By Chance ~ A Norman Reedus Fan Fiction ~

Chapter Nine

Mine and Norman's 'relationship' is growing fairly quickly and my doubts have grown deeper and have begun to surface.

I've known Norman for a little over two months and I'm already traveling this far just to see him?  I feel I'm entitled to my doubts but I'm doing everything that I can to shield my doubts from Norman.

My deep thinking was interrupted by the sounds of New York City flooding

my ears.

It's cold. So much so that my breath frosted the window of Norman's car. Even though it was literally freezing hoards of people populated the sidewalks. The bright flashing signs had lit the darkening sky.

"What are you thinking about?" Norman's voice had interrupted my thought's .

I sigh as I wipe the window with my sleeve, "Just different. "

He chuckled, "It's not that bad. "

I had soon learned that New York traffic is horrific. A drive that could've been only 30 minutes had turned into about an hour.

When we had gotten to Norman's apartment building I was astonished at how beautiful New York really is at night.

I had offered to carry my bags inside but Norman had refused. So there he was, dragging a bright blue suitcase that said Stephanie across it , through the building , into the elevator , then finally inside his apartment.

His apartment was spacious. Various pictures lined off white walls. I noticed the balcony to the left and the kitchen to the right.

A sudden thud had snapped me back. Norman had tossed my suitcase beside his black suede like couch.

I look into his eyes nervously as I cross my arms.

"Very nice. " I say as my eyes glance around once more.

"Well it's not always going to be this clean. When Mingus comes over it tends to get pretty damn messy."

I laugh softly as I begin to venture deeper into his apartment. Taking in the stunning artwork that some of his fans created.

I stop in front of one of the portraits and my fingertips gently trace of the lines. It was a newer piece. The smell of acrylic paint was strong and fresh.

"Good?"

Startled by Norman I whipped around causing the hanging painting to fall.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." I say as I look at the painting then to him.

"It's okay, I've done it plenty of times. Accidents happen." he said with a smile.

"You sure? " I say nervously.

"Yes , so I'm guessing you're hungry?"

"Yeah a little bit." I say as I finally take my eyes from the fallen painting.

"We'll how about you go take a shower and relax while I cook some diner? "

I bit the inside of my cheek trying to hold back my smile.

His brows furrowed behind his black glasses, "You don't think I can cook?" he tilted his head.

I point my finger at him, "I didn't say that." I say, my voice cracked from holding back my laughter.

"Mhmm, I'll prove you wrong. " he said as he dramatically took his sunglasses and squinted his eyes.

Norman had let me use his bathroom in his room. He brought my suitcase to his room and I'm now looking for something to change into.

I had grabbed a pair of black and red plaid plants with a tight fitting black V-neck.

I made my shower short and sweet not wanting to push my time. When I reluctantly  stepped out of the shower I realized that I had left my clothes on Norman's bed.

With my towel tightly wrapped around my body my feet padded against the cold floor of the bathroom unto the soft carpet.

When I had finally got to my clothes I dropped my towel beside me and threw on my clothes.

I sat down on Norman's bed and looked at one of his nightstand's . He had a picture in a black frame.  He was sitting next to a what looked like 14 year old boy who was almost identical to him. I had realized this must be his son Mingus that he had always talked about.

I got off of Norman's bed and padded back out to the kitchen. Norman was sitting on the counter next to stove.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks directly to the face. I wasn't wearing any makeup. I was already self-conscious enough with makeup, without makeup I wanted to die in a hole and here I am standing in front of him without a trace of anything cosmetic on my face.

I wanted to run back to my suitcase and find something but I couldn't let Norman see me in a vulnerable state, not yet.

"Feel better?" he asked me as he got off if the counter only to turn around and grab some plates.

"Yeah, great." I lied.

I walked over to his kitchen table and sat down in one of the six chairs. My fingers nervously tapped the glossy wooden table.

Before I knew it Norman placed a plate of parmesan chicken I'm front of me . I was actually surprised, it looked and smelled delicious.

"Very nice." I say as he took the seat in front me.

After eating our food and sharing many different conversations Norman had suggested that we watch a movie.

Norman had put a movie in but tell me what it was exactly. I was curled against the arm of the couch , Norman was sitting next to me.

I could defiantly get used to this.

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-This chapter is dedicated to @VeronicaJayne !

-What do you all think about Stephanie being self-conscious without makeup and being so nervous about knocking the painting down?

-I do apologize for the sucky writing in this chapter but I'm super tired.

- Remember to comment, vote, fan, and share and YOU could be the next dedication!