Waiting for Superman

Unexpected

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I sat cross legged on Nathanial's couch with a warm cup of tea in my hands. I was still shaking, I could see it make the tea ripple. The room was dead silent. Nathaniel sat on the other sofa silently. There was a single question eating away at me that I just had to ask him.

"Why did you help me?" I whispered, looking into my peppermint tea.

"What?" he asked in bewilderment.

"Why did you help me?" I repeated, looking up at him.

"Why wouldn't I help you?" he asked me in confusion.

"Well, I'm always so cruel to you. You could have just turned a blind eye and left me there." I said quietly.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not a douche. I don't care if you've made my life a living hell, you were getting robbed and you were about 5 seconds from getting raped. I wouldn't let that happen to anyone." He told me.

"But-"

"But nothing Taylors! I'm not like you! I wouldn't do that to someone!" he yelled.

I felt my lip quiver, and I wiped away a stray tear with the back of my hand.

"Shit, I didn't mean it like that." He said.

"No, you did. And I understand. I'm a bitch and I know it. But I still can't wrap my head around the fact that you, of all people came to my rescue. I've hurt you for so many years, and yet you still helped me." I said placing my tea down. I couldn't help but be confused. If I were him, I wouldn't have intervened. That thought alone makes me feel disgusted with myself.

"Nate?" I said, standing up on my shaking legs.

"Yes?" he looked at me with a confused look.

"Thank you. You were my hero today. And I'll never forget that." I told him.

Nate chuckled, and ran a hand through his hair.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"I'm just shocked that I got thank you from you, Taylors."

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"You don't have to stay here Taylors. You just had a pretty horrible experience and I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to leave." Nate said, leaning back against the sofa.

I crossed my legs underneath me, staring at what was left of my peppermint tea. "Can I be honest with you?"

He gave me a strange look and shrugged, "I guess."

I continued to stare at my peppermint tea, embarrassed by my next request, "Could I stay here? Just for a little bit longer? My parents are gone and my house is empty, and the thought of being alone is terrifying."

"And you want to stay here?" he asked, bewildered.

"If you don't mind that is..." I said, tucking my hair behind my ear. I knew this was an odd request, and I would understand if he laughed and kicked me out. After all, I made his life miserable for years!

He scratched the back of his head, "No, I don't mind. I'm shocked though that you want to stay here though. I would expect you to want to go home and call one of your bitchy friends."

I leaned back in my chair and looked at him, "That's what I would normally do. But today is not a normal day, in case you haven't realized." I snapped.

Nate clapped his hands together and stood up, "And she's back!"

"Sorry! Sorry... Force of habit. I can be civil." I said quickly.