New Lives (A Nathan Gardner Story)

Chapter 12 - Pool Party

The next few days consisted of Sydney curled up in bed, Nathan at her side. They had a "Doctor Who" marathon and Sydney made Nathan watch a certain portion of "New Earth" over and over again, she loved hearing David Tennant say the words, "…and a little bit foxy." He babied her quite a bit and she found she didn't mind it at all. When she only had Arlen, she didn't let him coddle her, but this was different. Nathan was nothing but tender and caring with her and since sex was off the table, the couple engaged in countless hours of kissing, cuddling, and loving touches. Sydney didn't once bring up the subject of a baby and Nathan followed suit. When she was ready to talk about it, they'd talk.

Susan had been wonderful and did all she said she would. She cooked and cleaned up, never complaining once. Charlie even stopped by a few times, winning bear hugs from Nathan thanks to his slightly emotional state. When Nathan and Sydney arrived home from having her follow up, a little over a week later, they sat Susan down in the living room.

"Susie Q, I know you gave up valuable days of your summer," Nathan said, his fingers absentmindedly running along the back of Sydney's hand, "and we appreciate everything that you did for us…" He took a deep breath. "So, with the chance that I might regret this," he laughed, "you get one reasonable wish."

Without any hesitation, Susan responded, "Pool party."

Nathan cocked an eyebrow. "Huh? I was expecting…bigger."

Susan shook her head. "I didn't go to a party at Elise's house and Ro said everyone was talking about it…but I don't mean that like I'm mad about it, I said I'd help you guys and I really wanted to…" Her face changed. "…and I kind of have ulterior motives."

"Uh oh," Sydney laughed.

"When school starts back up and you guys are, I dunno, um…holding hands in the hallway maybe – I'm trying to go G-rated, but…" She grunted at herself, not wanting to make them uncomfortable, but needing to make her point. "Look, the fact of the matter is people are gonna talk and whisper and…I'd rather get everything out in the open and let them have until school starts back up to get over it and then it'll be like 'Oh, hey look, there's Mister Gardner and Miss Turner, we don't need to ask Susan about it because we already know what's going on.'"

Nathan was the tiniest bit confused. "So, you want to have a party and…you, I think, want us to be there?"

"Yes," she answered firmly. "All out and about and don't hide the PDA and…"

"Don't hide it?" Sydney asked. "Wow, you really do want everything out there, but I…huh, I think I get it." She looked at Nathan. "We'll be old news in a week."

Nathan smiled widely. "Start making some phone calls, honey."

That weekend the pool was packed with Western Summit High students. Nathan bent the rules a bit, letting Susan invite more people than he'd usually allow, but he understood the position she was in. Being his daughter had been more trying since she'd entered high school, especially when he was principal. Then, when he was fired, she did everything she could to avoid the topic and now…well, now Sydney was living in her house. It was better to get everything "out there" as soon as possible.

Nathan tended to the grill, keeping a steady flow of hamburgers and hot dogs moving throughout the afternoon while Sydney kept drinks cold and potato chip bowls full. One quiet moment found Nathan and Sydney in the kitchen together. Sydney was wearing a one-piece swimsuit with a sarong wrapped around her waist, and Nathan was in a pair of red trunks and a t-shirt; Susan had insisted on casual, but appropriate attire. Nathan had playfully caught Sydney in the corner and was running his fingers through her hair, their noses barely touching.

"I'd say it's going well." His voice was just above a whisper.

"I agree, though I have seen a few of the girls staring at your, um…assets." She reached around and grabbed his rear. "You know…I'm feeling completely back to myself." She stopped grabbing, but her hand remained where it was.

"Is that so?" he asked, sounding innocent.

"Mm hm. I've loved every moment we've had lately…but I miss…" She kissed him, letting him feel her hunger for him. Nathan immediately wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body close to his and unable to control where his blood flow headed.

"You sure, baby?"

Sydney smiled, her cheeks blushing. "Tonight." She kissed him once more, then added, "That needs to go away for now." She wriggled away from him and grabbed the pitcher from the counter, heading back outside.

"You guys made out in the kitchen," Susan said, frantic.

"Uh…"

"Thank you!" She ran off, several friends surrounding her with hushed questions.

Slightly confused, not knowing if they'd really done something good or bad, Sydney smiled as a few of the kids asked for refills from the lemonade pitcher she was holding. Nathan reappeared a few minutes later, placing his arm around Sydney's shoulders.

A redheaded girl in a long gray tank that covered her suit walked up to the couple. "Someone's gotta say it. You guys are kind of adorable." She didn't give them a chance to respond and went to the table that held the food.

Nathan kissed Sydney's cheek. "I'm pretty Sure Susan will be safe come September." He had a thought that he knew could get him in trouble. "So, do you want to cement that we are a good couple to these kids?"

"Their opinion matters somehow?"

"Well, to Susan, of course." He looked around. "I need to get you wet," he whispered. Sydney immediately understood.

"Nathan…"

"…and it's so hot out here…"

"Nathan, no," she giggled.

"Water's a lot warmer than the last time…"

"Na…" He scooped her up and took a few steps before tossing her into the pool, each and every teenager in attendance laughing, albeit unsurely. Nathan jumped in as well and when Sydney broke the surface of the water smiling the laughter grew…when Nathan couldn't help but kiss her, there was actually a small round of applause and a couple of cat calls.

Nathan scanned for his daughter's face and when he found her smiling he hoisted himself up out of the pool and went to her, a devious smile on his face. "C'mere, Susie Q."

"Dad…" Susan backed away. She was still dry and Nathan couldn't help himself.

"Can't give your dad a hug in front of your friends?"

"Not when he's gonna toss me into the…" Her breath caught as Charlie grabbed her from behind and sent them both into the water, Nathan laughing hysterically.

The party lasted until just after ten and a couple of Susan's friends stayed the night in her newly "remodeled" room. She was happy to know that all of her friends could come and go now. As hard as it was, Sydney and Nathan behaved themselves - knowing they were a couple that lived together was one thing, but the possibility of students hearing them having sex was completely out of the question. Besides, the anticipation could only make it that much better.