Copyright © 2012 by akm
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Chapter Twenty:
Not Normal
Pam's POV
Oh, my gosh, it was huge. Expensive cars were parked everywhere and a red carpet was rolled out in front of the glass doors where a man opened it for you. I stared in awe at all the unique dresses and looked down at my own to check.
"You look beautiful, don't worry," Nathan assured me.
He kept complimenting me. I blush every time. I couldn't help it.
He pulled into a spot near the front where the "Reserved Parking" was. Nathan planned ahead of time? He was working hard tonight. I wondered what he was up to as he turned off the car, got out, and rounded it to my side to open my door. When I rose, he slid a secure arm around my waist, pulling me close. I couldn't believe everything. But it wasn't my Nathan. He was acting so different. I mean, it was sweet and all but I fell in love with the usual Nathan. Not this.
"My name is Nathan Price, I have a reservation for two," he stated to the big guy.
He grunted, tilting his head down to the clipboard in his hand. I thought he might snap it because of his big hands. He slowly moved his eyes on us, and it kinda scared me. He was a full head taller than Nathan, and no offence to him, Nathan's butt would be kicked across the parking lot.
Handing a ticket to us, he said, "the waitress will lead you to your table. Have a nice evening."
Nathan took it, pushing the door forward for us, grumbling. The ceilings stretched high up to two floors with a chandelier sparkling. Tables were arranged everywhere with white tablecloths and shiny silver. People were having conversations, wine glasses loosely held from a hand. It was all so formal. And everyone was older than us. It kind of made me feel out of place; an old guy smiled a toothless grin at me. I hurried to get in sync with Nathan's pace. Then I thought I noticed something.
Nathan's gaze was straight ahead, where the waitress swayed her hips as she walked. I nudged him a bit, and he looked at me for a few moments with a genuine smile. Then he turned back to stare ahead. It got annoying, so I glanced elsewhere.
We were led onto a balcony with several other tables. One empty one was towards the edge, with a few candles gently flickering. The moonlight shimmered down and as I sat down, the cushion beneath me sank. I placed the napkin in my lap and closed my eyes for a moment and sighed. Romantic music played softly in the background and everyone was in quiet conversations.
His eyes bore into mine, and I lost myself. The twinkle in his eye was on fire, dancing with the flames. I found myself wrapped in his breathtaking eyes, and he had to tell me that the waitor was here. I blushed and picked up the menu, perusing the entrees and trying to keep my mouth from dropping at the prices.
"Um, I'll just have a water, please," I said, smiling at the waitor. He smiled back as he scribbled the orders down and turned to walk away.
"The prices are huge!" I whispered, leaning forward.
"Don't worry about it, I'm paying," he replied just as quiet.
"But-"
"I'm trying to make this an evening you'll never forget. So don't worry." He gave me a smile, reaching across the table to hold my hand. "Enjoy tonight."
I couldn't. This was way too outrageous. I didn't want expensive dinners or bouquets of roses. I wasn't like that. I wanted romantic picnics by a lake at most, and a few flowers he picks. I didn't care how much money a guy had; I wanted the little things that were sweet and not noticed by most girls. This was all too much.
"I have to use the restroom," I told him quietly, a little angry. I could hear it in my voice and his eyes looked worried.
"Are you okay?" he asked, leaning towards me.
"Fine." I rose from my seat and tried to gently set my napkin down on it but it was a little too hard. I couldn't stop the anger that raged as I half-ran to the restrooms. A long, quiet, empty hallway led to them.
I pushed open the door angrily, checking the stalls. I was grateful that no one was in here. The mirror in front of me showed a girl I didn't know. Eyeshadow, velvety red lipstick, and mascara. I stopped wearing make-up when Nathan had told me I didn't need a while back, before we were together. Ripping the paper towel from its holder, I poured water on it and wiped everything off. Black marks mixed with red, a gold tint to both. It looked really pretty, but it disgusted me. My face magically changed back to Pammy and it made me feel a bit better.
A knock sounded at the door, along with his velvety voice seeping through, "Pammy, are you okay?"
I loved the way he said each word, because it actually sounded like normal Nathan. The one I love. Come to think of it, his tone of voice had changed and his words were too formal to be his.
"Pammy?"
I couldn't find the words to speak. I hated this feeling, I hated this restaurant, and I hated how quick I could change. I looked back up at the mirror, wanting to wear my favorite tank and sweatpants and crawl into bed beside Nathan. My Nathan.
I heard a sigh from the other side and as the door began to open, he spoke, "I'm coming in."
My eyes widened as I watched him from the mirror, my palms against the cool countertop. His eyes matched mine and he froze. Tears began to sting me as I took a good look at my boyfriend. The tuxedo, the hair, the shoes. He never wore anything fancier than a regular shirt and jeans; his hair was always messy, the way I loved it; and he wore the loose, big shoes, not shiny black thin things.
"What did I do?" he pled, coming towards me to take my hands in his. "Pammy, what's wrong? Tell me." I buried my face in his chest.
"It's too much, Nathan," I mumbled. He placed a finger below my chin, tilting it up to face him.
"What do you mean?" he asked softly, the twinkle in his eyes so bright. I saw his face again, the one I knew and loved most. To add the touch, I reached up and messed his hair.
"Look at us, Nathan," I said, pointing to the mirror, "this is not us. This is not what I want."
He followed my finger and he seemed to realize what I meant. He gently caressed my jaw as his eyes weakened.
"I was just trying to be a better boyfriend. I am so sorry. I didn't know."
"You already are the best. Please don't try to over-do it anymore. I like the simple things."
"I promise." He kissed my forehead. "Wanna leave?"
I nodded quickly. "Yes."
"Okay. We leave. Right now."
He slid his hand down my arm, interlocking our fingers as he pushed open the door. I wiped my eyes, hoping that no one would notice. I didn't actually care, though. I'd never see them again.
He gave me a goofy smile as we exited the building, and my anger evaporated into the night air.
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Sorry it took so long to upload. I have the next upload ready but I have to get my "co-worker" to read it first *ahem* she knows it :p
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The Lucky One
RomanceNathan and Pam have been the best of friends since they were kids, and as each day passes their love grows and grows. So when they finally can't stand it any longer, they become as happy as can be, and even though they didn't think it possible, thei...