Unrequited Love

Chapter 7 - Parenting

BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

I shut off the alarm on my cell-phone.

"Alarms are so annoying," I mumbled, getting out of bed.

Nathaniel moaned and rubbed his eyes.

"Good morning, Pouty."

Why am I allowing Nathaniel to sleep with me? Oh, it's because I'm a moron.

His husky voice made my heart jump. He got up and started to make the bed, but I stopped him.

"You don't need to do that, Nathaniel. I could do it myself. Why don't you start getting ready for school?"

"I don't take long, so go first. I'll fix the bed and make breakfast," he objected.

"Are you sure?"

He nodded and nudged me. I smiled and made my way to the bathroom.

Yesterday was a busy day. I should apologize to Ren for what happened. He probably hates me.

I turned on the shower and got ready.

When I went out to the living room, the aroma of bacon tickled my nose.

"It smells nice," I said, walking into the kitchen.

"It's almost done. After I finish this, I'll go ahead and shower," he replied.

"I want you to eat breakfast with me, though. We're like a married couple."

"Don't say things like that," he said, stuttering.

I glanced at Nathaniel. His cheeks were bright red.

Him blushing makes him even more attractive...

I giggled and prepared the table. He sat down and we ate breakfast together, briefly chatting. When Nathaniel finished, he stood up and left me alone to get ready. Afterwards, we left for school.

Seven excruciating hours passed by. When the bell rang, I waited for Nathaniel at the front of the school. The sound of a weeping boy was distant, but it caught my attention. I saw a child curled up against a tree. I quickly stood up and paced towards the little boy.

"Thomas? Is that you?"

The adolescent raised his head and looked at me.

Running in my direction, he yelled, "Aunt Lucie!"

"What are you doing here, Thomas? Where's your father?"

Thomas McKinley was the son of my step-brother, Michael. He was another reason why I decided to move out. Michael had been drinking and accidentally stumbled upon a woman at a bar. Michael never really cared about the woman and their child, so I was given the responsibility of taking care of Thomas. When I left, Michael's girlfriend, Stephanie, watched over Thomas. Stephanie Montoya was a sweet lady, so I was surprised when she decided to be with Michael.

"H-He left me here. He went to meet Stephanie," he said, bawling.

I embraced him tightly and carried him to my car. Moments later, I spotted Nathaniel cantering towards me.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I'll explain everything at home," I said.

"Do you want me to drive?"

"Yes, please."

On the way, I held Thomas in my arms. He continued to cry, but it deliberately ceased.

He was asleep when we arrived, so I carefully set him on my bed.

I walked into the living room and sat down beside Nathaniel. As I was explaining the situation, his hand intertwined with mine. He wore a stern facial expression.

"Why don't we be his temporary parents?" Nathaniel suggested.

Surprised, I looked at him.

"What? Are you serious?"

"I wouldn't mind taking care of him. To be honest, he looks kind of cute."

Tears began to stream down my face and I hugged him.

"H-Hey, what are you doing?" he flinched.

I loosened my grip and said, "I'm sorry. I just didn't expect this from you."

Nathaniel looked away and whispered, "Well, I'd do anything for you..."

"Did you say something?"

He gazed at me and shook his head.

"Well, thank you. You're really the best, Nathaniel."

"Sure."

"You're welcome to sleep in the guest bedroom. Good night."

As I stood up, Nathaniel pulled me back.

"You're not going to give me a kiss, Pouty?"

"W-What?"

"I can't fall asleep if I don't get a kiss."

Are you serious?! He's such a baby!

Nathaniel was staring at me lovingly. My cheeks became flushed and I couldn't move. I had no choice, so I pecked his cheek, but he refused to release me.

"I kissed you, so get off!"

"That wasn't good enough," he teased.

He pulled me in closer. He started to kiss me multiple times; he didn't even allow me to stop for air. He descended to my neck and began to leave his mark.

"W-What the hell are you doing?!" I shouted.

After a few seconds, I was freed and I dropped onto the floor. The left side of my neck felt slightly painful. I glared at Nathaniel.

"I needed to mark my territory," he smirked.

"You jerk! I'm getting revenge," I glared.

He laughed, stood up, and went to the guest bedroom. I went to my bedroom and slid into bed alongside Thomas. He grasped my shirt and nestled in my arms.

"Daddy doesn't love me," Thomas whispered.

"You... You don't need him, Thomas. From now on, Nathaniel and I will be taking care of you. Is that all right?"

"Yes. I never liked Mommy because she left me with a mean father."

I didn't want to talk to him about his parents, so I changed the subject. We talked about many things.

"Get some sleep. You still have school tomorrow," I said, rubbing his back.

Thomas slightly nodded and closed his eyes. His tiny hand rested in mine and I smiled.

Shoot! I forgot to message Ren. I guess I'll have to do it tomorrow.