Begin Again (Formerly known as Reese)

Chapter 11 - Come Find Me (Fixed)

**I realize this is really short. The next one will be longer. Promise (: **

Chapter 11

We walked into the main part of Nixon's house. I followed him down the hallway to his room. As we passed by the kitchen Nancy called out to Nixon. "Did you ask her yet?" 

"Nope," he said, sounding exasperated.

"Then I will," she called out rather huskily. I was slightly confused and worried at the same time but made my way to the kitchen to talk with her regardless.

"Hi, Nancy," I greeted her with a smile. 

"Reese," she started. "Nixon told you about our summer camp that we run every year, correct?"

I nodded.

"Well we're a bit short on volunteers this summer. And with you living next door and all, well, John and I were wondering if you'd be interested in getting some volunteer hours with us."

This was exactly what I needed for graduation. I could still get my diploma by the middle of summer if I did this. Then I'd be able to move out of the house with mom and Stan and everything would work out. I wouldn't have to go to Maine. This was perfect. So, of course, I said, "Actually, I need volunteer hours towards graduation. I'd love to."

"Oh!" she exclaimed happily. "I'm so glad! You can stop by within the next few weeks and Nixon can show you everything you need to know about helping out. I'm sure you'll be just great with the kids."

Nervousness took over me, suddenly. I had never dealt with kids with different disabilities before. Plus, I don't have very much patience which I assume one would have to have a lot of to work with disabled kids. Maybe this wasn't the best idea. What had I just signed myself up for?

But the look on Nancy's face as she glided around the kitchen with her fiery red hair bouncing about warmed my heart and I couldn't back out. Not after seeing her like that. It was as if everything was right in her world and for a little while, that's all that mattered to me too.

"Nixon!" A loud, young sounding voice rang out. Thumping footsteps came from down the hallway and sure enough, a curly blonde kid came running down the hallway towards Nixon. I moved out of the way and Nixon scooped him up. I wondered how he could run and find Nixon. He must have really trusted him to catch him and scoop him up.

"Hey, bud," Nixon said. He didn't seem as happy as he usually was around Timmy. I wondered what was up with him. He put Timmy back down on the floor but didn't let go of his hand. I smiled at Timmy, even though he couldn't see it.

"Is Kara here?" Timmy asked, excited. 

I looked to Nixon who froze like a deer in headlights. He didn't respond to Timmy, he just stared into space for the longest time. Soon enough, Nancy came over and took Timmy's hand, telling him that Kara was no longer here. "Come help me make some cookies, alright?" Nancy suggested to Timmy. 

I looked to Nixon, still frozen in place. "Nixon--" I started, but he cut me off before I could say anything more. 

"Tree house?" Nixon asked as if it was the hardest words he had ever said in his life. 

I cleared my throat. "Sure."

He walked in front of me the entire walk to the treehouse. When we finally climbed up the large tree and set each of our two feet firmly on the floor of the treehouse, I was about to question him about his sudden bad mood when he pushed me against the wall. I stared up into his eyes with questions whirling around inside my head. He didn't kiss me: he just stared at me, breathing heavily. 

"Nixon," I started to say, but he put a hand over my mouth. 

"Shut up," he whispered gently. 

I looked at him incredulously confused. 

He stared into my eyes until my gaze softened, and then he lifted his hand from my mouth. I didn't speak, waiting for him to make the next move. He looked as if he was about to kiss me and I leaned towards him to make it happen sooner, but he pushed away from the wall, leaving me there alone.

Fire ran through my veins. 

"What. The. Fuck," I said through clenched teeth.

"What?" he asked innocently looking back at me as he made his way to the window sill where his cigarettes were.

I stamped my foot against the wood floor and ran a hand through my hair as I shook my head. "I don't appreciate that shit."

"What shit?" he asked, lighting his cancer stick. 

I let the silence speak. He knew full well what I was talking about. 

"Hand it over," I said, waiting for him to extend it to me. Instead, he just left it resting between his lips as he puffed on it. My blood was boiling with anger at him. Without permission, I went up to him and just as I was about to grab it from his lips, his fingers clenched around my wrist, stopping me. I was shocked, losing my footing. 

I gasped. 

He let go immediately when he realized how much he'd startled me. He let the cigarette drop and smooshed it with his shoe as he reached for me. "Reese. I'm sorry. I didn't--"

"Shut up," I said sternly. "I'm going home. Don't fucking follow me."

"But--" he called after me as I climbed down the tree and headed for his driveway where my car was still parked. 

***

Considering I had never made the walk from the tree house to Nixon's alone before, I got rather turned around. The sun was setting by the time I decided to sit down and evaluate my options: I could call Nixon and I'm sure he'd be able to find me in no time. I could continue to walk around until I found my way, or I could just sit here and die.

I sat for some time, thinking. The darkness started to wrap around the forest, enclosing the tall trees around me. The ground got colder and seemed damp. I closed my eyes, deciding that was the best thing to do when you get scared. I always tell myself to be brave. I never let anyone see me down or scared. But this time, I had to let go of my pride or I'd really pay for it.

My cold hands shook as I pulled my small phone from my pocket and dialed his number. The ringing was comforting, but not as comforting as his "hello" when he answered. "Nixon," I said, my teeth chattering. "Please come get me. I'm lost."

**Hey lovely reader! If you enjoy this story, also check out my other story titled "Come Back". It's similar in the way it's written and style. Give it a read while you wait for my updates on Begin Again!(; http://www.wattpad.com/story/4030688-come-back **