Unrequited Love

Chapter 4 - Forgiveness

When I arrived home, I showered. I was unable to think properly.

Living alone wasn't easy, but I eventually learned how to deal with it. I moved out from my family's house because I couldn't withstand the amount of pressure and stress they were putting on me. When I earned enough money from my well-paying job, I searched for a new home. My life had been easier.

It's nine o'clock? How?

My memory returned. After I took a shower, I cried myself to sleep. Nathaniel's cold words flashed through my mind. I shook my head and grabbed my cell-phone. There were twenty-four missed calls and eighty-three unread text messages from Lucas. I tossed my cell-phone onto my pillow and stood up to use the bathroom, but someone rang the doorbell.

Who would be here at this time?

I walked into the living room and turned on the lights. I slowly opened the door and saw Nathaniel standing before me.

"Hello, Nathaniel. What are you doing here?" I asked.

My question was left unanswered. Instead, he handed me a plastic bag and allowed himself in. Confused and surprised, I shut the door and followed him into the kitchen.

I set the plastic bag on the table and stared at him.

"Nathaniel, why are you here? How do you know where I live?"

"I came over to apologize, and I asked Ashton where you lived."

"Apologize? What for?"

"I yelled at you and made you cry. Plus, I accused you for something that you didn't really do," he said.

I glanced down at my feet, but Nathaniel embraced me.

"I-I'm sorry, Pouty. Ashton explained everything to me. I'm sorry I had put you through that."

I was speechless. I couldn't think of a proper response, so I began to cry. I wrapped my arms around him and he squeezed me tighter. After a few minutes, Nathaniel's stomach growled and we parted.

I asked, "Are you hungry?"

He looked away and answered, "Yes. There's food in the bag that I brought for you."

"What did you get for me?"

"Pork Noodles."

"Really? That's my favorite!"

"Mine, too," he replied.

While Nathaniel took it out of the plastic bag, I walked towards the cupboard to get bowls. Once I fixed the table, we began to eat.

Nathaniel is nice to talk to, I thought. I wish I felt this way when I'm with Lucas, but they're so different from each other.

When Nathaniel finished his bowl, he innocently smiled at me. I was nearly done with mine, but he told me that I should take my time.

"It's getting late, so I should probably get going," he suggested.

"All right," I murmured.

He grinned and asked, "Do you want me to stay? Aren't your parents going to be mad for having a boy over?"

I paused, stood up, and began to wash my utensils.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I live alone," I answered.

"Oh, I see."

I began to explain my family's situation to him, and he was listening intently. When my explanation came to an end, he gave me another hug.

"I live alone, too. If you want, we could live together," he offered.

His tone sounded serious.

"Thank you, but I'm all right. Besides, I'm sure that I would just bother you," I said.

"Well, I'm here for you. You're welcome to stay at my place."

We smiled and began to clean up. Afterwards, I escorted him to the front door.

"Thank you for coming over. I feel a lot better."

"I'm glad."

"Good night, Nathaniel. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Pouty."

He winked and walked away. I softly closed the door and felt my cheeks redden. My heart was racing, and my stomach was filled with butterflies.

He came all the way here to apologize. Plus, he brought food for the both of us. He really is sweet, but he can be mean, too. Nathaniel Kougami, you are a very interesting person.

When I went to bed, Nathaniel was the only person I could think about.