After I left

IV

The beautiful granite countertops were illuminating with the chandeliers light. The chandelier itself was just above their heads, well, on the very tall ceiling that is. The room was dimly lit since the chandelier was so high up, but the food on the table didn't need light to smell amazing. 

Callie kept glancing at Nathan's mother, trying to find any form of emotion that would represent how she felt in that moment. 

She noticed how her smile remained the same, she never looked any more happy than when Nate arrived at home with a girl he just met. 

"Callie, what are you planning on doing after high school?" She asked at one point, only to leave a flustered Callie grasping for an intelligent answer.

"Maybe I'll go into law school. I'm really not sure yet, though," Callie answered, fairly confident with her answer. 

"Oh, which one?" 

Callie just blushed and looked at the ground. 

"I'm not sure," She said, tucking a strand of loose hair behind her ear, "I haven't given it much thought."

Callie didn't speak for the rest of the dinner, except when she was questioned by Nate's mother or Nate himself. 

"Dinner was amazing, thank you," Callie mumbled, handing her plate to Nate as he gathered up the dishes. 

"Thank you," was all Nancy said as she stood from the table and excused herself. 

Callie couldn't help but feel guilty, making someone so uncomfortable in their own home. 

"You know what, I think I'll find a motel or something," Callie said, standing from her chair. 

"No, don't be crazy. I already have the guest bedroom set up for you. Let me show you," He said, reaching for her hand. 

She flinched for a second, out of habit. She quickly recovered, letting her hand rest in Nate's considerably larger one. 

Nate's brother eyed her for a second, noticing every single flinch and reflex. 

"Hey, are you okay?" He called behind her, half expecting a no. 

"I am now."

He watched her smile fade as she walked with Nate towards the guest room. 

Nate led her around the staircase, and to the door of the guest room. 

At least it's on the first floor she thought to herself. 

Nate opened the door, revealing a large room with a queen sized bed in the middle. There was a sliding door that opened up to a huge yard, and the walls were painted white. There were few picture frames hung on the walls but they were a golden color. The curtains that were halfway open to reveal the sliding door were a white lace fabric. Everything about the room was beautiful. 

Callie nearly gasped as she sat on the bed, the burgundy comforter and sheets were softer than expected. 

"Do you like it?" He asked, leaning against the doorway. 

"Yes, it's very beautiful," She mumbled, still taking in the room. 

"I'm glad you think so. The bathroom is that door," He said, pointing at the door closest to her. 

"Okay, thanks," She said, spotting her duffle bag in the corner of the room sitting on a white chair. 

"Goodnight," He said, going to close the door. 

"Hey, Nate?" She said, making him stop in his tracks. 

"Yeah?"

"Thank you, for everything," She said, smiling at him.