Broken {Completed}

Unexpected Guests

After a while things began to get better. Gunnar had gotten out of his complete antisocial stage and at least began talking to Feo again, and everyone gradually went back to being happy. I had gotten my stitches removed, and in light of things going back to the way they were I invited everyone over to my condo for a grill out and swimming party.

The grill was heating up and filling the condo with its smokey scent as I prepared the food. Steaks, burgers, hot dogs, and an assortment of vegetables were on the menu, and guests brought dessert.

I seasoned the burgers to perfection then then put them on the grill along with the hot dogs. I heard Nat's footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Hey, can you light the torches and set up the chairs that are in the pool closet?" I asked as began washing the vegetables.

"Sure thing," she said hurriedly and rushed out the the patio doors.

I turned to look at her. She was dressed up in a in a black and white kimono shirt with black maxi skirt and sun hat.

"Who are you dolled up for?" I asked taking an aluminum pan to the grill to put the food in.

"No one."

"Come on I know you. If you truly weren't trying to impress someone you would be in shorts and a t-shirt. So who is he? Who did you invite?"

"No one. I just want to look nice."

"You can tell me. I'm not like mom or dad I don't care who you like."

She took a deep breath and thought about her response. Her face flushed a bright red as she said, "Jared."

"Oh really? How did-wait what?" Not paying attention I assumed that Jared was a boy she met at school, but she wasn't enrolled in school yet, so she couldn't have.

"Jared. I really like him." She began to get anxious and play with the sleeves of her shirt.

"You're joking right? He's a 43 year old man! He's older than I am, and that is rape in every definition!"

"What happened to you not caring who I liked?" She snapped.

"You're 15! He's old enough to be your father!"

"I don't care! When you were in the hospital a second time, he was there for me to comfort me. He's nice and generous and warm. He cares about me, or at least I think he does, but don't worry I'm pretty sure it's one sided."

"Then why go through all the trouble? Nat, I love you, but I don't think it's right for a girl your age to be gawking over a 43 year old man. Not only that, but he's a teacher Nat, and if anyone finds out or even catches a whiff that the two of you are romantically involved, he would go to jail and be labeled as a sex offender for the rest of his life."

"I know. I'm not stupid. I just... Want to be loved."

"You are loved. You're my sister, and I will always love you."

"I know, but that's not what I meant."

"You're young, and I understand, but trust me love will find you in time."

She didn't respond and continued to set up the chairs and table. I lightly squeezed her shoulder before returning to the kitchen to finish seasoning the steaks.

There was a light knock on the door. Wiping my hands on a towel I went to open it.

"Hi!" Jenna said beaming. She pulled me into a tight hug and placed a kiss on my cheek for walking in. "Wow. This isn't nearly as much of a bachelor pad as I thought it would be, and it smells delicious!"