When I'm Gone ( Nate Maloley AU)

Aftertaste: Chapter Nine

Hayden's POV:

We sit at an open meadow. I sit on the blanket looking up at the sky. Nate stays quiet for awhile. we haven't spoken a word, we both know what this is about.

"Hayden, I know I'm not the best person in the world, and I've realized the stupid shit I've done."

"Nate-"

"Just listen, please," he asks looking at me.

His eyes plead with me. I nod and listen to what he has to say. Nate sighs.

"Everything I've done to you since elementary school is really stupid and unforgivable, I get that, but ever since sixth grade I've been in love with you. You make me happy, Hayden. You can calm me down when I'm an ass. There is nobody else for me, and I don't want anybody else. I want you."

I look at him. I'm absolutely speechless. Nate sighs when I don't speak. He must feel stupid.

"Nate-"

"You're right it's stupid," he says.

I pull him to me by his shirt and kiss him.

"It's not stupid, but I'm not ready for it right now, Nate."

"Okay," he sighs.

We sit back for awhile until the sun starts to set. I carry the blanket towards his car. Nate takes my hand in his. Making me blush. I place the blanket in the truck bed.

Nate lifts me up, and climbs in the truck bed. I look at him.

"We should spend the night out here," Nate whispers, pulling me close.

I smile and shake my head, laughing softly. Nate has me sit on the edge of the truck as he sets up fluffy blankets. I smile. Once he's done, I'm pulled down by my hips. I squeal in surprise as he pulls me on him. I smile and place my hands in his chest.

Nate pulls me down and kisses me softly. I smile at him, and lay my head on his chest. Nate keeps his arms around me. I sigh, and close my eyes.

•••

I awoke to the sound of a phone ringing. Nate sighs, and moves me to answer his phone.

"What Sam?"

I feel the truck move.

"What do you mean Jude's in the hospital?"

I sit up. Nate looks at me.

"I need to see him, Nate."

"Hayden, he cheated on you!"

"Sam, I have to go."

Nate pulls me out of the truck bed and sighs. Nate nods, and opens the door for me. Once he gets the blankets and pillows in the truck, we head to the hospital. What did that idiot do? We arrive quickly, and I dash out.

"Can I please get a room for Jude Anderson?"

"Room three twelve."

I look as Nate joins me. We go to the third floor and once I spot the room, I sprint forward, letting go of Nate's hand. I look at Jude. He's staring blankly at the wall. I knock on the door. He turns to face me and his face drops.

"You shouldn't be here, Hayden."

"Shut up, Jude. What happened?"

"Someone threatened to hurt you. I lost the fight."

At least he still cares. Jude stares up at Nate. An awkward silence fills the room. A doctor comes in, slipping past Nate.

"Visiting hours are over, miss. You need to go."

"Okay."

I stand up and hug Jude before leaving.

•••

I look at my skimpy outfit. Nate dragged me to a mansion for a party. He left me too. I walk around the large house, completely lost. When I finally find the correct room, Nate is nowhere to be seen. I feel an arm wrap around me. When I look up, it's Nate.

"Where've you been, babe?" He slurs on his words.

Great. He's already drunk.

"C'mon, Nate. We're going home. Give me your keys."

He sighs and hands them to me. I help him through the crowds. We finally get to the car and I buckle him in.

I walk to the drivers side. Suddenly I'm pressed against the truck. I look at the guy. The one who kidnapped me.

"Nate, help!" I beg.

"He can't protect you, I will get you back."

He runs. I get in he car and Nate is passed out. I drive home and feel the tears build up. Once I reach the driveway, Gilinsky comes out to get.

"You coming?"

"Yeah, give me awhile."

---

Before I knew it I was being shaken awake. I look at Cameron.

"My kidnapper."

That's all he needed, go carry me in the house. I grip his shirt and feel the tears fall. Once Cameron enters the house we're surrounded.

"Johnson, she might talk to you."

I feel Cameron carry me up the steps. He takes my shoes off for me. Jack comes in, and sighs as Cameron whispers to him what I said.

"How?"

"Jack he knows where I go!"

Jack comes to me and hugs me. He holds me in his arms. I need my best friend. Jack holds me in his arms.

"Nate was too drunk to even notice. He said he'll get me back," I whisper.

"No he won't. Cmon, let's get you to sleep."

I nod, and lay in Jack's embrace. He sighs and holds me tightly. I finally drift into a dreamless sleep.