Crimson Eyes and Family Lies

Natalie Day! Why Is There A Boy In Your Bed!?

I didn't see it coming. One minute I was asleep, no nightmares plagued me the entire night, and next thing I knew I could hear the voice of my mother screaming, "NATALIE LEANNE DAY. GET UP NOW!"

I jolted awake and locked eyes with my mother. Her eyes were narrowed in anger and her arms were crossed over her chest. "I am beyond confused and disappointed with you young lady. Mind explaining why you have a boy in your bed?" She asked. I frowned and looked next to me to find Nathaniel trying to hide himself with a pillow. My jaw dropped and my face turned beat red. Oh my god he spent the night!?

I stood and faced my mother, trying to think of what to say to prevent me being grounded for the rest of summer. "Nothing happened." I started. "He came by to check on me and we were talking, next thing we know we fell asleep."

"What's going on up there?" Shouted my father. My eyes widened as I heard him creaking up the stairs. I rushed past mom and slammed my door shut, pressing my back against it to prevent anyone from coming in. Mom frowned and put her hands on her hips. "As you were saying?"

I forced a smile and glanced at Nathaniel, who was peeking over his pillow to watch the show. I frowned and mouthed, "Thanks a lot." Mom sighed and turned to Nathaniel, glaring at him as she asked, "Don't think I haven't forgotten about you. How did you get in here? Did you break into our house?"

Nathaniel slowly removed the pillow, avoiding her gaze and looking directly at me for help. I grinned and gestured him to talk, this is pay back for him hiding behind that pillow and letting me take my mother's fury. "No ma'am I did not break in." He started. "It's, It's just as Natalie said I came by to check on her and we accidentally fell asleep."

She narrowed her eyes as if trying to see if he was lying. I moved towards Nathaniel to shield him if necessary, forgetting for a moment my father could come in with his gun and shoot Nathaniel at a first glance. She didn't say another word, she just nodded and moved towards the door. Looking back she locked eyes with me and commanded, "In five minutes I want him gone and you downstairs for breakfast."

And with that she was gone.

I sighed with relief and pulled Nathaniel out of my bed. "I'm sorry-" he started, but I shook my head and kissed his cheek. "Don't apologize, I'm glad you stayed over."

He smiled, his cheeks turning red before he headed for the window. Slowly climbing out, steadying himself on the ladder I just realized was there. He winked at me before making his way down and into a black car in front of the house. I didn't know Nathaniel had his own car, which made me wonder where he got the money for it.

Realizing I only had three minutes to get downstairs, I quickly changed and sped to the kitchen, where my mother was filling an empty plate with eggs and pancakes. She noticed me and grinned, knowing I had made it on time. I smiled and took the plate from her, going to sit in the living room with my father, who had turned on the news. Everything was as normal as our mornings can be.