." Alessandra took hold of my hand and helped me stand up.
As we walked away I looked back at his grave. I could have sworn that I saw Jake standing there with a sad smile playing on his lips, but I know it was just my imagination. My body felt weak and I was exhausted. I had spent the night weeping endlessly beside his grave, apologizing for not coming sooner. Apologizing for having been the reason he was there in the first place. No matter what people tell me, I will always hold myself responsible for his death. I will always believe that it should have been me rather than him.
I didn't argue when Alessandra said she would drive home. My mind was slowly shutting back down. All I wanted in that moment was to fall asleep and never wake up. But Alessandra wasn't having it.
"So care to explain why I found you in the cemetery?" she asked glancing over at me.
"I had a breakdown after having dinner with my dad last night," I answered slowly, finding it hard to pick the right words to say.
"Okay, why?"
"Because we were talking about Jake and I couldn’t handle it anymore."
"So you went to his grave and cried yourself to sleep?" she asked trying to fill in the missing pieces.
"Pretty much," I mumbled.
"So why do you sound so funny?"
"What do you mean?"
"Your voice, it's different since the last time we've seen each other."
"Oh, I've been in London all summer."
YOU ARE READING
Running Into Destiny (Niall Horan)
Fanfiction[BOOK ONE] She puts on a tough girl act and tries to prove to the world that she can take it on single-handed. In reality, she's just scared. Scared of being left, of being hurt. But what happens when she runs into someone who makes her feel safe...
